June 21: Sunny summer, local storms, and good conditions for the sea in Burgas

On June 21, when the summer solstice occurs at 11:24 a.m. and the astronomical summer begins, the weather across the country will be typical for June – warm, with plenty of sunshine, but also with conditions for brief afternoon showers and thunderstorms in some areas. Daytime temperatures will remain around and slightly above the usual values for the month.

Weather in Burgas and the region

On June 21, mostly sunny to slightly cloudy weather is expected in Burgas, with summer temperatures and pleasant conditions for the beach. In the morning, temperatures will be around 18°C, and in the afternoon maximum values will reach about 27–29°C, with the warmest part of the day being the early afternoon.

According to short-term forecasts for the day, temporary increases in cloud cover are possible in Burgas, but the probability of precipitation is rather low – in the range of 20–30%, and if there is rain, it is expected to be short and local, more in the interior of the region than along the coast itself.

The wind will be light to moderate, mainly from the northeast–east, with speeds around 3–5 m/s in the city and along the coastline. In the open areas of the coast, gusts of up to about 7–8 m/s are possible in the afternoon hours, which will bring a slight refreshing feeling against the backdrop of higher temperatures.

The sea water temperature near Burgas for June 21 will be around 21–22°C, with the Burgas Bay traditionally keeping the water about a degree or two warmer compared to the open northern sections of the Black Sea. The sea swell will be slight – around 1–2 points, with no tendency for a sharp increase during the day.

The combination of warm air, pleasant sea water temperature, light to moderate wind, and slight swell allows for a preliminary assessment of the bathing conditions on Burgas beaches on June 21 as green flag. The sea will be suitable for swimming and water sports even for less experienced swimmers, though tourists should follow the standard lifeguard instructions and avoid prolonged exposure to strong sun during the hours around noon and early afternoon.

Weather conditions in the country

Sofia and region

In Sofia and its surroundings, June 21 will be a warm and relatively calm summer day. Minimum temperatures in the morning will hover around 15–16°C, and maximums during the day will reach about 26–28°C. Mostly sunny weather will prevail during the morning hours, with good visibility and pleasant conditions for walks and outdoor activities.

In the afternoon, cumulus clouds will develop over the mountains to the west and southwest of the capital, with a 30–40% probability of brief showers with thunderstorms, mainly in the mountainous regions and less over the Sofia field itself. The wind will be light, mainly from the northwest, with speeds around 2–4 m/s. There is no sea swimming in the Sofia area, but conditions for tourism and outdoor sports until noon will be very good.

Eastern and Western Bulgaria

In Western Bulgaria, June 21 will be mostly sunny until noon, with temperatures typical for the end of June. In the lowlands and larger cities (Vidin, Montana, Pleven, Vratsa, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad), maximum values will be between 26 and 30°C. In the afternoon, cumulus-rain clouds will develop over the western and central regions, with conditions for brief showers and thunderstorms in some places, as the probability of precipitation there is about 40–50%.

In Eastern Bulgaria (Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Sliven, Yambol, Shumen, Razgrad, Dobrich) the weather will be more stable – with more sun and a lower risk of rain. Maximum temperatures will range between 28 and 31°C. The probability of short afternoon showers is lower – about 20–30%, mainly around the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains and in some parts of Southern Bulgaria. The wind in the eastern regions will be light to moderate from the northeast, with speeds around 4–6 m/s.

There are no sea areas in the interior of the country, but caution is recommended when visiting reservoirs and rivers – the water is cooler than sea water, and currents and depths are often underestimated.

Weather in the mountains

In the mountains, June 21 will offer good conditions for tourism in the first half of the day, but with an increased risk of instability in the afternoon. At an altitude of about 1200 m, maximum temperatures will be around 18–20°C, and at about 2000 m – around 11–13°C. The morning will be mostly sunny, with good visibility.

Around and after noon, the development of cumulus and cumulus-rain clouds is expected over the Rila, Pirin, Balkan Mountains, and the Rhodopes. The probability of brief showers with thunderstorms is about 50–60% in the afternoon hours, with the phenomena being local but intense in some places. The wind along the ridges will be moderate, from the north–northwest, with speeds around 5–8 m/s, with gusts up to 10–12 m/s in the most exposed parts. Swimming in mountain lakes is not recommended due to low water temperatures and health risks.

Black Sea coast

Along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, June 21 will be a mostly sunny day, with typical summer conditions and only local short-lived showers later in the day in some places. In the northern part (Varna, Balchik, Kavarna, Shabla), maximum air temperatures will be around 24–26°C, and minimums – around 17–18°C. In the southern part (including Burgas, Nessebar, Sozopol, Primorsko, Tsarevo), daily temperatures will reach 27–29°C, with minimums around 18–19°C.

The temperature of the sea water along the Northern Black Sea coast will be around 19–21°C, and along the Southern – around 21–22°C. The swell will be slight – around 1–2 points, with a slight increase in the afternoon hours on some more exposed beaches. The wind along the coast will be light to moderate from the northeast, with speeds around 4–7 m/s, with possible gusts of up to 8–9 m/s around capes and more exposed areas.

The probability of rain along the coast remains low – about 20–30%, and if summer storms develop, they will be short-lived and of a local nature. Overall, the bathing conditions along the Black Sea, including the Burgas area, can be assessed as good – the prevailing flag is green. On individual beaches where the wind increases or there are more pronounced currents, lifeguards may temporarily switch to a yellow flag, especially in the afternoon and for less experienced swimmers.

It is recommended that tourists monitor the flag signaling and lifeguard instructions, as well as avoid long stays in direct sunlight during hours with the highest UV index – usually between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The weather forecast was prepared with the support of our partner Atmosbg.