Things to Do in Bosnia and Herzegovina in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather across the entire country - temperatures in the 15-20°C (59-68°F) range mean you can tackle the Via Dinarica trails or Sutjeska National Park without overheating, and the mountains are carpeted in wildflowers by mid-May
- Shoulder season pricing on accommodations - you'll pay 30-40% less than July-August rates, and actually have your pick of guesthouses in popular spots like Mostar and Sarajevo without booking months ahead
- The countryside is absolutely stunning right now - everything is intensely green from spring rains, fruit trees are blooming in Herzegovina, and the rivers are running high and clear, making rafting on the Neretva and Tara particularly spectacular
- Locals are out and about but tourist crowds haven't peaked yet - you can visit Stari Most in Mostar around 9am and have it mostly to yourself, while cafes in Baščaršija are full of Sarajevans rather than tour groups
Considerations
- Weather can be genuinely unpredictable - you might get three gorgeous days followed by two rainy ones, and mountain conditions can shift quickly, which makes planning specific outdoor activities a bit of a gamble
- Some mountain roads and hiking trails at higher elevations might still be muddy or occasionally snow-covered, particularly anything above 1,800 m (5,900 ft) in the Dinaric Alps - check local conditions before heading out
- Occasional rain means you need to pack layers and be flexible - those afternoon showers can last 30-90 minutes and genuinely disrupt outdoor plans, though locals just head to a kafana and wait them out over coffee or rakija
Best Activities in May
Whitewater Rafting on the Tara River Canyon
May is actually the best month for rafting the Tara Canyon - Europe's deepest river gorge - because snowmelt from the mountains means the river is running high and fast, creating proper Class III-IV rapids. The water is cold, around 10-12°C (50-54°F), but you'll be in a wetsuit anyway. The canyon walls are impossibly green this time of year, and you'll likely spot golden eagles. Most operators run full-day trips from Foča or the Montenegrin side, and the combination of adrenaline and scenery is genuinely spectacular.
Sarajevo Food Walking Tours and Kafana Culture
May is perfect for exploring Sarajevo on foot because temperatures are comfortable for walking 4-5 hours through Baščaršija, Ferhadija, and the neighborhoods beyond. This is when you'll find the best seasonal produce at Markale Market - wild asparagus, fresh cheese from mountain villages, and the first cherries from Herzegovina. Food tours typically include ćevapi, burek, baklava, and Bosnian coffee, but the real insider move is visiting traditional kafanas where locals gather - these neighborhood spots serve homemade dishes like klepe (dumplings) and sogan-dolma that you won't find in tourist areas.
Hiking in Sutjeska National Park and Perućica Rainforest
May is ideal for tackling the trails around Maglić (Bosnia's highest peak at 2,386 m / 7,828 ft) before summer heat arrives. The primeval Perućica rainforest - one of Europe's last old-growth forests - is particularly magical right now with spring growth and waterfalls running full. The Skakavac waterfall trail is manageable for most fitness levels and takes about 3 hours round trip. Higher elevation trails might still have patches of snow, but below 1,500 m (4,900 ft) conditions are generally excellent. The park sees very few visitors in May compared to July-August.
Mostar and Herzegovina Wine Country Day Trips
Herzegovina's wine region around Mostar, Počitelj, and Blagaj is absolutely stunning in May - the vineyards are bright green, the Neretva River is turquoise from snowmelt, and temperatures are perfect for visiting outdoor sites like the Blagaj Tekke without melting. Local wineries produce excellent Žilavka (white) and Blatina (red) varieties, and May tastings often include last year's vintages plus new releases. Combining wine tasting with visits to Počitelj's Ottoman fortress and Kravica waterfalls (which are actually impressive in May with high water flow) makes for an ideal day trip.
Via Dinarica Trail Sections and Mountain Villages
May is the start of proper hiking season on the Via Dinarica - the long-distance trail that runs through Bosnia's mountain spine. The section from Lukomir (Europe's highest inhabited village at 1,469 m / 4,820 ft) offers spectacular views across the Rakitnica Canyon and stays in traditional stone houses. The Bjelašnica and Visočica ranges are accessible now, with wildflower meadows and shepherd huts where you can buy fresh cheese. Day hikes work well if you're not doing the full thru-hike - the Umoljani to Lukomir section takes about 5 hours and showcases traditional mountain life that's largely disappeared elsewhere in Europe.
Jajce Waterfalls and Pliva Lakes Region
The Pliva waterfall in Jajce - where the river drops 22 m (72 ft) right in the town center - is at its most powerful in May thanks to snowmelt. The Pliva Lakes just outside town are surrounded by traditional wooden watermills that actually still function, and the water is that impossible turquoise color. May temperatures are perfect for cycling the 30 km (18.6 miles) of trails around the lakes, and you can rent bikes in town for 15-20 KM (7-10 EUR) per day. The medieval fortress above town offers views across central Bosnia, and you'll have the place mostly to yourself compared to summer months.
May Events & Festivals
Ajvatovica Pilgrimage
This is one of Europe's largest Islamic pilgrimages, held annually near Prusac (about 90 km / 56 miles from Sarajevo). While the exact date varies based on the Islamic calendar, it typically falls in late May or early June. Tens of thousands of pilgrims gather at a site where, according to legend, a dervish's prayers moved a mountain. Even if you're not Muslim, locals are generally welcoming to respectful observers. The atmosphere is remarkable - traditional music, communal meals, and a genuine sense of living tradition. Worth experiencing if your dates align, but check the lunar calendar for 2026 dates.