If you’re choosing when to visit, Taipei in spring is one of the strongest answers a Taiwan-trained traveler will give you. The cold, gray winter rains are clearing. The summer heat and humidity haven’t arrived yet. Cherry blossoms are still finishing in the Yangmingshan hills, calla lilies fill the Zhuzihu farms, and azaleas (Taipei’s official flower) light up the city’s parks. The food markets are packed with the year’s best fruit. And the city’s weekend culture shifts outdoors — picnics in Da’an Forest Park, hiking on Elephant Mountain, sunset walks along the Tamsui waterfront.
Spring in Taipei is also the slot that travel writers consistently rank as one of the two best windows to visit (the other being autumn). The temperatures are mild, the rain is light when it does fall, the typhoon season is months away, and the natural and festival calendar is the most active it gets all year. The downside? Spring rain is a real thing, and the months overlap weather-wise — early March still feels like late winter, late May already feels like summer.
This guide is the practical one for visiting Taipei in spring 2026: month-by-month weather, what to wear, the cherry blossom and flower season timing, the festivals and events worth planning around, and the best things to do during March, April, and May. By the end, you’ll know exactly when in spring to come and how to pack for it.
Taipei in Spring at a Glance
- Spring season: March through May (with March feeling more like winter, May feeling more like summer)
- Temperatures: 15–28°C (59–82°F) — mild and warming
- Rain: Frequent but mostly light. March is the rainiest month of the year
- Highlights: Cherry blossoms (early), calla lilies (mid), azaleas, Yangmingshan Flower Festival, mild hiking weather
- What to wear: Layers — t-shirts plus a light jacket; rain protection essential
- Crowd level: Moderate. Cherry-blossom weekends busy; weekdays calm
- Cost: Mid-season pricing for hotels and flights
Why Spring Is One of the Best Times to Visit Taipei
Three things make Taipei in spring stand out compared to other times of year:
The weather is comfortable for everything. Summer heat in Taipei is brutal — frequent 35°C+ days with high humidity, plus typhoons. Winter is mild but can be drizzly and gray for weeks. Spring threads the needle: warm enough for t-shirts during the day, cool enough that walking around all day isn’t exhausting, and the dramatic afternoon storms haven’t started yet.
The flowers and festivals overlap. March and April are when Taipei becomes a flower-viewing destination — the late cherry blossoms in the Yangmingshan hills, calla lily fields in Zhuzihu, azaleas in city parks, and several smaller flower festivals around the city. The Yangmingshan Flower Festival itself runs early February to mid-March, but flower viewing extends well into April.
The cultural calendar is busy. Spring is the most active festival season in northern Taiwan. The Mazu Pilgrimage (one of the world’s largest religious processions) takes place in March or April. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival had its main event in late winter / early spring. Smaller temple celebrations run throughout the season.
Taipei Weather in Spring: Month by Month
March in Taipei
Early spring, technically. Average high 22°C (72°F), average low 15°C (59°F). Still feels close to winter, especially in the first half of the month — many local Taipei residents still wear light jackets in March. It’s the wettest month of the year, with about 16 rain days and 180mm of total rainfall — though most of the rain is light drizzle rather than heavy storms.
Highlights: The very end of cherry blossom season in Yangmingshan and Wulai. The Yangmingshan Flower Festival is in full swing through mid-month. Calla lilies start blooming late March.
Drawbacks: Most rain of the year. Some days are gray and chilly enough that you’ll need a real jacket, not just a hoodie.
April in Taipei
The sweet spot of spring. Average high 26°C (79°F), average low 19°C (66°F). Mild, warming, and arguably the best month of the year for outdoor activities in Taipei. Rain is still around (~180mm average) but the temperature is comfortable. T-shirt weather most days.
Highlights: Calla lily season at peak in Zhuzihu. Azalea season in city parks (the National Taiwan University azalea festival is a known event). Final cherry blossoms in high mountains. Comfortable hiking on Yangmingshan and Elephant Mountain. The Mazu Pilgrimage often runs in April.
Drawbacks: Plum-rain season can begin in late April, bringing periods of heavier rain.
