Is the air quality good in Sarajevo?
As of November 9, 2026, at 7:30 AM CET (GMT+1), air quality in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is poor, with AQI above 160, classified as “unhealthy,” with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant, currently 14.6 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. PM10 levels are also elevated.
These conditions pose health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear a mask when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.
Sarajevo’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 28.4 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 85, classified as “moderate” and 5.68 times the WHO annual guideline. Today’s readings are significantly above that annual average.
For real-time conditions, see Sarajevo’s air quality map.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 7:30 AM (local time) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as of 7:30 AM (local time) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Sarajevo?
The hourly forecast shows AQI declining through the morning and afternoon as temperatures rise and winds strengthen slightly, easing into the moderate range by mid-afternoon. The daily forecast indicates mostly moderate air quality over the coming days.
However, pollution builds during evening and night hours and is highest in the heating season, so episodes are likely to recur through winter, particularly during calm, cold conditions (1).
Hourly air quality forecast for Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as of 7:30 AM (local time) on November 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Sarajevo?
Sarajevo’s air pollution spike today is likely linked to increased emissions from residential heating, as around 40,000 households rely on solid fuels, particularly wood and coal. Burning these fuels releases fine particulate matter, especially during the evening and night (2).
Sarajevo’s valley setting, surrounded by mountains, makes pollutant dispersion difficult. Temperature inversions trap cold air and pollutants close to the ground (3), while near-calm winds and humidity above 90% further limit dispersion, allowing smoke and particulate matter to accumulate.
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.
