Save 10% on our Zipline + Rafting combo! Save big on double the adventure!
Save 10% on our Zipline + Rafting combo! Save big on double the adventure!
Save 10% on our Zipline + Rafting combo! Save big on double the adventure!
Save 10% on our Zipline + Rafting combo! Save big on double the adventure!
Are you planning a whitewater rafting adventure in Tennessee and wondering when is the best time to raft the Ocoee River?
While you can visit Cleveland, Chattanooga, Copperhill, Ducktown, McKenzie, or Blue Ridge any time of year, there are pros and cons to consider depending on when in the season you’re planning to visit.
The Ocoee River changes throughout the year, and so do the rafting options. You can choose from Middle Ocoee Rafting, Upper Ocoee Rafting,or combine both for the full experience with our Full Ocoee Rafting trip. Each offers a unique adventure depending on the time of year.
Finally, bear in mind that although the summer months are some of the most popular times to raft, fall months such as September and October provide a quieter, less crowded experience for your group.
Read on for a month-by-month rundown of what to expect when rafting on the Ocoee River here in beautiful Copperhill.
You’ll have the river mostly to yourself. The Ocoee River water temperature is in the 50s, and the air temperature is usually cool, ranging from the 50s to the 70s. We provide complimentary wetsuits and spray pants, and jackets to help you stay warm. The prices this time of year are great with your online discount; you can sometimes get prices as low as $35/trip. Only the middle section of the Ocoee River runs in March
Air Temperature: 50s–70s °F (10–21 °C),
Water Temperature: 50 °F (10–13 °C)
Less crowded – you’ll mostly have the river to yourself
Only Middle Ocoee runs on weekends
This is a great time for Ocoee River Rafting. The air temperatures range from the 60s to the 80s. The water is warming up on the Ocoee River with water temperatures in the mid to upper 50s. There are very few rafts on the river, which means you can extend your trip with extra whitewater play time as long as you’d like. Depending on the day, you may want to wear a wetsuit or spray gear to make sure you stay warm. A great combination is to do a Mountain bike trip in the cool of the morning, then a rafting trip in the hotter afternoon. Only Middle Ocoee runs are available in April.
Air Temperature: 60s–80s °F (15–27 °C)
Water Temperature: mid to upper 50s °F (13–15 °C)
Less crowded – there are very few rafts on the river
Only Middle Ocoee runs on weekends
This is the beginning of the busy rafting season. Early May weekends are usually warm but still not crowded. Late May begins to resemble June. The weather is warm with air temperatures in the low 90s and Ocoee River water temperatures in the mid 60s. Beginning May 14, the upper Ocoee River runs on Saturdays. This means you have a great package option with us: zipline with us, then take a rafting trip. Just note that on Sundays in May, only the Middle Ocoee section is available for rafting.
Air Temperature: 70s–90s °F (21–32 °C)
Water Temperature: Mid 60s °F (17–18 °C)
Moderately crowded – early May is warm but still not crowded
Middle Ocoee runs on Sundays; Upper Ocoee begins on Saturdays from May 14
The Ocoee Whitewater Rafting season is now in full swing. The Middle Ocoee runs five days a week (Thursday – Monday), and the upper Ocoee runs on the weekends. Wetsuits are no longer needed, but the occasional cloudy or rainy day may be cool enough for splash gear. The air temperature ranges from the 80s to and 90s, and the Ocoee River water temperature is in the 70s. Of the four busy whitewater rafting months (June, July, August, and September.) June is the least busy, especially on Sundays and weekdays.
Air Temperature: 80s–90s °F (27–32 °C)
Water Temperature: 70s °F (21–24 °C)
Moderately crowded – June is the least busy of the four peak months, especially Sundays and weekdays
Middle Ocoee runs five days a week (Thursday–Monday), Upper Ocoee runs on weekends
If you love the lively and festive atmosphere of lots of people, July is your month. It’s hot. The air temperature is in the 90s, and the Ocoee River water temperature is in the mid 70s. Nothing beats the cool spray of whitewater rafting and swimming when the weather is this hot. July is the busiest Ocoee rafting month, but you can still beat the crowds if you plan your trip for early morning or late afternoon and avoid Saturdays. The middle Ocoee runs five days a week (every day except Tuesday and Wednesday). The Upper Ocoee runs on the weekends.
