The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and covers roughly half of the country, including the capital Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, Travnik, Konjic, Bihać and Neum on the Adriatic. Ottoman bazaars and Austro-Hungarian boulevards sit beside Herzegovinian stone villages, emerald rivers and the Bjelašnica and Prenj mountains. Prices are low by European standards, the Convertible Mark (BAM) is pegged to the euro, and Sarajevo and Mostar are connected by a scenic road and a daily train.
The Federation spans three climates. Sarajevo and central Bosnia are continental: cold, snowy winters (January highs near 2°C) and warm summers (July highs near 26°C). Mostar and Herzegovina are Mediterranean-influenced: hot, dry summers (July highs near 33-35°C) and mild winters (January highs near 10°C). The Bihać area and mountains see more rain, and Bjelašnica keeps snow from December to March.
Best time to visit
Best: May
Best Reason: Mild weather in Sarajevo and Mostar, waterfalls are full in spring, and crowds are smaller than in July and August.
Shoulder Season: April to May and late September to October
Peak Season: July to August (Mostar often passes 35°C; Sarajevo Film Festival in August)
Avoid: Late November to February for Mostar day trips and mountain villages such as Lukomir
Avoid Reason: Snow closes the Lukomir road, some Herzegovinian sights run reduced hours, and days are short. Skiers should still visit Bjelašnica from December to March.
Notes: Mostar is 8-10°C warmer than Sarajevo in summer. Bring layers for Sarajevo evenings in any season.
Summary: Best from May to June and September to October; July and August are hot but suit swimming at Kravice and the Una river.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
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The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
April-May: mild, waterfalls full
Summer
June-August: hot in Mostar, warm in Sarajevo
Autumn
September-October: pleasant, harvest and colours
Winter
December-February: snow in Sarajevo and mountains
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Peak
- July-August in Mostar and Kravice
- Shoulder
- May-June and September
- Quiet
- November-March
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Sarajevo Film Festival
International film festival in Sarajevo.
Mostar bridge diving
Traditional diving competition at Stari Most.
Sarajevo Jazz Festival
Concerts in Sarajevo venues.