Bansko is a ski resort in southwestern Bulgaria, about 85 miles south of the capital, Sofia. The town is located in the foothills of the Pirin Mountains at an altitude of 925m.
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Winters in Bansko are long, with snow cover lasting from December to April, while the summer months are warm and sunny. The climate is temperate in the town itself, with a mountain climate found further up the slopes.
Winter (November â" April)
The vast majority of visitors to Bansko come for the skiing in the winter months. The construction of new infrastructure and a boom in the market for second homes from Western European buyers has transformed the town into a major ski destination.
Weather during winter is cold due to the townâs location in the mountains. Winter arrives in November when average temperatures drop to 9°C, and begins in earnest in December when temperatures drop closer to 0°C. Temperatures can fall as low as -10°C in the coldest months - December and January - but this is more likely to occur further into the mountains at higher altitude. On the highest peaks temperatures can fall as low as -20°C.
Snowfall begins in December with occasional heavy snow, often during the night. Snow can be expected from December through to April, with snow coverage on the slopes lasting throughout that period. The slopes above Bansko have an excellent snow record, and snow cannon ensure that coverage is good throughout the season. Snow coverage is particularly deep on the northern faces of the higher peaks.
Temperatures begin to rise again in March when highs reach 10°C, but again, temperatures are colder in the mountains. April sees temperatures occasionally hit the mid-teens, but snow remains on the slopes and snowfall is common. Winds bringing cold air from the mountains above the town mean temperatures feel much colder.
Spring (late-April and May)
A brief spring follows winter, during which temperatures regularly reach the mid-teens. Again, these temperatures are cooler at higher altitudes, but pleasant, sunny conditions can be expected in both April and May. Spring can be quite wet, however, with high rainfall during these months.
Summer (June â" September)
Although primarily known as a ski resort, Bansko is also a popular summertime destination. Summer lasts from June to September, and can be extremely warm, with temperatures raised by warm air from the Aegean Sea. Temperatures peak in July and August with average highs of 27°C, and daytime temperatures can reach 32°C. Visitors can also expect plenty of sunshine, with 8 or 9 hours of sunshine the norm during June, July and August. Rainfall is also fairly low during summer, especially in August. September is somewhat cooler, but averages a very pleasant 23°C.
Autumn (October and early-November)
A brief autumn in October and early-November brings cooler temperatures and higher rainfall. Temperatures fall to the mid-teens in October, dropping to around 10°C in early November. Rainfall rises considerably during October to 32mm, although this is still fairly low for a temperate climate. Snow occasionally falls in November, and winter arrives towards the end of the month.