Things to Do in Taoyuan in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Taoyuan
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect transitional weather - daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) mean you can comfortably explore outdoor attractions from 9am to 5pm without the oppressive summer heat. Locals actually prefer April for hiking trails around Daxi and cycling the waterfront paths.
- Minimal rainfall with only 5 mm (0.2 inches) total - those 10 rainy days typically bring brief 15-20 minute showers rather than all-day downpours. You'll rarely need to cancel outdoor plans, just shift them by an hour or two.
- Post-Tomb Sweeping pricing dip - accommodation rates drop 20-30% after the early April holiday rush ends around April 5-6. Mid to late April offers shoulder season value while weather remains excellent.
- Cherry blossom tail end at higher elevations - while peak season ends in March, you can still catch late bloomers at Lala Mountain (1,640 m / 5,380 ft elevation) through mid-April, with far fewer crowds than the March madness.
Considerations
- Air quality variability - April sits in that unpredictable zone where you might get crystal clear days or hazy conditions depending on wind patterns from industrial areas. Check AQI readings daily and plan indoor museum visits for hazier days.
- Temperature swings require layering strategy - that 7°C (13°F) difference between morning lows of 18°C (64°F) and afternoon highs of 25°C (77°F) means you'll be peeling off layers by noon. Evenings cool down quickly after sunset around 6:15pm.
- Limited festival action compared to other months - April is honestly a quiet cultural period between Tomb Sweeping (early April) and Dragon Boat prep (May-June). If you're specifically chasing traditional festivals, February or October offer more.
Best Activities in April
Shimen Reservoir and surrounding hiking trails
April weather is genuinely ideal for the reservoir area - comfortable temperatures for the 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 mile) trails around the water, and spring runoff keeps water levels photogenic. The 70% humidity sounds high but with temperatures only reaching 25°C (77°F), it's actually pleasant for morning hikes starting around 7-8am. Late April sees fewer domestic tourists after the Tomb Sweeping rush.
Daxi Old Street cultural exploration
The baroque-style facades and traditional workshops are best experienced in April's mild weather - you'll be walking 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) through narrow streets where summer heat gets trapped. April also marks the start of dried tofu production season using traditional methods. Visit between 10am-4pm when shops are fully open but before evening tour groups arrive around 5pm.
Lala Mountain high-altitude forest bathing
At 1,640 m (5,380 ft), Lala Mountain stays 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler than Taoyuan city - perfect when lowland areas warm up in late April. The giant cypress trees and moss-covered trails benefit from April's light rainfall keeping everything lush. Mornings often feature dramatic cloud formations. The 2.8 km (1.7 mile) main trail takes 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace.
Taoyuan night market food tours
April evenings cooling to 18-20°C (64-68°F) make night market exploration actually comfortable - summer months get sweltering in crowded market lanes. Zhongli Night Market and Taoyuan Tourism Night Market hit peak energy between 7-10pm. Spring vegetables like bamboo shoots and wild greens appear in seasonal dishes. Budget NT$300-500 for a thorough eating tour.
Cycling the coastal waterfront paths
The 15 km (9.3 mile) waterfront route from Zhuwei to Yongan Fishing Port is spectacular in April - minimal rain, comfortable temperatures, and spring bird migrations along the wetlands. Start early (7-9am) to avoid afternoon UV index of 8, and you'll share the path mainly with locals doing their morning exercise. Flat terrain suitable for casual riders.
Xiaowulai Waterfall and skywalk experience
April's light rainfall keeps the waterfall flowing impressively without the summer torrent that creates too much mist for photos. The glass-bottom skywalk extending 11 m (36 ft) over the gorge is less crowded mid-April after domestic holiday rush. Temperatures around 23-24°C (73-75°F) at this elevation make the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) trail system comfortable. Plan 3-4 hours total including travel from central Taoyuan.
April Events & Festivals
Tomb Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival)
Falls on April 4-5 in 2026 - this is when locals return to ancestral hometowns to clean graves and make offerings. You'll notice many businesses close April 4-6, and domestic travel peaks. Not a tourist spectacle, but culturally significant. Expect fuller trains and buses if traveling during this window, and book accommodation well ahead if visiting early April.