Things to Do in Bosnia and Herzegovina in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather with temperatures between 11-23°C (52-73°F) - cool enough for mountain trails without summer heat exhaustion, and foliage is still lush from summer rains making waterfalls spectacular
- Post-summer tourism drop means 40-50% fewer visitors at major sites like Mostar's Old Bridge and Sarajevo's Baščaršija - you'll actually get photos without crowds and restaurant reservations are easy even day-of
- Harvest season brings exceptional local food experiences - September is when you'll find fresh figs, plums for rakija-making, and the grape harvest begins in Herzegovina wine country with cellar door tastings at their peak
- Accommodation prices drop 25-35% compared to July-August rates while weather remains excellent - four-star hotels in Sarajevo that cost 180 KM (92 EUR) in August drop to 120 KM (61 EUR) in September
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain patterns with 10 rainy days monthly - showers can last 1-3 hours and disrupt outdoor plans, particularly problematic for Via Dinarica hiking sections where trails become muddy and slippery
- Shorter daylight hours with sunset around 7:00 PM by late September compared to 8:30 PM in July - this cuts into evening photography time at outdoor sites and limits day-trip distances
- Some mountain lodges and rafting operators on the Tara River begin closing after mid-September for the season - options become limited in the final two weeks of the month
Best Activities in September
Sutjeska National Park Hiking
September offers ideal conditions for tackling the Perućica rainforest trails and approaches to Maglić peak at 2,386 m (7,828 ft). Morning temperatures of 11-15°C (52-59°F) are perfect for strenuous climbs, and the post-summer period means streams and the Skakavac waterfall are still flowing strong. The mix of evergreens and deciduous trees just beginning autumn color creates exceptional scenery. Crowds are minimal compared to July-August when trails can feel congested. The variable weather means you need flexibility - plan 2-3 hiking days so rain doesn't ruin your only chance.
Herzegovina Wine Route Tours
September is harvest season in the Trebinje and Mostar wine regions - you'll see grapes being picked and can participate in traditional harvest activities at family wineries. The weather is perfect for cycling or driving between wineries with daytime temperatures around 20-23°C (68-73°F). Focus on indigenous varieties like Žilavka (white) and Blatina (red) that you can't find elsewhere. Small-production wineries offer the most authentic experiences with owners who speak about their craft for hours. The landscape is stunning as vineyards transition from green to gold.
Sarajevo Walking and Food Tours
September weather is perfect for exploring Sarajevo on foot - not too hot for the uphill walks to the Yellow Fortress or through the hillside neighborhoods. The city comes alive after the summer tourist peak with locals back from vacation and university students returning, creating vibrant café culture. This is when seasonal specialties appear: fresh ajvar being made, tufahije (poached apples) with new walnuts, and the first batches of grape rakija. Morning tours are best - start at 9:00-10:00 AM when temperatures are 13-16°C (55-61°F) and you'll finish before potential afternoon rain around 2:00-3:00 PM.
Neretva River Rafting
Early to mid-September offers the last reliable rafting window before operators close for winter. Water levels are lower than spring but still suitable for the scenic float sections between Konjic and Jablanica. The 15 km (9.3 miles) route takes 2-3 hours with Class II-III rapids - exciting but manageable for beginners. September water temperature around 16-18°C (61-64°F) means you'll want a wetsuit, which operators provide. The canyon scenery is spectacular with late summer greenery and occasional early autumn colors on higher slopes. After mid-September, call ahead to confirm operators are still running trips.
Jajce Waterfall and Pliva Lakes
The 21 m (69 ft) waterfall where the Pliva River meets the Vrbas is most impressive in September after summer rains keep water volume high. September offers comfortable temperatures for the 2-3 hour walk around Pliva Lakes and the historic watermill complex - you'll see some mills still operating during harvest season grinding corn. The town itself is uncrowded, making it easy to explore the fortress ruins and catacombs. The changing light in September creates excellent photography conditions, especially 4:00-6:00 PM when the sun hits the waterfall at an angle. This is a perfect day trip from either Sarajevo (2.5 hours) or Banja Luka (45 minutes).
Blagaj Tekke and Buna River Source
September is ideal for visiting this 16th-century Dervish monastery built into the cliff at the Buna River source. Summer crowds have dispersed, but weather remains perfect for the riverside setting - temperatures around 20-22°C (68-72°F) make the 30-minute walk along the water pleasant. The spring pumps out 43,000 liters per second of crystal-clear water at a constant 10°C (50°F), creating a microclimate that's refreshing on warm September afternoons. Combine this with nearby Počitelj medieval village (15 minutes away) for a half-day trip from Mostar. The restaurants serving fresh trout are less crowded and you can actually get riverside tables without reservations.
September Events & Festivals
Sarajevo Film Festival Aftermath and Film September
While the main Sarajevo Film Festival ends in late August, September sees continued film programming at venues like Meeting Point Cinema and Kriterion. Local filmmakers and international visitors often stay through early September, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere in cafés around Branilaca Sarajeva street. Not a formal festival, but the city retains its cinematic energy with special screenings and discussions.
Grape Harvest Festivals in Herzegovina
Multiple small villages around Trebinje, Ljubuški, and Čitluk hold informal grape harvest celebrations throughout September. These aren't organized tourist events but community gatherings where you can participate in picking, pressing, and tasting new wine. Ask at wineries about berba (harvest) dates - timing varies by elevation and grape variety. This is authentic cultural immersion where you'll be invited to family tables and hear traditional harvest songs.