May in Taipei
Late spring, edging toward summer. Average high 29°C (84°F), average low 22°C (72°F). Warmer, more humid, and you’ll start to feel summer’s coming. Rain shifts from spring drizzle to occasional heavier showers — the official “plum rain” (梅雨) season begins.
Highlights: Hydrangea season starts in Yangmingshan. Beach trips north of Taipei (Fulong, Yehliu) become viable. Outdoor café culture is at peak.
Drawbacks: Humidity rising. Plum-rain stretches can bring two or three solid rainy days. Late May can already feel like summer.
What to Wear in Taipei in Spring
The single rule: layers. You can run into 28°C sun in the afternoon and 16°C drizzle in the evening on the same day — especially in March and early April.
March packing list:
- T-shirts and light long-sleeves
- One mid-weight jacket (denim, light wool, or fleece)
- Long pants — full-length jeans or trousers, not shorts most days
- Closed-toe shoes — sneakers ideal
- Compact umbrella or rain jacket (essential)
- One sweater for cool evenings
April packing list:
- T-shirts; one light long-sleeve for evenings
- One light jacket or cardigan
- Mix of long pants and shorts
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Compact umbrella
- Sun hat / cap for outdoor days
May packing list:
- T-shirts, tank tops
- Shorts and breathable trousers
- One light cardigan or windbreaker for AC-cold restaurants and the MRT
- Walking sandals plus sneakers
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Rain jacket more than umbrella (heavier showers begin)
Footwear note: Spring streets in Taipei are often slick after rain. Closed-toe shoes with grip beat sandals on rainy days, especially in stone-paved historic areas like Bopiliao and the Jiufen alleys.
Cherry Blossoms in Taipei: Spring 2026 Guide
The cherry blossom season in Taiwan runs roughly mid-January to mid-April, with the prime two weeks usually falling in late February and the first week of March. By the time spring proper arrives, the lower-elevation cherry trees are mostly past peak — but the higher mountain spots still have blooms through early April.
Best Taipei-area cherry blossom spots:
- Yangmingshan Flower Clock (花鐘): The most accessible major cherry-blossom spot in Taipei. Easy to reach by bus from Jiantan MRT. Best in late February through early March, with stragglers into mid-March.
- Wulai (烏來): A small mountain village 40 km south of Taipei. Cherry trees line the roads and riverside parks. Late February to mid-March.
- Tianyuan Temple (天元宮) in Tamsui: Famous for late-blooming Yoshino cherry trees, often peaking in late March to early April.
- Yangming University (陽明大學): A pocket of dense cherry trees near the Beitou area, less crowded than the headline spots.
- Lalashan Forest: If you have a car or are willing to do a long day trip, this high-altitude forest 90 km southeast holds blossoms latest of all.
Cherry blossom viewing tips:
- Check the bloom forecast on Taiwan Forest Recreation websites or local news 1–2 weeks before traveling — bloom timing varies year to year.
- Weekend mornings before 9 AM and weekday early afternoons are quietest at the popular sites.
- Bring a tripod-free camera — cherry blossom photography rewards bright daylight more than golden hour.
Calla Lilies and Other Spring Flowers
If you visit Taipei in late March or April, the calla lily fields at Zhuzihu (Bamboo Lake) in Yangmingshan National Park are one of the most beautiful and underrated spring experiences in northern Taiwan. About 80–90% of Taiwan’s calla lilies are grown here, in 45+ flower farms covering 13 hectares.
How to visit Zhuzihu calla lily fields:
- Best time: Late March through April (peak typically early to mid-April)
- How to get there: Bus 108 from Yangmingshan Bus Station (the bus is itself reached via Bus S15 from Jiantan MRT)
- Cost: Most farms charge NT$100 admission; you can pick a bundle of 8–10 calla lilies to take home
- What to expect: Walking paths between flower fields, photo opportunities at every turn, plus several Yangmingshan tea houses and small restaurants nearby
Other spring flowers worth knowing:
- Azaleas: Taipei’s official flower. Best at Da’an Forest Park, the National Taiwan University campus (which holds an annual Azalea Festival), and along Yangmingshan trails. Peaks late March to mid-April.
