May is a good time and popular peak season to visit all of Taiwan, with blooming flowers in parks and a variety of cultural activities (such as Dragon Boat Races and Mazu Pilgrimage) taking place. The south experiences drier conditions than the north, and the warm to hot weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities.
The rainy season starts from May. Rainfall is higher than in April, and the weather is generally a mix of sunny and overcast, with about 5 hours of sunshine per day. To stay dry, pack an umbrella and have some indoor activities planned if it rains.
Weather Averages in May:
- Temperature range: 24–30°C (75–86°F)
- High feels-like (human temperature): 39°C (102°F)
- Rainfall: 18 cm (7 inches)
- Rainy days: 12
- Sunshine hours/day: 5
- Humidity: 78% (humid across the island, particularly muggy on the Penghu Islands)
Content Preview
- May Climate Comparison
- The Best Things to Do in Taiwan in May
- Festivals and Events that may Impact Your Trip
- What to Wear in May
- Recommended Tours for Taiwan in May
May Climate Comparison (Averages) for Taiwan's Top Tourism Areas
While most of Taiwan is warm to hot in May, there are variations in humidity and rainfall. Taipei experiences heavy rainfall with very high levels of precipitation. In contrast, the Penghu Islands and Tainan (southwest areas) see more moderate rainfall.
| Taiwan city/area | Daily High | Daily Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei (NORTH) | 30°C (86°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 25 cm (10 in) |
| Tainan (SOUTH) | 31°C (88°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 16 cm (6 in) |
| Hualien (EAST) | 29°C (84°F) | 23°C (73°F) | 19 cm (7 in) |
| Penghu Islands (WEST) | 29°C (84°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 12 cm (5 in) |
The Best Things to Do in Taiwan in May
1. Enjoy hydrangeas in Yangmingshan or lotus flowers at the Taipei Botanical Garden
Starting in mid-May, hydrangeas bloom in the Zhuzihu area of Yangmingshan National Park. During the Hydrangea Festival, you'll see stunning landscape displays and can join guided tours of the areas. The flowers come in various colors, making it a perfect spot for photography. Another great spot in Yangmingshan for hydrangeas is Gaojia Hydrangea Garden, ideal for walking around. If you'd like to do a photoshoot, China Highlights can arrange for a photographer. Contact us when booking your trip, and we'll help set it up.
Hydrangea in YangmingshanFrom late May to June, lotus flowers bloom at the Taipei Botanical Garden, making it a must-visit for flower lovers. The Lotus Pond, the largest in the garden, is especially beautiful during this time. You may also spot white cranes and other birds.
The rest of the garden is worth exploring too, including the Cacti and Succulent section, Buddhist Gardens, Chinese Zodiac Garden, and Ginger Park, where ginger plants may bloom in May, depending on the weather. Check out our tour including Yangmingshan and Taipei:The Essence of Taiwan: 9-Day Taipei, Jiufen, Taichung, Puli, Alishan, Chiayi, Taipei, Pingxi and Yangmingshan Tour
2. Watch Dragon Boat Races across Taiwan
The end of May is when Taiwanese people celebrate Dragon Boat Festival. Today, people eat zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and watch dragon boat races to welcome good fortune for summer.
Zongzi, or sticky rice dumplingsDragon boat races take place across Taiwan, but Kaohsiung's Love River offers something unique—the "Flying Dragon on Water" show. Giant dragon-shaped balloons glide over the river, creating a fun and fascinating spectacle.
In 2025, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on May 31. This is also a public holiday and we do recommend calling ahead. If you're interested, our China Highlights team can help include it in your itinerary.
3. Attend the 2025 Taichung Mazu Pilgrimage
Mazu, the Taoist goddess of the sea and protector of sailors, has an important role in Taiwan. In May, Taichung city has some local events that are in honor of Mazu following her birthday (April 20 in 2025, May 9 in 2026), that are worth visiting. On May 1 and May 18 in 2025 there are some cultural festivals at local temples, with locations to be confirmed.
These temple festivals are a great way to see some temples off-the-beaten-path, enjoy local music and dances. You will also be able to try local snacks from food stalls.
4. Watch Fireflies Perform in Da'an Forest Park in Taipei
Early May is the best time of the year to enjoy the fireflies at Da'an Forest Park in Taipei. They generally appear in late April into early May, when temperatures start to warm up.
Fireflies are most active in the evening, after sunset on humid days. On May 5 the firefly festival starts, but they can be seen earlier. Enjoying the fireflies' display is a great evening activity, and also a great opportunity to visit Da'an Forest Park. The park has some great forest paths to visit before the sun goes down, too.
There are other places to see fireflies throughout Taiwan, such as Alishan in Chiayi and Xinshe Lavender Forest in Taichung.
5.Enjoy Fireworks above the Sea in Penghu
The 2025 Penghu International Fireworks Festival runs from May 5 to July 29, with a theme inspired by the famous animated character Snoopy. The fireworks show begins at 9 PM, featuring a breathtaking display of fireworks and drone lights lighting up the night sky over the sea. For detailed information on locations, dates, and schedules, contact us to plan your trip.
Festivals and Events that may Impact Your Trip
Taiwan celebrates Labor Day on May 1 every year. It's a public holiday, and some restaurants, shops, or local attractions close. We recommend checking ahead before going somewhere specific, or asking your hotel to help you confirm opening hours for this day.
What to Wear in May
May is warm to hot, so dress lightly. Loose clothing and natural fabrics help you stay cool. A hat, sunglasses, and a fan are useful. Dresses, skirts, shorts, and t-shirts are ideal.
For firefly watching, wear long sleeves and trousers to avoid mosquito bites. Bring sunscreen and an umbrella or poncho. If you're heading south, pack a swimsuit—you might find a stunning beach.
Recommended Tours for Taiwan in May
To get started on planning your time in Taiwan, see our most popular Taiwan tours. All of our tours are suitable for May, although Taipei can be a little rainy. We do still recommend visiting, and planning your outdoor activities around the weather.
China Highlights can also support you in building a tailored itinerary. Please contact us to begin a tour inquiry. Let us know what you want to see, or what your needs are.
Here are some of our popular tours that are great for visitors in May:
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Taiwan
| January | February | March | April |
| May | June | July | August |
| September | October | November | December |
For a summary, see The Best Times to Visit Taiwan.