which part of taiwan is best to visit in december

The Best Time to Visit Taiwan: A Month-by-Month Guide

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So you’ve got your sights set on Taiwan, and now you’re wondering what the best time to go to Taiwan is. Well, I’ve just spent the last several weeks typing up guides to visiting Taiwan in every season and month of the year, and all of that information is summarized right here on this page.

My recommendations come from 10+ years of living in , traveling around, and writing about the beautiful island nation that I consider my second home.

The short answer is that there is no single best time to travel to Taiwan. It’s hard to even narrow it down to a season or a few months, because each of them will appeal to people with different interests and different preferences when it comes to the weather. Every month of the year also comes with a variety of festivals and events to choose from .

If you’re just heading to the capital, I’ve also got this Taipei-specific post on when to visit Taipei City .

Essential resources for visiting Taiwan – Read my recommended Taiwan itinerary , guide to planning a Taiwan trip , top 55 things to do in Taiwan , and how to visit Taiwan with kids . – Join my Taiwan Travel Planning group on Facebook. – See my guides to Sun Moon Lake , Alishan Scenic Area , Taichung City , Yilan County , Jiufen Old Street , Hualien County , and Taroko Gorge . –  Sign up for Klook to enjoy sweet deals and discounts while traveling around Taiwan, and consider getting the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass and Sun Moon Lake Pass .

Table of Contents

When Is High Season in Taiwan?

There is no distinct high, low, or shoulder season in Taiwan. Visitor numbers bounce up and down by the month, and you must consider when the locals are traveling around the most (Lunar New Year, weekends, summer) because everything can get really crowded at those times.

Summer gets more rain by volume, thanks in part to typhoons, while winter often brings chilly drizzle and spring has a mini rain season of its own. Summers can be brutally hot, but some love (or are just used to) that kind of heat. Traditional festivals and cultural events are spread throughout the year and can fall in different months each year because they are tied to the lunar calendar.

For all these reasons, it’s hard to really declare a best time to visit Taiwan, and I think that websites that do this are oversimplifying things. Therefore, I’m going to walk you through what each season and month of the year is like in Taiwan so that you can decide for yourself. At the end, I’ll reveal my personal favorite! Hopefully this helps you decide when to visit Taiwan.

When Is the Best Season to Visit Taiwan?

When deciding which season to visit Taiwan, start by considering what you want to do during your trip. Winter is best for hot springs and flower viewing, spring and autumn are great for hiking or cycling, while summer is best for beaches and water-based activities.

Rain can fall in virtually any season in Taiwan, so its always good to have some possible indoor activities lined up, such as taking one of the great cooking courses in Taiwan .

See my guide to the best Taiwan apps for my recommended weather app in Taiwan.

Taiwan in Winter (December to March)

In Taipei City and the subtropical north of Taiwan, winters are chilly and damp. Hazy, overcast skies (from both clouds and air pollution) and drizzling rain are common. Taipei’s night markets are open every day of the year, helping you to keep warm with steamy foods in winter.

In the tropical south of Taiwan, winter is much drier, and temperatures are a few degrees warmer. In the far south, the sea is warm enough to swim in year round.

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy Taiwan’s vast array of thermal hot springs , such as Beitou , Wulai , Jiaoxi , and Wenshan . If you’re prepared to do some serious hiking or driving up into the high mountains, you can even see snow in Taiwan . You can still visit high mountain resorts like Alishan and Cingjing Farm in winter, but prepare for near freezing temperatures. You’ll want to avoid the offshore islands, which can be cold, windy, and many services are closed.

I put December as both a winter and autumn month, because the month is unpredictable and can show traits of both seasons.

The Lunar New Year comes in winter (late January to late February) but can make travel a little tough. The Lantern Festival , on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, is an event to remember. See my guide to surviving Chinese New Year in Taipei and other things to know about Lunar New Year in Taiwan .

Winter also offers the chance to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan .See here for my detailed guide to going to Taiwan in winter .

Taiwan in Spring (April to June)

From April until June, the weather across Taiwan seems to get hotter by the day, but remains pleasantly bearable compared to what’s to come in summer. A mini rain season called the Plum Rain or East Asian Monsoon brings a lot of rain and gray skies for most of May and sometimes early June. If you must visit at this time, see my guide to surviving rainy days in Taipei .

The warm weather makes spring a great time for visiting just about any corner of Taiwan, including the offshore islands, where the weather is fine but summer crowds have yet to arrive. It’s also a good time to visit the country’s many outdoor theme parks .

This is one of the least busy seasons of the year, so at least it won’t be too crowded.

See here for my detailed guide to going to Taiwan in spring .

Taiwan in Summer (July to September)

If you want to face mother nature head on see what you’re made of, come to Taiwan in summer. Soaring temperatures combined with crushing humidity result in sauna-like conditions that people seem to love or hate (most locals hate it, myself included).

Summer is also typhoon season in Taiwan, with 3-4 major typhoons striking per year, often causing extensive damage and deaths. Historically, August and September have the highest number of typhoons. It is still safe to visit Taiwan during typhoon season, but you’ll need to follow some precautions if one does strike during your trip (see my articles on July, August, or September for more information).

One great thing about summer in Taiwan is the plethora of beaches, water-based activities, and summer-related festivals. If you enjoy tropical heat, you may love summer in Taiwan, but if you aren’t used to the climate, traveling around in it can be exhausting. High mountain resorts like Alishan offer the perfect escape from the lowland heat.

See here for my detailed guide to going to Taiwan in summer .

Taiwan in Autumn (October to December)

By late September, the intense heat finally gives way to pleasant, warm autumn days. By mid-November you’ll need a sweater or light jacket. True “winter” doesn’t usually hit until mid- to late-December.

Autumn is also the driest and season of the year. The mild and relatively clear weather makes it the perfect season for hiking or other outdoor activities. While it is possible to enjoy some autumn foliage in Taiwan, you will have to travel to some national parks or national scenic areas, which are not always super accessible or easy to get to on public transportation.

See here for my detailed guide to going to Taiwan in fall .

Read my guide to where to stay in Taipei or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan .

When Is the Best Month to Visit Taiwan?

Taiwan can really vary by the month, and depending hugely on where you are in the country. I hope the below details help you to decide which month is the best to visit Taiwan for you!

January in Taiwan

January can be outright chilly in Taipei, with skies that seem to always gray. It’s the perfect time for visiting hot springs. The south of Taiwan is drier and a few degrees warmer than Taipei in January. In 2020, Lunar New Year fell on January 25, but on most years it comes in February.

Cherry blossoms first start blooming in some parts of the country around mid-January. See the locations here .

See here for my detailed guide to spending January in Taiwan and how to travel around Taiwan during Chinese New Year .

February in Taiwan

January’s damp, chilly weather continues throughout February. Lunar New Year most commonly falls in February (Feb. 12, 2021, Feb. 1, 2022). Lunar New Year is primarily a family-focused holiday, so much of the country shuts down for the roughly week-long holiday, all traveling can be tough with locals filling up the highways and hotels.

