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Weather Guide

Taiwan Weather & Climate Guide 2025

Plan your trip with detailed weather information and seasonal tips for Taiwan.

Taiwan is a vibrant island nation blending ancient Chinese culture with modern innovation, featuring stunning mountain landscapes, bustling night markets, and world-class cuisine. From the neon-lit streets of Taipei to the serene temples of Tainan and dramatic gorges of Taroko, Taiwan offers diverse experiences for every traveler. This subtropical paradise combines excellent infrastructure, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit

Months to Avoid

May-September (typhoon season)

Climate Overview

Taiwan has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, though conditions vary significantly by region and altitude. The north (Taipei) receives year-round rainfall with relatively mild winters; the south (Kaohsiung, Kenting) has a distinct dry season and tropical warmth; the east coast is dramatic and rainy. Typhoon season runs May-November with peak impact July-September, potentially disrupting travel with short notice. The mountains see snow above 2,000m in winter while the coast remains warm.

Month-by-Month Guide

What to expect each month of the year.

Jan

15C/59F (Taipei); 21C/70F (Kaohsiung)
Cool and overcast in north; sunny and mild in south. Low tourist season with good hotel value.

Feb

15C/59F (Taipei); 22C/72F (Kaohsiung)
Lunar New Year celebrations; businesses close 1-2 weeks. Cherry blossoms begin at lower altitudes.

Mar

18C/64F (Taipei); 24C/75F (Kaohsiung)
Spring begins; cherry blossom season at Alishan and Yangmingshan. Ideal conditions emerging.

Apr

22C/72F (Taipei); 26C/79F (Kaohsiung)
Peak spring — warm, pleasant, flowers in bloom. International visitors increase. Mazu Pilgrimage.

May

25C/77F (Taipei); 28C/82F (Kaohsiung)
Warm and pleasant; early typhoon season begins. Penghu Fireworks Festival starts.

Jun

28C/82F (Taipei); 30C/86F (Kaohsiung)
Hot, humid, typhoon risk rising. Beaches and east coast islands peak appeal despite risk.

Jul

30C/86F (Taipei); 31C/88F (Kaohsiung)
Hottest month; frequent typhoons. Taitung Balloon Festival, Hohaiyan Rock Festival at Fulong Beach.

Aug

30C/86F (Taipei); 31C/88F (Kaohsiung)
Peak heat and typhoon season. Ghost Month traditions observed across Taiwan.

Sep

27C/81F (Taipei); 29C/84F (Kaohsiung)
Typhoon risk declining; weather clearing by late September. Mid-Autumn Festival (mooncakes, BBQ).

Oct

24C/75F (Taipei); 27C/81F (Kaohsiung)
Taiwan's best month — clear skies, perfect temperatures, mountain foliage, Taipei Pride. Book ahead.

Nov

20C/68F (Taipei); 24C/75F (Kaohsiung)
Excellent conditions continuing; crowds thinning after October peak. Good value month.

Dec

17C/63F (Taipei); 22C/72F (Kaohsiung)
Cool north, warm south. Christmas events in cities; low tourist season, good hotel deals.
🌤️

Seasonal Planning Guide

Complete weather data, packing lists by season, and event calendars.

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Seasonal Breakdown

Detailed information for each season.

🌸 Spring

Mar-May

Best overall season with mild temperatures, cherry blossoms at Alishan (March-April), and manageable rainfall. Wildflowers bloom in Yangmingshan National Park.

Tips: Pack a light rain jacket; mornings often misty; cherry blossom dates vary by elevation

☀️ Summer

Jun-Aug

Hot and humid with temperatures 30-35°C in lowlands; typhoon season peak. High mountain trails (Yushan, Xueshan) are actually pleasant. East coast beaches and offshore islands at peak appeal.

Tips: Typhoon alerts can disrupt plans with 24 hours notice; check CWA forecast daily; UV is intense — strong sunscreen essential

🍂 Fall

Sep-Nov

Premier season for travel — typhoon risk subsides after mid-September, skies clear beautifully, temperatures ideal 20-27°C. Mountain foliage, harvest festivals, and the best photography light of the year.

