Your are at the right place if you are wondering when is the best time to visit Taiwan. Which month and which season is the best to visit Taiwan, we all wonder. Our vacations and paid time off (PTO) hold immense value in our lives, as they offer us the opportunity to create lasting memories and experiences. It’s only natural to contemplate whether we are making the most of these precious moments? In this comprehensive post, we will address this concern by diving into the ideal times to visit Taiwan, a captivating Asian country nestled along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Throughout this guide, we will provide a month-by-month breakdown of Taiwan’s weather conditions, highlighting the unique experiences each month and season offers. From vibrant festivals to exhilarating activities, beautiful blossoms to nice sunny beaches. We will present an array of options to ensure that your trip to Taiwan becomes a collection of unforgettable travel memories. So, continue reading and embark on a journey that will leave you with cherished moments to treasure for sure!
Traveling to Taiwan in January and February
Source: IG@tw.luoyin, eToday
January is the coldest month in Taiwan, with an average temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius. February will be milder, around 17-19 degrees Celsius. While this may not sound excessively cold, it is advisable to carry a jacket, especially in the northern regions like Taipei. Due to the humidity, the perceived temperature can feel even colder than the actual temperature. The southern parts of Taiwan is relatively drier and warmer.
If you plan to go hiking in places like Hehuan Mountain or Snow Mountain, you will notice a significant drop in temperature. In these mountainous areas, there is even a chance of snowfall at times. Therefore if you are looking to experience beautiful snow sceneries in the subtropical island, January will be the best time to visit Taiwan!
Events and influx of tourists highly depends on the date of the Lunar New Year. As this holiday is determined by the lunar calendar, it can fall in either the late January till mid February (most often in February). If you choose to travel during the Lunar New Year period in Taiwan, you should anticipate closed stores and restaurants on Chinese New Year day and busy transportation, bustling tourist attractions for the rest of the week. It is recommended to enjoy this period with a local friend or host to experience the festive, lively atmosphere, as students start their winter breaks, people return home to reunite with their families and embark on outings together. Otherwise, you might want to avoid the high prices and crowds at this time.
Source: news.housefun
Following the conclusion of Taiwan’s Lunar New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival, or Yuanxiao Festival, takes place. They are celebrated in almost every city, and a simple google search can bring you to pretty lanterns! Some popular ones include: Yuejin Lantern Festival in Tainan, which received the Red Dot Design Award in the past; and Taipei Lantern Festival, usually a collaborative effort spanning across the entire Xingyi and Zhongxiao Area. People also like to release sky lanterns in Pingxi with their families. Another exhilarating and even dangerous way of celebrating is to participate in the infamous Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, where literally thousands of fireworks shoot straight to audiences. There are tons of options, so don’t forget to check if your travel plans coincide with the Lantern Festival, which usually falls in February but occasionally occurs in March. This will be the best time in winter to check out pretty lights.
Visiting Taiwan in March and April
Source: Line Travel, travel.taipei, Vogue Taiwan
If you plan to travel to Taiwan in March, you can look forward to enjoying a comfortable spring season. Temperatures gradually rise during this time and you’ll start witnessing various types of blossoms. In April, Taiwan begins to bask in more sunlight, and the average temperature rises to over 20 degrees Celsius. It’s an excellent time to hike and travel around, however, it’s worth noting that towards the end of the April, both Taipei and Taiwan as a whole experience an increase in rainfall.
The vibrant cherry blossoms can start as early as January, but the warm weather in March makes it a popular season for cherry blossom enthusiasts. Cherry Blossom Hotspots include Yangmingshan National Park, the Flower Research Center, Yangde Boulevard, Gezhi Road, and the areas along Yangming Road. If you’re seeking a unique nighttime spectacle, Taiwan’s forests come alive with fireflies during this season. Both Yangmingshan National Park and Dongshi Forest in Taichung are prime spots to witness the mesmerizing glow of these luminescent creatures. For those eager to explore more of Taiwan’s natural beauty, a trip to the north to visit Bamboo Lake will allow you to marvel at the blooming white calla lilies.
Source: China Daily News, 廖啟佑
In addition to the flower season events, one exciting festival not to be missed in March is the various “Mazu Pilgrimage” held throughout Taiwan. The most famous ones include the Dajia Mazu International Tourism Cultural Festival and the Baisha Tun Mazu Festival. Another internationally renowned event during this month is the “New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon,” Taiwan’s first and only marathon certified by international standards.
