Taiwan Weather by Month: Rain, Heat and Crowd Guide

Quick answer

The best months to visit Taiwan are October and November, when humidity drops to 70% and temperatures average 22°C-26°C. Avoid the peak typhoon season from July to September and the heavy 'Plum Rain' in May and June. For cherry blossoms, February is ideal, though flight prices to Taoyuan (TPE) rise by 30-40% during the Lunar New Year period.

January

Temperatures in Taipei hover around 15°C, but the 75% humidity makes it feel colder. Expect grey skies and persistent drizzle. In the south, Kaohsiung remains dry and sunny at 23°C. Wear a windproof jacket for the Northeast Coast. This is a quiet month for Taroko Gorge, meaning fewer tour buses at Swallow Grotto.

February

This month centres on the Lunar New Year. Travel between Taipei and Kaohsiung on the High Speed Rail (HSR) becomes difficult unless booked 28 days in advance. Temperatures are mild but wet. Cherry blossoms bloom in Yangmingshan National Park. Bring a waterproof outer layer and layers for high-altitude spots like Cingjing Farm where temps drop to 8°C.

March

Spring arrives with unpredictable weather. One day may be 25°C and sunny, the next 15°C with fog. It is the start of the Alishan flower season. Visibility in mountainous areas can be poor, affecting views from the Taipei 101 observatory (approx. 600 TWD / 19 USD). Lightweight knits and a sturdy umbrella are essential.

April

April offers the best balance for outdoor activities before the heat intensifies. The air is clearer for hiking the Teapot Mountain trail in Ruifang. Firefly season begins in rural areas like Emei. Accommodation prices in Kenting begin to rise as beach season starts. Wear breathable cotton and comfortable walking shoes.

May

This marks the start of the 'Meiyu' or Plum Rain season. Expect heavy, sudden downpours and humidity levels exceeding 80%. It is not ideal for long-distance cycling on the Highway 9 coastal route due to landslide risks. Indoor activities like the National Palace Museum or the Eslite Spectrum Xinyi bookstore are better options.

June

Summer heat begins in earnest. Temperatures frequently hit 33°C with a high heat index. Afternoon thunderstorms are near-guaranteed around 3:00 PM. Tropical clothing and frequent hydration are required. This is a low season for international tourism, so four-star hotels in the Zhongshan District may offer rates under 3,000 TWD (95 USD) per night.

July

July is the peak of typhoon season. A 'Land Warning' can shut down trains and shops for 24-48 hours. When it is not raining, the sun is intense, making city walking difficult between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. High-altitude retreats like Alishan or Xitou are popular escapes for locals seeking 20°C air.

August

Conditions are identical to July, with high humidity and typhoon risks. The Ghost Festival usually falls in August, featuring lanterns in Keelung. If visiting, use the Taipei Metro (MRT) to stay underground and cool. A day pass costs 150 TWD (5 USD) and provides unlimited travel to escape the heat.

September

Rainfall starts to decrease, but the heat remains high at 30°C. The Mid-Autumn Festival leads to public barbecues in city parks. It is a good time for water sports in Penghu or snorkeling in Little Liuqiu, as the water remains warm at 28°C. Wear light clothing and high-SPF sunscreen.

October

October is the most stable month. Rainfall drops significantly to 120mm. The air is crisp, and the sun is frequent but not burning. This is the prime window for the Taiwan KOM Challenge cycling event and hiking the Walami Trail. A light jacket is needed for evenings in the Tamsui district.

November

Dry, cool, and clear. November is the best month for photography at Sun Moon Lake. The autumn colours appear in the Wuling Farm area. Walking through the Dihua Street heritage area is comfortable without the sweat of summer. Prices for flights and hotels are generally stable and mid-range.

December

Taipei is cool and misty, while the south remains pleasant. Christmas is not a public holiday, but malls in Xinyi are heavily decorated. Hot spring resorts in Beitou and Wulai see peak demand; a private tub for two hours costs approximately 1,200-2,500 TWD (38-80 USD). Check the official site for booking requirements during the New Year's Eve fireworks.

Common mistakes

• Underestimating the 'wet cold': 13°C in Taipei feels much colder than 13°C in London due to the extreme humidity; do not rely on a light sweater in January.
• Ignoring typhoon warnings: If a typhoon is announced, mountain areas become dangerous due to falling rocks. Cancel hiking plans immediately.
• Overpacking for the south: If travelling from Taipei to Kaohsiung in winter, you will likely need to shed layers as the temperature can jump 8 degrees during the 90-minute HSR ride.
• Expecting snow: Snow only falls on the highest peaks like Hehuanshan. You do not need heavy winter gear for city travel.
• Assuming rain means a ruined day: Summer rain is often a 30-minute deluge followed by sun. Don't cancel an entire day's itinerary based on a 'rainy' forecast icon.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner simplifies your Taiwan logistics by syncing real-time weather forecasts with your itinerary. It calculates the 90-minute HSR transit from Taipei Main Station to Zuoying, estimates the 160 TWD (5 USD) EasyCard spend for a day in Tamsui, and generates a packing list that prioritises waterproof gear for May or breathable linens for August. Every plan includes up-to-date entry requirements and local holiday closures to ensure you avoid the Lunar New Year transit crunch.

FAQ

When is typhoon season in Taiwan? Typhoons most commonly occur between July and September, though the season can extend from June to October.

What is the rainiest month in Taipei? June typically sees the highest rainfall due to the combination of the Meiyu front and early summer thunderstorms, averaging over 325mm.

Is Taiwan too hot in the summer? From June to August, daily highs average 33-35°C with humidity making it feel like 40°C. Outdoor activities are best restricted to early morning or late evening.

When can you see cherry blossoms in Taiwan? The season peaks in February at Yangmingshan and Wuling Farm, though high-altitude varieties may bloom into March.