Traveling to Taiwan? Don’t be deterred by the looming threat of Taiwan’s typhoon season. For adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts, knowing how to prepare can turn potential disruptions into unique experiences.
Typhoon season in Taiwan is no ordinary weather pattern—it’s a dramatic event that can significantly impact your travel plans. But with a touch of savvy planning, you can ensure a safe and memorable trip.
Source: 數位果子
As local Taiwanese, we have firsthand experience navigating the annual onslaught of typhoons, averaging about 4.7 each year—a number that’s unfortunately on the rise. This unique perspective equips us with a deep understanding of how these storms affect daily life and travel plans.
Over the years, we’ve learned how to track a typhoon’s progress, adapt to the power outages, flooded streets, and transportation disruptions that accompany typhoon season. In this post, we will share this knowledge to help you and other visitors enjoy a safe and enriching journey in Taiwan during typhoon season.
How Bad Is Typhoon Season in Taiwan?
While typhoons can be intense, it’s important not to worry too much. The chances of experiencing a strong typhoon during a week long visit to Taiwan is not as high as you think.
Taiwan experiences about 3-5 typhoons per year. Interestingly, not all of these storms reach a strength that would significantly disrupt your itinerary. In fact, many typhoons pass through without major incident, bringing only slightly heavier rain and stronger winds to certain areas.
Typically, only a strong typhoon in Taiwan—a category that warrants official weather alerts and can even lead to days off work—will significantly affect your travel plans. If such a typhoon occurs, you might experience disruptions for 2-3 days.
Source: 中央社
Finally, Taiwan has a well-established infrastructure and efficient systems in place to manage typhoon events, which help minimize disruptions and ensure safety. Though no one can predict with absolute certainty when a typhoon will strike, the local weather services are adept at providing timely forecasts and updates. Just stay tuned and be flexible with your plans.
Understanding Taiwan’s Typhoon Season
What is a Typhoon?
If you haven’t heard about typhoons, they are formidable natural phenomena, akin to hurricanes in the Atlantic or cyclones in the Indian Ocean. They form over warm ocean waters and can bring intense winds and torrential rains.
The strength of a typhoon is measured on a scale that considers sustained wind speeds and the potential for destruction. They can range from mild, causing minimal disruption, to catastrophic, leading to significant damage and safety concerns.
When is Typhoon Season in Taiwan?
The Taiwan typhoon season typically stretches from June to October, with the peak occurring between July and September. However, due to climate change, the typhoon season is becoming more and more irregular in recent years.
During these months, Taiwan can experience several storms, with varying degrees of impact. You should be particularly mindful of this period when planning their adventures. There is no best time to visit Taiwan, all seasons come with its pros and cons.
3 Levels of Typhoon
Typhoons are categorized into three levels based on their strength: weak, medium, and strong.
A weak typhoon typically brings increased rainfall and moderate winds, posing minimal threat to day-to-day activities.
Medium typhoons, on the other hand, can disrupt travel plans and daily life with stronger winds and heavy rain, often requiring some precautionary measures.
Strong typhoons, however, are formidable, capable of causing significant disruptions, including power outages and structural damage.
The Impact of Typhoons on Taiwan
Source: 中央社
Typhoons can cause considerable disruptions to transportation, including flight cancellations and road closures. Activities and accommodations may also be affected, with outdoor attractions temporarily shut down for safety reasons.
Even worse, the potential for fallen trees, broken windows, collapsed bridges, flooding and landslides cannot be ignored. Understanding the severity of past typhoons can help you prepare for what might come your way.
The Typhoon Holiday: A Unique Aspect of Taiwanese Life
In Taiwan, the arrival of a significant typhoon often leads to what’s colloquially known as a “typhoon holiday.” This is a day when work and school are officially canceled due to safety concerns, allowing residents to stay indoors where they are safer from the external dangers posed by the storm.
The government and local authorities assess the severity of the incoming typhoon using detailed weather forecasts and advisories before declaring a typhoon holiday. Each city or county makes their own decision.
However, if the typhoon is not strong enough to warrant such a break, daily activities may proceed as usual following stringent safety assessments. In such cases, businesses operate, and schools remain open, indicating that weather conditions are considered safe for travel and outdoor engagements.
Tips for Traveling During Typhoon Season
Check Weather Forecasts Regularly
Staying informed is key when traveling during the Taiwan typhoon season. Reliable weather apps and websites, such as the Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan, provide up-to-date information on storm developments. We will go into more detail of how to track a typhoon in later sections.
Flexible Travel Plans and Travel Insurance
Flexibility is your best friend when planning a trip during typhoon season. Be prepared to adjust your itineraries at a moment’s notice, and consider investing in travel insurance that covers typhoon-related disruptions. Though your chances of experiencing typhoon is not that high, this extra layer of security can provide peace of mind.