April also marks the start of the annual Penghu Fireworks Festival, a two-month extravaganza where fireworks illuminate the Penghu Islands at regular intervals. Some other cultural festivals include the “Fulong Sand Sculpture Art Festival“, the “Baosheng Culture Festival” and the beautiful Taiwanese folk art procession called the “Neimen Song Jiang Jhen Series,” held annually from late March to early April. Last but not least, an outdoor music festival called the Spring Scream is held in Kenting annually, Spring is one of the best time to visit Taiwan for cultural events and music festivals.
Traveling to Taiwan in May and June
Traveling to Taiwan in May means encountering the onset of the rainy and humid weather that characterizes East Asia’s plum rain season. Lasting for two months, this season brings increased rainfall not only to Taiwan but also to surrounding countries. It’s named after the ripening of plums during this period. Expect brief showers and afternoon thunderstorms, so it’s advisable to carry an umbrella or lightweight raincoat when venturing outdoors. June then comes with soaring temperatures and abundant rainfall, ushering into a humid tropical climate. However, evenings are typically cooler and less prone to rain, providing a comfortable respite. This is an excellent time to explore Taipei’s night markets and savor the delicious street food if you plan to visit Taiwan in early summer.
Source: NewTalk, skyticket
If you don’t mind the occasional afternoon shower, plenty of blossoms are waiting for you in May. The snow-white tung blossom blankets the mountainous areas north of Chiayi in Taiwan, as well as regions in the east like Hualien and Taitung. May also marks the peak season for the golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) to bloom. Strings of yellow flowers sway in the breeze, resembling the radiant drops of golden rain. The hydrangea season also begins, and due to the different soil pH levels, hydrangeas exhibit various colors. Entering June, you can start seeing lotus flowers. One of the most famous spots are the Baihe Lotus Ponds in Tainan. Spring to summer is definitely the best time to visit Taiwan too see beautiful blossoms.
The major cultural highlight during this period is the Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Festival. As this festival is based on the lunar calendar, the date varies each year but usually falls in June. Taipei, Miaoli, and Lukang are known for hosting dragon boat races, with intricately designed boats. Many people gather by the riverside to watch the races and enjoy traditional rice dumplings (zongzi). Starting June is also a “fishy” season, you can enjoy the Flying Fish festival in Orchid Island (Lanyu) and Bluefin Tuna Season in Donggang.
Source: Shopee, BusinessToday
Visiting Taiwan in July and August
July and August are the hottest months in Taiwan, with average temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius. Coupled with high humidity, it can feel more like 35 degrees Celsius. July also marks the typhoon season, so when traveling during this time, it’s essential to stay updated with weather forecasts. While it is not the absolute best time to visit Taiwan, you don’t have to worry too much, typhoons usually come and leave within a few days, so the chances of meeting a disastrous one is probably quite slim. However, even without typhoon visiting, afternoon showers are common. If the coast is clear, and you can handle the heat, there are plenty of exciting activities to participate in.
If you visit Taiwan for the summer break, you can witness a colorful spectacle at the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival, where a variety of hot air balloons take to the skies. Do not forget the Hohaiyan Rock Festival, the Taiwanese version of Coachella. An annual Taiwan rock music festival held in Fulong Beach, visitors craving an electrifying atmosphere, diverse music acts, and a beachside setting flock to this event, making it a must-attend for music enthusiasts and festival-goers alike.
Source: iHappyDay.tw, Northeast Yilan Coast National Scenic Area
For those interested in exploring the culture of the Amis indigenous people in Taiwan, the “Fengnian Festival” in Hualien is an excellent event to attend. This festival combines music and dance performances, showcasing the essence of indigenous songs, dances, and cultural rituals. In Yilan, there is also Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival, featuring art, games and water parks!
When the weather is favorable, Taroko Gorge in August is a popular destination due to its cooler temperatures. If you’re looking to soak up the sun, scenery, and gentle breezes on the beach, Kenting National Park is a great choice. In Hualien on the east coast, the vibrant orange day lilies cover the mountains, creating stunning landscapes that don’t require any filters to capture beautiful photos. After all the fun, if you need to cool off, you can visit the National Palace Museum or the Taipei Fine Arts Museum for some indoor activities. Check out our post about the 20 must visit places in Taipei, many of them are indoors. Also don’t forget to grab a refreshing cup of bubble tea to beat the heat—it’s a must-do on your itinerary.
