Summer in Bucharest means long days and bright skies, with warm to hot temperatures shaping daily life in Romania’s capital. Expect average daytime highs in the upper 20s to low 30s °C (mid-80s to low 90s °F), but heat waves sometimes send the mercury even higher.
Evenings cool down just enough for outdoor dining and late walks, so the city stays lively well into the night.
Rain falls in summer, but usually as quick showers or thunderstorms instead of all-day drizzles. This mix of sun, heat, and bursts of rain gives the season an energetic, varied feel.
You’ll find plenty of chances to enjoy the city’s parks or shaded sidewalks.
Long daylight hours and lots of sunshine make summer a favorite time to explore Bucharest’s boulevards, old neighborhoods, and outdoor cafés.
If you know what kind of weather to expect, you can plan your outings for the most comfortable times of day.
Overview of Bucharest’s Summer Climate
Bucharest has a humid continental climate because it sits inland on the southern Romanian plain.
Summers get warm or hot, with lots of daylight, frequent sun, and the occasional thunderstorm.
You’ll notice temperature swings between day and night. Rainfall stays moderate but doesn’t spread evenly across the season.
Climate Classification and Location
Bucharest sits in southern Romania, in the historical region of Wallachia, about 71 meters (234 feet) above sea level.
Its inland spot, far from the coast, gives it a continental climate.
Most sources call it humid continental, with no real dry season and warm summers.
Some models say it’s close to humid subtropical because of its hot summers and decent rainfall.
You’ll get cold winters and hot summers, with sharp seasonal contrasts.
Summer heat tends to build quickly. Afternoon thunderstorms show up often, thanks to warm air rising over the plains.
Since the city doesn’t get coastal breezes, heat can stick around, especially in July and August.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
From June through August, average highs reach 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F).
Nights cool off, often dropping to 15°C to 16°C (59°F to 61°F), so you might want a light layer after sunset.
July is the hottest month, with highs around 30°C, but heat waves sometimes push things above 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F).
Rainfall stays moderate. June is the wettest, with about 80 mm of rain, mostly from brief but heavy thunderstorms.
Sunshine is abundant, with about 9–9.5 hours per day in midsummer.
Humidity usually sits between 60–65%, which can make hot days feel heavier.
Winds are light, averaging 7–8 kph, so you won’t get much cooling relief.
Comparison to Other Romanian Cities
Compared to coastal places like Constanța by the Black Sea, Bucharest’s summers feel hotter and drier.
Constanța enjoys maritime breezes, which keep temperatures a bit lower and humidity higher.
In Transylvania, cities like Cluj-Napoca or Brașov sit higher up and stay cooler, with highs near 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F).
Rain falls more often in the mountains, which keeps things greener.
Bucharest’s flat southern plain means less wind, more heat, and a bigger risk of long hot spells.
If you like a drier, sunnier climate, Bucharest gives you more steady summer warmth than most other Romanian cities.
Average Summer Temperatures in Bucharest
Summer in Bucharest brings warm to hot days, lots of sun, and mild nights.
Temperatures shift by month—July is usually the hottest, while early June and late August feel milder.
Typical Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During summer, daytime highs often reach the upper 20s Celsius (low 80s Fahrenheit).
In July and August, daily highs usually climb to 29–31°C (84–88°F).
Afternoons are the warmest, especially when the sky is clear and winds are light.
Nights cool off to comfortable levels.
Average lows stay between 16–19°C (61–66°F), so evenings are pleasant for walks or dining outside.
August nights tend to be the warmest, while June nights are a bit cooler.
Humidity stays moderate, so the heat isn’t as stifling as in coastal cities.
When highs rise above 30°C, nights can hold some warmth, especially downtown where buildings trap heat.
Temperature Ranges by Month
Summer runs from June through August, and each month has its own feel:
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 26°C (79°F) | 15°C (59°F) | Warm but not extreme |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 17°C (63°F) | Hottest month overall |
| August | 30°C (86°F) | 18°C (64°F) | Hot, with lingering warmth at night |
June feels balanced, with warm afternoons and cooler nights.
July brings the peak heat, while August can match or even top July, especially if it’s dry.
By late August, nights start to cool, hinting at autumn.
This gradual shift makes late summer more comfortable than the peak.
Record Highs and Lows
Averages tell most of the story, but extremes shape Bucharest’s summer, too.
Record highs have hit 35–40°C (95–104°F) during heat waves, especially in late July and early August.
These events don’t happen every year, but you’ll see them a few times each decade.
On the cooler side, summer nights rarely drop below 12°C (54°F).
Early June can see a few lower readings, usually after rain or a strong wind.
The wide gap between record highs and lows shows just how variable summer can be.
You’ll want to plan for hot afternoons but pack a layer for cooler evenings, especially if you’re outside the city where it cools off faster.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Bucharest’s summer weather brings moderate, sometimes intense, rain.
Expect the wettest conditions in early summer, when storms pop up quickly in the warm air.
Rain doesn’t fall constantly—it usually arrives in short, heavy bursts, often with thunder.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rain peaks in June, when the city gets about 90–95 mm.
July and August stay fairly wet, with 60–70 mm each month.
These numbers are higher than spring or autumn, so summer counts as one of the wetter seasons.
Bucharest’s humid continental climate means rain usually falls in showers, not steady drizzle.
You might wake up to a dry, sunny morning, then see a heavy storm in the afternoon.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | ~92 mm |
| July | ~68 mm |
| August | ~63 mm |
These are averages, but totals can shift year by year.
