Things to Do in Bosnia and Herzegovina in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak summer warmth without the extreme heat - temperatures around 25°C (77°F) mean you can comfortably explore mountain trails and medieval towns without wilting. The Dinaric Alps are particularly stunning right now, with wildflowers still visible at higher elevations and crystal-clear rivers perfect for swimming.
- Festival season is in full swing - August brings some of Bosnia's most authentic cultural events, from Sarajevo Film Festival (typically mid-August) to smaller village celebrations where you'll actually meet locals rather than tour groups. The evening outdoor concerts and performances take advantage of the warm nights.
- River activities are at their absolute best - the Neretva, Una, and Tara rivers are warm enough for extended swimming (18-22°C/64-72°F) but still maintain strong enough flow for rafting. Water levels are ideal after spring melt has passed but before autumn lows set in.
- Longer daylight hours mean you can pack more into each day - sunset doesn't arrive until around 8:30pm, giving you time for a full day of sightseeing, a late afternoon swim, and still catching the evening promenade (korzo) that's central to Bosnian social life.
Considerations
- Tourist crowds peak in Mostar and Sarajevo's Old Towns - expect queues at Stari Most and the Baščaršija, especially between 10am-4pm. Popular restaurants in these areas fill up quickly, and you'll be sharing photo spots with dozens of other visitors. That said, crowds thin dramatically just a few streets away from the main attractions.
- Accommodation prices jump 30-50% compared to shoulder season - August is when European families take their summer holidays, so hotels and apartments in major cities command premium rates. Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead for reasonable prices, or consider staying in residential neighborhoods rather than tourist zones.
- Afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt mountain activities - those 10 rainy days typically manifest as dramatic but brief thunderstorms, usually between 3-6pm. Not ideal if you're halfway up a hiking trail or planning an afternoon canyon tour. The storms pass quickly but can be intense enough to make outdoor activities temporarily unpleasant.
Best Activities in August
Neretva River rafting and kayaking
August offers the sweet spot for river activities - water temperatures have warmed to 18-22°C (64-72°F) making it comfortable for the inevitable splashing and swimming stops, while flow rates remain strong enough for genuine excitement without being dangerous. The Neretva near Konjic offers Class II-III rapids perfect for first-timers, while the Upper Neretva provides calmer sections ideal for kayaking. The surrounding canyon scenery is spectacular right now, with lush green vegetation and limestone cliffs. Most tours include swimming breaks at natural pools that are genuinely refreshing in the afternoon heat.
Sarajevo Old Town walking exploration
Despite the crowds, August is actually wonderful for experiencing Sarajevo's Baščaršija - the warm evenings mean outdoor cafe culture is at its peak, and the city comes alive after sunset when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. The key is timing: visit the main attractions early (8-10am) before tour groups arrive, then retreat during midday heat to museums like the War Childhood Museum or Tunnel Museum. Return to the Old Town after 6pm when locals emerge for the evening korzo. The long daylight hours mean you can wander the hillside neighborhoods like Vratnik and catch sunset views over the city around 8pm.
Una National Park waterfall swimming
The Una River near Bihać is Bosnia's most photogenic natural area, and August is prime time for swimming beneath the Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod waterfalls. Water temperatures reach their annual peak around 20-21°C (68-70°F), making extended swimming actually pleasant rather than teeth-chattering. The park's network of wooden walkways and swimming platforms are in excellent condition, and the surrounding forest provides crucial shade during midday. Unlike spring when water is too cold and powerful, August offers safe conditions for families. The cascades create natural jacuzzi effects that are genuinely relaxing.
Lukomir highland village hiking
Bosnia's highest inhabited village sits at 1,469 m (4,820 ft) on the Bjelašnica plateau, and August is the only month when you're virtually guaranteed clear access without snow concerns. The highland meadows are still green from summer rains, traditional stone houses with wooden shingle roofs are occupied by shepherds, and you'll encounter more sheep than tourists. The hike from the parking area takes about 45 minutes uphill, manageable for moderately fit travelers. What makes August special is the weather window - morning starts around 8-9am typically offer clear views before afternoon clouds build. The village itself is authentically medieval, with families still practicing transhumance.
Mostar and Kravica Waterfalls day circuit
Yes, Mostar is crowded in August, but the combination of swimming at Kravica Falls (20 km/12 miles south) makes the heat worthwhile. Kravica's natural amphitheater of cascades creates a swimming area that's perfect in August warmth - water temperature around 18-20°C (64-68°F) and deep enough for proper swimming. Visit Kravica first thing in the morning (gates open at 8am, entry 10 KM), then head to Mostar for late morning exploration when you're already cooled down. The iconic bridge diving happens throughout the day, but the 3pm jump is most popular. The evening light on Stari Most around 7-8pm is spectacular and crowds thin considerably.
Sutjeska National Park and Perućica rainforest
Bosnia's oldest national park offers serious mountain scenery and one of Europe's last primeval forests. August is ideal for tackling the Maglić peak trail - Bosnia's highest at 2,386 m (7,828 ft) - without snow concerns. The Perućica rainforest section provides welcome shade and 20-30 minute nature trails through ancient beech and spruce forest that's been untouched for centuries. The Tjentište area has excellent swimming in the Sutjeska River, with water cold enough to be refreshing but not punishing. Wildlife viewing is decent - you might spot chamois on early morning hikes, and the forest is alive with bird activity.
August Events & Festivals
Sarajevo Film Festival
The Balkans' premier film festival transforms Sarajevo for 9 days in mid-August, with outdoor screenings in the Old Town, industry panels, and a genuine international atmosphere. What makes it special for visitors is the open-air cinema on Sarajevo's main pedestrian street - you can watch world premieres under the stars while sitting in cafes. The festival brings a palpable energy to the city, with filmmakers and actors mingling in public spaces. Even if you're not a serious cinephile, the evening screenings and festival buzz are worth experiencing.
Mostar Diving Competition
The traditional diving from Stari Most happens daily throughout summer, but late August typically sees organized competitions where local divers showcase increasingly daring jumps from the 24 m (79 ft) high bridge. The crowd atmosphere is electric, with hundreds gathering on the riverbanks. It's worth noting this is a genuine tradition, not a tourist show - these divers train for years and the jump is genuinely dangerous. The event is free to watch, though divers collect donations afterward.