The Lantern Festival , on the 15th day of the Lunar new Year, along with several associated events and activities (including the wild Yanshui Fireworks Festival ), is much more interesting for visitors. This usually falls in February, but in some months can be in early March.

February and March and the best months to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan . See here for my detailed guide to spending February in Taiwan and how to travel around Taiwan during Chinese New Year .

March in Taiwan

In Taipei, the uninspiring weather often drags on into March, but usually starts warming up by the end of the month. Weather in the south can already be quite warm in March, but the offshore islands remain too windy or chilly for comfort.

Several types of flower, including cherry blossoms, bloom in March, with a particularly inspiring display at Tianyuan Temple in New Taipei City , one of the most impressive temples in Greater Taipei . March is likely the last month you’ll  think about seeking out hot springs in Taiwan.

See here for my detailed guide to spending March in Taiwan .

April in Taiwan

Spring has officially arrived in Taiwan, and this is kick started with some music festivals across the country, a tradition that started in Kenting National Park . Besides the free music festival on the beach there, find out more things to do in Kenting and see my recommended resorts and hotels in Kenting .

The warm weather and relatively dry weather (with plum rains and summer typhoons just around the corner) make April one of the most popular months of the year to visit Taiwan.

See here for my detailed guide to spending April in Taiwan .

May in Taiwan

Warm usually turns to hot in May, with ideal weather for visiting many corners of Taiwan. May is, in my opinion, the best month to visit offshore islands such as Green Island, Penghu , Xiaoliuqiu , or Orchid Island , before they get too hot and loaded with domestic tourists in summer.

The plum rains usually start falling in Taipei and northern Taiwan in May, which can result several days in a row of constant rain. The center and south of the country remain comparatively dry. See my suggested things to do in Taipei when it’s raining .

See here for my detailed guide to spending May in Taiwan .

June in Taiwan

June is usually the first month of the year when I feel too hot. The plum rains bring heavy rain to the south of the island in June, not to mention the near daily late-afternoon downpours that result after the heat and humidity build up in the daytime. Taipei gets hotter and hotter by the day.

Still, it’s not a bad month to visit Taiwan; you can enjoy summer-like conditions minus the crowds (and typhoons) of actual summer. It’s also one of the least busy months in terms of tourist numbers; people are either scared off by the rains or waiting for their time off in July. The Dragon Boat Festival is an event worth checking out.

See here for my detailed guide to spending June in Taiwan .

July in Taiwan

Taiwan is July is characterized by crushing heat, and humidity that makes it feel even more intense. It’s the hottest month of the year in Taiwan. Get our early (or in the evening to explore the night markets and nightlife), and try not to plan too much sightseeing for the daytime; you’ll just wear yourself out. Dress in thin, light clothing and stay hydrated.

Some ways to beat the heat include water parks, beaches (here are my favorite beaches near Taipei ), river tracing, and icy deserts. Also don’t miss the Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival and Taitung International Hot Air Balloon Festival .

The first typhoon of the year often arrives in July.

See here for my detailed guide to spending July in Taiwan .

August in Taiwan

July’s intense heat persists in August, and the month has a higher probability of typhoons. Still, many summer festivals and events take place, including Ghost Month, when locals believe the spirits of the deceased return to the earth and need to be appeased with offerings.

See here for my detailed guide to spending August in Taiwan .

September in Taiwan

Summer heat and humidity continues well into September; some find it still too hot, while others love it. Along with August, September has the highest probability of typhoons. With everyone back to work or school, though, September is one of the least crowded months of the year, making travel easier and beaches practically empty.

The Mid-Autumn Festival (or “Moon Festival”) usually falls in September, but in 2020 it was on October 1. Locals celebrate by having family barbecues on the street in front of their homes and by eating moon cakes.

See here for my detailed guide to spending September in Taiwan .

October in Taiwan

October weather in Taiwan is warm, clear, and relatively dry, making it ideal for hiking, cycling, and general sightseeing. Double 10 Day, the National Day, is a national holiday celebrated with a ceremony at the Presidential Building in Taipei (don’t go out of your way for it).

Halloween isn’t much of a thing unless you’re teaching kindergarten kids in Taiwan, but it can be a wild weekend to dress up and hit the night clubs in Taipei.

See here for my detailed guide to spending October in Taiwan .

November in Taiwan

The same thing happens every year; the weather remains lovely until around November 16, my birthday, when it suddenly becomes cold in Taipei. It’s easy to remember, because my birthday gathering often coincides with the first time of the year I have to wear long pants and a hoodie.

Still, like October, November tends to have mild and dry weather, so it is also a great time for hiking. Beach season is officially over in the north, though. You’ll also probably want to avoid the offshore islands from this month on, too.

See here for my detailed guide to spending November in Taiwan .

December in Taiwan

December can be a wild card in terms of weather. Often it feels like a continuation of autumn, and in recent years, we’ve even had strange bouts of unusually hot, shorts-and-T-shirt weather in December.

Christmas has sort of caught on in Taiwan, in terms of decorations, but the actual day is still a normal working day. Young people may exchange gifts or go out for a meal with friends, but it’s not a family event like in the West. Banqiao, a district of New Taipei City (where I happened to live for 5 years), puts on an over-the-top Christmas lights display; it’s worth battling the crowds just to see it once. An Asian Santa Claus even makes an appearance at some 5-star hotels in Taipei.

At some point in December it does usually start getting cold, though, and hundreds of thousands of people freeze their buns off while standing in the streets around Taipei 101 for the epic fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. Expect long lines and a steep cover charge to party anywhere that night.

See here for my detailed guide to spending December in Taiwan .

My Personal Favorite Season and Month in Taiwan

As someone who has lived in Taiwan for many years, I look forward to each season of the year for different reasons. I really love hot springs, and look forward to that aspect of winter. I also enjoy the break from hot weather, and as a multi-cultural family, I love that we get to celebrate both Christmas and Lunar New Year within a few months.

Warming weather in spring is always nice, and while I struggle with the heat and humidity in summer, nothing is more satisfying than a cold beer, or jumping into a cold river, in the middle of summer. Enduring a summer in Taiwan (typhoons included) is, in my opinion, the quintessential Taiwan experience.

But if I have to choose a single season that I love most, it is autumn, and October would have the be my personal favorite month of the year, thanks to those warm days and clear skies. It’s one of the few months of the year when I feel 100% comfortable outside and it is perfect for hiking and city explorations, my favorite activities.

Conclusion: When Is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?

As you can see, there is no clear answer to the question “When is the best time to travel to Taiwan?” Many websites make claims or automatically generate a best month to go to Taiwan based on the least rain and middle-ground temperatures. But as I’m sure you can see after reading this article, the reality is more complex than that, and I personally believe each month of the year can be a perfect month to visit Taiwan for certain traveler types.

Just choose one that stands out for you, book it, and make the best of your trip. I’m sure you will love Taiwan; I’ve never met a traveler who didn’t.

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5 thoughts on “The Best Time to Visit Taiwan: A Month-by-Month Guide”

Thanks Nick for the recommendations.

