Sarajevo month by month: weather and when to go
Average highs and lows for each month, when it snows, when it is warmest and what is on.
July and August are the warmest months in Sarajevo, with average highs of about 28 °C and cool nights. January is the coldest, with highs around 4 °C and regular snow. May, June and September are mild and good for walking. The ski season on BjelašnicaA 2,067 m mountain with hiking and cycling in summer, and skiing when winter conditions allow.25 km · about 32 min by car and Jahorina usually runs from December to March, depending on snow.
In this guide
The climate in short
Sarajevo lies in a valley about 500 metres above sea level, surrounded by mountains. Summers are warm by day and cool at night, winters are cold with snow, and rain falls in every month, on 7 to 11 days a month on average. The yearly average temperature is about 11 °C.
December, January and February
These are the cold months, with snow in the city on four or five days a month on average and far more on the mountains. Come for skiing, Bosnian coffee in the old town and the museums.
- December: average high 4 °C, low −2 °C
- January: average high 4 °C, low −3 °C
- February: average high 7 °C, low −2 °C
March, April and May
Spring arrives unevenly: March can still bring snow, April is fresh and green, and May is warm enough for long walks. May is also one of the wetter months, so carry a light waterproof.
- March: average high 12 °C, low 1 °C
- April: average high 17 °C, low 5 °C
- May: average high 21 °C, low 9 °C
June, July and August
Summer days are warm to hot and evenings are comfortable. July and August are the sunniest and the busiest months. The BaščaršijaSarajevo’s Ottoman-era bazaar and old town, with craft shops, cafés and restaurants around the Sebilj fountain. Tram line 3 from Ilidža runs here.12 km · tram line 3 · about 17 min by car Nights festival fills July with concerts and theatre, and the Sarajevo Film Festival is held in mid-August: the 2026 edition ran from 14 to 21 August, and the festival announces each year’s dates on its website.
- June: average high 25 °C, low 13 °C
- July: average high 28 °C, low 14 °C
- August: average high 28 °C, low 14 °C
September, October and November
September stays warm, October brings autumn colour to Velika AlejaA 3.5 km avenue of chestnut and plane trees between Ilidža’s spa quarter and the springs of the Bosna. It is closed to motor vehicles. and the hills, and November turns cold and grey. Jazz Fest Sarajevo takes place from 4 to 7 November 2026.
- September: average high 23 °C, low 10 °C
- October: average high 17 °C, low 7 °C
- November: average high 11 °C, low 3 °C
When to book
July, August and the Film Festival week are the busiest time of the year in Sarajevo, so book the larger apartments early for those dates.
What to pack
In summer, bring a layer for the evening and for the mountains. In winter, bring a warm coat, a hat and shoes with a good grip for snow and ice. In every season, bring shoes for cobbles and something waterproof.
Questions
What is the best month to visit Sarajevo?
May, June and September for mild weather and walking; July and August for the warmest days and festivals; January and February for skiing.
Does it snow in Sarajevo?
Yes. From December to March the city sees snow on four or five days a month on average, and the mountains above it have much more.
How hot is Sarajevo in summer?
Average highs are about 28 °C in July and August, with nights around 14 °C.
When is the Sarajevo Film Festival?
In mid-August each year. The 2026 edition ran from 14 to 21 August; the festival publishes the next dates on sff.ba.
When does the ski season start near Sarajevo?
Usually in December, running to March or later when there is enough snow. Check the Bjelašnica and Jahorina operators before you book.
Sources and visitor information
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