Spring is one of my favorite times to be in Taiwan. The weather’s just right — not too hot, and thankfully, not too humid. Flowers are blooming, festivals are popping up all over, and it’s the perfect season to get outdoors without melting in the heat.
Whether you’re here for the blossoms, cultural events, want to hit a few hiking trails, or just eat your way around the island, spring has a bit of everything.
In this guide, I’ll cover what to expect during spring in Taiwan, from the weather and what to pack to the best things to do while you’re here.
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When is Spring in Taiwan
Spring in Taiwan runs from March through May, and it’s one of the best times to explore the island. The summer heat and humidity haven’t kicked in yet, and it’s much milder than wintertime, especially up north or in the mountains.
While temperatures vary by region (and month), you can generally expect pleasant, balmy weather throughout the season. Just keep in mind that northern Taiwan and higher elevations tend to be a few degrees cooler than the south.
Month-by-month breakdown
- March is a great month to visit. The weather is mild, with little rain and low humidity, perfect for hiking, city exploring, and beach hopping. Average highs are in the mid-20s°C, and lows hover in the upper teens. It can still get chilly at night, so pack a few layers just in case.
- April is often considered the best month to visit Taiwan. Temperatures are comfortably warm (around 18–28°C), and the weather is generally dry and sunny. It’s a great time to be outdoors and to attend cultural festivals like the Taiwan Music Festival.
- May can be hit-or-miss, and it’s actually my least favorite month in Taiwan. While it’s still warm (with highs around 30°C), the humidity starts to rise, and it rains for days on end. If you visit in May, be ready for sudden showers and sticky days — especially in the south.
What to Wear during Spring
Spring weather in Taiwan is generally pleasant, with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures — though things can get wet in May.
In March and April, it’s still a bit chilly in the evenings, especially in higher-altitude spots like Alishan, Cingjing, and Taipingshan. You’ll want to pack a mix of lightweight spring clothes (T-shirts, dresses, shorts) and a few warmer layers. Think jeans, long-sleeve shirts, and a sweater or two. A light thermal or wind-resistant jacket also comes in handy, especially for hiking or evenings out.
If you’re heading south — to places like Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Kenting, you can mostly get by with lighter layers. A sweater or jacket is still smart to have on hand, but overall, it’s much warmer down there.
By May, Taiwan enters its plum rain season. Rain can linger for days, starting in the north early in the month and gradually shifting south. It’s definitely not the driest time to visit, so you’ll need an umbrella or raincoat. You don’t need to pack one from home, though — you can pick up cheap, decent-quality rain gear at any convenience store, like 7-11 or Family-Mart.
For more tips, check out my full Taiwan packing list.
10 Fantastic Things to do in Taiwan in Spring
See the Cherry Blossoms at Alishan
One of the top things to do in Taiwan during spring is cherry blossom viewing, and Alishan Forest Recreation Area is easily one of the best places to do it.
Alishan is a popular year-round destination, but it’s especially magical in spring when thousands of cherry trees burst into bloom across the forested slopes. Several cherry varieties bloom here, and the scenery is incredible — think misty mountain backdrops and pink blossoms everywhere. While some trees start flowering as early as February, peak bloom usually hits in early April.
Besides blossom-spotting, Alishan is also perfect for hiking, riding the historic forest railway, and sipping high mountain oolong tea — one of the island’s most famous. I’ve put together a full guide on how to get to Alishan by public transport, but if you’d rather skip the logistics, you can also join an organized day trip like this one.
Other Cherry Blossom Spots
If you can’t make it to Alishan, there are still plenty of places to catch the sakura:
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (Sun Moon Lake):
Sun Moon Lake hosts one of Taiwan’s largest cherry blossom festivals at its cultural village from early February to early March. It’s super popular, so expect crowds. If you’re visiting later in spring, there’s also a lavender festival from mid-March to April.
Baiyang Temple of Heaven (near Taichung):
Baiyang Temple of Heaven, near Taichung, is another cool place to see sakura. It is a real hidden gem, so not many tourists know about it. Aim to go before mid-April for the best chance at catching the blooms.
Other than Alishan, there are still a few other places where you can see cherry blossoms. The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village in Sun Moon Lake hosts a massive sakura festival (early Feb to early March) that draws thousands of spectators each year. But you can also attend a lavender festival (mid-March to April) if you missed the blossoms.
Visit Laomei Green Reef
Laomei Green Reef is a stunning 700-meter-long volcanic reef about two hours from Taipei by bus — and honestly, it’s still one of Taiwan’s best-kept secrets. I’m always surprised more people haven’t heard of it.
