Bijeljina Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Bosnia and Herzegovina

Summer

Bijeljina has hot summers that start in June and last until August. The average temperature during these months is around 25°C (77°F), with highs reaching up to 35°C (95°F) on the hottest days. While humidity is generally moderate, it can become uncomfortable at times, especially during heat waves. Thunderstorms are common in the summer months, particularly in the afternoons and evenings.

Winter

Winters in Bijeljina are cold and damp, with temperatures typically ranging between 0°C (32°F) and 10°C (50°F) from December to February. Occasional snowfall does occur, but it rarely accumulates for extended periods. Fog and mist are frequent during the winter months, reducing visibility and contributing to the overall cold and dreary atmosphere.

Summer Temperatures in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina

During the summer months in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the average temperature hovers around 77°F (25°C), with highs reaching an average of 86°F (30°C) in July and August. These warm temperatures, coupled with the city’s humidity, can make for hot and sticky conditions. However, the occasional afternoon thunderstorm provides some relief from the heat. Clear skies and sunshine are abundant during the summer months, making it an ideal time to explore the city and its surroundings.

Winter Temperatures in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In contrast to the warm summers, winters in Bijeljina are cold and snowy. The average temperature in December, January, and February is around 37°F (3°C), with lows dropping to an average of 27°F (-3°C). Snow is common during these months, and the city often experiences several snowstorms. The combination of cold temperatures and snow can make it difficult to get around, but the city’s central location and well-maintained roads ensure that most areas remain accessible. Despite the cold, winter in Bijeljina has its own unique charm, with snow-covered landscapes and festive holiday decorations adorning the streets.

Cloud Cover and Types

Bijeljina, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, experiences varying cloud cover throughout the year, influencing its weather conditions. During summer, the city typically has 4-6 oktas of cloud cover, indicating partly to mostly cloudy skies. These clouds often bring scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon or evening. In contrast, winter brings more overcast conditions, with cloud cover often reaching 7-8 oktas. This persistent cloud cover can result in extended periods of drizzle, fog, and reduced visibility.

Impact on Weather Patterns

The cloud cover in Bijeljina plays a significant role in shaping its local weather patterns. During summer, the clouds can provide some relief from the intense heat, shielding the city from direct sunlight. However, they can also contribute to high humidity levels, leading to uncomfortable conditions. In winter, the thick cloud cover traps heat near the ground, preventing temperatures from dropping as low as they would under clear skies. This effect can result in milder winters compared to other regions at similar latitudes. Additionally, the clouds often associated with winter in Bijeljina can create conditions favorable for fog formation, which can impact visibility and transportation.

Geographical and Climate Conditions

Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, has a temperate continental climate which is characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The average temperature throughout the year ranges from -1.1 to 23.3 degrees Celsius. The city lies in the Pannonian Basin, which influences the local climate, contributing to low humidity levels.

Precipitation Patterns

Precipitation in Bijeljina is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with an annual average of 850-900 mm. However, summer months tend to experience slightly higher rainfall than winter months, with July being the wettest month and December the driest. Snowfall is common during the winter, and occasional thunderstorms can occur during the summer. The city occasionally experiences heavy rainfall events, which can cause flooding in certain areas.

Annual Rainfall Patterns

Bijeljina receives a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of approximately 800 millimeters. The wettest season extends from April to June, during which monthly rainfall typically exceeds 100 millimeters. The driest months occur in July and August, with average rainfall dropping below 50 millimeters. This seasonal variation in rainfall is influenced by the Mediterranean climate of the region, characterized by wet winters and dry summers.

Seasonal Distribution

The majority of rainfall in Bijeljina falls during the spring and autumn months. From March to May, the city experiences moderate rainfall, with average monthly precipitation ranging from 60 to 80 millimeters. In September and October, rainfall intensifies slightly, with monthly averages reaching 90 to 100 millimeters. The winter months, from November to February, bring relatively low rainfall, with average monthly precipitation below 50 millimeters. However, occasional snowfall can occur during this period, particularly at higher elevations.