Thank you for sharing! This is detailed and informative 🙂

Thanks Nicks for the recommendation. Plan to visit Taiwan in De

Hi Nick, great website you’ve put together 🙂 I have a trip booked from May 6th to 21st, and until now, completely overlooked that this is Plum Rain season. After 5 days in the Taipei area, I was planning to take the train to Hualien and Taitung where I would then start a road trip through Kenting and up to Alishan. Would it be wise to reschedule, or is there a chance the weather will be good (and safe) enough to enjoy Taiwan’s natural beauty to the fullest? Thank you!

No one can predict the weather perfectly, even professional weather forecasters. The best you can do is look at the month averages, which I’ve compiled (see my Taiwan in May article linked to in this article) and make an educated guess. Generally the rains start in the north then move south in late May to early April. But every year is different. As I write this (first week of May) it’s already raining off an on every day – not necessarily part of the Plums Rains yet, but rain like this can happen in any month of the year in taiwan.

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The best time to visit Taiwan

Oct 25, 2023 • 6 min read

From white-sand beaches to wonderful celebrations, there's no bad time to visit Taiwan © PhotonCatcher / Shutterstock

A beautiful island that has everything from snow-dusted peaks and steaming hot springs to wildlife-filled nature reserves and neon-drenched cities,  Taiwan is one of Asia’s most popular destinations.

Foodies flock to  Taipei to sample some of the world’s tastiest street foods (don’t leave without enjoying a bowl of beef noodle soup, Taiwan’s unofficial national dish), while nature lovers come to explore its national parks, sky-scraping mountains and spectacular coastline. Wondering about the best time to go to Taiwan? The good news is that because of its topography and size, there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit.

Winters are relatively mild in this subtropical destination, and although light rainfall can occur throughout the year, these (usually short) precious rain showers are key to the lushness of Taiwan’s vibrant landscapes. Generally, September, October and November are the best times to explore the country’s great outdoors, while spring means endless opportunities to enjoy the stunning colors of nature and some of Taiwan’s top festivals.

November and December are fantastic times to explore cities like  Taichung and Taipei. Remember that the further south you go, the warmer it will be, and don’t make the mistake of ruling out a winter getaway – winter in Taiwan is much less severe than in  Japan or  China . And the best bit? You’ll never be far from a steaming hot spring in which you can ward off any winter chills – although the downside is that rates at hot spring hotels are higher during the colder months. Luckily, this doesn’t apply to other types of accommodation, which often offer brilliant discounts at this time of year. Here’s when to visit Taiwan.

January and February is cherry blossom season in Taiwan

Thought  the cherry blossom displays in Japan were spectacular? Cherry blossom season in Taiwan is just as stunning, and we guarantee there’s less chance of a stray selfie stick working its way into your sakura shots. Some of the best places to see cherry blossom displays are in and around Taiwan’s cities, and these floral extravaganzas are precisely why January and February are regarded by many as the best times to visit Taipei.

Hot spots for cherry blossom displays here include the gardens surrounding the city’s temples, such as Taipei’s Wuji Tianyuan Temple, where meandering alleyways are lined with Yoshino cherry trees.

The start of the year (and winter in general) is also an ideal time to soak in a hot spring – visitors can ease aches and pains in over 150 hot springs in Taiwan. Some of the best are close to Taipei, although there are several hot spring resorts in Guguan, a mountainous area close to the city of Taichung, a 2.5-hour bullet train ride from Taipei. Great public transport connections mean the  Beitou hot springs near Taipei are easily accessible, and crowds will be thinner in January and February.

Get a culture (and caffeine) fix between March and May

Springtime is all about nature in Taiwan. You’ll still see cherry blossoms in March and May, although it’s also a fantastic time to explore Taiwan’s more remote regions and coastal areas. Fancy a spot of pedal power? Consider exploring Taiwan by bike – temperatures are cooler than in summer and  the country’s national parks explode with color.

Spring is also a great time to visit Taiwan’s tea plantations (oolong is the most common variety produced here), which are at their most lush. Top tea destinations in Taiwan include  Chiayi , Miaoli and Taoyuan. There are fantastic festivals throughout the year, although several of the most important Indigenous celebrations take place in spring.

Our favorite? The Bunun tribe’s Ear-Shooting Festival in April or May (the exact date depends on the lunar calendar). This is when this Indigenous group’s coming-of-age ceremonies take place. Men will head into the forests to hunt wild deer, and an ear from the deer is then fixed to a wooden post. Young men will try to shoot the ear with an arrow – a symbolic act that represents the transfer of hunting knowledge to the group’s younger generations. Locals are happy for tourists to watch the ceremonies, most of which take place in and around rural villages in eastern Taiwan.

Explore Taiwan’s cities from June to August

June, July and August are great times to visit Taiwan, especially its cities. These months can be hot and humid, which is why the Taiwanese (especially those living in urban areas) tend to migrate to the country’s coastline during this time.

Cities will be quieter and less crowded, and the abundance of museums, galleries and indoor attractions make it easier to escape any rainfall – this is technically monsoon season in Taiwan, although showers are typically short and sweet (rainfall will be heaviest in southern Taiwan). We recommend booking ahead if visiting during these months, especially if you’re on a budget – hotel rates can increase by up to 50% during July and August (expect price hikes during the Chinese New Year, too).

When is typhoon season in Taiwan?

Typhoon season takes place between May and November. Also known as tropical cyclone season, typhoons are more likely during this time, but it’s worth noting that Taiwan is hit by an average of just 3.7 every year. The country’s infrastructure is more than capable of coping with these typhoons, and the vast majority only affect specific parts of the country.

The best approach is to keep an eye on weather forecasts and be flexible when it comes to plans. It’s worth bearing in mind that peak tourist season (between May and September) takes place during typhoon season – a reminder that Taiwan is still a fantastic destination to visit during these months.

August is the best time to go hiking

During August, expect average lows of 28°C (82°F) and average highs of around 32°C (90°F). It’s hot and humid and a great time to escape the heat  by heading to higher altitudes – to mountainous regions such as Yushan National Park, which has a network of walking trails. We also love the Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail – it’s close to Taipei and the well-marked walking routes weave around various waterfalls, providing plenty of opportunities to cool off.

Embrace fall in Taiwan’s nature reserves

Taiwan’s autumnal colors are spectacular – the thick swathes of forest in areas such as Nantou County’s  Aowanda Forest Recreational Area (the highlight of which is its beautiful Maple Trail) transform into endless expanses of gold, red and ochre. Fall is also a great time to sign up for a scenic train ride. We recommend bagging a seat on the Alishan Forest Railway – a century-old steam train that chugs through the forests and mountains surrounding Chiayi County, in south-western Taiwan. Another reason to visit during September and October? It’s shoulder season, when rates are significantly less for midweek hotel stays.

This article was first published Jan 3, 2023 and updated Oct 25, 2023.

