- Rain mm/yr
- 1,183
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: weather-and-climate.com, weather-atlas.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Sarajevo's weather can swing dramatically within a single day—layers and waterproof outerwear are essential year-round.
- The city's position in a river valley surrounded by mountains means morning and evening fog are common, especially January-March.
- Even in peak summer (July-August), rainfall is brief and light; showers rarely last long.
- Winter snow and ice on cobblestones in Baščaršija (old town) can make walking slippery—waterproof boots with good grip are recommended.
- Humidity hovers around 70% year-round; July humidity feels warm and tropical, while January humidity seeps into bones despite similar percentage.
- UV index remains moderate even in winter due to altitude; sunscreen is still advisable.
- Peak shoulder seasons (May and September-October) offer the best balance of comfortable weather, smaller crowds, and reasonable accommodation prices.
Overview
Sarajevo has a continental climate with four distinct seasons and significant rainfall year-round. The city sits at 500m elevation in a river valley surrounded by mountains, creating marked temperature swings between seasons.
Rainfall
- Driest Month
- August
- Wettest Month
- May
- Annual Total Mm
- 1183
- Annual Total Inches
- 47
- Driest Month Rainfall Mm
- 79
- Wettest Month Rainfall Mm
- 117
- Note
- Rain falls roughly 159 days per year; most precipitation is fairly distributed across months with no true dry season
Snowfall
- Annual Snow Days
- 53
- Heaviest Snow Months
- December and January
- Months With Snowfall
- January through May, October through December
- Snowfall Days January
- 10
- Snowfall Days December
- 12
- Note
- Snow can linger on hills through March; significant snowfall is reliable in winter months
Temperature
Peak Months
- Month
- July-August
- Average Low Celsius
- 14
- Average High Celsius
- 26
- Average Low Fahrenheit
- 57
- Average High Fahrenheit
- 79
- Note
- Summer is warm with long daylight hours; August is the warmest month
Off Peak Months
- Month
- December-February
- Average Low Celsius
- -2
- Average High Celsius
- 5
- Average Low Fahrenheit
- 28
- Average High Fahrenheit
- 41
- Note
- Winter is cold with frequent snow; January is the coldest month
Best Months To Visit
- Rationale
- May-June and September-October offer warm temperatures (19-25°C (66–77°F)), manageable rainfall, fewer tourists, and lower prices. July-August are warmest but peak tourist season brings crowds and higher costs.
- Primary Season
- May-June and September-October
- Secondary Season
- July-August
Worst Months To Visit
- Months
- November-December and January-February
- Rationale
- Cold, snowy, foggy conditions; many outdoor services reduced; higher rainfall; coldest weather limits activity. December-February brings sub-zero temperatures and regular snowfall.
Seasonal Characteristics
- Spring March April
- Transition period with variable weather, lingering snow at higher elevations, temperatures 10-16°C (50–61°F). Late snow possible.
- Summer June August
- Warm and mostly clear with peaks near 26-28°C (82°F). July-August see peak tourism and festival season. Relatively low rainfall despite being summer.
- Autumn September October
- Pleasant with temperatures 16-22°C (61–72°F), autumn colors on surrounding hills, increasing precipitation. Increasingly popular shoulder season.
- Winter December February
- Very cold and snowy with frequent precipitation. Temperatures rarely exceed 4°C (39°F). Ski resorts in nearby mountains (Jahorina, Bjelašnica) are active.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Sarajevo
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.