Plovdiv in May

Late spring through early summer (April through June) gives you Plovdiv at its best. The weather's warm enough for outdoor dining and evening strolls, but not yet the scorching heat of Bulgarian summers. May is particularly sweet – the Old Town's gardens are in bloom and outdoor concert season kicks off in the Roman theater. September and October offer similar conditions with the bonus of fewer tourists and autumn colors in the nearby Rhodope Mountains. The city's cultural calendar picks up again after the summer lull, with gallery openings and festivals throughout the fall. Winter isn't terrible if you don't mind shorter days and occasional snow. Many outdoor attractions close or reduce hours, but the cozy restaurant scene and indoor cultural venues keep things interesting. Hotel rates drop significantly – sometimes by 40-50%. Avoid July and August unless you love serious heat. Temperatures regularly hit 35°C (95°F) and the lack of air conditioning in many Old Town buildings makes sightseeing pretty miserable during midday hours.