Is the air quality good in Sarajevo?
As of September 9, 2026, at 2:30 PM (local time), air quality in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is poor, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 166, placing it in the unhealthy range.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Sarajevo's air quality map.
Although air quality is poor today, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Sarajevo was 28.4 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 85, which falls into the moderate category and was 5.7 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city on September 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Sarajevo?
Air quality is forecast to improve to the moderate range tomorrow, though nearby wildfire activity and shifting smoke may cause conditions to fluctuate.
Hourly air quality forecast for Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on September 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Sarajevo’s location in a mountain valley can also limit pollution dispersal, allowing smoke and other pollutants to linger.
Air quality map of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on September 9, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Sarajevo?
Smoke from nearby wildfires has reached Sarajevo, with a fire in the upper Bijela River canyon and surrounding plateau in Trnovo municipality, on the slopes of Mount Bjelašnica, contributing to increased pollution in the western part of the city (2).
Traffic and restaurant cooking also contribute to Sarajevo’s air pollution. Vehicle exhaust releases fine particles and other pollutants (3), while cooking produces smoke and airborne particles that can affect surrounding areas. These emissions can accumulate when air circulation is limited, further worsening air quality across the city (4).
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.
