When to go · Rila

Rila in January

Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Nov–Apr (cold, snow may close trails).

Key facts

Verdict: Avoid
Temperature: 2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) / −3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C); average high / low
Rain days: 8
Crowds: Low; Bulgaria overall
Prices: Low; Bulgaria overall

Plan around it

Verdict

AvoidBest and avoid months for Rila

Listed as a month to avoid: Nov–Apr (cold, snow may close trails).

January is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

Long-term averages

RilaHighs around 2 °C (36 °F), lows around -3 °C (27 °F), rain on about 8 daysHighs around 36 °F (2 °C), lows around 27 °F (-3 °C), rain on about 8 days
Mountains, Bulgaria · Rila, Pirin, Rhodopes, Balkan rangecool
Skiing December–March; high trails (Seven Rila Lakes, Vihren) snow-free from late June to September.

Bulgaria overall: Cold, often snowy; skiing at Bansko and Borovets; cities quiet and cheap.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Rila, side by side.

First month

Second month

January: Listed as a month to avoid: Nov–Apr (cold, snow may close trails).

May: Inside Rila's best window: May–Oct.

Rila: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.