The best time to visit Taiwan is in November or April. Both of these shoulder season months fall outside of Taiwan’s hot, humid, and wet summer months. On average, these spring and fall months also see fewer tourists than the summer tourism high season and during the Chinese New Year.
Although summer is the most popular season for tourists, most travelers should avoid traveling to Taiwan in summer. From July to September, the weather in Taiwan can get fierce. The summer months bring extreme heat & humidity to the island—along with the potential for typhoons and tropical storms. Unless getting drenched in storms with winds strong enough to send shih tzus flying through the streets of Taipei is in your travel plans, try to plan your trip outside of these less-than-optimal months.
Don’t let the ever-changing climate of this sub-tropical island spoil your East Asia travel plans. Plan the perfect trip with this complete Taiwan weather guide, including where to go, what to expect, and what to wear by season and by month!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our Taiwan Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Why Treksplorer? Founded in 2011 by Ryan O’Rourke, Treksplorer provides travel recommendations and advice to millions of readers every year. Our content is rooted in our writers’ firsthand experiences, in-depth research, and/or collaborations with other experts and locals. Read more about our editorial policy.
Weather in Taiwan
Taiwan is divided into two distinct climate zones. Northern Taiwan lies within a subtropical zone, while Southern Taiwan sits within a tropical zone. The differences between the two regions aren’t huge, especially compared to other destinations in East Asia. Most of the island is warm year-round, with mild winters and hot summers. But warmth is not the issue here.
The real problem with the weather in Taiwan is typhoon season. The typhoon season in Taiwan often lasts from July until September. You’ve probably witnessed some epic Taiwanese typhoons on your local news channel–and this is exactly the type of weather you want to avoid when planning your trip!
Weather by season
Spring
- When is spring? Spring in Taiwan is from March until May.
- What to expect in spring: In the spring months, you can expect warm weather throughout Taiwan. Average lows are between 15ºC and 22ºC (58ºF and 71ºF), and average highs are between 19ºC and 27ºC (65ºF and 79ºF).
- What to wear in spring: Wear a light, long-sleeved shirt during the day. A heavier long-sleeved shirt for nighttime should be enough to keep you comfortable. Keep a lightweight, waterproof jacket handy in your daypack.
Summer
- When is summer? Summer in Taiwan is from June until August.
- What to expect in summer: Summers are hot and humid throughout Taiwan, with frequent thunderstorms and the possibility of typhoons. Average lows are between 24ºC and 28ºC (72ºF and 82ºF). Average highs are between 27ºC and 31ºC (80ºF and 87ºF). The crazy summer humidity pushes those highs even higher.
- What to wear in summer: Short-sleeved shirts and shorts should feature heavily in your Taiwan packing list. Keep a solid travel umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket with you at all times.
Autumn
- When is autumn? Autumn in Taiwan is from September to November.
- What to expect in autumn: You can expect cooler temperatures in autumn than in summer. You’ll also experience much less rain, especially in October and November. Average lows are between 18ºC and 27ºC (64ºF and 80ºF), and average highs are between 27ºC and 30ºC (80ºF and 85ºF).
- What to wear in autumn: In autumn, you’ll need long-sleeve shirts or a light jacket at the most. As always, carry an umbrella, but don’t expect to need it as often. With the cooler temperatures and drier weather conditions, autumn is an excellent season to go hiking in Taiwan. Pack a decent pair of hiking shoes.
Winter
- When is winter? Winter in Taiwan is from December until February.
- What to expect in winter: Winters in Taiwan are mild, foggy, and relatively dry. Average lows are between 13ºC and 15ºC (55ºC and 58ºC), and average highs are between 17ºC and 19ºC (61ºF and 65ºC). Nighttime temperatures in Northern Taiwan can dip into the single digits (mid-40sºF).
- What to wear in winter: For winter in Taiwan, you’ll need long-sleeved shirts and a versatile all-season coat. Dress in layers to keep on top of the ever-changing winter weather.
