Taipei Weather in May

May is warm and wet

May feels hot, damp and often cloudy. Rain can interrupt a day out, so keep outdoor plans flexible. Taipei's covered streets and museums make it easier to change course when showers arrive.

You can still visit the National Palace Museum or explore Ximending between showers. For a clear stretch, take the Maokong Gondola for tea-house views, but don't count on far-reaching sights from the hills. Long hikes in Yangmingshan are less appealing when trails are wet and slippery.

Festivals and local plans

The Baosheng Cultural Festival takes place at Dalongdong Bao'an Temple in spring, often running into May. You may see processions and traditional performances around the temple. Dates vary, so check the festival schedule before you go.

If you hate crowds, May is generally calmer than Taipei's popular November-to-March travel season. It's outside the main cool-weather rush, and hotel rates may be easier on your budget than in those peak months. Rainy weekends can still bring people into shopping areas such as Taipei 101 and the underground malls.

Make rainy days easier

Travelling with kids? Taipei's indoor sights and MRT make it simple to swap a soggy park visit for a museum or a food stop.

A useful local trick: connect Taipei Main Station to its underground shopping streets when rain hits. You can walk between shops and food stalls without stepping back outside. Try a bowl of beef noodle soup nearby, then use the MRT to reach your next stop. Don't rely on a long outdoor walk staying dry; May has frequent rain, and the air can feel sticky even between showers.