As students start taking their summer breaks and travelers around the world feel their travel itch, no matter how hot it is in Taiwan, it is still a pretty busy tourist season. So if your schedule allows, we recommend skipping the scorching sun and unbearable humidity of the island, and come visit Taiwan some other times.
Source: Yahoo News, kkday
Visiting Taiwan in September and October
After enduring the scorching summer, Taiwan’s weather in September finally starts to become more comfortable. Temperatures in Taipei and other northern regions begin to drop (though only slightly in the south), and there is less rainfall compared to August. September still falls within the typhoon season, but on clear days, the southern beaches continue to attract many visitors. October brings warm and mostly dry weather to Taiwan, making it one of the best months for traveling in the country. The average temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius, and cool breezes start to prevail. It’s an ideal time for hiking or admiring the bright autumn colors in the mountains. One highly recommended destination is Alishan, where, if you wake up early enough, witnessing the sea of clouds and the sunrise at mid-mountain level is an unforgettable experience.
While the climate may not yet offer the coolness of autumn, Taiwan’s festivals in this month serve as a reminder that the fall season is on its way. Mid-Autumn Festival, aside from moon-watching, is an excellent time to savor mooncakes. A unique tradition of Taiwanese is to barbeque and get together during this time. Another tasty and beautiful festival is the Persimmon Festival in Xinzhu county. You will see miles of orange balls soaking up the autumn sun and turning into tasty snacks. Other worthwhile events include the Taipei Arts Festival and the Sun Moon Lake International Swimming Carnival, where thousands of swimmers take on the challenge of crossing Taiwan’s largest lake. There are also fireworks around Sun Moon Lake around this time. Fall is one of the most recommended times to travel to Taiwan because of the nice weather and abundance in fun activities.
Source: China Times, TravelKing, TaiwanHot, taiwan.net
In the major cities, plenty of exciting activities are waiting for you partake in. Taiwan Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ celebration in East Asia, features vibrant parades and colorful crowds lining the streets of Taipei. In New Taipei City, one of the most vibrant and colorful event, Shimen Kite Festival paints the sky into rainbow. Meanwhile, in Taichung, the renowned Jazz Festival is held every October. This week-long music extravaganza attracts top Taiwanese and international musicians, offering a fantastic musical experience.
Visiting Taiwan in November and December
In accordance with Taiwan’s standards, November offers cool and comfortable weather, making it an excellent time for outdoor travel and one of the best times to visit Taiwan. The average temperature hovers around the low 20s in degrees Celsius, and Taichung and Kaohsiung often enjoy sunny days. Taipei tends to be overcast or experience light rain, so packing a light jacket should suffice to stay warm. December in Taiwan typically sees average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest months in the country. This is especially true in southern cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan, where the climate is usually dry.
While the climate is pleasant, the tourist crowds are relatively smaller, making it an ideal time to visit many popular attractions like Elephant Mountain, Jiufen Old Street, or Longshan Temple. The season is also great to see the fluffy Miscanthus, or called Chinese Silver Grass, around most mountain ranges. The renowned Golden Horse Film Festival also takes place in November. If you’re in Taipei, take advantage of the opportunity to catch a movie. After the film, don’t forget to leave some time to explore the street food delights at Shilin Night Market.
Source: SmileTaiwan
Throughout December, there are plenty of rich and diverse activities to participate in. The mild winter weather is perfect for indulging in hot springs in places like Beitou and Wulai, or if you’re in southern Taiwan, the Kaohsiung Art Fair offers an opportunity to admire modern art creations from emerging local artists. Additionally, the Taipei Marathon takes place in December, attracting runners from all over. Whether you want to cheer them on or participate yourself, it’s an excellent way to explore the city and be part of a vibrant event.
Finally, Taiwan is an excellent destination for New Years celebration, festive activities are scattered all around major cities of Taiwan. One of the most spectacular and popular one are the fireworks in Taipei 101.
Source: Taipei 101, Radio Taiwan International
Conclusion
Now that you found out more than enough activities to do in Taiwan, it is probably even harder to decide when is the best time to visit Taiwan. The answer of course really depends on what you are looking for in your trip. There are exciting cultural festivals, artistic celebration, beautiful sceneries and tasty food all year round in Taiwan, so you can never really go wrong. If there is one thing to consider, most people will probably find the summer in Taiwan a little unbearable; otherwise feel free to hop on a plane and come visit anytime you like!
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