Things to Do in Bosnia and Herzegovina in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Authentic winter atmosphere without overwhelming tourist crowds - Sarajevo's Baščaršija district and Mostar's Old Bridge area operate at 30-40% of summer capacity, meaning you can photograph iconic sites without waiting and actually converse with shopkeepers who have time to share stories
- Significantly lower accommodation costs with December rates running 40-60% below July-August prices - quality apartments in Sarajevo's old town drop from 80-120 EUR to 35-60 EUR per night, and you can negotiate multi-night stays directly with owners
- Prime skiing season in Bjelašnica, Jahorina, and Igman mountains (30-45 km/19-28 miles from Sarajevo) with fresh powder, lift ticket prices at 25-35 KM (13-18 EUR) daily, and equipment rental at 30-40 KM (15-20 EUR) - a fraction of Alpine resort costs
- Genuine cultural immersion during the festive season when locals gather in kafiće (coffee houses) for extended conversations, Christmas markets operate in both Orthodox and Catholic communities, and traditional winter foods like begova čorba (bey's soup) and tufahije (poached apples) appear on every menu
Considerations
- Daylight severely limited to approximately 8.5-9 hours (sunrise around 7:15 AM, sunset around 4:30 PM) which compresses sightseeing schedules and makes outdoor activities challenging after mid-afternoon - plan major excursions for 9 AM-3 PM window
- Unpredictable weather creates transportation disruptions particularly on mountain roads between cities - the Sarajevo-Mostar route via Jablanica (130 km/81 miles) can extend from 2 hours to 4+ hours in snow, and some rural sites become inaccessible without 4WD vehicles
- Many coastal attractions in Neum and smaller Herzegovina towns operate on reduced winter schedules or close entirely - if your trip focuses on Adriatic experiences rather than mountain/city culture, December is objectively the wrong month to visit
Best Activities in December
Sarajevo War History Walking Tours
December's cold weather makes this the ideal time for intensive historical exploration of Sarajevo's 1992-1995 siege sites. The somber winter atmosphere enhances visits to the Tunnel of Hope (actual underground passage used during the siege), Sniper Alley, and war cemeteries on surrounding hillsides. Tours typically run 3-4 hours starting at 10 AM to maximize limited daylight. The cold keeps groups smaller (8-12 people versus 20-25 in summer) allowing for detailed Q&A with guides who lived through the conflict. Temperature hovers around 0-3°C (32-37°F) during tours - dress in layers.
Bjelašnica and Jahorina Ski Resort Day Trips
December marks the beginning of Bosnia's ski season with these 1984 Olympic mountains receiving their first substantial snowfall. Bjelašnica sits at 2,067 m (6,781 ft) with 8 km (5 miles) of marked runs, while Jahorina offers 20 km (12.4 miles) across gentler terrain perfect for intermediates. Early December sees fewer crowds than January-February holiday peaks, and fresh powder conditions are excellent. Daily high temperatures at elevation stay around -2 to -8°C (28-18°F). Both mountains are 45-60 minute drives from Sarajevo with organized transport departing 7-8 AM.
Mostar Old Bridge Winter Photography Expeditions
The iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) takes on dramatic character in December when fewer tourists allow unobstructed photography and the Neretva River below runs high and emerald-green from winter rains. Morning fog often creates atmospheric conditions lifting around 10-11 AM. December's low sun angle (maximum elevation 28 degrees) produces long shadows perfect for architectural photography between 11 AM-2 PM. Temperature in Mostar runs 3-5°C (5-9°F) warmer than Sarajevo due to Herzegovina's Mediterranean influence. Bridge divers perform occasional jumps if water temperature permits - far rarer than summer's hourly shows but more special when it happens.
Traditional Bosnian Coffee House Cultural Experiences
December cold drives locals into Sarajevo's historic kafiće where Bosnian coffee culture thrives. These aren't cafes but social institutions where properly prepared coffee (džezva pot service taking 15-20 minutes) accompanies hours of conversation. The Baščaršija district's oldest houses like Morića Han (16th century caravanserai) and spots along Ferhadija Street become intimate gathering places. Learning proper coffee etiquette - drinking water first, never rushing, accepting offered lokum (Turkish delight) - provides authentic cultural insight impossible during summer's tourist rush. Indoor settings mean weather is irrelevant, and locals have time for genuine interaction.
Sutjeska National Park Winter Hiking
Bosnia's oldest national park (established 1962) transforms into a winter wilderness in December with the Perućica primeval forest - one of Europe's last remaining old-growth forests - taking on stark beauty under snow. The park sits 180 km (112 miles) southeast of Sarajevo near the Montenegro border. Hiking trails to Trnovačko Lake at 1,517 m (4,977 ft) and views of Maglić mountain at 2,386 m (7,828 ft) - Bosnia's highest peak - require proper winter gear as temperatures drop to -5 to -10°C (23-14°F) at elevation. December sees virtually zero tourists compared to summer's crowded trails.
Travnik and Jajce Medieval Town Winter Exploration
These central Bosnian towns located 90 km (56 miles) and 140 km (87 miles) northwest of Sarajevo respectively offer Ottoman and medieval architecture without summer crowds. Travnik's colorful houses and 15th-century fortress, birthplace of Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić, and Jajce's spectacular Pliva Waterfall (22 m/72 ft drop in town center) plus 14th-century catacombs create a combined day trip. December's cold means waterfalls often develop ice formations. Expect temperatures around -2 to 3°C (28-37°F). Both towns' museums and indoor attractions stay open while outdoor exploration requires only 1-2 hours per location.
December Events & Festivals
Sarajevo Winter Festival
Annual cultural festival featuring classical music concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions across venues in Sarajevo's National Theater, Academy of Fine Arts, and historic buildings. The festival emphasizes contemporary Bosnian artists alongside regional Balkan performers. Evening performances typically start 7-8 PM with ticket prices 15-40 KM (8-20 EUR). The festival creates rare opportunity to experience Sarajevo's active arts scene which continues despite the country's economic challenges.
Orthodox Christmas Preparations and Markets
Bosnia's Serbian Orthodox community (comprising about 31% of population) celebrates Christmas on January 7th following the Julian calendar, but December sees preparation activities including small Christmas markets in East Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Trebinje. These markets offer traditional foods like proja (cornbread), ajvar (pepper spread), and rakija (fruit brandy) alongside handcrafted items. Markets operate weekends in December with most activity 10 AM-6 PM. Provides insight into Bosnia's complex religious tapestry often overlooked by tourists focused solely on Muslim heritage sites.
Catholic Christmas Markets in Sarajevo and Mostar
Bosnia's Catholic Croat communities (about 14% of population) celebrate Christmas December 25th with small markets appearing in Sarajevo's Ferhadija area and Mostar's western districts. Expect traditional Croatian foods like fritule (small doughnuts), medenjaci (honey cookies), and mulled wine. These markets are modest compared to Central European versions - typically 10-15 stalls - but offer authentic local experience. Markets operate daily mid-December through Christmas Eve, roughly 10 AM-8 PM, with peak activity 4-7 PM when locals finish work.