SR - Srpski 
Tara rafting in May is the most adrenaline-packed part of the season: snowmelt from Durmitor pushes the water level to its highest point of the year and the rapids are at their strongest. The water is cold (around 8-12°C), so a wetsuit is essential. May is ideal for groups of friends and thrill-seekers, less so for families with young children.
What is the Tara River water level like in May?
May is when the Tara shows its full power. Snow that builds up on Durmitor and the surrounding mountains over winter melts in spring and fills the river to the brim. The result is the highest Tara River water level of the season, a fast current and big waves across 20+ rapids in the most spectacular section of the canyon.
The canyon is fresh and green in May, and the high rock walls feel even more impressive when the river carries you faster than at any other time. The Tara Canyon, up to around 1,300 m deep, is the deepest canyon in Europe, and the water is so clean you can drink it.
May conditions at a glance
- Water level: the highest of the season (snowmelt from Durmitor)
- Rapids: the strongest and most dynamic of the year
- Water temperature: around 8-12°C
- Air temperature: around 18-24°C
- Gear: neoprene wetsuit, life jacket, helmet and paddle - all included
- Descent: about 4 hours, with a short break
- Our pick: the 3-day rafting package, 150€ per person, 20% off on weekdays
Who is May rafting for?
May rafting is the right call if adrenaline is what you are after. It is most loved by:
- groups of friends who want the most exciting descent of the season,
- experienced rafters who have done the Tara in summer and want to see it at full strength,
- fit adult first-timers who do not mind cold water - no experience is needed, as every raft has a licensed skipper and there is a safety briefing before the start.
If this would be your first time, also read our guide to Tara rafting for beginners.
Who should skip May?
To be honest, May is not for everyone. The minimum age for rafting is 6, but we do not recommend May for families with young children. Cold water and powerful rapids are too much for little ones, and parents will not be able to relax either. The second half of June and the summer (July-August) are a much better fit, when the water level drops and the river becomes calmer.
Planning a family trip? See our tips on rafting with kids and our post on Tara rafting in June. The same goes for anyone who really dislikes the cold - the warmer water of July and August (around 16-20°C) will feel much more comfortable.
Rafting over the May 1st holidays
The season opens in May, so May Day rafting is one of the first options of the year and a great way to spend a long weekend outdoors. We recommend getting in touch early so we can check availability for your dates. For a holiday weekend we recommend the 3-day rafting package (150€ per person): two nights, five buffet meals and rafting with full equipment. It makes the most of a long weekend - arrive and settle in, raft the canyon on day two, and still have time for other activities around the camp.
What does a rafting day in May look like?
- Breakfast at the camp, right at the confluence of the Tara and Piva, where the Drina begins.
- Suit up and take a transfer upstream to the starting point, about 1 hour.
- Safety briefing, then the descent through the canyon - about 4 hours with a short break.
- Back to the camp for lunch.
Because the water is cold in May, bring dry clothes and a towel for after the descent. See the full list in what to bring rafting.
May is when the Tara shows why it is called the Tear of Europe - crystal-clear water and a river at full strength.
How much does rafting in May cost?
Prices are the same as for the rest of the season. For May we recommend the 3-day rafting package at 150€ per person - two nights, five buffet meals, rafting with full equipment, transfer, taxes and insurance. With the weekday discount, the 3-day package comes to 120€. From Monday to Friday you get 20% off all packages. Payment is cash only at the camp, in EUR or BAM (KM). Compare all packages on the Tara rafting page, and to see how May compares with the rest of the season, read the best month for Tara River rafting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tara River water level like in May?
In May the Tara has its highest water level of the whole season, as the river fills with melting snow from Durmitor and the surrounding mountains. The rapids are at their strongest and the descent is at its fastest.
How cold is the Tara River in May?
The water is around 8-12°C in May, while the air is around 18-24°C. That is why a neoprene wetsuit is essential - every rafter gets one, together with a life jacket, helmet and paddle.
Is May rafting suitable for beginners?
No prior experience is needed - there is a licensed skipper in every raft and a safety briefing before the start. Still, May is the most demanding month, so it suits people who want adrenaline and do not mind cold water.
Can children go rafting on the Tara in May?
The minimum age for rafting is 6, but we do not recommend May for families with young children. The second half of June and the summer (July-August) are a better fit, when the water level drops and the river is calmer.
Can we go rafting over the May 1st holidays?
The rafting season starts in May, so the May Day holidays are among the first dates of the year. Message or call us in advance so we can check availability for your dates.
Does rafting go ahead if it rains?
Yes, rafting goes ahead in the rain - you will get wet anyway. If you prefer, you can rebook your date.
Book your May rafting trip
If you want the Tara at its wildest, May is your month. Book online or contact us by phone, WhatsApp or at [email protected] - we reply within 24 hours.