Is the air quality good in Sarajevo?
On November 7, 2025, at 4 AM PT, air quality in Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina is unhealthy for sensitive groups with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 146.
This level of pollution poses health risks, particularly to sensitive groups, including children, elderly individuals, and those with preexisting respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently, Sarajevo ranks 9th among the most polluted major cities in the world today.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Sarajevo.
While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Sarajevo was 30.8 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 90, which falls into the moderate category and was 6.1 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina ranked as the 9th most polluted major city on Nov 7, 2025 at 4 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Sarajevo?
Forecasts indicate that air quality in Sarajevo is expected to gradually improve later in the day and into the weekend, depending on wind direction and temperature changes.
Hourly air quality forecast for Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina for Nov 7, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina on Nov 7, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Sarajevo?
The primary causes of poor air quality in Sarajevo include:
- Use of solid fuels for heating: Between 30,000 and 40,000 households rely on damp wood and low-quality stoves, which produce large quantities of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) (3).
- Geographical factors: Sarajevo’s valley location surrounded by mountains traps smog and limits air circulation, particularly in colder months.
- Traffic and industrial emissions: Older vehicles and local industries contribute significantly to nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions.
- Climate conditions: Low temperatures and temperature inversions during autumn and winter exacerbate the buildup of pollutants.
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
