Winter in Bucharest hits with cold air, short days, and a pretty unpredictable mix of snow and rain that shapes daily life. You’ll see average temperatures from about -2°C to 4°C, with January being the coldest stretch.
Snow falls often, blanketing streets and parks, and icy mornings can make the city feel even sharper.
You really notice the change as daylight drops to less than ten hours, and the chill just hangs on into February. Snow sometimes piles up fast, but there are plenty of days with just flurries or cold rain.
The mix of crisp air, cloudy skies, and dampness gives the season a vibe that’s both tough and oddly atmospheric.
Planning to explore the city this time of year? You’ll need to brace yourself for more than just the cold.
Winter in Bucharest mixes freezing nights, steady humidity, and those sudden bursts of sun that show up after storms. This back-and-forth between harsh and calm moments makes the season feel unique—definitely worth experiencing if you know what to expect.
Winter Temperatures in Bucharest
Bucharest winters stay cold, with daytime highs barely above freezing and nights that regularly dip below zero.
Even though average conditions don’t change much, sudden cold snaps can drop temperatures much lower, so it’s smart to prep for both the usual weather and the occasional extreme.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
From December to February, temperatures barely budge from month to month. In December, highs usually hit around 4 °C (39 °F) and lows drop to about -3 °C (27 °F).
January is the coldest, with highs near 3 °C (37 °F) and lows close to -5 °C (23 °F). By February, things ease up just a bit—highs reach 7 °C (45 °F) and lows hover around -3 °C (27 °F).
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Mean Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 4 °C | -3 °C | 1 °C |
| January | 3 °C | -5 °C | -1 °C |
| February | 7 °C | -3 °C | 2 °C |
These numbers give you a good sense of what to expect, but the weather can surprise you with days that swing much colder or warmer.
Temperature Extremes and Variability
Bucharest weather in winter doesn’t always follow the script. Sometimes, cold air from the northeast drops temperatures to -15 °C (5 °F) or even lower.
The record low sits at about -32 °C (-25 °F), but that’s a rare event.
Warm spells show up too, when milder air pushes daytime highs above 10 °C (50 °F) in the middle of winter. You might get freezing fog one day and slushy, thawed streets the next.
Snow cover comes and goes. Some winters stretch out with icy days, while others see frequent melts.
If you’re spending time outside, pack layers—there’s no way around it.
Historical Winter Temperature Trends
Long-term records show that Bucharest winters have warmed up a bit over the past few decades.
Average winter temperatures, which used to be closer to -2 °C (28 °F), now sit around 0–2 °C (32–36 °F).
Cold snaps still show up, but they don’t last as long as they used to. Mild spells are more common now, so the city doesn’t always keep its snow cover.
Still, every winter brings at least a few truly cold days. You’ll get a mix of those classic frosty nights and the occasional warm break—a pattern that really shows off Bucharest’s continental climate and recent warming.
Snowfall Patterns and Frequency
Bucharest usually gets cold winters with a fair amount of snow, though the timing and amount shift each year.
Most snow falls between December and February, and sometimes storms dump a lot at once.
Typical Snowfall Months
Snow tends to show up in late November or early December. January, being the coldest, often brings the steadiest snowfall.
February can be snowy too, though by the end of the month, temperatures start to climb.
March rarely brings much snow, but a few flurries can still surprise you. On average, the city picks up about 50 cm of snow per winter.
Because Bucharest sits in a continental climate zone, some winters are packed with snow, while others barely see any.
Compared to Romania’s mountain regions, Bucharest gets less snow overall. The city’s heat island effect makes winter a bit milder, which can mean snow doesn’t stick around for long.
Snow Accumulation and Depth
Snow depth in Bucharest usually ranges from just a few centimeters to bigger packs of 20–30 cm after heavy storms.
January tends to see the deepest snow, since the cold helps keep it on the ground.
On average, snow sticks around for 5–15 days per month in peak winter. Some years, it barely lasts, while in others, it lingers for weeks.