- Hydrangeas: Begin late May into June. Yangmingshan Zhuzihu farms transition from calla lilies to hydrangeas.
- Tung Tree Blossoms (“April Snow”): White flowers that fall like snow across northern Taiwan trails in mid-April through May. Best seen on hiking routes outside Taipei (Tucheng, Sanxia).
Spring Festivals and Events in Taipei
Yangmingshan Flower Festival
The annual flower festival in Yangmingshan National Park is the biggest spring event around Taipei. It runs from early February through mid-March, centered on the Flower Clock area. Festival activities include guided flower walks, outdoor music performances, and street dance competitions. Free entry to the park; free shuttle buses run from Jiantan MRT.
Mazu Pilgrimage
One of the world’s largest religious processions. The Mazu Pilgrimage starts and ends at Zhenlan Temple in Dajia, Taichung — but the celebration spreads across central and northern Taiwan, with smaller parallel events in Taipei. The 2026 pilgrimage runs April 17 to 26. Visitors who want to experience this event typically travel to the route, but Taipei’s larger Mazu temples (Tianhou Temple in Ximending, Songshan Mazu Temple) hold their own ceremonies during the same period.
Baosheng Cultural Festival
Held at Bao’an Temple in Taipei’s Datong District, this is one of the city’s most important traditional cultural festivals. It celebrates the deity Baosheng Dadi, who is venerated for healing. The festival features traditional Taiwanese opera performances, religious processions, and folk performances, typically over a 4–6 week period in April and May. Free to attend.
NTU Azalea Festival
The National Taiwan University campus holds an annual azalea festival in mid- to late March, when the campus’s mature azalea bushes are in full bloom. Free to wander, and the campus itself is one of Taipei’s loveliest open spaces.
Taipei Cherry Blossom Festival
Smaller events organized around the cherry blossom bloom in late February and early March. Local night markets often run cherry-themed food specials.
Children’s Day & Tomb Sweeping Festival
Taiwanese national holidays in early April. Many locals travel during this period; expect busier domestic flights and trains, slightly fuller hotels in Taipei.
Best Things to Do in Taipei in Spring
Hike Elephant Mountain at sunset. The skyline-view hike’s best season is spring. The trail isn’t muddy after winter rain, the air is clearer, and the temperature at the top is comfortable.
Picnic in Da’an Forest Park. Taipei’s “Central Park” is at peak energy in spring, with locals out from late morning through early evening. Stop at Yongkang Street nearby for picnic supplies.
Day trip to Yangmingshan National Park. Cherry blossoms (March), calla lilies (April), and the volcanic landscape are all best in spring. Combine with a soak at Beitou hot springs on the way back.
Coastal day trip. Tamsui, Yehliu, or the northeast coast at Bitou Cape — all are excellent spring trips with mild walking weather and pre-summer beaches.
Outdoor café-hopping in Da’an or Maokong. Spring is when outdoor seating becomes the norm again. Maokong tea houses with mountain views are particularly good.
Night markets at full energy. The Shilin and Raohe night markets are pleasant in spring evenings — neither too hot nor too cold.
Visit a temple festival. Bao’an Temple and Longshan Temple often have public ceremonies and processions in spring. Check temple noticeboards or local listings.
Cycle the Tamsui-Bali river path. Bike rentals near Tamsui MRT; the riverside path is flat and follows the river to the coast.
Spring Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Not packing for rain. Spring rain is consistent. Even on sunny mornings, an afternoon shower is common. A compact umbrella or packable rain jacket is non-negotiable.
Assuming cherry blossoms will be at peak when you arrive. Bloom timing shifts year to year and the season is short. Check forecasts before booking.
Underestimating the temperature swing. A 28°C afternoon and a 16°C evening can be the same day in March. Bring layers, not just shorts and t-shirts.
Avoiding Yangmingshan because of the bus transfer. The bus ride from Jiantan MRT is genuinely scenic and easy. Don’t skip the park.
Booking only Taipei when other regions might be better. If the weather forecast looks rainy, central Taiwan (Sun Moon Lake, Taichung) often has better weather in spring.
Wearing slippery shoes for hiking trails. The Elephant Mountain trail’s stone steps are slick when wet. Sneakers with grip beat fashion sneakers on rainy days.
