Asia
Taiwan in May
Good early, soggy late. The plum rain front can park over the island for days.
The straight answer
May is a quiet, good-value month to visit Taiwan. Good early, soggy late. The plum rain front can park over the island for days.
- Weather
- Hot and humid, highs near 84F (29C), plum rains arrive mid month
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What May is like in Taiwan
May turns hot and humid, with highs near 84F (29C). The first half of the month is often still good, with green hills and comfortable mornings. Around mid month, the plum rain front arrives and can park over the island for days of heavy, steady rain. The Dragon Boat Festival may fall in late May, depending on the lunar calendar. Crowds and prices drop after spring.
It suits budget travelers and anyone who can travel in the first half of the month. It is a weaker pick for hikers, mountain trips, or anyone who needs dry days. For reliable weather, choose April, or October and November.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Taiwan this month.
Early May before the rains
The first two weeks usually bring decent weather for Sun Moon Lake and the northeast coast.
Dragon Boat Festival, some years
When it lands in late May, boat races run on rivers around the island and rice dumplings are everywhere.
Maokong Gondola and tea
Ride the gondola above Taipei to the tea hills of Maokong, a fun half day with kids on a clear morning.
What to pack for May
- A packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry, breathable clothing
- A sturdy umbrella
- Waterproof sandals
Our timing tip
Book the first half of May, and keep a few indoor options like the National Palace Museum ready for rainy days.
Book Taiwan for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in TaiwanOpens a hotel search for Taiwan in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in TaiwanWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in TaiwanTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Taiwan for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Dragon Boat Festival
Late May to June, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month
Races on rivers around the island, rice dumplings everywhere, and a national holiday long weekend.
Things to do in Taiwan
National Palace Museum
Go at opening on a weekday and head straight for the jade cabbage and the meat-shaped stone before the tour groups arrive.
Taipei night markets
Raohe is more compact and local than Shilin. Go hungry after 7pm and share everything.
Sun Moon Lake
Cycle the lakeshore path and ride the ropeway. Weekdays in spring and fall are ideal; weekends fill with domestic tourists.
Alishan and the forest railway
Stay overnight for sunrise over the sea of clouds. Blossom season (roughly March to April) is the busiest time on the mountain.
Taroko Gorge
The marble gorge was badly damaged by the April 2024 Hualien earthquake and some trails and road sections remain closed. Check the national park service before you plan around it.
Jiufen and the northeast coast
The hillside teahouse town is magical at dusk and packed on weekends. Combine with the Pingxi line and Shifen Waterfall.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid weekends at Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake, and Alishan. On weekdays outside holidays they are completely different places.
- Book the high-speed rail and any train home during Chinese New Year, Tomb Sweeping Day, and the Dragon Boat long weekend weeks ahead; tickets vanish.
- Do the night markets on a weeknight and arrive when they open. By 9pm on a Saturday Shilin is a shuffle.
- When the north is gray from November to March, flip the itinerary: spend more days in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Kenting, where it is sunny.
Know before you go
- Chinese New Year: many family restaurants, market stalls, and small shops close for several days. Major museums and department stores mostly stay open but run holiday hours.
- Typhoons close mountain roads, suspend ferries to Green Island, Orchid Island, and Penghu, and can cancel domestic flights, usually for one to three days.
- Taroko Gorge: large parts of the park were closed after the April 2024 earthquake and reopening has been gradual. Treat any Taroko plans as subject to change.
- The National Palace Museum closes on Mondays; check current hours before you build a Taipei day around it.
Taiwan in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Taiwan?
May is a quiet, good-value month to visit Taiwan. Good early, soggy late. The plum rain front can park over the island for days.
What is the weather like in Taiwan in May?
Hot and humid, highs near 84F (29C), plum rains arrive mid month.
Is Taiwan crowded in May?
May is one of the quieter months in Taiwan; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Taiwan in May?
Dragon Boat Festival (late may to june, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month).
Keep planning Taiwan.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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