A sub-tropical island with year-round options
Taiwan’s climate is humid sub-tropical with significant seasonal variation — typhoon season, a cool winter, and a hot, wet summer. Here is when to go for different types of travel.
Autumn (October-December): the best season
October to December is Taiwan’s most comfortable period. Typhoon season ends in October, temperatures drop to 20-28°C in Taipei, and the humidity decreases. November is particularly good — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, the beginning of the lunar calendar events. December is cooler (15-20°C in Taipei) but still pleasant.
Spring (March-May): warm and increasingly busy
March and April are pleasant — cherry blossoms at Yangmingshan and other parks, comfortable temperatures (18-25°C). April is Taiwan’s cherry blossom peak, drawing significant domestic tourism. May gets warmer and occasional heavy rain begins. Still a good time to visit.
Summer (June-September): hot and typhoon risk
Taiwan’s summer is hot (30-35°C in Taipei), very humid, and sits in the typhoon belt. Typhoons hit Taiwan 3-5 times per year on average, primarily July-September. Summer travel is possible but requires flexibility and typhoon monitoring. The east coast (Hualien, Kenting) can be directly affected. Beach season at Kenting is summer — accept the heat.
Winter (January-February): cool in north, mild in south
Northern Taiwan gets cold in winter (10-18°C in Taipei, occasionally down to 5°C). Southern Taiwan (Tainan, Kaohsiung) stays mild (18-24°C) and sunny — the best winter destination. Chinese New Year celebrations in Taiwan are extraordinary — lion dances, lantern festivals, and temple celebrations throughout the country.