Best time to travel Taiwan

Best time to travel to Taiwan

The weather in Taiwan is very warm all year round. The annual average temperature is around 20-26°C. It is a destination that can be arranged to travel all the year. There is a considerable difference in climate between the north and the south,,which is unusual for an area of just 13,855 square miles (35,883 square kilometers). The main reason is that the Tropic of Cancer runs through Chiayi, Nantou, Hualien and other central parts of Taiwan. The north of the Tropic of Cancer has a subtropical climate and the south of the Tropic of Cancer has a tropical climate.

The best time to visit Taiwan is from October to May. This is the season when the weather in Taiwan is less humid and hot and typhoons rarely visit during this season.

In summer from June to September, it brings heat and humidity and the typhoon season starts from July to September. Not every month will have a typhoon and it is also the rainy season in Taiwan.

Weather in major regions of Taiwan

Taiwan straddles the Tropic of Cancer, which divides the island into two distinct climate regimes. Taipei and most of the island have a subtropical climate, giving Taiwan a diverse ecology of flora and fauna, evergreen forests and temperate plateaus, while the southern part of Taiwan is classified as a tropical ecoregion, covered by tropical rain forests, and the climate is warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 22°C, even in winter. This makes it possible to arrange time to travel in Taiwan almost all year round.

Northern Taiwan: Taipei, New Taipei, Hsinchu, Taoyuan, etc.

Taipei is located on the northwestern tip of the island, which sometimes experiences extreme climate.

Typical temperatures in the north range from 13°C in January to 38°C at the peak of summer. Humidity remains relatively constant at an average of 76%, with little dip or rise throughout the year. Sea temperatures are ideal for pleasant swimming between May and October.

Southern Taiwan: Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, Pingtung, etc.

Kaohsiung, the southern city of Taiwan, is the second largest city in Taiwan and is more similar to the tropical climate of Cambodia or Vietnam due to its coastal location and warm sea temperature climate.

Temperatures in Kaohsiung are at their peak between July and September, with temperatures reaching 38°C in July. Kaohsiung is at its coolest between December and April, with a low of 13°C in January.

Alpine region of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range

In Taiwan, the Central Mountain Range includes the Alishan National Scenic Area, Hehuanshan National Scenic Area and Taroko National Park. Even in July and August, the temperature on the mountains is comfortable, with an average temperature of 16°C in summer and 5°C in winter. Travelers who like hiking may even have the opportunity to experience snowfall on Mount Hehuan.

Taroko National Park

Peak season in Taiwan:

Most foreign tourists know to avoid summer and the hottest, wettest months. So from October to May is the best time to visit Taiwan. The weather on the island feels comfortably warm, with rainfall reduced to an acceptable minimum.

However, during these months, the Chinese New Year and the "Double Ten" (October 10th, National Day) holidays are expected to allow locals to travel long distances home to reunite with their families; it is expected that booking transportation and accommodation during these dates will more difficult.

What to pack your luggage to travel in Taiwan:

Considering Taiwan's weather, you don’t need to pack any heavy clothing, unless you're planning to hike in Taiwan's alpine regions in winter.

The most useful clothes for traveling to Taiwan include:

Lightweight cotton or sweat-wicking clothing for summer excursions.

Warm, light outerwear such as a long-sleeved shirt and jeans for spring or autumn visits.

Umbrella or light waterproof jacket in case of rain.

Swimwear, if you plan to go to the beach or spa.

Shoes for your destination, such as hiking shoes for trekking the mountains of Taiwan, or just casual but comfortable sneakers for walking around in the city.

If you plan to visit a local temple, avoid revealing clothing; if temples are part of your itinerary, at least covering most of your legs and shoulders.