Snowfall Impacts

Heavy snowfall has blanketed Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, disrupting daily life and posing challenges for residents. Schools and businesses have been closed, and transportation has been severely impacted. Roads are impassable in some areas due to the snow accumulation, making it difficult for people to access essential services and get around town.

The snowfall is expected to continue throughout the day, with the possibility of further accumulation. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel unless it is absolutely essential. Emergency services are on standby to respond to any weather-related emergencies that may arise.

Sunrise and Sunset Times:

The sun rises and sets at different times throughout the year in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, due to its location on the Earth and the tilt of the Earth’s axis. The earliest sunrise occurs around 5:30 AM in mid-June, while the latest sunset happens approximately 8:30 PM in late December. During the summer months, the days are longer and the nights are shorter, while the reverse is true during the winter months.

Seasonal Variations in Sunlight:

The amount of sunlight that Bijeljina receives varies depending on the season. In the summer, the days are longer, and the sun is higher in the sky, resulting in more intense and prolonged sunlight. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities, such as swimming, picnicking, and hiking. In contrast, during the winter, the days are shorter, and the sun’s rays are weaker and less direct. As a result, the city experiences less sunlight and shorter days.

Moon Phases in Bijeljina

The phases of the Moon are determined by its position relative to the Earth and the Sun. In Bijeljina, as in all locations on Earth, the Moon goes through a cyclical pattern of phases. The new Moon phase occurs when the Moon is located between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth. As the Moon moves around the Earth, it gradually becomes more visible, leading to the waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full Moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent phases. The full Moon phase occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, making its entire illuminated side visible. The cycle of Moon phases takes approximately 29.5 days to complete.

Moonrise and Moonset

The times of Moonrise and Moonset in Bijeljina vary depending on the day of the year and the phase of the Moon. During the new Moon phase, the Moon is not visible in the sky. As the Moon waxes, it rises and sets later each day. The full Moon phase occurs when the Moon is highest in the sky and rises around sunset and sets around sunrise. After the full Moon phase, the Moon begins to wane, rising and setting earlier each day. The times of Moonrise and Moonset can be affected by factors such as the observer’s location, weather conditions, and the presence of obstacles like buildings or mountains.

Humidity Patterns in Bijeljina

Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, experiences varied humidity levels throughout the year. During the summer months from June to August, the humidity rises, often reaching high levels. The average humidity during this period ranges between 70% and 80%. The high humidity levels during summer are influenced by the warm and humid air masses from the Mediterranean Sea. These air masses bring moisture into the region, resulting in a muggy and uncomfortable environment.

In contrast, winter in Bijeljina brings much lower humidity levels. From December to February, the average humidity drops to around 60% or below. During this time, the air is drier and less humid, providing a more comfortable atmosphere. The lower humidity levels during winter are due to colder air temperatures, which can’t hold as much moisture as warmer air. Additionally, the prevalence of north and east winds during winter contributes to the lower humidity levels, as these winds typically carry drier air from continental regions.

Seasonal Wind Patterns

Bijeljina experiences distinct seasonal variations in wind patterns. During the winter months (December-February), cold northeasterly winds prevail, bringing cold and dry air from the Siberian plains. These winds can be particularly strong and often cause significant snowfall. In contrast, during the summer months (June-August), warm southwesterly winds, known as the “Tramontana,” dominate. These winds originate from the Adriatic Sea and bring warm and humid air, creating comfortable and pleasant weather.

Local Wind Phenomena

Aside from the seasonal winds, Bijeljina also experiences several notable local wind phenomena. The most prominent of these is the “Košava,” a strong, cold wind that blows down from the surrounding mountains. The Košava can reach speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour) and can cause significant dust and snow during the winter months. Another local wind phenomenon is the “Mlađevac,” a warm and dry wind that often occurs during the spring and early summer. The Mlađevac is associated with clear skies and can provide a welcome respite from the colder weather patterns.