If you’re visiting Taiwan in spring, try to work it into your itinerary. Between March and May, the reef transforms into a bright green carpet as algae spreads across the rocks — it’s one of the island’s most unique natural phenomena and absolutely worth seeing in person.
That said, timing is everything. The reef is only visible at low tide, and getting there isn’t exactly straightforward. Check the tide schedules before you go, and if you can, aim for sunset — the light makes it even more magical.
Attend the Flower Festivals
Another great thing about springtime is all the flower festivals! If you love flower spotting (or just want some dreamy photos), spring is the season to get outside and explore.
For one of the most iconic floral experiences in northern Taiwan, head to Yangmingshan National Park. This scenic mountain park is famous for its springtime blooms and hosts several flower-related festivals throughout the season.
The most notable one is the Yangmingshan Flower Festival (March–May). This park-wide celebration showcases an incredible mix of blooms — azaleas, camellias, peach blossoms, and wild peonies, just to name a few. It’s one of the best times to explore Yangmingshan’s trails, gardens, and hot springs.
The Zhuzihu Calla Lily & Hydrangea Festival (March–June) is another must-visit one. It’s set in the misty farmlands of Zhuzihu, the festival features fields of calla lilies and, later in the season, vibrant hydrangeas. It’s a favorite among flower lovers and photographers.
If you’re looking for a more local experience, I highly recommend checking out the Hakka Tung Blossom Festival. It runs from April through May, and it’s a unique way to experience Taiwan’s Hakka culture while enjoying some seriously pretty scenery.
The festival celebrates the blooming of Tung trees, which cover the hillsides in delicate white flowers. It’s a lot less touristy than cherry blossom season, but just as photogenic.
You’ll find tung blossoms all over Taiwan’s Hakka regions, but some of the most famous spots are in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli. Besides flower viewing, these areas are perfect for hiking and exploring smaller towns (Neiwan is one of my favorites) with cultural performances, local markets, and plenty of delicious Hakka food.
Relax at the Beaches
If flowers aren’t your thing, spring is also a great time to hit the beach in Taiwan. The weather is warm (especially down south), and you won’t need to search far to find a good stretch of sand.
There are several great beaches near Taipei — including Fulong, Waiao, Baishawan, and Dawulun (my fave). All are easy to reach by train or bus, making them perfect for a quick day trip out of the capital city.
If you’re heading further south, Kenting National Park is hands down the best place for beach vibes. Besides soaking up the sun, there’s plenty to do, from snorkeling and scuba diving to exploring Maobitou Park, Sail Rock, and the southernmost tip of Taiwan.
Kenting is quite popular year-round, though, so I recommend booking accommodation at least a few weeks in advance (especially during spring weekends and holidays). You can check out some of my favorite places to stay here. I wouldn’t necessarily swim here in March; it can still be a bit chilly. But from April onward, the weather’s usually warm enough. And since southern Taiwan is way warmer than the north, you’ll even spot locals swimming in Kenting during winter!
Attend the Penghu Fireworks Festival
If you’re planning a quick spring getaway to one of Taiwan’s most beautiful offshore islands, Penghu should be at the top of your list.
Penghu is actually an island chain made up of around 90 islets just off Taiwan’s west coast. The main island, Magong, is where most of the action happens, and the best base for exploring the rest of the archipelago. There are a ton of things to do here, too. Think dreamy beaches, a cool aquarium, great seafood, unique rock formations, historical temples, and of course, boat cruises and snorkeling trips to nearby islands — all packed into one gorgeous, laid-back destination.
If you’re heading this way in spring, you’ll have the chance to check out the Penghu International Fireworks Festival. It usually kicks off in late April and runs till June. It’s quite a big deal, with firework shows every Monday and Thursday night at the Guanyinting Recreation Area in Magong City. For dates and performance updates, check the event’s Facebook page.
Getting to Penghu is pretty straightforward, with flights and ferries available from several cities on the mainland like Chiayi, Taichung, Kaoshiung, and Taipei. Here’s exactly how to get to Penghu, along with a few helpful transport tips to make your trip smoother.
Go Hiking
Spring in Taiwan is the perfect time to tackle some of Taiwan’s gorgeous hiking trails. Whether you’re looking for a low-key hike or want to attempt something a bit more challenging, Taiwan is absolutely littered with trails!