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• Taiwan In December 2024: Discover The Best Places And Activities For Your Vacation

27 Dec 2021

Taiwan is an incredibly beautiful island enveloped in a dense green tropical forest cover. No matter where you go, the amazing scenery will surely take your breath away. Surrounded by marvelous mountains, Taiwan gives you the best of everything. Other than lush foliage, this island nation is also known for its colorful festivals like Christmas, aboriginal culture, pristine coast, diverse wildlife, delish cuisine, myriad hiking trails, as well as the charming city of Taipei. Taiwan in December is a great time to visit when nature is in full bloom and there are plenty of things to do. Let’s find out what these are!

Weather In Taiwan In December

Taiwan’s climate is split into two distinct climate zones – subtropical and tropical zone. Taiwan is mostly warm all around the year with mild winters. December is the best month with a relatively dry, mild and foggy climate. December is cooler in Taiwan but much drier and ideal for many outdoor activities.

Unlike other snowy places, the weather in Taiwan in December is much more comfortable. However, you can find a significant difference in the temperatures between the day and the night. In Taiwan, you should always expect the unexpected. It is recommended to always stay prepared if you are planning on visiting Taiwan in December.

7 Best Things To Do In Taiwan In December

Have a look at some of the most splendid activities that Taiwan has in store for you in the month of December. You and your family or friends will surely like to try all of them during your trip there.

1. Wenshan Hot Springs: Take A Rejuvenating Bath

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As much as vacationing is important to get a break from your routine life, it is important to calm your body and soul. Refresh and rejuvenate yourself by visiting one of the famous hot springs. Taiwan’s hot springs are widely preferred and loved by most of the tourists for its novelty and therapeutic advantages. Emerging from the very depths of the Earth, these hot water springs carry a powerful amalgamation of natural chemicals and minerals. And so, it is good for health and gives relief from the digestive, nervous, circulatory and organ disorders.

So, take advantage of this great chilly weather and sneak away from that fatigue by soaking up in the relaxing hot springs of Taiwan. The Beitou, Wulai, Guguan, Wenshan, Lengshuikeng, Tangweigou, The Governor General, etc., are a few best hot springs that you can visit.

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2. Taipei: Soak In Its Beauty

This modern metropolis capital of Taiwan with many iconic spots needs a special mention. Taipei is a spectacular city with lively shopping streets, Japanese colonial lanes, and contemporary buildings. The 509m tall bamboo-shaped skyscraper – Taipei 101 is the jewel of this city. Overlooking the panoramic views of this city is the observatory on the top of this formed tallest tower in the world. Try some delicious food of Taipei, it is also well-known for cheerful night markets and street food.

Top 10 Taiwanese Restaurants: Know Why Foodies Love This City!

3. Enjoy Taiwanese Christmas And New Year

Although Christmas is an unofficial holiday in Taiwan, this state is well-lit and decorated during the eve of Christmas. To entertain the Taiwanese shoppers and the tourists, all the malls, markets, and other shopping centers and dolled up in holiday decorations. Strolling through these places and tasting the Christmas dinner in the Western restaurants and big hotels are the best things to do in Taiwan in December. Taiwan has its own peculiar Christmas traditions which are unique in their own way.

The most astounding event of the new year takes place next to Taipei 101. Over 100,000 locals and tourists gather here and enjoy this grand event. The concerts and the new year countdown with midnight fireworks, set off from the Taipei 101 around it is a delight to watch and simply unmissable. All in all this city is a great place to enjoy the holidays, you also have numerous options for sightseeing.

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4. Elephant Mountain: Admire The Sunset Views

If you are a sucker for sunsets and are looking for a little adventure, do visit the busiest yet popular Elephant Mountain of Taiwan in December. The trials of this vintage point have a lot of stairs with many pavilions and lookouts in between. Choose your route to reach this mountain and capture the beauty of this place in photographs. Apart from the sunset photos, this mountain gives conspicuous views of Taipei 101 and the city. Watching the New Years’ fireworks from the Elephant mountains is a sight to behold.

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5. Baishihu: Pick Some Fresh Strawberries

Don’t miss out on the 116-meter long Baishihu bridge, if you are holidaying in Taiwan in December. This bridge basically connects four mountains namely Daluntou, Liyu, Zhongyong and Baishihu. It stretches from Dragon Boat Rock and looks as if a giant dragon is watching over Baishihu town.

Hiking through this bridge to pick some fresh strawberries by the Baishihu Leisure Agricultural Area is a thing to do. Merely 30min downtown Taipei, Baishihu is a place where you can enjoy hiking, scenic beauty, and fruit picking. Besides enjoying this, you can also admire the scenic splendor of this place.

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6. Wanjin Catholic Church: Seek Blessings In The Oldest Church

Known as the oldest church, the Wanjin Catholic Church was founded in 1863 by the Spanish-Dominican missionary. Sited in Pingtung, this church is indeed one of the alluring places to visit in Taiwan in December. This church holds a grand celebration, combining the traditions of the East and the West is a must-see. During this festival, the 100-year-old sitting of Holy Mother sitting and sizable palanquin is paraded through the streets of Pingtung in December (2nd Sunday). The 3D light show put up by the government as well as the display of Christmas tree further dazzles the holiday season.

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7. Kenting Beach: Relax On Secluded Shores

Attracting plenty of tourists even during the winters, this beach offers many more attractions like Frog rock and coral reefs. One of the best sandy beaches in Taiwan , this long beach with sparkling blue water is occupied by many almost permanently. Serene and quite this beach is surrounded by many restaurants and resorts too.

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You will surely have a great time on your vacation in Taiwan in December if you plan well in time and include all these delightful activities and experiences in your itinerary. Blessed with immense natural beauty, wonderful infrastructure, sandy beaches, and a lot more, Taiwan is a wonderful destination to explore with your loved ones in the winter months.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taiwan In December

Is December a good time to visit Taiwan?

December is the start of the winter season in Taiwan and is an apt time to visit if you want to holiday in warmer winters.

Is Taiwan snowing in December?

Yes, it does snow a little but only on the high mountains such as Hehuanshan.

Is December the rainy season in Taiwan?

The temperature in December is comfortable and pleasant to visit Taiwan. Taipei is always wetter and rainy than other places in Taiwan.

Is it very cold in Taiwan in December?

December has a mild and bearable winter with occasional showers in Taipei.

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Asia , Taiwan , Tips & Inspo · December 30, 2021

Winter in Taiwan: 15 Fantastic Things to Do

Taiwan boasts loads of fun activities and adventures no matter what season you choose to visit. And wintertime is no exception. If you’re looking to experience the very best things to do in Taiwan in winter, this post will put you on the right track.

While Taiwan might not be the typical winter wonderland, there are still loads to do during the colder months. And to help you find the best winter activities, I’ve gathered all my insider tips from years of living in Taiwan (12 to be exact) to bring you this ultimate list of things to do in Taiwan in winter.

In this Taiwan winter guide, I’ll show you the best things to do in Taiwan in the winter and provide you with information on how to prepare best for your trip to Taiwan in winter. Ready? Let’s go!