Spring (April-May):

Spring in Bijeljina is a delightful time to visit. The weather is pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F). The air is fresh and invigorating, and the city comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery. The days are long, providing ample time for outdoor activities such as exploring the city’s parks, taking leisurely walks along the banks of the Drina River, or visiting the nearby Ethno Village Stanišići.

Autumn (September-October):

Autumn in Bijeljina offers a vibrant tapestry of colors and a refreshing change of pace. The leaves of trees turn golden yellow and fiery red, creating a stunning spectacle. The weather remains mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). The crisp autumn air invites you to embark on scenic hikes through the surrounding hills or visit the nearby vineyards for a taste of the region’s exceptional wines. The city also hosts the traditional “Bijeljina Autumn Fair,” showcasing local crafts, music, and culinary delights.

Solar Energy Potential in Bijeljina

Bijeljina, a city in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, possesses significant potential for solar energy development. The city receives an average of 1,900 sunshine hours annually, providing ample opportunity to harness solar energy for various applications. Furthermore, the relatively flat topography of the Bijeljina region makes it suitable for large-scale solar installations, with abundant land available for the deployment of photovoltaic systems.

Current Solar Energy Development

Currently, solar energy development in Bijeljina is limited to a small number of residential and commercial installations. However, the government and local authorities are actively promoting solar energy adoption through various incentives and initiatives. The city has established a favorable regulatory framework that encourages private investment in solar projects, offering tax breaks and feed-in tariffs to support solar installations. As a result, it is anticipated that solar energy development will significantly increase in the coming years, contributing to the city’s energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

Topography of Bijeljina

Bijeljina is a city located in the northeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to the border with Serbia. The topography of Bijeljina is characterized by a flat landscape, with an average elevation of around 80 meters above sea level. The city is situated on the banks of the Sava River, which forms a natural boundary with Serbia. The Sava River also provides a navigable waterway that connects Bijeljina to other cities in the region.

The surrounding area of Bijeljina is also relatively flat, with rolling hills and gentle slopes. The soil in the region is fertile and has been used for agriculture for centuries. The climate is moderate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in January is around 0 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature in July is around 24 degrees Celsius. The annual precipitation is around 800 mm.

Tuzla International Airport (TZL)

Tuzla International Airport is the nearest airport to Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the city, TZL offers domestic and international flights to various destinations within Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to neighboring countries and major hubs in Europe. The airport serves as a gateway to the northeastern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Bijeljina and surrounding areas.

TZL has a single passenger terminal with modern facilities, including customs and immigration services, baggage claim, duty-free shops, and a currency exchange. The airport also features several restaurants, cafes, and car rental agencies. Ground transportation options include buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services, connecting passengers to Bijeljina and other nearby destinations.

History and Culture:

Bijeljina, a city nestled along the Drina River in Bosnia and Herzegovina, boasts a rich history that spans centuries. Originally a Roman settlement known as Ad Drinum, it later became part of the medieval Bosnian kingdom. In the 16th century, it fell under Ottoman rule and remained under its control for over four centuries. This period left an enduring legacy on Bijeljina, as evidenced by the numerous Ottoman-era mosques and other cultural landmarks that still stand today. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Bijeljina became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and subsequently Yugoslavia. During the Bosnian War in the early 1990s, the city was heavily impacted by ethnic tensions, as it became a frontline in the conflict.

Tourism and Economy:

Today, Bijeljina is a thriving city with a population of over 100,000. The city has a vibrant tourism industry, with visitors drawn to its historical sites, scenic riverfront, and picturesque surroundings. The Church of the Holy Trinity, a magnificent Orthodox cathedral, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a popular tourist destination. The Museum of Semberija provides insights into the region’s history and culture, while the Drina River Park offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Bijeljina also boasts a strong economy, with a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The city has a modern infrastructure and is an important commercial hub in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina.