In my 6-ish months travelling around the Balkans , I got to experience the region in every season β from the deepest, darkest depths of winter through to the first days of summer. I spent a cosy fortnight in the capital before making my way up to Transylvania and enjoyed every bone-chilling minute.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link at no extra cost to you. Learn more. Bucharest gets pretty darn chilly in winter, even by European standards. Winter temperatures in Bucharest average 4 to -2 degrees Celsius in December, 3 to -4 degrees Celsius in January, and 7 to -2 degrees Celsius in February. The winter months are fairly dry, but heavy snowfall is common, especially in January and February.
Despite the chill, Bucharest still sees plenty of blue-sky winter days. Provided you dress appropriately and manage your time outdoors, Bucharest in winter can be very pleasant indeed.
The history here is impossible to escape: Everything is laid out in plain sight in the city planning and the crumbling facades. To get to the core of the history, you really need to take a walking tour of the downtown area and let a local bring the streets to life for you.
In winter, when you want to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors, a walking tour is the most efficient use of your time. There is also a Walkabout Free Tour in Bucharest. I took part in the free tour on my first day in Romania and loved it. Groups are limited to 10 people for a more intimate experience. Online reservations are essential β enquire here.