Visiting Taiwan on a crunch? Make the most out of it with this complete 2-day Taipei itinerary!
Weather by month
January
- Overview: January is the coldest month in Taiwan, but it’s still relatively mild by North American or European standards. Average lows are 13°C (55°F) and average highs are 16°C (61°F).
- Where to go in January: For the warmest winter weather, head toward the sunny skies of Southern Taiwan. Enjoy some outdoor adventure in great destinations like Kenting National Park or Kenting National Forest Recreation Area. Chinese New Year sometimes falls at the end of January. Be sure to book your hotels and flights well ahead if you’re planning to go at this busy time of year.
February
- Overview: February is slightly warmer than January, with more rainfall throughout the country. Average lows, mostly centered around Northern Taiwan, are 10°C (50°F), and average highs are around 25°C (77°F).
- Where to go in February: Southern Taiwan is warmer and sunnier in February than the north. Chinese New Year usually takes place in February. It’s a colorful time of year in Taiwan but also one of the busiest. Reservations are crucial, especially if trying to score one of the best places to stay in Taipei.
March
- Overview: Both temperatures and rainfall pick up in Taiwan in March. The month is generally milder than February, with an average low of 14°C (58°F) and an average high of 18°C (65°F).
- Where to go in March: In March, the tropical south is warm enough for a beach vacation. Head to the beautiful beaches of Kenting National Park for a sandy escape or to its hiking trails for a greener adventure. The weather in Northern Taiwan in March is a bit of a mixed bag. With the cooler weather and increased rainfall, museums and hot springs resorts like Beitou Hot Springs are popular at this time of year.
April
- Overview: The temperatures in Taiwan become more pleasant moving into April. Rainfall begins to ramp up towards the end of the month as summer approaches. Average low temperatures are 19°C (66°F) and average highs sit around 23°C (74°F).
- Where to go in April: In April, the north is drier than the south. It’s a great month to frolic in the bright spring colors of Yangmingshan National Park or enjoy the natural beauty of Sun Moon Lake. April is also a good time to hike up Elephant Mountain in Taipei before the oppressive heat, humidity, and typhoons of summer hit.
May
- Overview: The rainy season (un)officially starts in May. In May, you should prepare for an almost daily smattering of afternoon thunderstorms to unleash the heat and humidity. The average low temperature is 21°C (61°F), with an average high of 26ºC (79°F). Expect Southern Taiwan to peak into the 30s.
- Where to go in May: In May, the spring colors are out in full force. Visiting the national parks is a great choice at this time of year. Plan a trip to the beautiful Taroko Gorge in Taroko National Park near Hualien, explore the alpine forests or the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, or check out the East Coast National Scenic Area. Dress for the weather and bring a travel umbrella.
June
- Overview: June marks the first official month of summer in Taiwan, with both the heat and rainfall picking up. Average lows sit at about 24°C (75°F) and average highs are 27°C (80°F). Once again, the country’s south is hotter, soaring into the low 30s at times. June is the rainiest month in Taiwan. Plan on getting soaked.
- Where to go in June: As the south is rainier and hotter, the north is a better choice in June. Staying in the cities ensures you’re never far from shelter should a storm shatter your Taiwan travel plan. You’ll enjoy the abundance of air-conditioned shops and restaurants in Taipei or Taichung.
July
- Overview: Taiwan becomes extremely hot and humid in July. Afternoon thunderstorms brew quickly, and typhoons are never out of the question. The average low temperature is 26°C (78ºF) and the average high is 28ºC (83ºF). Expect temperatures with the humidex to climb to 35°C (95ºF). Or more!
- Where to go in July: Unless you have lungs of steel, serious hiking is probably out of the question. Traveling in July means frequent, often weather-induced, breaks. Bring along a travel water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. An urban environment with plenty of opportunities for shelter and air-conditioned indoor activities is a good idea.
