Things to Do in Taoyuan in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Taoyuan
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Plum season harvest creates perfect weather window - clear mornings with 6-8 hours of sunshine before afternoon clouds roll in around 3pm
- Tourist numbers drop 40% compared to April cherry blossom crowds, meaning shorter queues at Daxi Old Street and better photo opportunities at Shimen Reservoir without tour groups
- Night markets hit peak form with vendors extending hours due to comfortable 22-24°C (72-75°F) evening temperatures - Zhongli Night Market stays open until 2am
- Hotel rates drop 25-35% from spring peak pricing while weather remains excellent for outdoor activities like cycling the Shimen Reservoir loop trail
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days in May, typically 2-4pm lasting 30-45 minutes, which can disrupt outdoor sightseeing plans
- Humidity reaches 70% making midday outdoor activities feel uncomfortably sticky, especially hiking trails at Hutoushan
- Plum rain season (meiyu) can begin late May, bringing 2-3 consecutive overcast days with persistent drizzle
Best Activities in May
Shimen Reservoir Cycling and Hiking
May's moderate temperatures and clear mornings create ideal conditions for the 15 km (9.3 mile) reservoir cycling loop. Start at 7am to avoid afternoon rain and enjoy mirror-like water reflections. The azalea blooms peak in early May at higher elevations around the dam area. Morning temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) are perfect for the 3-hour moderate hike to Shimen Mountain summit at 551m (1,808 ft).
Daxi Old Street Cultural Walking Tours
With tourist numbers down 40% from April, May offers the best chance to explore Daxi's baroque architecture and traditional crafts workshops without crowds. The famous dried tofu shops and wood carving studios are comfortable to browse in morning temperatures. Late afternoon brings perfect golden hour lighting for photographing the historic facades.
Taoyuan Airport MRT and City Food Tours
May's pleasant evenings make night market hopping ideal. The MRT system connects all major food districts efficiently. Zhongli Night Market, Taoyuan Night Market, and traditional breakfast spots in Pingzhen are easily accessible. Lower humidity in evenings makes street food sampling more comfortable than summer months.
Cihu Mausoleum and Surrounding Forest Trails
Cool morning temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and reduced crowds make May perfect for exploring the historical site and adjacent hiking trails. The 2 km (1.2 mile) forest loop offers excellent bird watching as migratory species pass through. Cherry blossom cleanup is complete, revealing clear mountain views.
Hutoushan Environmental Education Park
May marks the beginning of butterfly migration season. The park's elevated boardwalks and observation decks showcase local wildlife in optimal weather conditions. Morning mist creates dramatic photography opportunities, clearing by 10am for excellent visibility across the Taoyuan plateau.
Traditional Hakka Village Experiences
May weather allows comfortable exploration of outdoor heritage sites in Longtan and surrounding areas. Traditional architecture tours, tea plantation visits, and handicraft workshops benefit from stable morning weather patterns. Lei tea grinding demonstrations and traditional cooking classes are popular in shoulder season.
May Events & Festivals
Taoyuan Hakka Tung Blossom Festival
Late May features the tail end of tung flower blooming in mountain areas around Daxi and Longtan. White petals create 'May snow' carpets on hiking trails. Traditional Hakka performances, lei tea ceremonies, and cultural demonstrations run weekends at various locations.