Home › Sarajevo › Best time to visit
Best time to visit Sarajevo: month by month
Short answer
May to June and September to October are the best months, with highs of about 19–25°C. July and August are warm (about 27–29°C), and the Sarajevo Film Festival in August fills hotels. Winters are cold and snowy, with smog on still days, but good for skiing on Jahorina and Bjelašnica.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | -2°C | 15 | low |
| Feb | 9°C | -1°C | 9 | medium |
| Mar | 11°C | 0°C | 9 | low |
| Apr | 14°C | 2°C | 12 | medium |
| May | 21°C | 9°C | 16 | medium |
| Jun | 25°C | 14°C | 10 | high |
| Jul | 29°C | 16°C | 9 | high |
| Aug | 27°C | 15°C | 8 | very high |
| Sep | 23°C | 11°C | 8 | high |
| Oct | 19°C | 7°C | 5 | medium |
| Nov | 12°C | 4°C | 14 | low |
| Dec | 9°C | 1°C | 12 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 11°C in March to 21°C in May, with 9–16 rainy days; May is green but one of the wetter months.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm, with highs of 25–29°C and 8–10 rainy days; the Film Festival in August and lively evenings in the old town.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs fall from about 23°C in September to 12°C in November; October is the driest month (about 5 rainy days).
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold, with highs of 6–9°C and lows below freezing; snow, skiing nearby and possible smog in the valley.
Events worth planning around
- Sarajevo Winter Festival — February
- Baščaršija Nights cultural festival — July
- Sarajevo Film Festival — August
- Ramadan — dates move each year; the old town is festive in the evenings
When to avoid
If you want lower prices, avoid the Film Festival week in August. In mid-winter, still days can bring heavy smog in the valley, which some visitors find unpleasant.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
What is the best time to visit Sarajevo?
May to June and September to October, with highs of about 19–25°C.
When is the Sarajevo Film Festival?
In August. Book accommodation early for that week.
Is Sarajevo worth visiting in winter?
Yes, for snow and skiing nearby, but it is cold and can be smoggy on still days.