The climate of Sarajevo
Located in the heart of
Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Sarajevo sits within the Köppen Cfb climate zone. This classification portrays a maritime temperate climate touched by warm summers. This particular climate type is a direct result of Sarajevo's mid-latitude positioning and its proximity to the Adriatic Sea.
Temperatures in Sarajevo tell a tale of diversity as they vary quite notably throughout the year. Winter months boast cooler temperatures with mean high and low temperatures in
January of 3.7°C (38.7°F) and -3.3°C (26.1°F), respectively while the summer months heat up, attaining peak temperatures in
July and
August when the average highs reach 27°C (80.6°F) to 27.2°C (81°F), and lows settle between 13.7°C (56.7°F) and 13.7°C (56.7°F).
When it comes to precipitation, there is no short supply, although the abundance varies within the year. The wettest months in Sarajevo are usually positioned in the summer and autumn, peaking around
June and
September with a monthly average rainfall ranging from 90mm (3.54") to 91mm (3.58"). The relative humidity also oscillates over the year, soaring highest in the cooler months, topping at 81% in
December, and reaching its lowest point of 67% in
April.
The region experiences a significant number of days with snowfall during winter, experiencing as many as 10 to 12 days in January and December and a drastic decrease as the temperature rises with only 0.2 days on average by
May. As for the length of the days, there is an evident shift in daylight hours as the seasons evolve. In the peak of winter, residents experience approximately 9 hours of daylight in December, while the longer summer days stretch up to 15.4 hours by June.
The best time to visit Sarajevo
Considering
Sarajevo's prevailing climate conditions, it might be preferable to plan a visit between
May and
September. The weather during this period is typically warm without being be exceedingly hot. Average temperatures highlight a comfortable range from 15.6°C (60.1°F) to 27.2°C (81°F), allowing for outdoor activities and exploration. The longer daylight hours - between 14.7 hours to 14 hours - provide ample time for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Sarajevo
Despite the atmospheric charm that graces
Sarajevo during the winter months, it is not the most hospitable season for tourists. It's particularly challenging from
December to
February, with the average temperatures falling between 4.2°C (39.6°F) to 3.7°C (38.7°F), with lows dipping to -1.8°C (28.8°F) in December. These months witness the most snowfall and reduced daylight - only 9 to 9.3 hours - which could limit exploratory escapades.
Spring weather in Sarajevo
The Spring months in
Sarajevo provide a welcome reprieve from the harsh Winter cold. The temperature steadily rises from 6°C (42.8°F) in
March to a comfortable 15.6°C (60.1°F) in
May, while the lows follow the same trend, oscillating from 1.1°C (34°F) to 9°C (48.2°F) in the same period. Rainfall increases over this period, starting from 70mm (2.76") in March to 77mm (3.03") in May. The days also lengthen, with an increase from an average of 11.9 hours of daylight in March to 14.7 hours in May.
Summer weather in Sarajevo
Summer in
Sarajevo is warm and predominantly sunny, characterized by high temperatures that range between 21.4°C (70.5°F) in
June and peak at 27.2°C (81°F) in
August. Low temperatures also follow this increasing trend, settling from 11.9°C (53.4°F) in June to 13.7°C (56.7°F) in August. Rainfall during this period is quite significant, peaking at 90mm (3.54") in June. The duration of daylight remains stable, averaging 15 hours with the highest UV index of the year prevalent at this time.
Autumn weather in Sarajevo
Autumn in
Sarajevo witnesses a steady decrease in temperatures. The highs drop from 22°C (71.6°F) in
September to 9.7°C (49.5°F) in
November. Simultaneously, the low temperatures transition from 10°C (50°F) to 1.9°C (35.4°F) within the same period. The weather remains wet, with a monthly average rainfall amounting from 91mm (3.58") in September to 85mm (3.35") in November.
Winter weather in Sarajevo
Sarajevo's winter is cold, with
December recording the lowest temperatures of the year. The high temperature averages drop from 4.2°C (39.6°F) in December to 3.7°C (38.7°F) in
January. The low temperatures typically fall below freezing, with -1.8°C (28.8°F) in December and -3.3°C (26.1°F) in January. Along with this, December and January witness the highest incidence of snowfall. Despite the cold exterior, Sarajevo's winter offers scenic landscapes and a unique wintery charm.
Weather in January
As the first month of the year,
January's weather in
Sarajevo is characterized by a plethora of snowfall days, amounting to 10, with an average high temperature of 3.7°C (38.7°F) and a low of -3.3°C (26.1°F). Equipped with appropriate woollens, residents and visitors can revel in wintry strolls around this city wrapped in a frosty embrace.
Weather in January »Weather in February
When it comes to
February,
Sarajevo undergoes a notable change with an increased high temperature, reaching 6°C (42.8°F). The city slowly releases its icy reign, transforming its frosted coat into a marginally lighter one, while retaining a subtle chill.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Sarajevo welcomes spring in
March, by further escalating in temperature, attaining a high of 10.9°C (51.6°F). As winter recedes into the backdrops, the city starts bursting back to life, with more sunlit hours to relish. Despite sporadic resistances of winter, snowfall days fall dramatically to nine, giving spotlight to more rainfall days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Sarajevo witnesses an ascension to a fairly moderate climate. The transition from winter to spring is more pronounced with temperatures climbing to a high of 15.6°C (60.1°F), creating an inviting outdoor atmosphere. Echoes of the bygone winter season become sparse, paving the way for a refreshing breeze and soothing warmth.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The city of
Sarajevo, in the month of
May, experiences a leap to warmer temperatures that peak at around 21.4°C (70.5°F). Signifying the advent of summer, May sees the weather gradually warming up. As verdant landscapes drench in abundant daylight, outdoor activities become the city's prime allure.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Considering the month of
June,
Sarajevo ushers in the summer season, with temperatures soaring to a high of 24.5°C (76.1°F). With the most extended daylight hours stretching to 15.4, days are brighter and longer. Offering a perfect blend of warmth and sunshine, June is an ideal time to delve into the city's architectural splendor or bask in the city's parks and outdoor cafes.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Sarajevo welcomes the peak of summer with temperatures reaching the highest annual point of around 27°C (80.6°F). Amid the vibrant urban life, the subtle breeze provides respite from the heat, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable summer ambiance.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The city's weather in
August remains mostly similar to
July, with a high temperature of typically 27.2°C (81°F), making it the warmest month of the year. Eventually, the retreating daylight hours indicate the approaching finale of the high summer.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With
September comes the transitional period in
Sarajevo's weather as the city gently steps into autumn. September experiences a noticeable drop in temperature to a high of 22°C (71.6°F), indicating a transition from the warm summer towards a milder autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Sarajevo, labelled as a classic autumn month, portrays an array of vivid sceneries amidst a cooling weather landscape. The reduced daylight hours coincide with a high temperature of typically 17°C (62.6°F), marking a visible shift towards the colder half of the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Sarajevo in
November witnesses a sharp drop to a high temperature of 9.7°C (49.5°F), slowly welcoming the thresholds of winter. With the fading autumn hues, the city prepares to don its winter coat once again. The decreasing daylight combined with the soothing chill revives the cities winter spell.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December in
Sarajevo enters the full phase of winter with temperatures dropping to a high of 4.2°C (39.6°F). Snowfall days increase significantly to 12, painting the city white, just in time for the festive season.
Weather in December »