Some of the best treks can be found in Taroko Gorge and Central Taiwan, but there are also plenty of scenic trails near Keelung and Yilan if you’re exploring the northeast coast.
If you’re not planning to venture beyond Taipei, don’t worry. One of Taiwan’s most iconic (and shortest) hikes is just around the corner from Taipei 101. Elephant Mountain is a relatively easy hike, though be ready for a lot of stairs. But the views over the skyline, especially at sunset, are totally worth the effort.
PLEASE NOTE: It’s not a good idea to go to Taroko at the mo. The April earthquake (2024) really caused a lot of damage and while some sections of the park partially reopened in October 2024, there’s still a LOT to be done. Most trails are still closed and some are only expected to open up again by 2031! If you really want to go, make sure to check the park’s official website for up-to-date info first. Their FAQ section is really handy and lists all the closures and expected opening times.
Soak in a Hot Spring
During March, you could easily still squeeze in a trip to one of Taiwan’s awesome hot springs.
Beitou, just on the outskirts of Taipei, is one of the most popular hot spring areas in the country. It’s full of everything from public outdoor springs to swanky resorts like the Gaia Hotel and the Grand View Resort.
If you want to go somewhere less touristy, Wulai in New Taipei City is another great option. This tiny aboriginal village is hidden in the hills and famous for its eclectic mix of hot spring hotels. Treat yourself to a stay at Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort or the Pause Landis Resort Wulai. For a more traditional onsen experience, try Fullmoon Spa.
Jiaoxi Township near Yilan is another popular place to soak in steamy pools. Check out Yunoyado Onsen Hotspring Hotel Deyang or Mu Jiao Xi Hotel. Further afield, Ruisui Township, just south of Hualien, also offers a great selection of gorgeous hot spring hotels, such as Yen Hot Spring and Silence Manor.
See the Fireflies at Neiwan
Neiwan is a tiny traditional village in Hsinchu County, and a popular day trip from Hsinchu City.
The town is famous for its historic branch-railway line, quaint train station, and bustling Old Street, where you can find a wide selection of Hakka dishes. But another special reason to visit here is to see fireflies!
Although Neiwan is just one of the firefly-viewing spots in Taiwan, it is arguably one of the best. And every year during April and May, large crowds flock to the hilly slopes of this charming mountain town to marvel at thousands of fireflies lighting up the forests.
There are several places to spot fireflies in and around Neiwan, but the most popular (and easiest trail) starts right behind the Old Street. You can access the path via the Hsinchu County Neiwan Elementary School entrance. The entrance looks like an old castle, so you can’t miss it! (See Google Maps here). The best time for firefly-viewing is from 7 pm to 8 pm.
Join the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage
The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is one of the biggest and oldest religious festivals in Taiwan. It celebrates the birthday of Mazu (the Taoist sea goddess) and usually occurs near the 23rd day of the third month of the Lunar calendar.
During the pilgrimage, a statue of Mazu is carried on foot through four counties (Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi), stopping at various important temples along the way. The journey covers a whopping 340 kilometers and takes nine days to complete.
If you want to experience the festivities first-hand, head out to Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung (where the pilgrimage begins and ends). It’s a lively affair, with float parades, puppet shows, dragon and lion dances, and much more on display. The festival usually runs in mid-April, but the exact dates are only released closer to the event.
Enjoy the Taiwan Music Festival
I already touched on Kenting earlier as one of the top beach spots on the island, but there’s another big reason to head south this time of year: the Taiwan Music Festival.
This festival usually occurs during the Tomb Sweeping Festival (usually the first long weekend in April), and if you like a good party, you’ll definitely find it here. Every year, thousands of people flock to the golden shores of Kenting Town for (arguably) the island’s biggest outdoor music events, with bands, musicians, and DJs running late into the night.
If you plan to go, I’d book accommodation early. Kenting is a pretty small place, and hotels fill up fast (especially this weekend). I also recommend reserving a high-speed rail ticket to Kaohsiung as soon as bookings open (29 days out), since it’s one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Here’s how to get to Kenting, and here’s the Music Festival Facebook page if you want to learn more about the event.
Should You Visit Taiwan in Spring?
Absolutely! Spring is one of the best times to visit Taiwan with comfortable temperatures and plenty to keep you busy! Whether you want to see the blooms, go hiking or attend one of the cultural festivals, you can’t go wrong visiting Taiwan in spring!
There you have it – the absolute best things to do in Taiwan in spring! Did your favorite Taiwan spring activities make my list? If not, let me know what I’ve been missing out on in the comments below!
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