Before anyone plans their exciting trip to Taiwan, there are a few things to consider. When picking the dates, you may want to factor in Taiwanese holidays, festivals and events, but more importantly the weather.
The weather in Taiwan is a bit tricky, but that’s what this guide is for.
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Taiwan’s Subtropical and Tropical Weather
So when is the best time to visit Taiwan? The short answer: It depends on where you’re going. That’s because the Tropic of Cancer runs right through the center of Taiwan around Chiayi City and Yushan.
In other words, the region above the Tropic of Cancer line experiences subtropical temperatures, while the region below has a tropical climate.
A subtropical climate is characterized by hot, mostly humid summers with mild temperatures in the winter. On the other hand, a tropical climate will receive year-round temperatures that are mildly hot.
So popular Taiwan destinations like Taipei, Hualien and Keelung will be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter than southern destinations like Tainan, Kaohsiung or Kenting.
The annual average temperature of northern Taiwan is 72° Fahrenheit (22° Celsius).
On the other hand, the annual average temperate of southern Taiwan is 75° Fahrenheit (24° Celsius).
Best Time to Avoid Typhoons in Taiwan
Being on the Tropic of Cancer adjacent to the vast Pacific Ocean has its ups and downs. The biggest downside, as you can probably guess, is typhoon season.
Typhoon season is no joke in Taiwan as the winds are extremely fierce and rain pours from the sky like no other. When a typhoon happens, you usually don’t go outside.
All the shops are closed and people don’t go to work. The good news is typhoons don’t usually last for more than a few days (1-3 days).
So if Taiwan typhoons aren’t your thing, you should not visit from June to September. It’s impossible to predict when typhoons will happen, but they are frequent in Taiwan within those months.
And if you do decide to go, pay attention to the news and weather reports.
The last time I tried to go out during a typhoon, the wind crumbled my umbrella in a split second. Don’t go outside during a typhoon. Few shops, stores and restaurants will be opened anyway.
Prepare for a typhoon storm by stocking up on easy-to-make foods. Instant noodles is a popular choice as Taiwan has some of the best.
But if you’re staying in a hotel, check to see if there’s a restaurant in there. You’re in luck if there is!
Rainfall in Taiwan
According to this chart provided by Taiwan’s Weather Bureau, rain is relatively heavier in Northern Taiwan from winter to spring (December to May).
Eastern Taiwan has relatively heavier rain in the fall (September to November) and Southern Taiwan experiences heaviest rain in the summer months of June to August.
The Best Time to Visit Taipei
Taipei is a city that experiences a lot of rain throughout the year. And this rain is all unpredictable. But the good news is that there are certain seasons when the rain won’t be too bad.
In my opinion, the best season to visit Taipei is during the springtime between the months of March and May. The rain isn’t too heavy and the temperature is nice and mild.
Of course, there will be a few cold snaps here and there, but the rain shouldn’t be enough to ruin your vacation.
The second best time to visit Taipei might be in the fall and winter from the months of October to February. The average rain during these months is at an annual low but the temperature is also at a low.
If you can stand a little cold, these are the best months. Aside from Chinese New Years and December (winter break), this time is also low season for tourists.
I would say the worst time to go to Taipei is in the summer. Not only are there typhoons, but also Taipei attractions are packed with tourists everywhere.
The humidity also amplifies the heat during this time. Have you ever started sweating under an umbrella at night, while it was raining? You will during the Taiwan’s summer.
The Best Time to Visit Southern Taiwan
When I say southern Taiwan, I’m referring to cities like Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting, Taitung and surrounding areas. These cities are usually relatively warm year round and the highs and lows don’t fluctuate as much as Taipei’s.
Rain is frequent in the summer but a little too dry during the winter.
With that said, the best time to visit Southern Taiwan is anytime other than summer. From the months of October to April, there is extremely low rainfall and the weather is mildly warm.
Many locals take trips down to the south during this time and you should too. It’s gorgeous down there!
This means that the worst time to visit Southern Taiwan is the summer months. But not to worry, the average number of days of rainfall is very low during the summer.
It’s just that when it rains, it rains heavy. And if you do happen to come when it isn’t raining, it is extremely gorgeous.
Although weather is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor that influences when to visit Taiwan. Taiwan is a rich culture that comes with a wide variety of fun festivals and holidays that celebrate different things.