Fall in Bucharest shifts quickly from warm late-summer days to crisp, chilly evenings. Daytime highs start in the low 80s °F in early September and slide down to the low 40s °F by late November. Nights cool off from the upper 50s °F to almost freezing.
This steady change makes autumn one of the city’s most dynamic seasons.
Cloud cover increases as the weeks go by. Daylight hours shrink by more than four hours from September to November.
Rainfall stays moderate, but by late fall, you’ll notice a rising chance of light snow. The air dries out, and humidity levels become more comfortable compared to Bucharest’s muggy summers.
Fall in Bucharest brings golden afternoons, brisk winds, and the first signs of winter. The season really shows off the city’s changing rhythm.
Knowing what to expect helps you plan, whether you want to stroll tree-lined parks or explore historic streets. It’s also handy if you’re just prepping for colder nights as winter creeps in.
Overview of Fall Weather in Bucharest
Fall in Bucharest means cooler air, shorter days, and a steady shift from late-summer warmth to early winter cold. You’ll notice changes in temperature, daylight, and cloud cover, plus modest rainfall and the first hints of snow by late November.
Defining the Fall Season
In Bucharest, fall runs from September through November. Early September still feels like late summer, with highs near 80°F (27°C).
By late November, highs drop to around 43°F (6°C).
Nighttime lows follow a similar trend. Early September sees lows around 58°F (14°C), but by late November, they’re close to 31°F (-0.5°C).
Nights turn chilly fast, especially after mid-October.
Daylight hours drop quickly. Between September 1 and November 30, you lose more than 4 hours of daylight.
Sunsets start near 8:00 PM in early September. By late November, they’re before 5:00 PM.
The end of the growing season usually hits in late October. By November, frost and the first real snow show up.
General Climate Characteristics
Fall in Bucharest brings cooler temperatures, more cloud cover, and modest rainfall. The chance of a rainy day hovers around 14%, but rainfall amounts drop from about 1.3 inches in September to 1.0 inch in November.
Snow is rare in September and October, but late November can bring up to 2.2 inches.
Humidity drops as the season rolls on, so days feel less muggy than summer. Winds pick up a bit, averaging 6–8 mph. They shift from the east in early fall to the west by November.
Cloud cover climbs steadily. Early September has mostly clear or partly cloudy skies, but late November is often overcast. That makes the season feel darker and cooler before winter even starts.
How Fall Differs from Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall is cooler, less humid, and definitely cloudier. The long, bright days of June and July fade away, and muggy weather becomes a thing of the past.
Rain is lighter, but cloudiness grows.
Compared to winter, fall is milder and brings less snow. November might bring the first flakes, but they’re nothing like the heavy snowfalls of January and February.
Relative to spring, fall feels more abrupt. Spring warms up slowly, but fall cools down fast.
In spring, days get longer and brighter; in fall, daylight shrinks and clouds gather.
Many travelers prefer fall’s cooler temps over summer’s heat. Still, you’ll want to prep for chilly evenings, shorter days, and maybe even early snow by late November.
Monthly Average Temperatures in Fall
Temperatures in Bucharest drop quickly during fall, moving from late-summer warmth to early-winter chill. You’ll see steady drops in both daytime highs and nighttime lows, and each month feels noticeably different.
September Temperature Patterns
September still brings warmth, especially in the first half. Average highs reach 26–27°C (79–81°F), and lows hover near 15°C (59°F).
Mornings and evenings feel cooler, but afternoons are great for being outside.
By late September, you’ll feel a real cooling trend. Highs drop closer to 22°C (72°F), and nights can dip to 11°C (52°F).
If you’re out all day, you’ll want to layer up.
Rainfall is moderate, with some showers, but frost is rare. September also gives you the longest daylight hours of fall, so there’s more time to enjoy the city in mild weather.
October Temperature Trends
October brings a sharper drop in temperatures. Early in the month, highs average around 18°C (64°F).
By month’s end, they often fall near 13°C (55°F).
Nighttime lows range from 8°C (46°F) to 5°C (41°F), so evenings feel pretty chilly.
You’ll notice more cloudy days than in September. Rain chances stay steady, but total rainfall is lower than in summer, so you get more overcast skies without big storms.
Frost can show up late in the month. If you don’t like the cold, bring warmer clothing for morning walks or late-night outings.
November Temperature Changes
November clearly shifts toward winter. Average highs start near 10°C (50°F) but can fall to 6°C (43°F) or lower by the end.
Nighttime lows often dip close to 0°C (32°F), and frost is common.
Snowfall becomes more likely, especially in the second half of the month. While it’s usually light, you might see a mix of rain and snow.
The air feels colder thanks to higher humidity and stronger winds.
