Things to Do in Baguio in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Baguio
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Panagbenga Festival afterglow means flower gardens across the city are still in full bloom through early May, with Camp John Hay's rose garden and Botanical Garden displaying their best colors before the wet season arrives
- School summer vacation brings the city alive with local families, creating authentic energy at markets and parks without the December-January tourist crush. Mines View Park and Burnham Park feel genuinely festive rather than mobbed
- Strawberry season peaks in May before heavy rains begin, with Strawberry Farm at La Trinidad offering pick-your-own at lowest prices of the year, typically ₱150-200 per kilo (₱68-91 per pound) versus ₱300+ later
- Mornings stay crisp and clear at 16°C (61°F) making sunrise hikes to Mount Ulap or Mount Yangbew absolutely perfect, with the warmest afternoon temperatures of 24°C (76°F) still comfortable compared to lowland Philippines hitting 35°C (95°F)
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days listed in the data are misleading because they actually represent the transition period when afternoon thunderstorms start building, typically hitting between 2-5pm and lasting 30-60 minutes. Not enough to ruin your day but enough to require planning around them
- May marks the start of local summer vacation so weekend crowds at popular spots like The Mansion and Baguio Cathedral can feel chaotic, with families from Manila filling hotels Friday through Sunday. Midweek visits are dramatically quieter
- The 70% humidity combined with afternoon warmth creates that sticky feeling by noon, which catches first-timers off guard since they expect Baguio to feel perpetually cool. The mountain air helps but you will sweat during midday activities
Best Activities in May
Early Morning Mountain Hiking
May mornings at 16°C (61°F) with clear skies create perfect conditions for trails like Mount Ulap, Mount Yangbew, and Mount Kabunian. The grass is still green from April rains but trails are dry enough for good footing. Start by 5:30am to finish before the 11am heat builds and afternoon clouds roll in. The UV index hits 8 by midday so early starts are not just comfortable but necessary. Local hiking groups are most active in May since it is the last month before heavy monsoon rains make trails muddy through September.
Strawberry Farm Visits and Agricultural Tours
La Trinidad strawberry farms reach peak harvest in May with the lowest prices and best selection before monsoon rains arrive in June. The 70% humidity actually helps the berries stay plump. Go between 7-10am when it is cool enough to walk the fields comfortably and berries are freshest. Beyond strawberries, the vegetable terraces around La Trinidad and Atok are vibrant green in May. This is when locals stock up because quality is highest and prices drop as farms rush to sell before weather shifts.
Café Culture and Indoor Art Spaces
When those afternoon thunderstorms hit between 2-5pm, Baguio's café scene becomes essential rather than optional. May weather makes indoor hangouts at places along Session Road, Leonard Wood Road, and around UP Baguio genuinely appealing. The art galleries at BenCab Museum and Ili-likha Artist Village are perfect afternoon retreats when humidity peaks. Locals actually prefer rainy afternoons for museum visits since weekends get packed with families during clear weather. The temperature drops noticeably during rain, making hot coffee and local pastries like ensaymada feel right.
Public Market and Local Food Exploration
Baguio Public Market in May overflows with produce since it is harvest season before the wet months. Go between 6-8am when vendors are setting up and the temperature is still 16°C (61°F) rather than the midday warmth. You will find vegetables you have never seen, local rice varieties, and the freshest peanut brittle. The market gets genuinely crowded by 9am with local shoppers. May is also when food stalls around Baguio serve the heartiest meals because cool mornings make hot bulalo soup and Cordilleran pinikpikan actually comfortable to eat. The humidity means nothing spoils quickly so food safety is better than in drier months.
Botanical Garden and Park Circuits
The Botanical Garden, Wright Park, and Burnham Park are at their greenest in May after the dry season ends but before heavy rains waterlog the grounds. The 24°C (76°F) afternoon high is warm but not unbearable under tree cover. Locals bring families for picnics on weekday afternoons when school is out but weekend tourists have not arrived. The gardens stay open until 6pm and late afternoon from 4-6pm offers the best light for photos once the heat breaks. Horse rentals at Wright Park cost less on weekdays and the pine-lined paths are most fragrant after brief afternoon showers.
Sagada Day Trips and Cave Exploration
May is actually ideal for the 5-hour drive to Sagada because roads are dry and landslide risk is minimal before June monsoons arrive. Cave temperatures stay cool regardless of outside weather, making Sumaguing Cave and Lumiang Cave comfortable to explore even as Baguio warms up. The rice terraces around Sagada are bright green in May as farmers prepare for planting season. Hanging coffins at Echo Valley are accessible without mud. Most importantly, Sagada stays less crowded in May compared to the December-January peak, so you can actually experience the caves without being stuck behind tour groups.
May Events & Festivals
Flores de Mayo Community Processions
Throughout May, barangays across Baguio hold evening processions honoring the Virgin Mary with flower offerings. These are genuinely local celebrations rather than tourist events, with families dressing children in traditional Filipino attire and parading through neighborhoods. The processions typically happen on weekend evenings around 5-7pm, timed perfectly as afternoon heat breaks. You will see them spontaneously around Baguio Cathedral, Session Road area, and residential barangays. Worth experiencing for the community atmosphere and floral displays that reflect Baguio's flower-growing heritage.