August
- Overview: The heat soars into August with an average low of 28ºC (82ºF) and an average high of 31ºC (87ºF). As you’d expect, thunderstorms roll out frequently on August afternoons. The not-so-distant chance of an epic typhoon will either excite or terrify you.
- Where to go in August: To cool off from the extreme heat and humidity, pop into the southern beaches around Kenting National Park for a dip. Taroko Gorge in Taroko National Park near Hualien is also a popular destination in August. The summer temperatures are more reasonable here than elsewhere in the country.
September
- Overview: September marks the official start of autumn in Taiwan. This month sees balmy average lows of 27ºC (80ºF) and average highs of 29ºC (85ºF). The south remains warm while the north cools off towards the end of September. Rainfall drops off from August but is still significant. The threat of typhoons also dwindles as the month moves on.
- Where to go in September: The beaches of Southern Taiwan are still buzzing in September as sun-worshippers soak up the last month of big heat. With the cooler weather and smaller crowds, September is also a great time to explore popular tourist destinations like Sun Moon Lake, Puli, and Lukang with a little more elbow room. Nearly everywhere in the country is more pleasant in September than in July or August.
October
- Overview: Autumn is in full swing by October. Average temperatures “dip” to a low of 23ºC (74ºF) and a high of 26ºC (79ºF). Rainfall tapers off considerably compared to summer, especially later in the month.
- Where to go in October: As long as you avoid the Mid-Autumn Festival, sometimes falling in early October, the month is one of the quietest times of the year to travel. As a bonus, you’ll also get to enjoy milder temperatures and less rainfall than the summer months. October is one of the best times to explore Taipei and other Taiwanese cities like Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan. Dig into all the top places to visit in Taipei in October to make the most out of the more comfortable temperatures.
November
- Overview: November is cooler than October, with less rainfall. Average low temperatures hover around 18ºC (64ºF), with average highs at 26ºC (80ºF).
- Where to go in November: In November, Taiwan’s national parks become magnets as people flock to wallow in the bright fall colors. Hot spring resorts like Beitou are also popular in autumn. November is the low tourist season in Taiwan. You’ll find plenty of space to enjoy the country in relative peace. Cooler evenings make November the perfect month to explore Taipei’s night markets.
December
- Overview: December is one of the coldest months in Taiwan. Expect average lows around 13ºC (55ºF) and average highs of 18ºC (64ºF). Along with November, December is the driest month in Taiwan on average.
- Where to go in December: Things start to get chilly in Taiwan in December. Mountain retreats like Yangmingshan National Park and Yushan National Park are less comfortable in this first month of winter. The south retains some heat in December. Beaches like Kenting Beach are still warm enough to swim in.
Final recommendations
The best month to visit Taiwan is either November or April.
Why visit in November?
With the extreme heat of summer and the rainy season long gone, visiting Taiwan in November is a brilliant option. On average, November is the driest month in Taiwan, tied with December. Warm and comfortable temperatures remain throughout Taiwan.
November is also a great month to experience places like Yangmingshan National Park, where the fall colors are out in full force. It’s also a far more comfortable month for urban explorers and for escaping Taipei on a day trip. Taiwanese cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung can get oppressively hot (and wet) in summer, so November is a welcome change.
The biggest advantage of visiting Taiwan in November, however, is the lack of crowds. You’ll also have an easier time finding flight deals to Taipei and discounted accommodation.
Why visit in April?
If you can’t travel in November, visiting Taiwan in April is a fantastic alternative. The earlier in April you can make it, the better, as rainfall starts to creep up towards the end of the month.
As late spring approaches, the temperatures start to warm up. It’ll make for a comfortable trip without the extreme heat of a Taiwanese summer. By April, the spring bloom is also in full swing. Along with May, April is the most colorful month to travel around Taiwan.
Despite its perks, however, April falls in Taiwan’s high-tourist season. Flights will be harder to come by (mainland Chinese will be flocking here by this time). Accommodations will also book up quickly. Visiting in April will involve tighter travel planning and a beefier travel budget.