Daylight hours drop fast, with sunsets before 5 PM by late November. If you want to make the most of the day, plan activities earlier.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Rainfall in Bucharest gradually decreases from the wetter summer months. You’ll get moderate precipitation, a steady number of rainy days, and rising humidity as things cool down.
These shifts shape how comfortable the season feels and how often you’ll need to prep for wet weather.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in Bucharest drops from moderate in September to lighter in November. September usually gets about 55–60 mm.
October averages close to 30–35 mm, making it the driest month of the year.
By November, rainfall increases again to about 40–45 mm.
This pattern gives fall a U-shaped rainfall curve. Early fall feels a bit like summer storms, October dries out, then late November brings more precipitation—sometimes mixed with the first hints of snow.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~55–60 |
| October | ~30–35 |
| November | ~40–45 |
These numbers are modest compared to summer, but you’ll still get wet days scattered through the season.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Fall brings between 7 and 11 rainy days per month. September tends to have 9–10 days with measurable precipitation.
October is drier, with about 5–6 rainy days. November picks up again, with around 8–9 days.
Rain usually comes as short showers instead of long, heavy storms. Intense downpours are rare, but drizzle and light rain show up often.
You can plan outdoor activities more easily in October, but September and November call for more flexibility. Keeping an umbrella handy is smart, especially in late November when weather gets unpredictable.
Humidity Levels During Fall
Humidity in Bucharest climbs through fall as temperatures drop. September averages 65–70% relative humidity, which feels comfortable.
By October, it’s closer to 75%, and in November, it often hits 80% or higher, especially during cloudy or rainy spells.
This can make the air feel damp, especially in the mornings and evenings. When it’s chilly, that dampness can really make you notice the cold.
Higher humidity means fog shows up more often in late fall. Morning fog in November can cut visibility, especially near rivers and open fields.
If you’re planning early travel or outdoor sightseeing, it’s worth keeping this in mind.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
During autumn in Bucharest, sunlight and daylight length change noticeably. September starts with long, bright days, but by November, conditions turn much shorter and dimmer.
Average Daily Sunshine
September brings about 8 hours of sunshine per day, making it fall’s brightest month.
By October, sunshine drops to around 5 and a half hours daily. In November, you might only get 2–3 hours per day.
That decline means September still feels a bit like summer, but November is pretty gloomy.
The percentage of sunny daylight also drops sharply. September averages about 68% sunny hours, while November has only 26%—so most days are cloudy or overcast.
Less sunshine affects outdoor activities and sightseeing. If you want to explore parks or historic sites, September gives you the best balance of daylight and clear skies.
By late autumn, you’ll find fewer bright afternoons and shorter windows for outdoor plans.
Daylight Duration Changes
The length of the day shrinks fast. Early September has about 12 and a half hours of daylight.
By October, you get 10 hours and 50 minutes. In November, only 9 and a half hours remain.
Sunsets come earlier each week. By late November, daylight ends before 5:00 p.m., so outdoor travel or sightseeing time is limited.
The sun’s angle also drops as fall progresses. In September, the midday sun sits about 46° above the horizon.
By November, it’s closer to 25°. That lower angle means weaker sunlight and cooler afternoons.
For planning, just remember that autumn days in Bucharest get shorter and dimmer, making the season feel like a quick slide toward winter.
Typical Fall Weather Conditions
During fall in Bucharest, you’ll feel cooler temperatures, shorter days, and changes in wind and air quality. Conditions are usually manageable, but wind shifts, fog, and pressure changes can affect your daily plans.
Wind Patterns and Intensity
Winds in Bucharest gradually pick up strength from early September to late November. Average speeds rise from about 6.6 mph to 7.7 mph, which you’ll notice more in open spaces.
Early in the season, winds blow mainly from the east and usually bring drier air.
By November, they shift to the west, carrying cooler and sometimes damp air.
These changes can affect how comfortable you feel outdoors, especially if you’re walking or cycling around the city.
Strong wind gusts that disrupt plans are rare, but breezier afternoons do happen compared to summer’s calm days.
A light jacket or windbreaker helps make outdoor sightseeing more pleasant. Locals tend to adjust their clothing layers to handle the sharper breeze.
Fog and Visibility
Fog shows up more often in Bucharest as temperatures drop and nights get longer. It tends to form during the early morning hours, especially in low-lying areas and near the Dâmbovița River.
Fog is usually light to moderate, but sometimes visibility falls below 500 meters, which can slow traffic and public transport.
Drivers should expect occasional delays and plan extra time for morning commutes.
Unlike Romania’s mountain regions, Bucharest doesn’t get all-day fog. Most of the time, it lifts by late morning, leaving clearer skies.
