Is the air quality good in Sarajevo?
As of January 22, 2026, at 9:30 PM PT, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is experiencing extremely poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 400, placing conditions firmly in the hazardous range.
PM2.5 concentrations are many times higher than World Health Organization guidelines, resulting in dense smog across the city and severely reduced visibility.
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 vital to remember 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 6.16 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranked as the most polluted major city on January 22, 2026 at 9:30 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Sarajevo?
Air quality in Sarajevo is expected to improve significantly by 7:00 AM PT, January 23, 2026, with AQI levels forecast to drop into the moderate range as rainfall helps wash pollutants out of the air.
Conditions are likely to remain improved over the next few days as continued rain and better ventilation limit pollution buildup. However, severe air pollution episodes are a recurring winter issue in Sarajevo.
Hourly air quality forecast for Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on January 22, 2026 at 9:30 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
Daily air quality trends in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on January 22, 2026 at 9:30 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Sarajevo?
The primary causes of poor air quality in Sarajevo include:
- Home heating: An estimated between 30,000 and 40,000 households rely on damp wood, biomass, and inefficiently-burning stoves. Home heating sources emit excessive amounts of PM2.5 (1).
- Geography: Sarajevo lies in a valley surrounded by mountains. This helps trap pollutants and reduce airflow in fall and winter months.
- Industry and vehicle emissions: Outdated vehicles, factories, and coal-burning power plants are the primary sources of regional nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions (2).
- Weather: Temperature inversions and cold temperatures in autumn and winter worsen pollutant accumulation.
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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.
