Things to Do in Baguio in May

May Weather in Baguio

23°C (73°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak flower blooming season - strawberry fields are at their most photogenic and fruit is sweetest in May
Cool 15-23°C (59-73°F) temperatures perfect for hiking Session Road and Mines View Park without overheating
Pre-summer season means accommodation rates are 20-30% lower than June-August peak tourist months
Frequent misty mornings create dramatic photography conditions at Burnham Park and Camp John Hay

Considerations

Rainy season begins - expect 15 rainy days with afternoon downpours lasting 1-2 hours that can disrupt outdoor plans
High 85% humidity makes indoor spaces feel stuffy, and clothes take longer to dry
Weekend crowds from Manila increase significantly as summer vacation approaches, making Saturday-Sunday attractions busier

Best Activities in May

Strawberry Farm Tours and Picking

May is peak strawberry season in La Trinidad and surrounding areas. The berries are at their sweetest and most abundant, with cool morning temperatures (15°C/59°F) perfect for picking. Rain in late afternoons means morning tours are ideal.

Booking Tip: Book farm tours 3-5 days ahead through local operators. Typical cost ₱200-400 per person including transport from city center. Morning slots (7am-10am) have best weather and fruit selection. See current tour options in booking section below.

Covered Market and Indoor Cultural Experiences

May's frequent rain makes indoor activities essential. Baguio Public Market is covered and bustling with seasonal produce, woodcarvings, and local textiles. Perfect for rainy afternoons when outdoor plans are disrupted.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for markets, but guided cultural tours cost ₱800-1,200 per group. Best visited 10am-3pm before afternoon rains. Look for licensed cultural guides through tourism office.

Pine Forest Hiking and Nature Walks

Cool May temperatures make hiking comfortable, and frequent mist creates atmospheric conditions in pine forests around Camp John Hay and PICF. Early morning hikes (6-9am) avoid afternoon rains.

Booking Tip: Self-guided trails are free with ₱30-50 entrance fees to forest areas. Guided nature walks cost ₱500-800 per group. Start early - most afternoon rains begin 2-4pm. Waterproof boots essential.

Indoor Hot Springs and Spa Treatments

Cool, humid May weather makes indoor hot springs perfect for warming up. Facilities in nearby Tuba and Benguet offer covered pools ideal when outdoor activities are rained out.

Booking Tip: Day passes typically ₱200-500 per person. Book weekend slots 1 week ahead during May as Manila residents escape to hot springs. Midweek visits (Tuesday-Thursday) less crowded and cheaper.

Museum and Heritage Site Tours

Rainy May afternoons are perfect for indoor cultural sites like BenCab Museum, Baguio Museum, and heritage buildings along Session Road. Cool weather makes walking between sites comfortable.

Booking Tip: Individual museum entries ₱100-200. Combined heritage tours cost ₱600-1,000 per person including transport. Book afternoon slots as backup plans for outdoor activities. Most museums closed Mondays.

Coffee Shop and Local Cuisine Tours

Cool May weather and frequent rain create perfect coffee culture conditions. Local Benguet coffee is in peak harvest, and warm local dishes like pinikpikan and etag are ideal for cool, humid weather.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically ₱800-1,500 per person for 4-5 stops. Book morning tours (9am-1pm) before afternoon rains. Look for tours including local coffee roasters and traditional Cordillera cuisine.

May Events & Festivals

Early to Mid May

Panagbenga Festival Extended Activities

While main Panagbenga ends in March, May sees extended flower displays throughout the city and special garden tours as flowers reach peak bloom in cool weather

Throughout May

Summer Festival Preparations

Local communities begin preparing for summer festivals with cultural shows and practice sessions that visitors can observe, offering authentic cultural experiences

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket and compact umbrella - afternoon rains last 1-2 hours and happen 15 days in May

Layers for 8°C (14°F) temperature swings - mornings start at 15°C (59°F), afternoons reach 23°C (73°F)

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip - pine needle covered trails become slippery when wet

Quick-dry clothing - 85% humidity means cotton takes 24+ hours to dry indoors

Light fleece or hoodie for early morning activities and evening walks when temperature drops

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - mist and sudden showers can damage electronics

Moisturizer and lip balm - cool mountain air and humidity can cause skin dryness

Insect repellent - increased rainfall creates more mosquito breeding areas

Portable charger in waterproof case - useful for long indoor periods during rain

Comfortable indoor shoes - you'll spend more time inside during rainy periods

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with good heating and indoor common areas - many budget places lack proper heating for cool May evenings

Avoid scheduling outdoor activities 2-5pm - this is peak rain time in May, with 70% of showers occurring then

Take advantage of rain-discounted day tours - many operators offer 20-30% discounts for tours that get rained out and rescheduled

Stock up on instant coffee and snacks - when rain hits, small shops close early and room service becomes expensive

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes expecting warm weather - May mornings can be genuinely cold at 15°C (59°F) with wind

Planning tight outdoor itineraries without rain backup plans - 15 rainy days means high chance of disruption

Booking weekend accommodations last minute - Manila residents flood Baguio on weekends in May, driving up prices 40-60%