Sea temperature in Varna by month
The sea at Varna averages about 24–25 °C in July and August and about 7 °C in February. Month-by-month sea temperatures and the swimming season.
The sea at Varna is warmest in July and August, when it averages around 24–25 °C, and coldest in February, at about 7 °C. For most swimmers the season runs from June to September, with late May and early October as bonus weeks for the brave. Source: Wikipedia (Weather Atlas data).
Average sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea (°C) | Air, daily mean (°C) | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.0 | 2.7 | Winter swimmers only |
| February | 7.3 | 3.6 | Coldest water of the year |
| March | 7.7 | 6.5 | Still cold |
| April | 9.7 | 10.7 | Paddling weather |
| May | 15.8 | 16.2 | Brisk first dips |
| June | 21.5 | 21.0 | Season opens |
| July | 24.5 | 23.3 | Warm and lively |
| August | 24.8 | 23.5 | Warmest sea |
| September | 22.7 | 19.1 | Many locals’ favourite month |
| October | 17.8 | 14.0 | Cool, but possible |
| November | 13.2 | 9.1 | Season over |
| December | 9.9 | 4.3 | Cold |
Sea temperatures are long-term averages from Weather Atlas, as published in Wikipedia’s Varna climate tables; air temperatures are the 1991–2020 monthly normals from the same tables.
Why September is special
The water stays warm well into September while the crowds thin out and the air cools down. If you can choose, a September swim is the slow-living ideal.
What averages don’t tell you
- Sudden cold water: on some summer days, wind pushes the warm surface water away from the shore and the sea suddenly feels several degrees colder.
- Wind and waves: check the flag on lifeguarded beaches before you go in.
- Morning vs. afternoon: shallow water near the shore warms up through the day.
Tips for a comfortable swim
- Check a live sea-temperature reading in a weather app before you go.
- Get in slowly and stay close to the shore when the water is cool.
- In early or late season, keep a warm layer and a towel within reach.
- Never swim alone outside the lifeguarded season.
Planning a trip around the water? Varna Guide’s when to visit Varna covers the weather, sea temperature and what each season is like.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When is the sea warm enough to swim in Varna?
For most people from June to September, when the average sea temperature is above 21 °C.
Is the sea still warm in October?
Early October can be fine for a short swim; the monthly average is about 17.8 °C.
Do people swim in winter?
A small community of winter swimmers does, but the water is around 7–10 °C, so it is only for the experienced.
