Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Updated Jan 04, 2025
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Overview

Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Sarajevo, the capital, showcases Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. Explore the iconic Stari Most bridge in Mostar, hike through lush national parks, and discover hidden waterfalls. The country's warm hospitality and traditional cuisine add to its charm. Visit medieval fortresses, ski in the Dinaric Alps, or relax in thermal spas. Bosnia's diverse landscapes and rich heritage make it an unforgettable destination for adventurous travelers.

Best time to visit. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is perfect for outdoor activities, while winter (December-February) offers excellent skiing opportunities in the mountains.

Cities

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Month
January39°F - 28°F
35°F - 24°F
Cloudy7:15 am4:30 pm11 days
2.7 in
9 days
6.0 in
7 mph
February44°F - 31°F
41°F - 27°F
Partly Cloudy6:45 am5:15 pm10 days
2.5 in
6 days
4.3 in
7 mph
March54°F - 38°F
52°F - 35°F
Partly Cloudy6:00 am6:00 pm11 days
2.9 in
3 days
1.8 in
9 mph
April63°F - 46°F
62°F - 44°F
Partly Cloudy5:15 am7:00 pm13 days
3.4 in
0 days
0.0 in
7 mph
May72°F - 54°F
73°F - 53°F
Partly Cloudy4:45 am7:45 pm13 days
3.5 in
0 days
0.0 in
7 mph
June79°F - 61°F
81°F - 60°F
Sunny4:30 am8:15 pm11 days
3.4 in
0 days
0.0 in
4 mph
July84°F - 64°F
87°F - 63°F
Sunny4:45 am8:15 pm9 days
2.7 in
0 days
0.0 in
4 mph
August84°F - 64°F
87°F - 63°F
Sunny5:15 am7:45 pm8 days
2.5 in
0 days
0.0 in
4 mph
September75°F - 56°F
76°F - 55°F
Partly Cloudy6:00 am6:45 pm9 days
2.8 in
0 days
0.0 in
4 mph
October64°F - 48°F
63°F - 46°F
Partly Cloudy6:45 am5:45 pm10 days
3.0 in
0 days
0.0 in
7 mph
November52°F - 39°F
50°F - 36°F
Cloudy6:30 am4:30 pm11 days
3.3 in
2 days
1.0 in
7 mph
December42°F - 31°F
39°F - 27°F
Cloudy7:15 am4:15 pm12 days
3.1 in
6 days
3.8 in
7 mph

NameDateDescription

Travel rating

Closure rating

Recommendation
New Year's DayJanuary 1Nationwide celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings.
Avoid travel; most places closed.
Orthodox ChristmasJanuary 7Christmas celebration for Orthodox Christians with church services and family feasts.
Limited services; festive atmosphere.
Independence DayMarch 1Commemorates Bosnia and Herzegovina's independence from Yugoslavia in 1992.
Expect closures; patriotic events.
Labour DayMay 1International Workers' Day with parades, rallies, and family picnics nationwide.
Many closures; outdoor celebrations.
Eid al-FitrVaries (based on Islamic calendar)Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasts, and family visits.
Festive atmosphere; some closures.
Eid al-AdhaVaries (based on Islamic calendar)Important Muslim holiday featuring animal sacrifices, prayers, and family gatherings.
Some closures; religious observances.
Victory DayNovember 25Commemorates the 1943 declaration of a democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Some closures; patriotic events.
Christmas DayDecember 25Christmas celebration for Catholic Christians with church services and family gatherings.
Limited services; festive atmosphere.

1
Greet locals with 'Dobar dan' (good day) or 'Zdravo' (hello). Bosnians appreciate when visitors make an effort to use basic phrases in their language.
2
Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's customary to leave footwear at the door, so be prepared with clean socks or slippers if offered.
3
Be sensitive when discussing the 1990s war. Many locals have personal experiences and losses from this time. Let them bring up the topic if they wish to discuss it.
4
Expect coffee invitations. Bosnian coffee culture is important, and locals often invite guests for a leisurely coffee. Accept if you can, as it's a great way to connect.
5
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees in mosques and churches. Women may need to cover their heads in some mosques.
6
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up the bill or leave 10-15% in restaurants if you're satisfied with the service.
7
Be prepared for a smoking culture. Many public places allow smoking, including some restaurants. Non-smoking areas are becoming more common in larger cities.
8
Learn to navigate the complex ethnic dynamics. Bosnia has three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. Avoid making assumptions about someone's background.
9
Try local specialties like ćevapi (grilled meat fingers) and burek (filled pastry). Food is an important part of Bosnian culture and hospitality.