Big snowfalls can mess with transportation. Roads and sidewalks turn slippery, and public transit might slow down. If you’re visiting, keep this in mind—especially during heavy snow.
Notable Snow Events in History
Bucharest has seen some wild snowstorms. In the late 20th century, a few winters brought over 40 cm of snow in one go, which caused major traffic headaches.
In the past couple of decades, some winters barely brought any snow at all, just to keep things interesting. Sometimes, freezing rain follows a snowstorm, making travel even trickier.
Locals still talk about winters when snow piled up along the main boulevards and stuck around for weeks. These stories show just how much Bucharest’s winter weather can swing—from mild, manageable snow to intense storms that really change the city’s rhythm.
Precipitation and Humidity During Winter
Winter in Bucharest brings steady precipitation, with both rain and snow, plus high humidity that makes the cold bite a little more.
You’ll notice the dampness, even when it’s not actually snowing or raining, since the air holds a lot of moisture.
Monthly Rain and Snowfall Totals
Between December and February, Bucharest averages 30–40 mm of precipitation per month.
Most of this falls as snow—especially in January, when temperatures usually stay below freezing.
Rain isn’t as common as in the warmer months, but winter storms can bring wet snow or freezing rain.
On average, you’ll see 8–12 days with measurable precipitation each winter month. The mix of light snow, the occasional heavy dump, and some rain keeps the streets damp and sometimes icy.
If you’re walking around, expect slush after daytime thaws and icy patches once temperatures drop again at night. Even if the totals don’t look huge, the back-and-forth between snow and rain makes things feel wetter than you’d think.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high in Bucharest during winter, usually 80–89% in January.
Even when it’s not precipitating, the air feels heavy and damp. A mild day at 3–4°C can feel much colder because of it.
By February, humidity drops a bit but still hangs above 75% most days. Combine that with low sunshine, and you get a lot of gray, damp days.
Fog is common in the mornings, especially near the Dâmbovița River and in lower parts of town.
If you’re not used to humid cold, it hits different than the dry chill you get in the mountains. Warm, layered, and moisture-resistant clothing will make a big difference if you’re out and about in Bucharest during winter.
Wind and Sunshine in Winter
Winter in Bucharest means cold air, shorter days, and a mix of cloudy and clearer skies.
You’ll feel steady winds that make the cold sharper, and the limited daylight really shapes how much time you want to spend outside.
Average Wind Speeds
Winds usually blow in from the north and northeast, bringing cold continental air.
Average speeds run between 10 to 15 km/h (6 to 9 mph), but gusts can pick up during cold fronts.
These winds make it feel colder than it actually is. For example, -2°C with a breeze can feel several degrees colder.
You’ll want insulated layers and something windproof if you plan to walk around.
Calmer days do happen, especially when high pressure settles in, but they’re not the norm in the heart of winter. Expect a mix of breezy and still days. The wind isn’t extreme, but it’s steady enough to affect your comfort and maybe your plans.
Daily Sunlight Hours
Daylight is in short supply, with 8.9 to 9.6 hours between December and February.
The shortest days hit in late December, when the sun rises after 7:30 a.m. and sets before 5:00 p.m.
Clouds and fog often block the sun, so you might only get 2 to 3 hours of actual sunshine per day.
This limited light can cramp your sightseeing, so you’ll need to plan outdoor activities around the short window of brightness.
By February, days start to stretch out a bit, giving you a little more time to enjoy the city. Even then, expect early evenings and maybe plan for indoor things once the sun’s down.
Climate Influences on Winter Weather
Bucharest’s winter weather comes from a mix of big continental air masses, the blocking effect of nearby mountains, and the city’s own urban sprawl.
All these things shape how cold it feels, how much snow you see, and how long winter sticks around.
Continental Climate Characteristics
Bucharest sits on the Romanian Plain, far from any moderating seas. This inland spot leaves you open to strong continental influences, which means winter temperatures can drop fast.
Cold air from the northeast sweeps across the city, pushing temperatures well below freezing.
