The Best Time To Visit Bucharest

Last Updated on September 30, 2020

Briefly put, I consider spring and fall as the best periods to visit Bucharest. Come to Bucharest during May or June, or schedule your trip in September or October. Summers in Bucharest are dry and hot. Some days are so hot that you need to spend the most part of your time inside, with air conditioning. In winter, the temperatures may drop below the freezing point even during the day. 

I will give you more details about the best time to come to Bucharest from the standpoint of the various activities and experiences you have in mind for your trip to Romania. Speaking of Romania, you should plan a few day trips from Bucharest and some two- or three-day trip to the countryside.

What Is the Best Time of Year To Visit Bucharest?

The best time of year to visit Bucharest is in the spring, early summer or fall. If you have an interest in Romanian architecture, visiting Bucharest during winter may not be the best idea ever, as temperatures may drop below the freezing point. If you want to visit museums, you’ll be fine any time of year, regardless of the weather.

Best Time for Sightseeing & Exploration

Spring and fall are the best times of year for Bucharest sightseeing. The temperatures are mild, not too cold, not too hot, just perfect for spending time outdoor.

During April and May, Bucharest is an explosion of flowers and blossoming trees. It is a pleasure to walk on the streets of old neighborhoods such as Cotroceni, Dorobanti, Armenian Quartier and Jewish Quartier, as magnolia and cherry trees are full of blossoms and they complement old architecture in a beautiful manner.

Bucharest in Spring

All parks and gardens in Bucharest are also magnificent during spring. Central parks such as King Mihai I, Cismigiu Gardens, and Carol I are full of color and life.

Gradina Botanica (the Botanical Garden) is another beautiful place to visit in Bucharest in spring or fall. If you get here is the spring, you’ll see the cute little ducklings following their moms on the lake.

Bucharest in Summer

Summer is a time of year to avoid. Like most big cities in Europe, Bucharest is hot and dusty, and almost deserted. Most people take their summer vacations in July or August, as that’s also when kids have their school holidays.

The few locals who stay in Bucharest spend very little time outdoor. Theaters are closed for the summer holidays, and there are very few cultural events. On a positive note, streets are less congested and public transport less crowded. Evenings are nice, but days can get very hot.

If you come to Bucharest in summer, have a list of swimming pools handy, as you’re going to need it. Visiting museums, shopping and sunbathing can be enjoyable activities during July and August.

Bucharest in Fall

Fall in Bucharest is also charming. Autumn foliage covers everything in warm colors, masking the gray of the buildings and creating great photo opportunities.

The weather in Bucharest in September and October is perfect for taking long walks to find architectural gems, remains of “The Little Paris”  as Bucharest was once called.

Bucharest in Winter

While Bucharest has a Christmas market, it can’t compare to the Christmas markets in Germany or Austria. Besides, there may not be any Christmas market at all, with the pandemic coming back in force.

Best Time for Cultural Travel

If you’re interested in museums and art galleries, you can visit Bucharest whenever you want, as most of them are open all year round. If you want to get a glimpse of the local customs and traditions, you’ll want to come around the biggest celebrations of the year such as Easter and Christmas.

Is Bucharest a Safe Destination?

Yes, Bucharest is safe by day and by night. Like everywhere else in the world, though, you may want to avoid remote neighborhoods and dark places by night. Also, you should watch your belongings at any given time, particularly in crowded places such as The Old Center, farmer’s markets and shopping malls.