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

When is Winter in Taiwan

Winter in Taiwan runs through the months of December, January, and February, with January being the coldest month.

The winter season only really kicks off after December 25. Before Christmas, the weather in Taiwan is still pretty nice, and there’s still a good chance to experience a couple of sunny days. After Christmas, though, Taiwan starts to get cold, daylight hours shrink, and average temperatures start to drop.

While the temperatures vary by month and location, in general, though, you can expect colder temperatures in northern Taiwan while the south will be much warmer.

In Taipei , winter highs typically hover around 16°C and lows around 14°C. However, wind chills often whip through the city, skies are grey, and it can drizzle for days. As a result, it often feels much colder.

In contrast, the climate is much more favorable in the south of Taiwan. Winter in Kaohsiung offers ideal weather conditions with average temperatures ranging between 22°C-24°C. Kenting also enjoys great winter weather. So much so that you can still bask in the golden shores of Kenting National Park.

Taichung is another great place to visit during winter in Taiwan. It does not rain as much as in the north of Taiwan so expect relatively dry weather with temperatures a few degrees higher than Taipei.

However, if you’re heading to high altitude regions like Alishan, Hehuanshan, Yushan, Snow Mountain, and the likes, brace yourself! Temperatures often dip below 5°C here, and there’s also a good chance to see snow at some of these spots.

15 Awesome Things to Do in Taiwan in Winter

See the christmas displays.

Christmas is an unofficial holiday in Taiwan, meaning kids still need to go to school, and people still need to work.

As a result, finding that special Christmas feeling in Taiwan might not be as easy as you think. With that said, though, in recent years, Taiwan has really beefed up its Xmas game. In fact, you’re likely to see beautifully decorated Christmas trees and hear Christmas carols in almost every shopping mall across the island. Some of the best displays can be seen at the Breeze Center in Songshan District and Taipei 101 in Xinyi District in Taipei City. 

However, for a truly magical Christmas experience, hop on a train to Banqiao . Every year, an extravagant Christmas event called Christmasland is hosted at the plaza between Banqiao Station Square and New Taipei Civic Plaza. Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights and decorations adorn the area creating the most wonderful Christmas setting imaginable. With colorful light shows, sparkling tunnels of lights, live performances, and even a Christmas market, it’s arguably one of the best places to experience Christmas in Taiwan. 

Just a heads up, try to avoid weekends as the crowds and wannabe influencers can be a real pain. Christmasland ran from November 11 in 2022 until January 2, 2023. Check out the official  Christmasland website  for future events. 

Ring in the New Year

New Year’s Eve celebrations can be witnessed throughout Taiwan, with most cities having some sort of firework displays. 

If you’re visiting Taipei during this celebration, head to Taipei 101 – home to one of the most extravagant pyrotechnic events in the world. 

Some 16,000 fireworks were fired off Taipei 101 tower over 5 minutes last New Year’s Eve. The show featured a 360-degree digital display, beam lights, lasers, multimedia animations and special effects fireworks. 

If crowds aren’t for you, head up to Elephant Mountain . Here you’ll be able to get an incredible view of the tower and lower-lying city. Just a heads up, it’s still going to be busy. So make sure to go early to grab a spot on one of the boulders. Bring some snacks and drinks, and more importantly, remember to dress warmly.  

Celebrate Chinese New Year

Much like Christmas in the western world, Chinese New Year is the biggest and most important annual celebration in Taiwan.

Each year, colorfully decorated streets, exciting street parades, and endless firework displays burst out all over Taiwan to celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year. 

The Lunar New Year holidays span several days, usually falling somewhere in late January or early February. If you’re visiting Taiwan during CNY, it’s important to know exactly when this holiday is as it will likely impact your trip quite a bit. The dates are based on the Lunar Calendar, meaning it will change each year on the Western Gregorian calendar. In 2023, the Lunar New Year ran from January 20-29, with Chinese New Year’s Eve falling on January 21. 

Chinese New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are usually the most important days during this celebration. Family members travel from near and far to spend time with their family and feast on a wide variety of delicious traditional foods. Unlike Christmas, families in Taiwan don’t give each other gifts during Chinese New Year. Instead, it’s customary to give children a hong bao (a red envelope filled with money) and for working sons and daughters to give a hong bao to their parents.

CNY is also a great time to go shopping. And on Chinese New Year’s Eve, many shops stay open until midnight. Expect the streets to be brimming with shoppers buying new clothes (many of them in red as it’s believed to bring good luck).

Visiting Taiwan During Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a really lovely time to be in Taiwan, but it’s not exactly tourist-friendly. For starters, many shops and attractions close during the festivities. Secondly, hotel rooms fill up quickly, and prices are often much higher than traveling during the low season. And lastly, traffic is a nightmare, with public transport packed throughout the holiday. In fact, getting a seat on a train is virtually impossible unless you’ve booked one in advance.

Therefore if you must visit Taiwan during CNY, book your hotel room at least a few months in advance. Normal train tickets can be booked 14 days in advance, while HSR tickets can be booked up to 28 days.  

Enjoy Lantern Festival 

Lantern Festival is one of the most iconic festivals to attend during wintertime in Taiwan.

Every year a different city in Taiwan is selected to host the annual Taiwan Lantern Festival . The event showcases dozens of colorful lanterns in all shapes and sizes imaginable. It’s usually quite a big deal with thousands of people coming to see these beautiful artworks. 

In 2023, Taipei City will host the Taiwan Lantern Festival with various exhibitions around town. The Central Exhibition Area will be at National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall , but there will also be displays at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park , Xinyi and the Eastern District commercial area . The festival ran from February 5 to 19, with roughly 300 lanterns on display.

Although the annual event will take place in Taipei, you’ll still be able to see lanterns elsewhere in Taiwan as many cities have smaller displays.

Attend the Pingxi Lantern Festival

Another fun thing to do in Taiwan in winter is the Pingxi Lantern Festival (not to be confused with the lantern festival above). 

The Pingxi Lantern Festival celebrates the ancient custom of releasing thousands of glowing lanterns carrying special wishes into the sky. (Usually during the first full moon of the new lunar year).

The festival is held in Shifen , a former mining town in Pingxi District, New Taipei City. And it usually runs over a few days leading up to and after the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar. The dates change every year, but it normally falls somewhere in January or February, depending on the Lunar Calendar.

If you want to attend, know that this is one of the busiest festivals in Taiwan. Proper planning is recommended as it will be a long and tiresome journey to get there and back. Trains fill up quickly, and your chances of finding accommodation in Shifen during the festival will be almost impossible. If you must stay overnight, your best chance of finding a hotel room will be in nearby Jiufen or Keelung .

The 2023 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival was held at Shifen Sky Lantern Square on Feb 5, and on Feb 11 at Pingxi Junior High School. The festival ran from 6-8:30 pm at both venues. For more details, see the official website .

Soak in a Hot Spring

When the weather in Taiwan starts to cool down, grab your swimming cap and slip into one of the country’s more than 150 hot springs. 

