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
- Significantly fewer tourists than summer months - you'll actually have Stari Most and Mostar's Old Bazaar largely to yourself, especially on weekdays. Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to peak season.
- Spring is starting to arrive in lower elevations by late March - cherry and plum blossoms appear around Sarajevo and Mostar, creating beautiful photo opportunities without the crowds. The Neretva River valley starts greening up nicely.
- Ski season overlaps with early spring hiking - you can genuinely ski Jahorina or Bjelašnica in the morning (snow conditions are still decent until mid-March) and explore Sarajevo's cafes in the afternoon. This dual-season window is unique to March.
- Restaurant and cafe culture is at its best - locals are out enjoying the warming weather, terraces start reopening, and you'll experience authentic Bosnian social life rather than tourist-focused service. Coffee culture is particularly vibrant as people emerge from winter.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three sunny days followed by two days of cold rain and even occasional snow, particularly in the first half of March. This makes planning outdoor activities tricky, and you'll need to stay flexible with your itinerary.
- Mountain roads and some rural areas remain inaccessible - routes to places like Lukomir village (Europe's highest inhabited village) are often still snowbound or muddy until late March. If you're planning to explore remote areas, you'll be limited.
- Some seasonal businesses haven't reopened yet - particularly in smaller towns like Počitelj or Blagaj, you'll find reduced restaurant hours and some tourist-oriented shops still closed from winter. Mostar and Sarajevo are fine, but secondary destinations have limited services.
Best Activities in March
Sarajevo Walking Tours and War History Experiences
March is actually ideal for exploring Sarajevo on foot - temperatures are cool enough for several hours of walking without overheating, and the crisp air makes the 3-4 hour tours through Baščaršija and the Siege of Sarajevo sites comfortable. The Tunnel of Hope museum is less crowded, giving you time to absorb the history without being rushed. Rain happens about 40% of days, but it's usually light and brief. The lack of summer crowds means you can have genuine conversations with guides rather than being part of a 30-person group.
Mostar Day Trips and Herzegovina Valley Exploration
The drive from Sarajevo to Mostar is spectacular in March as the mountains still have snow caps while the Neretva valley starts blooming. Mostar itself is wonderfully quiet - you can photograph Stari Most without 200 people in your frame. The 3°C (37°F) morning chill means the famous bridge divers aren't jumping yet, but honestly, that makes the experience more authentic. Combine with Blagaj Tekke and Počitelj, though call ahead as some restaurants in these smaller spots keep irregular hours in March.
Traditional Bosnian Cooking Classes
March weather makes indoor cultural activities particularly appealing, and cooking classes let you experience Bosnian home life authentically. You'll learn to make ćevapi, burek, or klepe (Bosnian dumplings) in local homes or small culinary schools. This is what locals do in transitional weather - gather indoors, cook together, drink coffee for hours. Classes typically last 3-4 hours and include the meal you prepare. It's a perfect rainy-day backup activity that's actually more interesting than most sunny-day options.
Jahorina and Bjelašnica Ski Resort Day Trips
If you're visiting in early to mid-March, the Olympic mountains still have decent snow coverage - typically 50-80 cm (20-31 inches) at higher elevations. Jahorina is 30 km (19 miles) from Sarajevo, Bjelašnica is 25 km (16 miles), both reachable in 45 minutes. Lift tickets are cheaper than Alps resorts at 40-50 KM (20-25 EUR) per day, and the slopes are nearly empty on weekdays. By late March, conditions deteriorate quickly, but the first three weeks are genuinely good. Equipment rental is available on-site for 30-40 KM (15-20 EUR).
Sarajevo Cafe Culture and Coffee House Tours
March is when Sarajevo's legendary coffee culture truly shines - locals are emerging from winter, terraces are tentatively reopening with blankets and heaters, and the social energy is palpable. A proper Bosnian coffee experience takes 45-60 minutes minimum (rushing is considered rude), and the cool weather makes sitting in traditional kahvehanas genuinely pleasant. Some tours combine coffee culture with visits to 3-4 different traditional cafes, explaining the Ottoman coffee tradition and its role in Bosnian social life. This is cultural immersion that works in any weather.
Trebević Mountain Cable Car and Hiking
The Trebević cable car, rebuilt in 2018, offers stunning views over Sarajevo and access to abandoned Olympic bobsled track covered in street art. In March, you'll encounter a mix of conditions at the 1,160 m (3,806 ft) summit - sometimes snow, sometimes mud, sometimes clear. The cable car runs year-round regardless of weather, making it a reliable activity. The 15-minute ride costs 12 KM (6 EUR) return. At the top, you can explore the bobsled track (1.3 km / 0.8 miles) or hike various trails if conditions allow. Bring layers as it's typically 5-7°C (9-13°F) colder than Sarajevo.
March Events & Festivals
Sarajevo Film Festival Pre-Season Screenings
While the main Sarajevo Film Festival happens in August, the festival organization runs special March screenings and film discussions at Meeting Point Cinema as the cultural season ramps up. These aren't heavily advertised tourist events - they're for local cinephiles and international film students. Check the Sarajevo Film Festival website closer to your dates for the actual schedule, as programming is announced only 2-3 weeks ahead.