Things to Do in Bosnia and Herzegovina in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs 30-40% less than summer months, and you'll actually be able to book that guesthouse in Mostar without planning three months ahead
- The countryside is genuinely stunning in April - everything's green from spring rains, wildflowers cover the hillsides, and the rivers are running full and dramatic without the summer crowds clogging up the viewpoints
- You'll experience Bosnia like locals do - cafes are buzzing with actual residents rather than tour groups, and people have more time to chat since the summer rush hasn't hit yet
- Perfect hiking weather once you're past mid-month - cool enough that climbing up to mountain villages doesn't leave you drenched in sweat, but warm enough that you're not dealing with snow on the trails
Considerations
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three days of sunshine followed by two days of cold rain, and that morning forecast isn't always reliable, which makes planning outdoor activities a bit of a gamble
- Some mountain roads and hiking trails remain closed until late April due to snow and muddy conditions, particularly anything above 1,000 m (3,280 ft) elevation, so your options for high-altitude exploration are limited
- Evenings get properly cold - temperatures can drop to near freezing after sunset, and many smaller guesthouses haven't switched from winter heating to summer mode yet, leaving you layering up indoors
Best Activities in April
Sarajevo Old Town Walking Tours
April is actually ideal for exploring Sarajevo on foot - the cool temperatures mean you can wander Baščaršija for hours without overheating, and the spring light is perfect for photography. The city comes alive in April as locals emerge from winter, so the cafes are full and there's genuine energy in the streets. Rain happens, but it tends to be short afternoon showers rather than all-day affairs. The lack of summer crowds means you can actually appreciate the architecture and stop for ćevapi without waiting in line.
Mostar and Herzegovina Day Trips
The Neretva River is running emerald green and full in April from snowmelt, making Mostar's famous bridge even more dramatic than in summer. You'll have space to actually photograph Stari Most without elbowing through crowds, and the surrounding villages like Blagaj and Počitelj are genuinely peaceful. The temperatures are perfect for exploring - warm enough for comfortable walking but cool enough that climbing up to Počitelj fortress doesn't feel like a punishment. That said, bring layers because the river valley creates its own microclimate.
Via Dinarica Hiking Trails
Late April is when the lower elevation sections of the Via Dinarica start opening up, particularly trails around Lukomir village and the Rakitnica Canyon. The landscapes are incredibly green, waterfalls are at full flow, and you won't see another hiker for hours. The catch is that you need to be flexible - trails above 1,200 m (3,937 ft) might still have snow patches, and muddy sections are common after rain. But if you hit a clear day, the visibility is extraordinary since there's no summer haze.
Traditional Bosnian Cooking Classes
April is perfect for indoor cultural activities, and cooking classes give you something valuable to do when the weather turns. You'll learn to make dishes like pita, dolma, and tufahija while hearing stories about Bosnian food culture that you won't find in guidebooks. Spring means fresh ingredients are coming into season - wild garlic, early greens, and spring lamb feature heavily. Classes typically run 3-4 hours and include eating what you make, which is honestly the best lunch you'll have.
Jajce Waterfall and Pliva Lakes Exploration
Jajce's waterfall is absolutely spectacular in April when snowmelt swells the Pliva River - the volume of water crashing through the town center is something you just don't see in summer's lower flows. The Pliva Lakes area is perfect for cycling or walking when weather cooperates, and the old watermills are atmospheric in the spring mist. It's quieter than Mostar but equally photogenic, and you can explore the medieval fortress without crowds. Just know that it's a 2.5-3 hour drive from Sarajevo, so weather delays are possible.
Sarajevo War History Tours
April weather actually suits these emotionally heavy tours - the somber spring atmosphere adds weight to visiting tunnel museums, siege sites, and war cemeteries. You'll need indoor breaks, and most comprehensive tours include museum visits that work perfectly when rain hits. The lack of summer crowds means guides have more time for questions and deeper conversations. These tours are intense and typically run 4-5 hours, so the cooler temperatures help maintain focus rather than being distracted by heat.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Celebrations
Easter timing varies yearly, but when it falls in April, you'll see Orthodox and Catholic communities celebrating with traditional foods, church services, and family gatherings. Markets sell special breads and painted eggs, and many restaurants offer traditional Easter meals. It's not a tourist event but rather a chance to observe genuine local traditions - just note that many businesses close for 2-3 days around Easter weekend.
Sarajevo Film Festival Student Programme
While the main festival happens in August, the student and educational programming often kicks off in late April with workshops and screenings. It's much smaller and more intimate than the summer festival, giving you access to local film culture without the crowds. Check the official festival website closer to your dates since programming varies yearly.