Taiwan has one of the highest concentrations of hot springs globally, so you won’t need to look too far to find one. While almost every county in Taiwan has some form of hot spring, you’ll find the highest concentration of them in the northern parts of the island and near the central mountain range.

Best Hot Springs in Taiwan

• Beitou is the most popular hot spring area in Taiwan due to its proximity to Taipei. Here you’ll find a good selection of cheap public pools and lavish hotels such as  The Gaia Hotel Taipei  and  Radium Kagaya International Hotel .  
• Wulai is a famous aboriginal village and an easy day trip from Taipei . There are some great mid-range spring hotels here like  Pause Landis Resort Wulai , but try  Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort  if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury stay! 
• Jiuzhize Hot Springs near Taipingshan  in Yilan is Taiwan’s most Instagrammable hot spring! The resort has dozens of small outdoor rock pools that look like tiny tubs where you can enjoy a soak while admiring the gorgeous mountain scenery. 
• Ruisui Hot Spring is the most famous hot spring resort on the East Coast and a must-visit Hualien attraction . This charming Japanese-style hot spring resort dates back to 1919. Unlike other hot springs in Taiwan, Ruisui’s water is rich in iron, giving the water a yellowish tint.
• For something completely different, check out  Guanziling Mud Hot Spring  in Tainan . Here you’ll find muddy spring water and loads of outdoor activities to keep you busy. 
• Zhaori Hot Spring on Green Island is another cool one to check out if you’re a more adventurous traveler. What truly makes this hot spring so special is that it is one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world! However, know that Taiwan’s offshore islands are not ideal travel destinations during the winter months. Getting there will be hard, and it will be windy!  

Eat Hot Pot

There’s no better way to warm up on a chilly winter’s day than with a piping hot, super delicious hot pot!

Hot pot is one of my favorite Taiwanese foods, and I eat it all the time (even in summer). It is basically a soup-based dish where diners toss uncooked ingredients like tofu, vegetables, meat, and seafood into a huge broth-filled pot on a burner and simmer it for a few minutes. When the food is ready, you simply scoop it out and dip it into a spicy soy and  shacha  sauce. 

There are dozens of hot pot restaurants all over Taiwan, and you won’t need to venture too far to find one. Most hot pot restaurants are all-you-can-eat joints, but there are plenty of big hot pot restaurants and single diner hot pot spots too. Each hot pot restaurant is unique, though. Most have their own signature broth, and some even offer high-quality ingredients and imported meat cuts. 

If you like spicy food, don’t miss  Mala Hot Pot  in Taipei. They have multiple branches all over the city, but it’s best to make a reservation beforehand. Some other noteworthy hot pot places to check out in Taipei include  Orange Shabu  (a Japanese-style hot pot restaurant) and  Wu Lao Guo , famous for their creamy tofu pot. And, if you happen to be in Hsinchu, check out this  secret hot pot place . They make the best ginger chicken hot pot in town!

Visit a Night Market

Visiting Taiwan’s night markets is a must any time of year. And in wintertime, stuffing your face with delicious street food is yet another great way to warm up.

Besides the most famous night markets in Taiwan , many smaller markets pop up all over the country during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Grab some  luwei  (food stewed in spices and soy sauce), piping hot fried chicken, or a bowl of  tangyuan  (glutinous rice balls stuffed with a sweet filling and served in a hot syrup), and you’ll be ready to brave the cold weather for hours! 

See Snow at Hehuanshan

One of the first questions travelers to Taiwan ask is whether it snows in Taiwan. In short, yes, it does! However, snow in Taiwan is very rare. And to see it, you’ll need to head to one of the country’s gorgeous mountaintops.  

The most famous place to see snow in Taiwan is Hehuanshan, a stunning high alpine area in central Taiwan. Hehuanshan sits at an elevation of 3416 meters and borders Hualien and Nantou counties. The peak is accessed via the Wuling Pass , which runs right through it and also happens to be the highest assessable road in Taiwan at 3275m. Due to the high elevation, you’re almost guaranteed to see snow here, and in 2022 the first snow already started to fall on December 17. 

The easiest way to get to Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area is via Cingjing Farm – a dreamy mountaintop resort located roughly 1700 meters above sea level. However, it’s also possible to get there via Taroko Gorge National Park on the outskirts of Hualien. 

It’s easy to visit Cingjing independently; and you can read my detailed guide on  how to get to Cingjing  here. However, if you prefer to join a guided tour, this  Cingjing & Hehuanshan day tour  is a great option. 

Besides Hehuanshan, there are a few other places to see snow in Taiwan. These include  Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area  in Yilan, Snow Mountain in Taichung, and Yushan (Taiwan’s highest peak) in Nantou. 

Witness the First Cherry Blossoms

While cherry blossom season is only in full swing towards mid-February , there are a couple of places where you can spot the first arrivals as early as January.

In Taipei, head to Pingjing Street Lane 42 in Shihlin District . Cherry blossoms are in full bloom here towards the end of January. Also, don’t miss the beautiful Yoshino cherries at Wuji Tianyuan Temple in February.

In Nantou, cherry blossoms start to bloom at Cingjing Farm and the  Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village  in Sun Moon Lake in early February. 

Wuling Farm is another must-visit place for cherry blossom viewing, but it’s also one of the hardest places to reach. Consider joining this  Wuling Farm day tour from Taipei  if you don’t have wheels. But be warned, the bus ride takes several hours. 

Other famous places to view blooms include the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area , Sun Link Sea , Hsinchu City , and Changhua. For more info, also read my guide on where to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan . 

Head South for Winter Sun

If the constant chilly weather gets too much for you, grab your swimsuit and head down to southern Taiwan for some winter sun.

Kenting , in particular, is a great place to enjoy pleasant weather with lots of sunshine. While it will be cooler than in the summer, you’ll still be able to squeeze in all of the very best things to do in Kenting . Since Kenting is a popular go-to spot year-round, it’s best to book accommodation a few weeks before your trip. See my top picks for Kenting hotels here. 

Other places with warmer temperatures worth adding to your Taiwan winter itinerary include Taichung , Kaohsiung and Tainan . 

Go Strawberry Picking

Miaoli County is a beautiful mountainous area located in central Taiwan and borders Hsinchu and Taichung. The county is famous for several attractions such as the Longteng Broken Bridge , Miaoli Hakka Roundhouse , Shei-Pa National Park , to name a few. However, one of Miaoli’s biggest draws is undeniably its sprawling strawberry farms where visitors can pick their very own strawberries.

Since strawberry season coincides with winter in Taiwan, it’s a great winter activity! For the best experience, head to the tiny township of Dahu , where you can easily get off the main tourist track and spend hours visiting strawberry picking farms, sampling the fruits of your labor, and trying all kinds of strawberry-inspired snacks like strawberry-glazed sausages, strawberry beer, sweets, cakes, mochi, ice cream, and more!

Go Freediving in Xiaoliuqiu

Xiaoliuqiu is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful offshore coral islands, located a short ferry ride from Kaohsiung . 

