The Best and the Worst Times to Visit Taiwan

January:

• Average daily temperature range: 7–25℃ (44–77℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 38
• Rainy days:10

The weather is cold and wet but it's not freezing. You could go to the mountains to admire the sea of clouds and ice flowers. This is the least crowded month for sites in Taiwan throughout the year.

Events and festivals:

The Chinese New Year is on the first day of January in the lunar calendar and usually falls between the end of January and the beginning of February in the solar calendar. It's the most important traditional festival for local people. Red lanterns would be hanging everywhere on the streets, filling the atmosphere with festivities. People would set off firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate.

However, it's not advisable to travel to Taiwan between the first and third days of the Chinese New Year. People believe that they should be with their families at this time so most of the stores and attractions would be closed. You could go on a trip before or after a few days of the Chinese New Year to explore the traditional customs.

February:

• Average daily temperature range: 9–30℃ (48–86℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 43
• Rainy days: 5

Spring in Taiwan begins this month and February is the season of blooming flowers. The sea of flowers in Yangmingshan and the lavender scenery in Xinshe would absorb you in their stunning beauty. The weather is getting warmer and the tourist attractions would become much busier.

Events and festivals:

The Lantern Festival in Pingxi, New Taipei is usually held during this month, around January 15th of the lunar calendar. Go and release a lantern and your wishes would fly into the night sky with it.

March:

• Average daily temperature range: 10–31℃ (50–87℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 104
• Rainy days: 12

As the weather gets milder in March, numerous flowers have their blooming season. The cherry blossoms in Alishan are breathtaking and tulips and calla lilies are also impressive. The splendor of flowers would make you dizzy and mesmerized. The favorable weather is also great for enjoying nature.

Explore the amazing nature reserve, Gaomei Wetlands, and appreciate the beauty of the setting sun. There are many people choosing to travel at this time and accommodation and transport would be very crowded.

April:

• Average daily temperature range: 18–35℃ (64–95℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 215
• Rainy days: 19

With warmer temperatures and more frequent rains, the arrival of the plum rain season makes the grass and trees flourish. Go to Qingjing Farm to explore the pastoral scenery of "Taiwan's Little Switzerland" and enjoy the favorable spring sunlight with the lambs. Indulge in the enchanting lakes and mountains of Sun Moon Lake, a picture intertwined with clear water, blue sky, and high mountains that would make you feel relaxed.

Events and festivals:

Around the Qingming Festival, which falls between April 4th and 6th, people usually go trekking, sweep tombs, and worship their ancestors. People usually have 3 days off to do all these things and the crowds during the holidays could be quite heavy, so it would be wise for you to skip the peak travel times of the Qingming Festival.

May:

• Average daily temperature range: 16–33℃ (60–91℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 105
• Rainy days: 12

The weather has become muggy and humid and it rains more frequently. The drizzly weather is not very suitable for going out. This also stops the attractions from being as overcrowded as they were before. However, on a clear night, you may be able to see the fantastic view of fireflies fluorescing in the mountains.

Events and festivals:

In May, the 2-month Penghu Fireworks Festival starts and it is a marvelous experience to watch the fireworks blooming in the night sky from the sea.

June:

• Average daily temperature range: 20–36℃ (68–96℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 339
• Rainy days: 19

Temperatures rise further, marking the onset of a hot summer. Thunderstorms are commonly seen in the late afternoon. The heat and rain abate at dusk, making this time perfect for exploring Taiwan's famous night market snacks.

Events and festivals:

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the important traditional festivals in Taiwan. Its exact date is uncertain as it is a lunar calendar festival, usually occurring between the end of May and the beginning of June in the solar calendar. Head to the river to watch the blood-pumping dragon boat races, sample the traditional delicacy of rice dumplings, and find the flavor of your choice.

July:

• Average daily temperature range: 23–36℃ (73–96℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 378
• Rainy days: 13

The temperature reaches its peak in July, accompanied by occasional typhoons. For those who like sunny days, a sea breeze, and the ocean, it is a wonderful season. Go to the eastern part (Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung) and the southern part (Kenting) of Taiwan when the weather is clear to enjoy the sun, sand, and blue sea, and savor the unique summer flavor.

Events and festivals:

Starting in July, there is a month-long Taitung Hot-Air Balloon Carnival, which is held in Luye Highland, where colorful balloons are released to bring you childish fun and joy.

August:

• Average daily temperature range: 24–37℃ (75–98℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 268
• Rainy days: 12

The heat is unrelenting so be sure to protect yourself well from the sun. High temperatures, afternoon rainstorms, and typhoons may continue to plague August (in the past 6 years, a total of seven typhoons affected Taiwan in August). The lush green and cool mountains in summer are great places to stay out of the heat. A less crowded and beautiful spot, Sun Link Sea Forest, is a nice choice.

Events and festivals:

Don't miss the Dadaocheng Summer Festival, which lasts from July to August. In addition to the romantic fireworks show at night, you could stroll around the neighborhood and try authentic Taiwan specialty snacks.

September:

• Average daily temperature range: 24–37℃ (75–98℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 427
• Rainy days: 15

The intense heat and frequent rains are finally on the wane and the overall temperature is lower. Although it is still hot, many people would choose to go to the beach to enjoy the last summer of the year. In September, charming daylilies would open in the eastern part — go to Hualien and Taitung to enjoy the sea of golden flowers.

Events and festivals:

The Mid-Autumn Festival usually falls in September, although it doesn't feel like a cool autumn in terms of temperature. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a great time to enjoy the moon, eat mooncakes, and experience traditional culture. In addition, there is a special custom in Taiwan: families grill meat outdoors during the Mid-Autumn Festival and gather for a delicious barbecue. Go to Taiwan during the Mid-Autumn Festival to experience this lively and fun barbecue feast!

October:

• Average daily temperature range: 21–33℃ (69–91℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 412
• Rainy days: 18

It's the time of year when fall is in full swing, which brings mild temperatures and less rain to Taiwan. Temperatures are dropping and cool breezes are blowing, making it a lovely month for traveling and hiking.

One of the iconic features of autumn is the colorful forests and fallen leaves, and it is a great idea to visit the mountains at this time of year to see the foliage in all its glory. It is also recommended to keep away from crowds and tourists. Turn to Qixingtan and Taroko Gorge to feel the allure of mountains and river landscapes, and indulge in the natural majesty of divine craftsmanship.

November:

• Average daily temperature range: 13–30℃ (55–86℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 46
• Rainy days: 11

Temperatures continue to drop and November is around the end of fall and the beginning of winter when the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures could be quite large. This is the most comfortable and pleasant period of the year, whether for shopping on the pedestrian streets, visiting places of interest, or having a close encounter with nature.

Climb, hike, and walk in the beautiful natural environment as you overlook the colorful mountains from the glass carriages of the Maokong Gondola, take pictures with the strange rocks in the shape of a queen's head in Yehliu Geopark, and indulge in the jasper-like waters of Sun Moon Lake.

December:

• Average daily temperature range: 9–30℃ (48–86℉)
• Total rainfall (mm): 89
• Rainy days: 8

December is winter in Taiwan, when the average temperature in the northern part of the country is about 15℃/59℉, making it one of the coldest months in Taiwan.

Gray winter skies are always so depressing but the New Year's Eve fireworks show would brighten up your mood. You might want to relax at Zhiben Hot Spring and Wulai Hot Spring, which are very soothing in the cold and wet winter. Be aware that December is not a good month to visit the beaches in the south as there could be surprisingly strong downhill winds.