Things to Do in Taoyuan in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Taoyuan
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Pleasant shoulder season temperatures - 21-28°C (70-82°F) means you can actually explore outdoor sites like Daxi Old Street or Cihu Memorial Sculpture Park without the brutal summer heat. You'll see locals out cycling and hiking, which tells you everything about how comfortable May weather really is.
- Minimal rainfall with only 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) across 10 days - these are brief passing showers, not the sustained downpours of typhoon season. Most rain happens overnight or in short 15-20 minute bursts that clear quickly, so you won't lose entire days to weather.
- Pre-summer pricing on accommodations and tours - May sits right before the June-August peak tourist season, so you'll find hotel rates 20-30% lower than high season, and popular sites like the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport observation deck or Xpark Aquarium have noticeably thinner crowds on weekdays.
- Dragon Boat Festival preparation season - while the actual festival timing varies (lunar calendar), May typically sees practice sessions on Taoyuan's rivers and lakes, plus early festival market stalls appearing with zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and traditional crafts. It's a genuine cultural window that tourists in other months completely miss.
Considerations
- Variable weather patterns make daily planning tricky - that 70% humidity combined with unpredictable brief showers means you can't reliably plan outdoor activities days in advance. Locals check weather apps each morning and adjust plans accordingly, and you'll need to do the same.
- Not the ideal month for mountain activities - while temperatures are comfortable at lower elevations, the 10 rainy days can make trails in areas like Lala Mountain muddy and visibility poor. If hiking is your primary reason for visiting, October-November offers more reliable conditions.
- Limited seasonal food specialties - May doesn't align with major harvest seasons for local produce. You'll miss the winter citrus season and arrive before summer's passion fruit and dragon fruit peaks. The food scene is still excellent, just not showcasing seasonal Taoyuan agriculture at its best.
Best Activities in May
Daxi Old Street Cultural Exploration
May's moderate temperatures make this the perfect month to explore Daxi's baroque-style historic streets without the oppressive summer heat. The 21-28°C (70-82°F) range means you can comfortably walk the 2 km (1.2 miles) of covered arcades, browse traditional woodcarving shops, and sample dried tofu snacks without constantly seeking air conditioning. The humidity actually enhances the aroma of the wood workshops. Weekday mornings (9-11am) offer the best experience before tour groups arrive.
Xpark Aquarium Indoor Experience
Perfect backup plan for those 10 rainy days, and honestly worth visiting regardless of weather. May's shoulder season means 30-40% fewer visitors than summer months, so you'll actually see the exhibits without fighting crowds. The UV index of 8 makes this climate-controlled environment particularly appealing during midday hours (11am-3pm). Budget 3-4 hours to see everything properly. The jellyfish and penguin exhibits are genuinely world-class.
Shimen Reservoir Cycling Routes
May offers ideal cycling conditions before summer's heat arrives. The 16 km (10 miles) lakeside trail stays relatively flat with occasional gentle climbs, and the 21°C (70°F) morning temperatures mean you can ride comfortably from 7-10am. The reservoir's water level is typically good in May after spring rains but before summer drawdown begins. Occasional light showers actually provide welcome cooling - just wait out the 15-20 minute bursts under pavilions along the route.
Night Market Food Tours
May evenings are perfect for night market exploration - warm enough at 21-24°C (70-75°F) that you'll be comfortable walking between stalls, but not the sweltering heat of July-August. The 70% humidity actually enhances food aromas. Zhongli Night Market and Taoyuan Night Market both operate 6pm-midnight daily. Budget 2-3 hours and NT$300-500 per person to eat your way through properly. The weather in May means outdoor seating areas are actually pleasant to use.
Lala Mountain Forest Recreation Area Day Trips
This is a calculated risk in May - when weather cooperates, the 1,500-2,000 m (4,920-6,560 ft) elevation provides stunning giant cypress forests and temperatures 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler than the city. However, those 10 rainy days often bring clouds and reduced visibility at elevation. Check weather forecasts 2-3 days ahead and be prepared to reschedule. Best visited on clear days in the first half of the month before late-May weather becomes more unpredictable. Allow a full day including 2.5-hour drive each way.
Window on China Theme Park
May's UV index of 8 requires sun protection, but the temperatures are manageable for this outdoor miniature park featuring replicas of world landmarks. The 70% humidity is less oppressive than summer's 85%+. This works particularly well for families with kids who need breaks from cultural sites. The park is large enough that May's medium crowd levels feel comfortable. Budget 4-5 hours. Morning visits (9am-1pm) offer better light for photography and slightly cooler temperatures.
May Events & Festivals
Dragon Boat Festival Preparation Activities
While the actual Dragon Boat Festival date shifts annually based on the lunar calendar (sometimes falling in late May, sometimes June), May typically sees practice sessions on local waterways and early festival markets. You'll spot teams practicing on Nankan River and around Shimen Reservoir, usually early mornings 6-8am and evenings 5-7pm. Traditional zongzi making workshops sometimes pop up at cultural centers - check Taoyuan City Government cultural calendar closer to your dates.