Air Temperature: 90s °F (32–35 °C)
Water Temperature: mid-70s °F (24 °C)
Very crowded – July is the busiest Ocoee rafting month
Middle Ocoee runs five days a week (Thursday–Monday). Upper Ocoee runs on the weekends
Early August is just like July. Late August weekdays and Sundays are actually very laid back. Most kids are either back in school or preparing to return to school in late August, so Sundays and weekdays are relatively open. The temperatures are the same as July, so if you like your whitewater rafting in the hottest part of the year but you want to avoid the crowds, late August is your best time. The Middle Ocoee runs five days a week (every day except Tuesday and Wednesday). The upper Ocoee runs on the weekends.
Air Temperature: 90s °F (32–35 °C)
Water Temperature: mid 70s °F (23–24 °C)
Moderately crowded – Relatively less than July, late August weekdays and Sundays are very laid back
Middle Ocoee runs five days a week (Thursday–Monday). Upper Ocoee runs on the weekends
Most of September is like August, except the river doesn’t run during the week (weekends only). Saturdays in early September are the busiest Ocoee whitewater rafting days of the year. The weather is still hot, and the Ocoee River water temperature is in the mid 70s. The Upper Ocoee only runs the first three Saturdays, so no more upper or full river trips after September 17.
Air Temperature: 80s–90s °F (27–32 °C)
Water Temperature: Mid 70s °F (23–24 °C)
Moderately crowded – Saturdays in early September are the busiest rafting days of the year.
Middle Ocoee runs every weekend. Upper Ocoee runs only on the first three Saturdays
This is one of the best times of the year to go rafting. The Ocoee River only runs on the weekends (Middle Ocoee only), but even Saturdays are crowd-free. The air temperature is usually warm, 70s – 80s, and the Ocoee River water temperature is still in the 70s. Even the occasional cool day is pleasant, since the water temperature stays so warm. No other time of the year can match the beauty of October in the Ocoee River gorge. The fall colors create a spectacular backdrop for your Ocoee rafting adventure.
Air Temperature: 70s–80s °F (21–27 °C)
Water Temperature: 70s °F (21–24 °C)
Less crowded – even Saturdays are crowd-free
Only Middle Ocoee runs on weekends
The Ocoee’s busiest times are Saturday trip times between 10 AM and 2 PM in July, August, and September.
There are several good reasons to avoid the busiest rafting times if you can help it. It’s hard to find a parking space. You have to book your trip early so you can get your preferred trip time. It’s difficult to bring extra people at the last minute. It’s harder for RaftOne’s staff to give you the personalized attention you deserve. There can be long lines of rafts waiting to be put on the river. And of course, it’s the most expensive time to go.
On the other hand, the rafting trip itself isn’t much different whether it’s a busy day or a laid-back day. It’s true if everyone on the trip has time, we can add extra stops at play spots on non-busy days, but in general, once on the river, the quality of the Ocoee Rafting trip is the same. All the extra rafts and kayaks on the river can be an added obstacle for your raft to maneuver around, but then again, if you fall out of the raft, there’s a good chance you won’t go far before you bump into another raft. Lots of people like the festive atmosphere created by big crowds, and the Ocoee’s busiest days definitely qualify.
All in all, we still recommend avoiding the busiest times if your schedule allows. Even if you can’t avoid going on a busy Saturday, spend Friday night in the Ocoee area and get on an early Saturday trip. Or book a late afternoon Saturday trip and spend Saturday night with us. The busiest days are also the longest days of the year. It doesn’t get dark in July and August until well past 8 PM, so a 4 PM or even 5 PM trip gets you back to the outpost in plenty of time for an evening of good food, great people, and awesome rafting stories.
ℹ️ Need help planning your Ocoee Visit? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Ocoee for insider tips, local stay options, restaurants, and packing checklists.
The best time depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. July offers peak excitement and a festive atmosphere, while late August and October are perfect for those who want fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. For the best mix of warm weather and moderate crowds, try May or June.
The Ocoee River rafting season typically runs from March through October. Only the Middle Ocoee section runs early in the season (March–April), while the Upper Ocoee opens on select days from May through mid-September.
The Middle Ocoee is the most popular section and runs more frequently. The Upper Ocoee, which includes the Olympic whitewater course, offers more intense rapids and is available on select weekends from May to mid-September.
July, August, and early September Saturdays (especially between 10 AM and 2 PM) are the busiest rafting times on the Ocoee River. For a more relaxed experience, book a weekday trip or go rafting in October when the crowds are smaller.
During spring and fall rafting trips, water temperatures can be cooler, so wetsuits or splash gear are recommended. RaftOne provides complimentary gear in early-season months like March and April to keep you warm and comfortable.
We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance for summer weekends, especially in July and August. For holiday weekends or large group rafting packages, earlier reservations ensure your preferred time and package availability.