This tiny island has so much to do and see that you could easily spend days here without getting bored. One of Xiaoliuqiu’s biggest draws is the chance to swim with green sea turtles. But other highlights include exploring the geological caves, snorkeling , SUP , and kayaking .

However, if you’re into freediving, then you’ll definitely want to head out to Xiaoliuqiu during winter in Taiwan. While Xiaoliuqiu’s winter weather might not be as great as during the warmer months, winter is actually one of the best times for freediving. Not only will you practically have the island all to yourself, but the visibility is also much better during this season as it does not rain as much.

Read my super detailed  Xiaolioqiu guide  to help you plan the perfect trip, and check out Raymond Ko’s  Facebook group  for more info on freediving. 

Visit Maolin Purple Butterfly Valley

Every year thousands of Purple Crow Butterflies migrate to the south of Taiwan, where they settle during the winter months. And the best place to see them up close is in Maolin National Scenic Area (aka Purple Butterfly Valley), near Kaohsiung.

Interestingly, the Taiwan Purple Crow Butterfly is one of only two winter migrating butterflies in the world. The other is the Mexican Monarch Butterfly. If you’re keen to learn more about them, you can join a guided tour when visiting the park. The guides will take you to all the best spots where you’re guaranteed to see dozens of beautiful butterflies.

The best time to visit Maolin Purple Butterfly Valley is between November and March . Come in the morning for the best chance to see them.

Brave the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is one of the strangest (and most dangerous) celebrations in Taiwan and is actually the third largest folk celebration globally.

Yanshui Beehive Festival is a religious festival that occurs every year on Lantern Festival Day . It celebrates the god of war, Guang Di, who is believed to have warded off a devastating cholera epidemic during the late 1800s.

What really sets this festival apart from others is that people walk among huge beehive structures packed with firecrackers and wait for them to be set off into the crowds.

I haven’t personally attended (and doubt I ever will, as I have no desire to be hit with fireworks), but if you’re brave enough, you can read more here on Nick’s blog . The beehive festival runs from February 4-5 in 2023. 

What to Wear in Taiwan in Winter

Many blogs define Taiwan’s wintertime as mild, but as someone who has lived in Taiwan for more than a decade, please take that little snippet with a pinch of salt. Taiwan can get quite chilly, especially in the north, along the east coast, and in mountainous areas.

While winter in Taiwan might not be as harsh as in other places like the US or Europe, you still need to prepare for cold weather and pack accordingly.

In general, layers are the way to go. Make sure to pack some thermal vests, long-sleeve shirts, and a couple of sweaters. A decent thermal jacket (or down jacket) is also key for keeping out the wind. Packing gloves, a hat, and a scarf is also a good idea.

Know that it will probably rain at some point during your Taiwan winter itinerary. But, since it’s easy to pick up an umbrella or raincoat at any convenience store, there’s really no need to pack these items.

If you’re heading to mountainous areas or hiking in Taiwan , you’ll want to pack suitable winter clothing. Don’t forget to bring a warm coat and hiking boots.

You won’t need much more than a light sweater or jacket if you’re heading south. The weather is typically much warmer here and you’ll likely get by with t’s and shorts. With that said, it’s still a good idea to pack a few warm things (just in case)!

For more tips, also see my Taiwan packing list .

Should You Visit Taiwan in Winter?

Winter in Taiwan is not for everyone. But if you don’t mind the cold weather, there’s plenty to keep you busy both indoors and outdoors. Whether you want to soak in a hot spring, play in the snow, partake in one of the festivals or find some winter sun down south, visiting Taiwan during winter can be just as rewarding as any other season!

There you have it! That wraps up this guide to all of the best things to do in Taiwan in winter. Did your favorite Taiwan winter activities make my list? If not, let me know in the comments below so that I can try them out this winter in Taiwan!

Liked this Taiwan winter guide? Pin it here so that you can save it for your future travels to Taiwan in winter.

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The island state of Taiwan has a subtropical monsoon climate, with wet, humid summers and short, relatively mild winters. Choosing when to go to Taiwan doesn’t have to be difficult. We’ve done the weather research for you, so you can find the ideal conditions to explore this fascinating destination and enjoy your visit.

Weather in Taiwan

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Treasures of Taiwan

Explore Taiwan's diverse culture and fascinating landscapes in this itinerary covering the whole island. Starting in Taipei you will move on to Sun Moon Lake before heading to Alishan. Discover monasteries and national parks on the Southwest coast before heading back to Taipei.

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The Essentials of Taiwan

Looking for a compact Taiwan itinerary? Look no further. In just under a week, this itinerary allows you to explore Taipei and nearby national parks. Expect waterfalls, panoramic walking trails and thermal springs, all while enjoying the amazing food scene, a blend of Chinese & Japanese cuisines.

Because of its location on the Tropic of Cancer, Taiwan’s weather is mostly subtropical, with pockets of tropical climate in the south. This means that the weather is warm and humid – but rain is common throughout the year. After all, that’s one of the reasons why Taiwan’s natural landscapes are so lush!

Taiwan has two rainy seasons that arrive at different times of the year and affect different areas. The southern part of the island is the first to experience the monsoon, with heavy rains hitting between May and September. Monsoon rains then move onto the north and northeast.

In addition to the monsoon, the country has a “plum rain” season, which typically runs between May and June. Plum rains are short and intense and come in fronts, which means it can rain for a few days or even weeks at the time, or not rain at all. These fronts are reliably forecast by the country’s Weather Bureau, so keep an eye on English-language newspapers for the latest updates.

To decide when is the best time to travel to Taiwan, first you should consider your itinerary. Tourists travel to Taiwan all year round, so it all depends on what you plan to see and do.

For general travel, September, October, and November are the best months to visit. The summer is ideal for those interested in tropical beaches and island hopping. For culture and nature, visit during the spring. But winter is great for visiting Taipei also. In fact, there is no wrong time to visit Taiwan: you’ll find great food, spectacular nature, and vibrant city life throughout the year.

The main gate of National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall in Taipei © Shutterstock

Despite its subtropical climate, Taiwan’s winters can be colder than what most travellers expect. Average temperatures range between 15°C and 20°C - a big difference when compared to the 30°C+ temperatures at other times of the year. But winters here are not severe, and are definitely not as cold as they get in nearby Japan .

Winter weather in Taiwan can bring fog, cloudy skies, and cool temperatures, especially in the north. However, winter can also be the best time to visit Taiwan if you plan on exploring the country’s top urban destinations. There are plenty of things to see and do indoors in cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung. To sum up, winter in Taiwan can be chilly, but there’s nothing that a few layers of clothing can’t fix.

Visiting Taiwan in December — February

Winter weather varies across Taiwan. The further south you go, the warmer it will get, and vice versa. Average temperatures in Taipei and other areas of northern Taiwan hover around 15°C, but are lower during cold spells, which usually hit in January. On the other hand, winter temperatures rarely go below 20°C in southern areas like those surrounding Kenting National Park.

