The Best Time to Visit Taiwan

Understanding the Seasons of Taiwan

Summers in Taiwan are hot and wet, with frequent rain and typhoons. Winters are cold but not severe. Spring and autumn weather is cool and balmy. Let's see what temperatures you should expect in every season.

A Guide to the Regions of Taiwan

Taiwan is located off the southeast coast of Asia, between Japan and the Philippines. The majority of the country is covered by forested mountains, while you can see coastal plains, hills, and highlands in the rest of the country. Here's an overview of each main region.

Best Time to Visit Popular Cities and Destinations in Taiwan

Taiwan is renowned worldwide for its beautiful natural scenery, from beaches to lakes and mountains. Others like to come to the country for the rich cultural heritage and quaint cities. Find out the best time to travel to the top destinations in Taiwan

Best Time to Visit Taipei

This city is Taiwan's capital, with wonderful art museums, old temples, buzzing night markets, and delicious Chinese food. It is also close to nature, surrounded by mountains and has lots of trails and parks.

• Ideal Time to Visit: September to November is the right time to be here, because the city has great weather and low levels of air pollution during this season.
• Weather Conditions: This is the autumn season, one of the warmest and driest times to be in Taipei. The temperatures stay between 19 and 31°C.
• Best Places to Visit: Shilin Night Market, Lungshan Temple, Yangmingshan National Park, National Palace Museum, and Xinbeitou Hot Springs.
• Travel Tip: You can get access to the city's local buses, metros, and certain trains at a discounted price with the EasyCard. It is a contactless smart card and also provides discounts and offers in supermarkets and local shops. You can also rent a YouBike using it.

Best Time to Visit Tainan

Tainan is the ancient capital of Taiwan and the island's oldest city. It is known for its historic and cultural attractions. But it is also a beautiful place to explore, with mangroves, mud springs, and orchid plantations.

• Ideal Time to Visit: You can visit Tainan in autumn or winter. Autumn has pleasingly cool weather, while the slightly colder winters are perfect for visiting the mud springs.
• Weather Conditions: Tainan has a warm climate year-round. In autumn, temperatures range from 24 to 29°C. In winter, they can drop to 19 to 20°C.
• Best Places to Visit: Guanziling Hot Springs, Anping Fort, Koxinga Shrine, Qigu Salt Mountains, Qigu Mangroves Park, and Baihe (lotus blooms).
• Travel Tip: Spring can be a good alternative time to visit this city. It is a great time to see orchids blooming across Tainan, and the Taiwan International Orchid Show is organised at the Taiwan Orchid Plantation in Houbi Township.

Best Time to Visit Sun Moon Lake

This is the largest freshwater lake in the country and one of the most beloved tourist attractions here. The lake is divided by Lalu Island, with one part shaped like the sun and the other crescent-shaped like the moon.

• Ideal Time to Visit: Early spring (February and March) or late autumn (October and November) are great times to visit this popular lake.
• Weather Conditions: The average temperature is between 19°C and 29°C in February and March. In October and November, they are between 20°C and 24°C.
• Travel Tip: You can reach Sun Moon Lake from Taipei in 3 hours by car. It is not directly connected by railway, but local buses may be available.

When to Visit Taiwan for Popular Activities?

Taiwan offers a wide variety of experiences, from mountains, beaches, and forests to museums, heritage sites, and cultural attractions. The ideal time to visit depends on the activities you wish to enjoy, so here’s a quick guide to the best seasons for popular experiences.

1. Hiking and Cycling Tours

   Taiwan is a great place for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling during autumn and early winter. The country experiences mild winters and balmy autumns, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 30°C. This happens when the humidity is lower than in summer and there are fewer chances of rain. Tamsui and Wuling Pass are popular for cycling trips. Elephant Mountain and Yushan National Park are among the popular hiking destinations.

2. Beach Holidays

   Taiwan has a long and beautiful shoreline, perfect for beach visits and water sports. January to April is a wonderful time for some beachside fun, with pleasant weather and warm water temperatures. However, rainfall starts increasing in March and April, so check the local weather forecasts before heading to the beaches.

3. Viewing Cherry Blossoms

   Cherry blossoms are found across the country from January to April, in late winter and spring. Yangmingshan National Park, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Wuling Farm are some of the most beautiful spots for cherry blossoms. However, avoid visiting in January or February, when the Lunar New Year is celebrated, as hotel and activity prices are higher. If you want to witness the festivities, you must book early or have a higher budget.

Best Time to Visit Taiwan for Budget Travel

Travelling in the low season can save you money on flights, hotels, and even some attractions, while also allowing you to avoid large tourist crowds. Here’s when to visit Taiwan on a budget.

Ideal Time to Visit

Summer is the cheapest time to visit Taiwan. Travellers usually avoid this season due to the extreme heat and typhoon warnings. Please remember that travelling during this season can be hard. You may want to consider the indoor attractions and museums.

Weather Conditions

Temperatures can go up to 40°C in summer, with heavy rainfall and high humidity.

Budget Estimates

• Accommodation: You can find pocket-friendly hostel dorms for NT$500 to 800 (₹1,500 to ₹2,500) per night. Basic hotel rooms are more expensive, costing NT$1,200 to 2,200 (₹3,600 to ₹6,600).
• Transport: You can travel around by metro or local buses in most places. You may need to rent a car if you want to visit a remote area that is not well-connected to major cities. You can also opt for intercity buses and the High Speed Rail (HSR) network for budget travel within Taiwan.
• Flights: Round-trip flights between New Delhi and Taipei generally cost ₹60,000 to ₹80,000, depending on the airlines and the timing. Indirect flights, however, can be cheaper.