Frequency of Rainy Days
You’ll see 10–12 days with measurable rain in June, which makes it the wettest month of summer.
July usually brings about 9–10 rainy days, and August averages closer to 8.
Even on rainy days, showers are often brief and followed by sun.
Bucharest’s climate swings between wet and dry spells, so you might get several clear days in a row before a stormy stretch.
This pattern lets you plan outdoor activities with some flexibility, but it’s smart to carry an umbrella.
Short, late-afternoon showers are common, especially when highs reach the upper 20s.
These quick weather changes are classic for continental climates.
Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Events
Summer storms in Bucharest are usually convective thunderstorms, sparked by heat and moisture.
They bring sudden downpours, gusty winds, and sometimes hail.
June sees the most storms, but July and August still get their share.
Thunderstorms tend to hit in the late afternoon or evening.
A single storm can drop 20–30 mm of rain in under an hour, which is a big chunk of the monthly total.
Severe flooding doesn’t happen often, but intense storms can cause street flooding.
If you’re out and about, expect short, powerful bursts of rain rather than long showers.
That’s just part of Bucharest’s summer weather.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Summer in Bucharest mixes high humidity with moderate winds.
Damp air can make hot days feel even warmer, but breezes help out during the hottest parts of the day.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high in July and August.
On average, levels dip to about 68% in July, which is actually the lowest of the year, but it still feels muggy when temperatures hover near 30–31°C.
Mornings feel more humid, while afternoons are a little less sticky.
High humidity and heat can make walking or sightseeing feel heavy, especially in areas without much shade.
June often feels more humid than July or August, thanks to more rain.
Sudden showers add extra moisture to the air.
Here’s a quick look at average summer humidity:
| Month | Avg. Humidity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~74% | Rainier, more humid |
| July | ~68% | Lowest humidity of year |
| August | ~70% | Hot and sticky feel |
Wind Speed and Direction
Winds in Bucharest during summer are usually light to moderate.
Average speeds range from 10 to 15 km/h, so you’ll get a steady breeze without much disruption.
Most winds come from the north and northeast, though sometimes a southern breeze brings in warmer air.
Breezes help cut the heavy feeling from humidity, especially in the afternoons.
July tends to have the calmest winds.
June and August can bring stronger gusts during storms.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, winds feel stronger in open spaces than on sheltered city streets.
For travelers, the steady light wind is a plus—it balances out the heat and makes summer walks a bit easier.
Sunshine Hours and Day Length
In Bucharest, summer brings long daylight hours and way more sunshine than the colder months.
Both the length and intensity of sunlight shape your time outside.
Average Daily Sunshine
During summer, Bucharest gets a high number of sunshine hours each day.
In July, you’ll see about 9.5 to 10 hours of direct sun, the most for any month.
June and August are close behind, with around 8 to 9 hours daily.
That’s plenty for long outdoor activities, but it also means strong midday UV.
If you’re out all day, try to find shade or use sun protection.
Compared to the rest of the year, summer is when sunshine is most reliable.
Winter sometimes brings fewer than 3 hours of sun per day, so the jump in summer makes the season especially appealing for travelers.
Changes in Daylight Throughout Summer
Day length in Bucharest shifts gradually as summer moves along. Around late June, close to the solstice, you’ll notice the longest days of the year, with daylight stretching to about 15 hours and 30 minutes.
As July and August roll in, the daylight hours slowly tick down. By late August, you’re looking at about 13 hours and 30 minutes of daylight.
Even as days get shorter, those long evenings really stick around through the end of the season.
This extra daylight lets you squeeze in more sightseeing, outdoor dinners, or just wandering the city.
Cooler evenings arrive later, so you might find it stays warm until sunset.
Honestly, the change in daylight feels subtle, but it definitely affects how you plan your day in Bucharest.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Bucharest’s Summer Weather
Summer in Bucharest means long, sunny days and hot afternoons. You’ll get more out of your visit if you plan around the weather and pack the right gear.
Best Months to Visit
July and August are the hottest, with daily highs often hitting 30°C (86°F) and sometimes even above 35°C (95°F).
These months draw the biggest crowds for festivals, concerts, and nightlife, but the midday heat can be a bit much.
If you’d rather have milder conditions, June and early September work better.
Temperatures usually sit between 24–28°C (75–82°F), and evenings cool off to around 14–17°C (57–63°F).
You’ll also dodge the biggest crowds in these months.
Rain doesn’t show up often, but June can surprise you with a light shower or two.
If you plan outdoor activities for morning or evening, you’ll skip the harshest heat.
During the hottest part of the day, you might want to duck into a shady park, a museum, or maybe just chill in an indoor café.
What to Pack for Summer in Bucharest
You’ll want lightweight, breathable clothes. Cotton shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses really help you stay cool during those hot afternoons.
Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and some sunscreen. The sun gets especially strong between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and you don’t want to risk a burn—trust me, it’s no fun.
Evenings can surprise you with a bit of a chill, so toss a light jacket or sweater into your bag. Comfortable walking shoes make all the difference, especially if you plan to spend hours wandering around Old Town, the big parks, or checking out historic sites.
You might want to bring a small umbrella or a rain jacket, just in case you get caught in a quick summer shower. A reusable water bottle comes in handy, because staying hydrated in Bucharest’s heat can honestly feel like a full-time job.
And hey, if you’re thinking about visiting Therme Bucharest or any public pools, don’t forget your swimwear.