Weather in Taipei 🇹🇼
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
May
Avg Temp
27°C
Rain Days
20 days
Sun Hours
8 hrs
Humidity
70%
Asia › 🇹🇼 Taiwan › Taipei
Updated: March 2026
Is May a Good Time to Visit Taipei?
4/10
Fair
May is a fair time to visit Taipei (4/10). With 8 daily sunshine hours and only 20 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 6th sunniest of the year in Taipei. May suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 20 potential rain days. June offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 20 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
vs April:25°C avg high
Taipei in May rewards travelers with average highs of 27°C and overnight lows around 22°C. Expect around 20 rainy days, so a compact umbrella is worth carrying. With 8 daily sunshine hours on average, conditions are warm and inviting for outdoor exploration.
27°C
81°F
Avg High
22°C
72°F
Avg Low
20 days
204 mm total
Rain Days
8h
per day avg
Sunshine
70%
Moderate
Humidity
Temperature in Taipei in May
The narrow 5°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures, characteristic of coastal cities with maritime moderation, means a single mid-layer works across the whole day. Humidity averages 70%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 9 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Winds are calm at an average 12 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 81°F average high, 72°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Taipei in May
Morning22°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon27°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening25°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Taipei in May means dressing for 27°C days and 22°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 27°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 22°C, a modest 5°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 20 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. For temple and religious site visits, carry a lightweight scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees, required at most major sites across the region.
Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Taipei's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.
Events in Taipei in May
May has no major festivals or public holidays in Taipei, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Taipei in May
Based on 27°C average highs and 20 rainy days
- Light layers for morning and evening
- Breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Anti-chafe balm for long walking days
- Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics for active days
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Taipei in May
- Explore outdoor markets and street food stallsMid-morning (10am-12pm)At 27°C, the temperature is ideal for extended walking without overheating
- Guided walking tour of the historic centreMorning or late afternoonComfortable temperatures allow several hours on foot without fatigue
- Visit rooftop viewpoints and observation decksGolden hour (1 hour before sunset)Warm clear evenings provide exceptional visibility for panoramic photography
- Day trip to the surrounding countryside or coastFull day (depart by 8am)May is reliably dry enough for rural day trips without weather risk
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 20 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningMay brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Seek out chilled local specialities: cold-brew tea, ice desserts, or chilled seafood at street-level stallsAny time; most atmospheric in evening marketsHot-weather street food culture peaks in May, with vendors setting up specifically for warm evenings
Why is Taipei warm in May?
Taipei's May heat is driven by the Asian summer monsoon system, as the low-pressure cell that forms over the heated landmass draws warm, humid air from the oceans. The result is temperatures averaging 27°C with high moisture in the air. Overnight temperatures remain elevated at 22°C, as clouds and humidity prevent the earth from radiating heat away after sunset. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taipei in May
In May, Taipei experiences average highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). Expect around 20 rainy days and 8 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 70%. The 5°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV index averages 9, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Taipei typically sees 20 rainy days in May, with total precipitation of around 204mm. This is a notably wet period. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential, and it is worth building indoor alternatives into your daily itinerary for the inevitable rainy stretches. For context, the driest month in Taipei typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than May.
Pack light layers, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for Taipei in May. Daytime temperatures of 27°C are pleasant, but the evening drop to 22°C means a jacket is essential if you plan to be out after dark. With 20 rainy days, bring a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Comfortable walking shoes are a priority given the amount of ground most visitors cover.
May is a reasonable time to visit Taipei. Expect 20 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 27°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 8 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Taipei in May is 27°C (81°F), and the average low is 22°C (72°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 25°C (76°F). The day-to-night range of 5°C is narrow, typical of coastal or maritime cities. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Taipei is generally July. July offers the most sunshine at 11 hours per day. Average temperatures reach 31°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around July gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
May is shoulder or low season in Taipei, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 8 sunshine hours and 20 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In May, Taipei suits a range of activities thanks to mild temperatures around 27°C. With frequent rain, indoor activities and covered attractions are a smart choice. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 8 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
May ranks 6th sunniest of the year in Taipei, with an average 8 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are February, January, and March. July is the hottest month (31°C avg high); January is the coolest (18°C). From here, temperatures rise 3°C into June. Compared to last month (April: 25°C high, 16 rain days), May is warmer and wetter. May sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Taipei, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C | 14°C | 14 | 5h | View |
| February | 19°C | 14°C | 13 | 5h | View |
| March | 21°C | 16°C | 14 | 7h | View |
| April | 25°C | 19°C | 16 | 8h | View |
| May | 27°C | 22°C | 20 | 8h | View |
| June | 30°C | 25°C | 21 | 9h | View |
| July | 31°C | 26°C | 19 | 11h | View |
| August | 31°C | 26°C | 21 | 10h | View |
| September | 29°C | 24°C | 16 | 9h | View |
| October | 26°C | 22°C | 16 | 7h | View |
| November | 23°C | 19°C | 15 | 6h | View |
| December | 19°C | 15°C | 15 | 5h | View |
January
14 rain days, 5h sun
18°14°
February
13 rain days, 5h sun
19°14°
March
14 rain days, 7h sun
21°16°
April
16 rain days, 8h sun
25°19°
May
20 rain days, 8h sun
27°22°
June
21 rain days, 9h sun
30°25°
July
19 rain days, 11h sun
31°26°
August
21 rain days, 10h sun
31°26°
September
16 rain days, 9h sun
29°24°
October
16 rain days, 7h sun
26°22°
November
15 rain days, 6h sun
23°19°
December
15 rain days, 5h sun
19°15°
Other Months in Taipei
Plan Your Trip to Taipei
Data Sources for Taipei
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.