So you’ve decided to visit Taiwan, and now you’re wondering what the best time to visit Taiwan is? Well, we’ve just spent the last several weeks putting out recommendations to visit Taiwan in each season and month of the year, and all of that material is compiled right here on this blog.
Taiwan is a little-known tourism destination that is rarely visited by Western tourists. Visitors to Taiwan will find enough to appreciate, from the stunning architecture to the undiscovered beaches and national parks. Taiwan is a country unlike any other, with bustling cities and secluded forests vying for your attention, each offering breathtaking sights and adventures.
Before you pack your bags and head to Taiwan, there’s one thing you should think about: when is the best time to visit Taiwan? If you’ve ever reviewed the best time to visit Taiwan, you’ll know that the weather can be brutal. Choosing the wrong time to visit Taiwan might be the difference between frolicking in the sun under blue skies and being soaked in storms with winds strong enough to send shih tzus flying through Taipei’s streets.
Don’t allow the island’s sub-tropical climate to deter you from visiting East Asia. Prepare for your trip with our comprehensive Taiwan travel guide, which includes recommendations for the best months to visit Taiwan, as well as information on where to go, what to expect, and what to dress by season and month.
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When is the best time to visit Taiwan?
The best time to visit Taiwan as per our experience is from late winter to early spring. The moderate weather of March is perfect for seeing how Taiwan comes alive with blossoming trees. The beach and diving, as well as other tropical fruits, are all about the humid summer and early fall.
It’s also worth noting that the months of September through November are good for hiking. Then there’s the winter season, which has some wonderful hot springs to consider. Surfing is a year-round pastime since you may attempt it on a different coast each season.
Best time to visit Taiwan: Taiwan Weather overview
Taiwan has two distinct climate zones. Taiwan’s northern region is subtropical, while its southern region is tropical. There aren’t many distinctions between the two locations. It’s nothing like the differentials in other East Asian places. The majority of the island is warm all year, with moderate winters and scorching summers. The issue, however, is not one of warmth.
A country’s climate described as tropical or subtropical conjures up images of palm trees, white sandy beaches, and year-round blue skies. Taiwan offers both these types of climates, split between the south and the north of the island. Although Taiwan is only 250 miles from Keelung in the north to Kenting at its southernmost tip, the Tropic of Cancer cuts through the middle of the country, resulting in climate differences between the subtropical north and tropical south.
In Taiwan, summer temperatures range between 30-33°C between June and August, when climatic differences between north and south mean several degrees difference in average temperatures. However, the island as a whole experiences hot, humid summers that typically last between June and August.
Over the entire country, winters are short and mild, with temperatures averaging 18-20°C between December and February. The temperate Central Mountain Range, Alishan National Park, and Taroko National Park are the only places that avoid the sultry heat due to their altitude.
As a result of the north east monsoon (a weather system coming in from Mongolia and Siberia) and the south east monsoon (driven by high pressure systems over the Pacific), the north and south coasts of the island have very different weather.
Between June and October – during the steamy summer season – this latter system brings typhoons to Taiwan, which primarily affects the south west coastal stretch between Kenting and Taichung, as well as the Central Mountain Range. From October to March, the north-east monsoon affects primarily coastal Keelung and the north-east coast of the island, including Yilan and Hualien.
Another climatic oddity to note is that during spring and early summer, the annual ‘plum rain’ season can bring rain to any part of the island, though, like much of Taiwan’s rainfall, it tends to come in short, intense bursts, refreshing the air before the blue skies return.
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Best Time to Visit Taiwan: Seasonal Overview
April to June — Spring / Good Season
During this time of year, Taiwan has pleasant weather and a low number of tourists. Temperatures are warm, but not scorching. Even though there will be some rain, your plans will not be disrupted. Rain starts to fall more frequently toward the end of May and early June. The prices of accommodations will be lower as well, since this is shoulder season.
Temperatures range from 75 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit / 24 to 30 degrees Celsius on average (in Taipei). Spring rainfall ranges from 130 – 160 mm.
Highlights:
Spring is a lovely season in Taiwan as the colors are in full bloom. This is the best time to visit Taroko National Park, Yangmingshan National Park, or Alishan National Scenic Area to see the beautiful blossoms and enjoy the pleasant weather.
Elephant Mountain is a terrific alternative for hikers – the trails are extremely lovely, and you’ll be able to hike easily in this weather! The Dragon Boat Celebration, which takes place in May/June and features teams from all across Taiwan competing in boat races, is the most exciting festival taking place during this season.
