This guide will help you decide when the best time to visit Taiwan is. Keep reading to find out more.
After spending five years in Taiwan, I’ve learned about its weather patterns. I want to help you choose the best time to visit so you avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Table of Contents
When Is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?
The best time to visit Taiwan is spring (March – May) and fall (October – November). These seasons bring mild temperatures, less rain, and beautiful scenery. Spring brings cherry blossoms, and in fall, you’ll enjoy warmer weather and fewer crowds.
I recommend arriving in Taiwan closer to November. September to early October is still typhoon season, and temperatures stay high until mid-October.
Avoid hiking in autumn. Asian murder hornets are aggressive then because it’s their breeding season. They may attack.
When would I avoid Taiwan?
How About the Worst Time to Visit Taiwan?
The worst time to visit Taiwan is during the typhoon season (June – October) and Lunar New Year. During these times, airports get crowded, transportation is busy, and businesses may close. Major holidays like Dragon Boat and Mid-Autumn festivals also mean heavy traffic and large crowds.
Prices for hotels also rise during holidays…
Unless you want to experience Taiwan during Lunar New Year, avoid visiting then. Most businesses close, and the city becomes ghost towns, which looks cool.
June to October is also difficult because of the heat and frequent typhoons. These months have the most rain.
I usually stay indoors during these times and bask in the air conditioning in my apartment. If I go out, I stick to indoor places like malls or Taipei Main Station.
What if you want to see the cherry blossoms? Then things change.
How About the Best Time to Visit Taiwan for Cherry Blossoms?
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan is from February to March. The peak bloom depends on the region, with the south blooming earlier. In Taipei, visit Lohas Park in Neihu for stunning cherry blossom views.
Other great places to see cherry blossoms in Taipei are:
- Pingjing Street in Taipei’s Shilin District
- Yangmingshan National Park
- Tianyuan Temple in Tamsui (New Taipei)
- New Taipei City Gold Museum, Jinguashi (New Taipei)
- Sanxia (New Taipei)
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (CKS) is the most convenient place to see both Japanese and Taiwanese cherry blossoms. There aren’t many, but how many do you really need to see?
But Theo, Taipei isn’t the only city in Taiwan.
Here’s a map of Taiwan’s cherry-blossom-viewing spots:
You might want to also save money during these optimal times. That’s possible.
And When is the Cheapest Time to Travel to Taiwan?
The cheapest time to visit Taiwan is during the off-peak season, from November to February, excluding holidays like Lunar New Year. Flights and accommodations are more affordable due to lower demand. Avoid peak travel times for better deals.
Skyscanner claims the cheapest time to fly to Taiwan is in October [1].
I’m unsure how they got this data, so I wouldn’t rely on it. But it’s the only source I found.
The best time to visit may vary by city…
Finally, When’s the Best Time to Visit Different Cities
Here are the best times to visit different cities throughout Taiwan:
- Taipei: February – April
- New Taipei: February – April
- Taichung: October and November
- Kaohsiung: November – April
- Tainan: November – April
- Kenting: April and October
- Hualien: April
- Yilan: April
I suggest avoiding east coast towns from September to January and June. These months have more earthquakes [2].
Though, the 7.4 Hualien earthquake happened in April…
Earthquakes got your attention, right? Do they happen more often in certain areas?
According to the CWA, earthquakes are most frequent in these cities and months:
- Taipei: September
- Hsinchu: November
- Hualien: October and November
- Tainan and Taitung: December
Their website says there’s “no scientific basis” for these patterns. Still, it’s something to keep in mind.
You can’t wear anything to protect against earthquakes. But what should you wear to handle Taiwan’s weather?
What Should I Wear When Visiting?
In warmer months, wear shoes with good traction and lightweight clothes. Always carry a waterproof jacket or poncho for humidity and sudden rain.
In winter, you’ll need slightly warmer clothing. It doesn’t snow unless you’re in the mountains, but jeans and a sweater or jacket will keep you comfortable.
I have a more in-depth guide on choosing clothing for Taiwan. Check it out.
