Best Time to Visit the Balkans: Month-by-Month Breakdown

The Balkans have a wider travel window than most people think. It’s not just a summer destination — May through October all work, and each month offers something different. Here’s the honest breakdown.

The short answer

May–June and September are the sweet spot. Warm weather, manageable crowds, lower prices, and everything is open. If you can only pick one month, pick September — the sea is warmest from summer sun, the crowds thin out, and the light is golden.

Month by month

April

The coast is waking up. Temperatures hit 16–20°C. Some restaurants and hotels are still closed, especially on islands. Inland (Mostar, Sarajevo) is pleasant. Kravica Waterfalls are at full flow from spring rain. Budget accommodation is at its cheapest.

Good for: Budget travelers, culture over beaches, photography.

May

This is when the Balkans turn on. Temperatures reach 22–26°C. Everything is open, flowers are blooming, waterfalls are strong. Crowds haven’t arrived yet. This is arguably the best month for a Dubrovnik–Mostar–Kotor trip.

Good for: Everything. The best all-round month.

June

Summer begins. Temperatures hit 28–30°C. Swimming season starts on the coast. Dubrovnik and Split get busier but aren’t overwhelming yet. Mostar and Sarajevo are warm and lively.

Good for: Beach + culture combo, day trips, outdoor activities.

July

Hot. 32–38°C, especially inland (Mostar regularly hits 38°C). Dubrovnik is packed with cruise ship visitors. Beaches are busy. This is peak pricing for accommodation and transfers. Book everything in advance.

Good for: Beach holidays, island hopping. Less ideal for inland touring.

August

The hottest and busiest month. Mostar can hit 40°C. Border crossings have their longest wait times. Prices peak. But — this is when most Europeans take holiday, so it’s when most people actually travel.

Good for: If it’s your only option, go. Just start early each day and rest midday.

September

The secret best month. Still 26–30°C. Sea temperature is at its warmest (from months of summer sun). Crowds drop significantly after the first week. Prices start falling. The light is warm and golden — perfect for photos.

Good for: Everything. The competition with May for best month.

October

Shoulder season begins. 18–24°C. Some island services wind down. The coast is pleasant, inland gets cooler. Autumn colors appear in Bosnia’s mountains. Rain becomes more likely, especially later in the month.

Good for: Budget travel, fewer crowds, autumn photography.

November – March

Off-season. The coast is mild (10–16°C) but many restaurants close in smaller towns. Sarajevo gets cold and snowy — beautiful but a different experience. Mostar is quiet but the bridge and old town are atmospheric in winter light.

Good for: City breaks in Sarajevo (especially with snow), off-season Dubrovnik, budget accommodation.

Temperature comparison

Month	Dubrovnik	Mostar	Sarajevo	Kotor
May	22°C	24°C	18°C	22°C
June	26°C	28°C	22°C	26°C
July	30°C	34°C	26°C	30°C
August	30°C	34°C	26°C	30°C
September	26°C	28°C	20°C	26°C

Mostar is consistently the hottest due to its inland valley position. Sarajevo is the coolest due to altitude (500m).

When to book transfers

Summer (Jun–Aug): Book at least 48 hours ahead, ideally a week. Popular routes sell out.
Shoulder (May, Sep, Oct): 24 hours is usually fine.
Off-season: Same-day booking usually possible.

Start planning your trip →

Popular transfers: Dubrovnik to Kotor · Split to Dubrovnik · Day Trips from Dubrovnik · Day Trips from Split