Pack Smart for Rainy Weather
Source: 聯合新聞網
Your packing list for Taiwan should include essentials for staying dry and comfortable. A waterproof jacket, sturdy umbrella, and waterproof footwear are must-haves. Don’t forget a power bank and extra snacks in case you end up spending more time indoors than planned. You can buy many of these items in Taiwan as well.
Step-by-Step Guide for Tracking a Typhoon
Tracking a typhoon effectively requires staying informed about the latest developments and understanding the various resources available. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this process like a local:
Weather forecast: If the weather forecast is getting a little gloomy, it probably is time to start checking rain and typhoon information more regularly.
Stay Tuned to Local News and Media: Taiwanese residents rely heavily on news channels and media for up-to-date information about incoming typhoons. If you’re dining in a local restaurant, take the opportunity to glance at the news broadcasts, even if you don’t understand the language. Visual cues such as weather maps and animated graphics are often intuitive and can provide a lot of information.
Source: TVBS News
Consult the Central Weather Administration (CWA): The Central Weather Administration is Taiwan’s go-to source for reliable and detailed weather forecasts. They provide comprehensive updates on any tropical cyclones that might affect the region. Their website and app are excellent tools for tracking a typhoon’s path, intensity, and potential impact.
Source: CWA
Monitor the Formation of Cyclones: Once a tropical cyclone forms in the nearby ocean, it’s time to start paying closer attention to its movements. The CWA will issue alerts regarding the cyclone’s trajectory and development.
Evaluate the Increasing Strength and Changing trajectory: As the cyclone progresses, observe any changes in its strength and categories. An increase in intensity might mean more significant precautions are necessary, so plan accordingly. A typhoon’s trajectory can also differ drastically from official’s prediction, so keep yourself updated in case it heads toward Taiwan.
What to Do When a Typhoon Comes?
Stay Calm and Determine the Potential Impact
When you hear a typhoon is on its way, it’s important to remain calm and assess how it might affect your travel or daily plans. The first step is to consult reliable sources like the Central Weather Administration (CWA) to confirm the storm’s trajectory and strength. Is it a weak typhoon or a strong one? Is it actually going to pass through Taiwan?
Determine Typhoon Origin and Trajectory
Source: 交通部中央氣象署、聯合新聞網
In most cases, typhoons approach Taiwan from the west, originating in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The island’s east side typically bears the brunt of the storm, often facing the most significant destruction due to its immediate exposure.
If a typhoon does not land in Taiwan, its impact usually will not be too significant.
If it does, when it makes landfall, the typhoon’s intensity usually starts diminishing, primarily due to the lack of water which fuels its strength. Additionally, Taiwan’s high mountain ranges play a crucial role in weakening the typhoon further, acting as a natural barrier that interrupts the storm’s momentum. This geographical advantage helps mitigate the overall impact of a typhoon on the west side of the island.
Avoid High Impact Areas and Outdoor Activities
Once you determine the typhoon’s trajectory, it is prudent to avoid high-impact areas to ensure safety. Cancel or rearrange any outdoor activities, particularly water-related ones, as conditions can become hazardous quickly. For example, the beautiful Taroko gorge, Sun moon lake and Yangmingshan are no longer recommended.
Source: 台視
It’s advisable to steer clear of places known to bear the brunt of the storm, such as the east side of Taiwan. This region, including cities like Hualien, Taitung, and Yilan, is often the first to experience the full force of the typhoon’s winds and rain. Depending on the trajectory of the typhoon, northern Taiwan, including Taipei can get a good amount of rain and wind too.
If you are particularly worried, you can go to Taichung or the south side of Taiwan. They are usually the least impacted.
Determine Whether It’s Safe to Travel
If a typhoon holiday has not been declared, you may proceed with your planned indoor activities without concern. This can include visiting museums, indoor shopping centers, or other sheltered attractions that remain open.
If the day off is announced but public transportation is operational, carefully assess the weather conditions before stepping out. If conditions permit, continue with your indoor itinerary while exercising caution during travel. Some places might delay their openings or be closed, but a surprising amount will still operate (to attract all the happy shoppers enjoying their extra holiday).
Obviously, if the weather is so extreme that you can hardly see, hear or stand. Please be rational and just stay home.
Adjust Your Plans
On average, a typhoon can affect Taiwan for approximately two to three days. This includes the period of intense weather as the typhoon approaches, the peak of the storm, and the aftermath when lingering winds and rain can still cause disruptions.
If the weather is extreme, we advise you to stay home or indoors. However, if the weather is manageable, in later sections, we have some suggestions for you to do during a typhoon.
Stock Up on Food, Water, and Snacks
Source: NOWNews
In preparation for a strong typhoon, we recommend you prepare an adequate stockpile of essential supplies, including food, water, and snacks. In the worst case, restaurants will not be open and we don’t want you to starve! The more remote you stay, the more food you should prepare!