You might also want to visit during the shoulder season. When is that?
When is Shoulder Season in Taiwan?
Taiwan’s shoulder season is in spring (March – May) and fall (September – November). These periods offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and budget-friendly travel opportunities. Enjoy Taiwan’s natural beauty without large crowds during these months.
Let’s dive into the monthly forecast to help you determine which month is the best to visit.
Taiwan Weather Forecast & Temperature by Month
Here are festivals and average temperatures by month in Taiwan:
| Month | Weather (°F) | Relative Humidity | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57 – 67 °F | 77.2% | 3.9 |
| February | 58 – 69 °F | 77.8% | 4.2 |
| March | 61 – 73 °F | 76.1% | 4.3 |
| April | 66 – 80 °F | 74.9% | 5.7 |
| May | 73 – 86 °F | 74.7% | 9 |
| June | 77 – 91 °F | 75.3% | 12.2 |
| July | 80 – 95 °F | 70.2% | 12.5 |
| August | 79 – 93 °F | 72.1% | 15.8 |
| September | 79 – 88 °F | 73.9% | 8 |
| October | 72 – 82 °F | 74.4% | 2.4 |
| November | 67 – 76 °F | 75% | 2.6 |
| December | 60 – 69 °F | 74.3% | 2.7 |
The mean temperatures, relative humidity, and rainy days are all in Taipei. These numbers will vary by county and city. Refer to the Central Weather Administration (Taiwan) for details.
These numbers are also from 1991 – 2020. Thus, they likely have changed since 2024 — the time I published this information.
Here are the temperatures in each month for folks who don’t use freedom units:
| Month | Avg. Weather (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 14.4 – 19.6 °C |
| February | 14.7 – 20.7 °C |
| March | 16.2 – 22.9 °C |
| April | 19.4 – 26.7 °C |
| May | 22.8 – 30.1 °C |
| June | 25.3 – 32.9 °C |
| July | 26.8 – 35 °C |
| August | 26.6 – 34.4 °C |
| September | 25.2 – 31.6 °C |
| October | 22.6 – 27.8 °C |
| November | 19.8 – 24.9 °C |
| December | 16.1 – 21.1 °C |
The following sections will cover more details about monthly weather and things to do in Taiwan.
Which Month Is Typhoon Season in Taiwan?
Taiwan’s typhoon season begins in the summer and ends in mid-autumn; July – October. It will have an average of 3.7 typhoons per year.
What Are Different Festivals & Events to Check Out?
Here are Taiwan’s most popular holidays and festivals:
| Festival/Holiday | Description | Month |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese New Year | Families gather for meals, give red envelopes, and pray. | Jan – Feb |
| Lantern Festival | People release lanterns and enjoy lion dances at night. | Feb |
| Dragon Boat Festival | Dragon boat races and rice dumpling eating contests occur. | May – June |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | Families barbecue, eat mooncakes, and admire the moon. | Sept – Oct |
| Tomb-Sweeping Day | Families clean graves and offer food to their ancestors. | April |
| Double Ten Day | Parades, fireworks, and speeches celebrate Taiwan’s National Day. | October |
| Ghost Festival | Rituals and offerings are made to honor wandering spirits. | Aug |
| Qixi Festival | Couples exchange gifts and celebrate love and romance. | Aug |
| Buddha’s Birthday | Ceremonies held at temples to bathe and honor Buddha. | April – May |
| Confucius’ Birthday | Students and teachers honor Confucius with traditional rites. | September |
| Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage | Worshippers walk across Taiwan to honor the sea goddess Mazu. | March – April |
This scratches the surface on celebrations in Taiwan. More information in this guide.
FAQs
What Is the Hottest Month in Taiwan?
Taiwan’s hottest month is July. Max temperatures throughout the country reach 92°F (33°C). Average temperatures sit at 82.5°F (29.7°C).
Sources
- Cheap flights to Taiwan. Skyscanner.
- FAQs for earthquakes. Central Weather Administration, Taiwan.