Tips: October is peak season — book accommodation 2-3 months ahead; Double Ten National Day (Oct 10) causes major hotel demand

❄️ Winter

Dec-Feb

North Taiwan is cool and overcast (10-18°C) with regular rain; south Taiwan and Kenting remain warm (20-26°C) and sunny. Beitou hot springs most enjoyable in cool weather. Snow at mountain heights.

Tips: Pack warm layers for Taipei and mountain areas; Kaohsiung and Kenting are a warm escape if seeking sun; Lunar New Year period (late January/February) sees businesses close

What to Pack

Seasonal packing recommendations.

Year-Round Essentials

  • Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Light scarf or shawl (for religious sites)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Power adapter
  • Basic first aid kit

Hot Weather Additions

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics
  • Extra sun protection
  • Cooling towel
  • Light colors to reflect heat
  • Sandals with back straps

Cool Weather Additions

  • Warm layers (fleece, sweater)
  • Light jacket or coat
  • Rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jacket)
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Warm accessories (if winter)

Events & Crowd Levels

Plan around busy periods and special events.

🔴 High Season

October-November (foliage, perfect weather) and April-May (cherry blossoms, spring); also Lunar New Year week (Jan/Feb)

Higher prices, advance booking essential, crowded attractions.

🟡 Shoulder Season

March (early spring), June (pre-typhoon), December (mild winter)

Good balance of weather and crowds. Reasonable prices.

🟢 Low Season

January (post-New Year), August (peak typhoon), and mid-February after Lunar New Year

Best deals, fewer tourists. Some services may be limited.

Major Events & Holidays

February (Lantern Festival, 15th day of Lunar New Year)
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

Thousands release glowing sky lanterns into night sky in magical mass release. Smaller releases happen year-round in Pingxi and Shifen, but festival mass release is spectacular.

February-March (varies by lunar calendar)
Taiwan Lantern Festival

Massive lantern displays rotate to different city each year. Elaborate lantern installations, performances, and celebrations mark end of Chinese New Year period.

March to April
Alishan Cherry Blossom Season

Pink and white cherry blossoms blanket Alishan's mountains. The narrow-gauge railway passes through blooming trees creating postcard scenes.

March-April (varies)
Mazu Pilgrimage

Taiwan's largest religious event sees millions follow goddess Mazu statue on 9-day, 340km journey. Massive cultural and spiritual spectacle.

April to June
Penghu Fireworks Festival

Weekly fireworks displays over Penghu's islands combine with beach activities, water sports, and island exploration.

June (5th day of 5th lunar month)
Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon boat races on rivers and lakes throughout Taiwan. Teams paddle ornate dragon boats in competitive races. Traditional zongzi (rice dumplings) eaten.

June to August
Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival

Colorful hot air balloons float over scenic East Rift Valley. Dawn and dusk flights offer spectacular views. International balloon teams participate.

July
Hohaiyan Rock Festival

Taiwan's largest outdoor music festival on Fulong Beach features rock, indie, and alternative bands with beach party atmosphere.

October
Taipei Pride

Asia's largest LGBTQ+ pride parade attracts 200,000+ participants. Colorful celebration of Taiwan's progressive stance on equality and first legal same-sex marriage in Asia.

September-October (15th day of 8th lunar month)
Mid-Autumn Festival

Families gather for moon viewing, eating mooncakes, and BBQs. Parks fill with people grilling and celebrating full moon.

October 10
Double Ten National Day

Taiwan's national holiday features military parade, Presidential Office ceremony, and fireworks. Patriotic celebrations throughout Taiwan.

April
Kenting Spring Scream

Multi-day music festival in Kenting featuring rock, indie, and electronic music on beach with international and local acts.

Plan Your Perfect Taiwan Trip

Get our complete seasonal guide with detailed packing lists, event calendars, and month-by-month planning tips.

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