Move Your Car to a Safe Location
Don’t think this is a silly advice. We are way too familiar with news about damaged cars after typhoons. If your car is parked under or near a tree, we strongly urge you to relocate it to a safer spot. Strong winds and heavy rain can easily uproot trees or cause branches to fall unexpectedly!
Get a Sturdy Umbrella and Rain Jacket
Source: 中時新聞網
Equipping yourself with a sturdy umbrella or a reliable rain jacket is crucial as you prepare for the typhoon. A durable umbrella can provide necessary protection from heavy rain without collapsing under strong gusts of wind. For you reference, we own 20+ umbrellas for a family of 5! You never know when your umbrella is gonna be destroyed by the wind!
How to Enjoy Taiwan during Typhoon
Indoor Activities and Attractions
Taiwan offers a wealth of indoor activities and attractions to enjoy, even during inclement weather. Museums, art galleries, and cultural centers like the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Taipei Fine Arts Museum are perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in local history and culture.
For a more leisurely day, explore the bustling shopping malls like Taipei 101, Xingyi district or Zhongxiao area, where you’ll find everything from unique souvenirs to delicious street food. Alternatively, indulge in a spa and wellness retreat, allowing the soothing treatments to transport you away from the storm outside.
Water Activities in Sheltered Locations
Source: Avo Insurance
You don’t have to forgo water activities entirely. Look for sheltered locations where you can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing or even a cozy hot spring soak. These experiences offer a unique perspective on Taiwan’s natural beauty, without exposing you to the elements.
Savoring Taiwanese Cuisine
No trip to Taiwan is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Seek out cozy restaurants and food halls where you can savor authentic dishes like beef noodle soup, xiao long bao, and bubble tea. Rainy days are the perfect excuse to indulge in comforting comfort foods. We have a whole series of post dedicated to what to eat in Taiwan, including Ximending, Maokong, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake and more.
FAQ
How often do typhoons hit Taiwan?
On average, Taiwan experiences three to five typhoons annually, with varying degrees of impact. If you trip to Taiwan is less than 1-2 weeks, your chances of experiencing a severe typhoon is not that high.
Is it safe to travel during typhoon season?
With careful planning and flexibility, it is definitely possible to safely travel during typhoon season. Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and adjust your plans accordingly.
What should I do if a typhoon hits during my trip?
Stay indoors, keep informed through local news, and follow the advice of local authorities. Having travel insurance can also help alleviate financial stress. Avoid high impact areas like the east side of Taiwan. Lastly, stay in larger cities where infrastructure is more mature for handling typhoons.
Will I experience flooding during Taiwan’s Typhoon Season?
Major flooding in residential area is uncommon during typhoon season in Taiwan. If you are in Taipei or major cities, there might be puddles but nothing catastrophic is likely to happen.
Usually smaller towns in the south suffer the most as they don’t normally get that much rain. When there is a sudden burst of rain from a strong typhoon, their infrastructure cannot handle and major flooding occurs.
Source: ourisland.pts.org.tw
Our parents lived in an age where first floors and basements might be flooded and destroyed during typhoon season. However, that is rarely the case today. Thanks to advancements in urban planning and infrastructure, most buildings and cities are now better equipped to handle the impact of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
If you’re in rural areas near rivers in Taiwan, exercise extreme caution. Never approach the water, regardless of how calm or shallow it appears. Even if it’s not raining heavily where you are, upstream areas may be experiencing intense rainfall, causing water levels to rise rapidly—sometimes within seconds. Flash floods are a serious danger, claiming lives every year. It’s crucial to understand Taiwan’s unique geography and flood risks to make safer travel decisions. Stay safe!
Will I experience a landslide during Taiwan’s Typhoon Season?
Landslides pose a significant danger in Taiwan during typhoon season, especially in mountainous regions or areas with unstable soil. However, if you stay in major cities, the chances are low.
Landslides are a leading cause of typhoon casualties! If you’re planning to visit or even just driving by rural or hilly areas, be acutely aware of the serious risk of landslides during or after heavy rainfall. Recovery from such disasters can be extremely challenging and prolonged. Avoid traveling to high-risk zones during severe weather, and always prioritize your safety over travel plans.
Source: 中央社
Conclusion
While typhoon season in Taiwan presents challenges, it also offers unique experiences that adventurous travelers will appreciate—especially since the chances of encountering severe weather are not as high as you might think.
By planning ahead and remaining flexible, you can make the most of your trip. Experiencing a typhoon allows you to connect with the resilience of the Taiwanese people and gain a deeper appreciation for their lives. Whether you’re exploring indoor attractions, savoring local cuisine, or simply watching the storm from the safety of your accommodation, you’ll find that these moments are a blessing in disguise.
If you’re ready to discover the magic of Taiwan despite the storms, start planning your trip today. Remember, every storm eventually passes, revealing a world of new adventures.