However, higher cloud cover in November means the city can stay gray even after the fog clears.
Travelers might want to keep this in mind when scheduling outdoor photography or early walking tours.
Atmospheric Pressure Variations
In fall, Bucharest goes through some pretty noticeable shifts in atmospheric pressure as weather systems sweep across southeastern Europe. You’ll often see these changes mark the shift from warm, stable air in September to colder, unsettled conditions by November.
High-pressure systems usually show up early in the season, bringing clear skies and mild days. As the weeks go by, low-pressure systems move in more often, so you get more clouds, light rain, and sometimes even an early snow shower.
If you’re sensitive to weather, you might actually feel these pressure changes—maybe a headache or some joint stiffness when the pressure drops quickly. For most people, these shifts just decide if you’ll get to enjoy a sunny walk in the park or if you should grab an umbrella for those light showers.
Nighttime Weather in Bucharest During Fall
Nights in Bucharest during fall get cooler as the months roll from September into November. Temperatures drop, humidity shifts, and dew points sink lower, making evenings crisp and sometimes downright chilly by late fall.
Average Night Temperatures
At the start of fall, September nights usually stay mild, with lows around 58°F (14°C). It’s great for strolling through the city or grabbing dinner outside.
By October, nights cool down to about 45°F (7°C). You’ll really feel the difference between day and night, so you’ll want a jacket if you’re out after sunset.
In November, nighttime temperatures often dip close to 31°F (-0.5°C). Frost pops up more often, and some nights even slide below freezing. That’s when you’ll really need heating in homes and hotels to stay comfortable.
| Month | Avg. Low Temp (°F) | Avg. Low Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 58°F | 14°C |
| October | 45°F | 7°C |
| November | 31°F | -0.5°C |
You can really feel the shift—what feels cool in September turns into a winter’s night by late November.
Nighttime Humidity and Dew Point
Humidity at night in Bucharest drops as fall moves along. In September, evenings might feel a bit damp, but honestly, muggy nights are rare, with only about a 5% chance.
By October, the air dries out, and dew points hover near the 50s°F (10–12°C). Nights feel crisp, but not uncomfortable.
In November, dew points fall further, often landing in the 30s°F (0–4°C). That lower moisture makes nights feel colder than the numbers suggest. Frost shows up more, especially in open spaces and parks.
You’ll notice September nights are mild and pleasant, but by November, they’re dry, cold, and sharp. That’s probably the clearest sign fall is giving way to winter in Bucharest.
Tips for Visiting Bucharest in the Fall
Temperatures in Bucharest swing pretty fast from mild in September to chilly by late November, and daylight hours shrink by more than four hours as the season goes on. If you plan your clothes, activities, and travel around these changes, you’ll stay comfortable and really get the most out of your trip.
Recommended Clothing and Packing
Early fall in Bucharest feels almost like summer, with highs near 27 °C (81 °F). By November, daytime temperatures drop to around 6 °C (43 °F), and nights can slip below freezing. Pack layers so you can adjust as needed.
Bring light shirts and sweaters for September, but add a warm jacket, scarf, and gloves if you’re coming later. A waterproof coat helps, since rainfall averages 26–32 mm per month, and there’s a small chance of early snow by late November.
Comfortable walking shoes make a big difference. Parks like Herăstrău and Carol Park look their best in autumn, and the cobblestone streets in the Old Town can get slippery when it’s wet. Toss in a small umbrella or a compact rain poncho, just in case.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Mild weather in September and October makes Bucharest’s outdoor spaces easy to enjoy. You can wander the boulevards, relax in Cişmigiu Gardens, or check out the open-air Village Museum without worrying about heat or cold.
The fall calendar brings cultural events—film festivals, classical concerts, and food fairs. These pop up in both indoor and outdoor spots, so you’ll find something fun to do no matter the weather.
By late fall, cooler days push people toward quieter activities. Visiting the Palace of the Parliament or exploring the city’s art museums gives you a warm place to spend time. If you’re into photography, autumn leaves and Bucharest’s historic buildings make for some really striking shots.
Travel Considerations
Daylight drops from over 13 hours in early September to just 9 hours by late November. Try to plan sightseeing for earlier in the day so you can actually enjoy the sunlight, especially if you’re hoping to wander through parks or check out outdoor landmarks.
Public transport works well, with buses, trams, and the metro reaching most parts of the city. Traffic sometimes gets heavy, so if you’re using taxis or rideshares, give yourself a little extra time just in case.
If you’re traveling in late October, remember that daylight saving time kicks in, shifting sunrise and sunset an hour earlier. November brings colder mornings, and honestly, you might see the first snowflakes start to fall.