Average lows in January can hit -5°C (23°F), while highs barely climb above zero.
Snow shows up often during these cold spells. You’ll probably get several snow events each month, with depths sometimes topping 100 mm of snow in January.
The cold lingers longer than in coastal areas, since there’s no ocean nearby to soften the extremes.
Humidity spikes in winter too, making the cold feel even sharper. With all the cloud cover, you get a damp chill that can stick around for days.
Impact of the Carpathian Mountains
The Carpathian Mountains sit to the north and northwest of Bucharest, and they really shape the winter weather.
These mountains block a lot of moist Atlantic air from reaching the city, so winters tend to be drier than in western Romania.
Snow still falls, but overall precipitation totals are lower than in the mountains.
At the same time, the mountains funnel cold continental air down toward Bucharest. This channeling makes cold waves stronger, especially when Siberian air moves into Eastern Europe.
You’ll notice sudden temperature drops during these outbreaks.
The mountains also cut down on wind speeds compared to open plains. This keeps blizzards in check, but lets cold air settle and stick around, leading to longer cold spells.
Urban Heat Island Effect
Bucharest’s size and dense layout create a bit of an urban heat island, which tweaks your winter experience.
All that concrete and asphalt holds onto heat, making the city center warmer than the countryside.
Nighttime lows in the city often stay 1–3°C higher than in nearby villages, which can ease frost and shorten the time snow stays on the ground downtown.
But it’s not the same everywhere. Outlying neighborhoods and open spots still get colder, so snow can stick around longer outside the center.
Air pollution also gets trapped in winter, especially under temperature inversions, which can make the air murky and lower visibility—something you’ll notice on calm, cold nights.
What to Expect: Winter Conditions for Visitors
Winter in Bucharest brings short days, cold air, and a lot of cloudy skies.
You’ll get a mix of snow, frost, and the occasional bit of sunshine, so plan ahead for what you wear and what you do.
Typical Day-to-Day Weather
From December to February, daytime highs usually sit between -2°C and 7°C (28°F to 45°F). Nights often dip below freezing, especially in January, which feels like the harshest month.
Snow shows up pretty regularly, especially in January and February, but you won’t always see it piling up every day. Some days it just flurries, then melts away, and sometimes it sticks around a bit longer.
Clouds hang around a lot, and more than half the winter days look overcast. When the sky finally clears, the sun comes out, but somehow those days can feel even colder.
Wind cuts through open areas, making it feel several degrees colder than the thermometer says. If you’re out on the streets or wandering through parks, you might hit icy patches after snow or freezing rain, so conditions change fast.
Bucharest gets cold, but honestly, it’s not as snowy as the mountain towns in Romania. Sometimes, you’ll go a whole week or two without much snow building up.
Tips for Dressing and Packing
Plan for cold, damp air and slippery sidewalks. You’ll want a warm insulated jacket, a couple of thermal layers, and some waterproof boots with good grip. Hats, scarves, and gloves really help when you’re outside for a while.
If you plan to walk a lot, toss some wool socks and thermal leggings in your bag. I’d keep your batteries and electronics in an inner pocket, since the cold zaps them pretty fast.
For evenings out, like at the opera or a nice restaurant, pack at least one smart outfit. Indoor places crank up the heat, so layering makes it easier to stay comfortable. A small umbrella comes in handy too, since sometimes winter brings cold rain instead of snow.
Seasonal Activities and Considerations
Snow turns parks like Cișmigiu and Herăstrău into beautiful places for a walk or maybe even ice skating. When the snow’s light, you can still head out for some fresh air and catch those clear, sunny views.
Christmas markets and winter fairs pop up in December, bringing food, crafts, and all sorts of decorations. People usually love gathering at these, especially around the Old Town.
Daylight doesn’t last long, with sunset often sneaking up before 5 PM. It’s probably best to plan outdoor sightseeing earlier, then save the evenings for museums, cozy cafés, or a show.
Taxis and rideshare apps make it easy to skip long, icy walks. That’s one small thing that can make winter days here a bit smoother.