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Things to do in spring in Taiwan
Flower viewing is a popular springtime activity that attracts tourists and locals alike. There are cherry blossoms blooming in Wulai and Alishan in March and tung blossoms in Miaoli from April onwards. Yangmingshan in New Taipei City is perpetually busy all spring while rotating from Azaleas to Calla Lilies and Hydrangeas.
The Dajia Mazu pilgrimage, which takes place around May and commemorates the birthday of the sea goddess Mazu, (23rd day of the 3rd Lunar Month) is an underappreciated Taiwanese tradition worth seeing . This yearly pilgrimage is Taiwan’s version of the Camino de Santiago, with tens of thousands of worshippers walking along a 400-kilometer trail with a Mazu statue from Miaoli to Chiayi and back.
When pilgrims travel through tiny villages along the path, they are frequently offered free food and gifts, which may be a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse of Taiwanese local culture.
June to August — Summer / High Season
Summer officially begins at the end of June and lasts until the end of August. The temperature rises significantly, and rain begins to fall. Taiwan’s weather will be hot and humid, with June being the wettest month of the year.
During this season, there is a chance of typhoons hitting the area, so check the weather forecast before going. Due to the holidays, this is peak season, which means that tickets and accommodations sell out quickly. Temperatures range from 86 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 32 degrees Celsius) in Taipe Summer rainfall ranges from 160 to 230 mm.
Highlights:
If you wish to stay in the northern portion of Taiwan, where the temperature is more comfortable, this is the best time to visit. The beaches in southern Taiwan, particularly those in Kenting National Park, offer a pleasant relief from the rains and summer heat at the end of the season.
This season, the stunning Taroko Gorge is another popular destination. You can also celebrate Chenghuang’s birthday in Xiahai City. It’s celebrated with a lot of pomp and circumstance, and you shouldn’t miss out on it!
Things to do in Summer in Taiwan
During Taiwan’s Dragon Boat Festival, which falls around the end of June (5th day of the 5th Lunar Month), you can watch teams race dragon boats down rivers throughout Taiwan while eating rice dumplings. The temples get crowded in August due to Hungry Ghost Month activities (7th Lunar Month), with peak festivities on the 15th day.
Experience Ghost Grappling in Yilan, where people scale oil-covered poles in a competition. Fresh fruit can be found in Taiwan all year round. However, mangoes, lychees, dragon fruits, watermelons, and other favorites are available only in the summer. Several lakes in Tainan and Taoyuan’s Guanyin village are covered in lotus blossoms – head there for a glimpse of these lovely flowers.
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September to November — Autumn / Good Season
Taiwan’s autumn is incredibly stunning. Taiwan has a pleasant yet chilly climate. The south of the country continues to remain warm, but the north is starting to cool down. In comparison to the summer, there is little to no rain throughout this season, making it a fantastic time to enjoy outdoor activities in Taiwan. Temperatures range from 73 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit and 23 to 30 degrees Celsius on average (in Taipei) Rainfall ranges from 80 to 270 mm.
Season: Autumn
Highlights:
This is a great time to visit Taiwan’s south and east coasts, particularly the beautiful Taroko National Park. This is the best time to visit Taiwan if you want to see the Sun Moon Lake, Alishan National Scenic Area, or Yushan (Jade Mountain). Taiwanese commemorate Confucius’ birthday in September and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in October. The latter involves a plethora of delectable barbecues and outdoor picnics!
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December to March — Winter / Low Season
Taiwan’s low season is winter. Expect things to become a little chilly in December, as it is Taiwan’s coldest month. The weather in Taiwan will be cold, although the temperatures will be moderate in comparison to European winters.
By February, there is some rain across the country, but not enough to cause you to cancel your vacation plans. Temperatures range from 64 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 18 to 20 degrees Celsius on average (in Taipei) Rainfall ranges between 60 to 120 millimeters.
Highlights:
The hot springs are the season’s main attraction. Taiwan boasts approximately 150 hot springs, most of them hidden away in the mountains. Beitou is one of Taiwan’s most popular hot springs and a must-see attraction for visitors. Yangmingshan National Park has beautiful mountain retreats that are chilly, yet isolated and attractive. The southern beaches will still be warm if you wish to avoid the cold. The Chinese New Year (December-January) is celebrated with great fanfare all around the country.
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Final Thoughts
The simple answer is that there is no single best time to visit Taiwan. It’s difficult to narrow it down to a season or even a few months because each of them will appeal to folks with varied hobbies and weather preferences. Every month of the year has a different set of festivals and events to attend.
We’ve put up this advice on the best time to visit Taiwan with suggestions on where to go and what to see in each season to help you pack smart and plan your trip. We do hope you found this very helpful.
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