Weather in Taiwan: The most comprehensive Taiwan Weather Guide
Taiwan is a captivating island with four distinct seasons, each offering its own unique charm and attracting travelers from all over the world. Whether you enjoy warm sunshine or refreshing cool breezes, Taiwan’s seasons promise the scenery and experiences you desire.
Let’s explore the comprehensive Taiwan Weather Guide, featuring detailed information on seasonal climates, regional weather differences, the best times to visit, and useful tips for packing and trip planning. Stay prepared and make the most of your visit to Taiwan all year round!
1. When Is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?
Planning a trip to Taiwan but unsure when to go? The good news is, Taiwan is a year-round destination. Each season brings its own unique charm—from vibrant cherry blossoms in spring to festive celebrations in winter. This guide will help you decide the best time to visit Taiwan based on your weather preferences and travel goals.
Spring (March - May): The Season of Blossoms
Spring is one of the most popular seasons in Taiwan, especially from March to May. The weather is mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Spring is also the best time to admire blooming flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, calla lilies, and hydrangeas. Popular spots for flower viewing include Yangmingshan and Tamsui in Taipei, as well as Alishan in Chiayi. If you’re a flower enthusiast, spring is the ideal season for your visit.
Taiwan usually has a 4-day spring holiday in early April, which is a peak travel period for locals. To enjoy a better travel experience, consider avoiding this time.
From May to June, you might encounter Taiwan’s plum rain season. However, due to climate change, the timing of this season has become unpredictable, and in some years, it doesn’t occur at all.
Further Reading
Summer (June - August): A Season of Heat and Vibrance
Taiwan’s summer lasts from June to August, with particularly hot weather in July and August when temperatures often exceed 30°C. Despite the heat, the longer daylight hours, with sunset around 7 PM, allow for ample time to explore.
While summer doesn’t see much rainfall, intense afternoon thunderstorms caused by convection are common, though they typically last less than an hour.
Summer is a great time for beach vacations and water activities in Taiwan. Popular destinations include Fulong Beach in Taipei, the beaches of Kenting, and Sanyuan Beach in Taitung. Activities such as swimming and snorkeling are highly recommended. Alternatively, you can escape the heat in mountainous areas like Qingjing Farm, Alishan, or Taipingshan.
During July and August, Taiwan hosts various exclusive events, such as the Taitung International Balloon Festival, Penghu Fireworks Festival, and Moonlight Sea Concerts along the East Coast.
Be mindful of a few key periods in summer: the Dragon Boat Festival (May 30 – June 1, 2025) offers exciting dragon boat races but requires early accommodation planning. Typhoon season also begins in July, so travelers should stay updated on weather conditions and consider purchasing travel insurance.
Further Reading
Autumn (September - November): A Pleasant and Refreshing Season
Autumn is one of Taiwan’s most pleasant seasons. September marks the tail end of typhoon season, while October and November bring cooler temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C. The weather is generally sunny and stable, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, bird watching, or leaf peeping.
Autumn also heralds Taiwan’s hot spring season, ideal for relaxation.
Highlights of autumn include the annual daylily bloom in Taiwan’s east during September, the renowned LGBTQ+ Pride Parade in October, and the silver grass on Yangmingshan in November.
October and November are also rice harvest months. Visiting Chishang in Taitung to cycle through golden rice fields is a delightful experience. Travelers can also join rural activities and taste fresh local produce.
Note that the Mid-Autumn Festival (October 4-6, 2025) and National Day holidays (October 10-12, 2025) can cause hotel prices to spike due to high domestic travel demand. Planning around these dates is advised.
Further Reading
Winter (December - February): A Cool Season
Winter in Taiwan lasts from December to February. While Taiwan is in the subtropical zone, the high humidity makes winters feel quite cold, especially in the north and mountainous regions, where occasional snowfall is possible.
The southern cities like Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Kenting are relatively warm and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C, making them ideal winter destinations.
Winter activities in Taiwan include soaking in hot springs, strawberry picking, and enjoying the early blooms of cherry blossoms starting in February.
Two key periods to watch out for are Christmas to New Year’s Eve and Lunar New Year (January 25 – February 2, 2025). Both are peak travel seasons, with higher hotel prices and crowds at popular attractions. Traffic congestion is also common during Lunar New Year due to locals traveling home, and many restaurants may be closed. For a more enjoyable experience, consider visiting after Lunar New Year, during the Lantern Festival.
Further Reading
Conclusion: The Best Times to Visit Taiwan
Every season in Taiwan has its unique charm, and the best time to visit depends on your interests and preferred activities. For those who enjoy warm weather and beach activities, summer and early autumn are ideal. If you prefer hiking and flower viewing, spring is the best choice. For travelers seeking cooler weather and cultural experiences, autumn and spring are perfect seasons.
Overall, April, October, and November are the best months to visit Taiwan. These months offer mild, stable weather and moderate crowds, making them suitable for exploring natural attractions and experiencing Taiwan’s culture and cuisine.
The only period to avoid is during Lunar New Year.
No matter when you visit, Taiwan will leave you with countless unforgettable memories. Choose your favorite season and start planning your Taiwan adventure today!
2. When Is Taiwan’s Rainy Season?
Taiwan’s rainy season typically occurs from May to June, a period known locally as the “plum rain” (梅雨) season. This name comes from the fact that it coincides with the ripening of plums.
3. When Is Typhoon Season in Taiwan?
Taiwan’s typhoon season typically runs from July to September. Although typhoons may impact travel plans, they certainly don’t occur every day. If you choose to travel with us during typhoon season, Topology Travel will closely monitor weather conditions and adjust your itinerary with flexibility, minimizing any disruption to your trip. Our goal is to ensure that you can still enjoy a safe, smooth, and memorable journey in Taiwan — even during typhoon season.
4. Is There Snow in Taiwan?
Yes, Taiwan does experience snowfall, mainly in the mountainous areas during winter. Snow is very rare in Taiwan’s lowland regions, so if you want to see snow in Taiwan, it will largely depend on your luck.
5. Where can I check Taiwan’s weather forecast?
You can check Taiwan’s official weather forecasts on the Central Weather Bureau website. It provides up-to-date information on temperatures, rainfall, typhoon warnings, and more for all regions of Taiwan. The site is available in English and is the most reliable source for weather updates in Taiwan.
Website: http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm
6. What to Wear in Taiwan? Clothing Tips for Every Season
Spring
Spring has a large temperature variation, so dressing in layers is a wise choice. This way, you can easily remove layers when the temperature rises. It is recommended to wear thin long-sleeve clothing, with a light shirt and jacket on top, and bring a folding umbrella just in case.
Summer
The weather is hot and humid. It is suggested to wear shorts and T-shirts, and prepare a hat, arm sleeves, and other sun protection gear. Quick-dry clothing is very practical and will keep you comfortable. Summer often has short but heavy afternoon thunderstorms, so carrying a folding umbrella is also recommended.
Autumn
September and October can still feel as hot as summer, so it’s wise to pack some short-sleeve clothes just in case. Long-sleeve clothes and a light jacket remain the best choices for autumn wear.
Winter
The north tends to be cooler, while the south is warmer. It is recommended to prepare warmer clothing, including a windproof jacket, since the humid wind can easily penetrate wool sweaters. Central heating is rare in Taiwan, so layering is recommended even indoors.
Regardless of the season, if you’re visiting mountainous areas where temperature differences can be large, it’s advisable to bring windproof and waterproof clothing. In winter, be sure to prepare warm clothes, scarves, and hats.
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