Spring vs. Other Seasons in Taipei
Spring vs. Autumn: Both are top-ranked seasons. Autumn (October–November) edges spring for being the driest and most reliable weather window. Spring wins on flower seasons and festival density.
Spring vs. Summer: Spring is dramatically more comfortable. Summer is hot, humid, and brings typhoon risk — but offers beach trips and longer daylight.
Spring vs. Winter: Winter is the cheapest and least crowded but can be cold, gray, and rainy for weeks. Spring is warmer and more visually rewarding.
Spring Itinerary Suggestions
3-Day Spring Itinerary (Mid-March to Mid-April)
- Day 1: Arrival, Da’an Forest Park, Yongkang Street food, Elephant Mountain at sunset.
- Day 2: Day trip to Yangmingshan — Flower Clock, Zhuzihu calla lily fields, Beitou hot springs in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Longshan Temple, Bopiliao, Ximending afternoon, Shilin Night Market.
5-Day Spring Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival, Da’an, Yongkang Street.
- Day 2: Yangmingshan + flowers + Beitou.
- Day 3: Old Taipei: Longshan, Bopiliao, Dihua Street, Ximending.
- Day 4: Day trip to Jiufen + Shifen + Yehliu.
- Day 5: Tamsui sunset, Maokong Gondola tea hike, last dinner in Taipei.
Related Taipei guides
- Taipei Weather & Seasons: When to Go
- Taipei in Summer
- Taipei in Autumn
- Taipei in Winter
- Taipei Typhoon Season
- Cherry Blossoms in Taipei
- Taipei in January
- Taipei in July
- Taipei in December
- Things to Do in Taipei: 100+ Attractions & Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spring a good time to visit Taipei?
Yes — spring is one of the two best seasons to visit Taipei (the other is autumn). Mild temperatures, flower seasons, active festivals, and pre-typhoon clear skies make March, April, and early May ideal travel windows.
What is the weather like in Taipei in spring?
March is cool and rainy (15–22°C, the rainiest month of the year). April is mild and pleasant (19–26°C). May is warm, humid, and starts to feel like summer (22–29°C). Rain is regular but mostly light.
Are there cherry blossoms in Taipei in spring?
Yes, but the peak is late February through early March. By April, blossoms are mostly finished at lower elevations but can still be seen at high-mountain spots like Tianyuan Temple in Tamsui and Lalashan Forest. Yangmingshan National Park is the best Taipei-area viewing.
What should I wear in Taipei in spring?
Layers. T-shirts plus a light jacket and long pants for March; a mix of t-shirts and light layers in April; mostly summer clothes plus a light cardigan in May. Always pack a compact umbrella or rain jacket.
What festivals happen in Taipei in spring?
The Yangmingshan Flower Festival (Feb-March), the Mazu Pilgrimage (April), the Baosheng Cultural Festival at Bao’an Temple (April-May), and the NTU Azalea Festival (March). Several smaller temple celebrations also occur.
Is Taipei rainy in spring?
Yes — March is the rainiest month of the year, with about 16 rain days and 180mm of total rainfall. Most rain is light drizzle. April is similarly wet but warmer. May rain shifts to occasional heavier “plum rain” showers.
When is the best time in spring to visit Taipei?
Mid-April is the best single window. Cherry blossoms are mostly done but calla lilies and azaleas peak, the temperature is mild, and the rain has eased from March’s heaviest. The Yangmingshan flower season transitions from cherries to lilies in early April.
Should I visit Taipei or Sun Moon Lake / Taichung in spring?
Both are good. Taipei wins for flowers and festivals. Sun Moon Lake and Taichung win on slightly drier weather. For a one-week spring trip, the standard split is 4 days in Taipei, 2–3 days in central Taiwan.
Final Take
Taipei in spring is the city at its most photogenic and most pleasant — a window where the cherry blossoms have just finished and the calla lilies have just begun, the rain is light enough to ignore, and the city’s outdoor culture is at peak energy. Pack layers, bring a small umbrella, time your trip for mid-April if you can, and the city will reward you with one of the better short trips in Asia.
