Things to Do in Bosnia and Herzegovina in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Minimal crowds at major sites - you'll have Mostar's Old Bridge and Sarajevo's Baščaršija largely to yourself, with hotels typically 40-60% cheaper than summer rates and no queues for restaurants
- Mountain scenery at its most dramatic - snow still caps peaks above 1,500 m (4,920 ft) while valleys are greening up, creating stunning contrasts perfect for photography without summer haze
- Authentic local experience - March sits between ski season and tourist season, so you'll interact with locals going about their daily lives rather than catering to visitors, and traditional kafanas are full of regulars, not tour groups
- Spring awakening energy - markets start filling with early seasonal produce, cafes reopen their terraces on sunny afternoons, and there's a palpable sense of optimism as winter releases its grip
Considerations
- Genuinely unpredictable weather - you might get 15°C (59°F) and sunshine one day, then 3°C (37°F) with sleet the next, making day-to-day planning frustrating and requiring you to pack for multiple seasons
- Limited mountain access - ski resorts like Jahorina and Bjelašnica are winding down or closed, hiking trails above 1,200 m (3,937 ft) remain snow-covered and impassable, and some mountain roads stay closed until late March or early April
- Shorter daylight hours - sunset around 6:00 PM means you'll lose 2-3 hours of sightseeing time compared to summer, and some attractions reduce their hours or close entirely on weekdays during off-season
Best Activities in March
Sarajevo Walking Tours and War History Sites
March's cool temperatures make walking Sarajevo's hills actually pleasant rather than sweaty. The Tunnel Museum, Latin Bridge, and Sniper Alley sites are powerful in any season, but with minimal crowds you can take your time processing the heavy history. The crisp air and occasional drizzle somehow fits the somber subject matter. Local guides are more available and less rushed than in peak season, often extending tours with personal stories. Temperatures between 5-12°C (41-54°F) are ideal for 3-4 hour walking tours without overheating.
Mostar Old Town and Bridge Area Exploration
The famous Stari Most looks spectacular in March when tourist crowds haven't arrived yet. You'll actually get photos without dozens of people in frame, and the riverside restaurants are quiet enough for genuine conversations with owners. The Neretva River runs high and dramatic with snowmelt from surrounding mountains. Bridge divers still perform on warmer days above 10°C (50°F), though less frequently than summer. The cobblestones can be slippery when wet, so proper footwear matters more than in dry season.
Kravica Waterfalls Day Trips
March is actually one of the best months for Kravica despite being off-season. Snowmelt makes the falls thunder at full volume - far more impressive than the reduced flow in dry summer months. You'll have the site nearly to yourself on weekdays. Obviously too cold for swimming, but the dramatic water volume and lack of crowds make it worth the 40 km (25 mile) trip from Mostar. The surrounding greenery is just starting to emerge, creating an interesting transitional landscape. Bring waterproof layers as mist from the falls can soak you.
Traditional Bosnian Coffee Houses and Food Tours
March weather makes sitting in cozy kafanas genuinely appealing rather than stuffy. This is when you'll find locals lingering over coffee and ćevapi, not tourists rushing between sites. Food tours work brilliantly in cooler weather when you can comfortably eat multiple stops of burek, klepe, and baklava without feeling heavy. The traditional copper coffee sets and slow-pour ritual make more sense when you're not sweating. Evening food tours between 5-8 PM let you experience Sarajevo and Mostar's cafe culture at its most authentic.
Blagaj Tekke and Buna River Spring Visits
The 16th-century dervish house built into the cliff face is atmospheric in March when mist often hangs over the Buna River spring. The spring flows at maximum volume with snowmelt, creating that otherworldly turquoise color against gray cliffs. Fewer visitors mean you can actually meditate or reflect at this spiritual site rather than jostling for photos. The riverside restaurants serve fresh trout in peaceful settings. Located just 12 km (7.5 miles) from Mostar, it's an easy half-day trip. Temperatures inside the tekke stay cool year-round, so layers help.
Jajce Waterfall and Medieval Town Exploration
Jajce's waterfall where the Pliva River meets the Vrbas is absolutely thunderous in March with spring runoff - far more dramatic than the trickle you sometimes get in late summer. The medieval fortress and catacombs are fascinating without crowds, and the town's Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture looks moody under March's variable skies. At 470 m (1,542 ft) elevation, expect temperatures 2-3°C cooler than Sarajevo. The 2.5 hour drive from Sarajevo passes through stunning Central Bosnian landscapes. Worth noting this is a full day commitment.
March Events & Festivals
International Women's Day Celebrations
March 8th is widely observed across Bosnia and Herzegovina with public events, concerts, and cultural programs, particularly in Sarajevo and Banja Luka. Women receive flowers and small gifts, cafes and restaurants often have special menus or promotions. It's a genuine local celebration rather than a tourist event, giving you insight into contemporary Bosnian culture. Expect some businesses to close early or operate reduced hours.