The winter months are great to discover Taipei’s top landmarks. Tourist numbers are low, so it’s easier to experience the city’s most relaxed side. While in the area, make sure to set a day aside to visit the Beitou hot springs. The springs can be easily reached by public transport, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit among both children and adults. If you’re after something similar but with an upscale touch, the cosy mountain retreats and resorts of central Taiwan will fit the bill. In total, there are more than 150 hot springs all over Taiwan.

Cherry blossom trees are in full bloom in January and February. The season attracts thousands of visitors to Taiwan every year. The photo opportunities are fabulous, and this may well be one of the highlights of your trip. Blooming dates are slightly different every year, but you can find online forecasts - hardly surprising, considering that this is super-efficient Taiwan! The best places to admire the colourful display of cherry blossom trees in or near Taipei are, Tianyuan Temple, Wulai, and Yangmingshan National Park.

If warm weather is what you’re after, southern Taiwan will not disappoint. Even in January, which is the coldest month of the year, temperatures stay balmy. This may be a good time to explore Kaohsiung , the country’s southernmost city and the gateway to tropical Taiwan.

Crystal clear waters on a winter day at Sun Moon Lake © Shutterstock

Spring is the ideal time to discover Taiwan’s natural and cultural heritage. Although the temperatures get gradually warmer between March and May, it will still be too cold to go for a swim. But there are other things that will keep you entertained: festivals, hikes, tea picking tours, and cycling trips are only some of them. One thing to remember: temperatures rise steadily between March and May, but so do the chances of rain, so make sure you have waterproof clothing when you head out.

Visiting Taiwan in March-May

During March, you can still catch the end of the cherry blossom season in central and southern Taiwan. Other exotic flowers will start to cover the hills and valleys surrounding Hualien, in eastern Taiwan. The botanical parks and gardens in Taipei, Chiayi, and Taichung are great places to spend a spring day out. And so is the Ta Shee Blooming Oasis, near Taoyuan.

Spring is also a fantastic time to visit the East Coast National Scenic Area . Stretching over 170 kilometres (over 100 miles) south of Hualien, this area offers impressive coastal views and a chance to learn about the country’s aboriginal cultures. This is the perfect destination for an active holiday or cycling adventure.

Alishan Mountain is another top spring destination in Taiwan. Tea culture is strong all over the country, but especially so in the highlands of central Taiwan. The weather here is perfect for tea plantations to thrive – and for tourists to sample the delicate flavours of local Oolong teas. There are other tea farms in the Wuhe plateau, near Hualien, and in the outskirts of Taipei.

The festival calendar is packed with interesting events during March and April. Some of the most eye-catching events include the International Fireworks Festival in Penghu, Baosheng Cultural Festival, and Bunun’s Ear Shooting Festival, one of Taiwan’s biggest indigenous ceremonies.

Sunsat at Alishan © Shutterstock

Summer is considered the peak tourist season in Taiwan. The summer school break begins in July, so many local families will be on holiday at this time of the year. The same applies to travellers from nearby countries. Advance bookings are recommended if you visit Taiwan in the summer.

Taiwanese summers are hot and humid. Average temperatures are in the 30s, but it may feel hotter due to the humidity. If you find it hard to cope with subtropical summers, you may want to consider destinations in the mountain areas.

Prepare for wet monsoon weather if you visit during the summer. Rainfall is especially heavy in southern Taiwan. Moreover, summer storms in the form of tropical cyclones hit at least twice a year, and are more likely in late August and September. A packable rain jacket, umbrella, or waterproof poncho are a must-have for Taiwan travel!

Despite the rain, summer is beach time in Taiwan. The warm season is ideal for beach hopping trips and relaxing island holidays. And if you’re into watersports, this is the best time to travel to Taiwan.

Visiting Taiwan in June — August

Looking for a break from Taiwan’s humid summers? Then head to higher altitude areas. At 3,500 metres or nearly 13,000 feet, Jade Mountain is the island’s highest peak. The mountain is located in Yushan National Park , which is crisscrossed by hiking trails. If you come here, get ready for spectacular views of the park’s valleys, which quite literally become seas of clouds.

Another suggestion is visiting Puli, some 60 kilometres (37 miles) north of Yushan National Park. The town is a great base to explore the many attractions nearby, such as the impressive Chung Tai Chan monastery or Cinjing Farm. Puli is also the homeland of Taiwanese rice wine. The city’s wine museum and winery make for an interesting day trip.

If you’re more of a beach person, you’ll fall in love with the white sand beaches of Taiwan’s tropical south. Make sure to include Taimali and Fenghuisha in your itinerary! And if you have your own wheels, you’ll find breathtaking coves and bays all along the coast between Hualien and Taitung. With that said, the beaches in northern Taiwan are better for swimming, especially in late summer, when there’s a higher chance of typhoons hitting the south coast.

Still in beach mood? Then you may want to explore Taiwan’s tropical islands. Here are some destination suggestions:

• Orchid Island, also known as Lanyu. Connected to Taichung by plane and ferry, the island is home to some of Taiwan’s most stunning coastal scenery. And it’s also a scuba diving and snorkelling paradise!
• Turtle Island, which gets its name from its unusual shape. Turtle Island’s main draw is its active volcano – the only one in Taiwan. Low in population but rich in wildlife and natural beauty, Turtle Island is a great place to go on a dolphin or whale watching tour.
• Ludao, off the coast of Taitung. Sometimes called Green Island, Ludao is another volcanic island that offers an interesting mix of activities: hot spring baths, snorkelling, swimming, and hiking.
• The Kinmen archipelago , which is mostly known for its historical and architectural value. You could easily spend a few days exploring the island’s temples, museums, cultural villages, and of course sampling its distinctive cuisine.

Few people know that Taiwan has great beaches - Fulong Bathing Beach near Taipei © Shutterstock

Weather-wise, September to November is considered the best time of the year to visit Taiwan. This season offers the perfect combination of cool and dry weather. During most of September, the south stays warm, but temperatures begin to cool down in northern Taiwan, although they’re still pleasant. Milder temperatures and less rain mean that this is a great time of the year for travellers who enjoy outdoor activities.

Visiting Taiwan in September — November

September and October are among the most photogenic months in Taiwan – at least where nature is concerned. In northern Taiwan, tree leaves start to change colour in mid-September, and the process gradually extends to southern areas over the following months. Some of the best places to spot this beautiful natural display include:

• Taroko Gorge, which can be visited as a day trip from Hualien.
• Aowanda Forest Recreational Area and its incredibly picturesque Maple Trail.
• Dasyueshan National Forest, which is also a great spot for bird watching.

Sun Moon Lake is always a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy some peace and quiet. But the magical charm of this site is even more powerful at this time of the year. Things to do here include taking boat trips, visiting traditional villages, or simply renting a scooter to see where the scenic roads will take you.

Our last suggestion for a fun day out at this time of the year is taking the Jiji Line . This is scenic train trip runs between the rustic village of Checheng and Ershui, located in the mountains south of Taichung. Along the way, you can stop at old logging towns, plum wine breweries, and historical tea houses.

And if you’re in Taiwan during the Mid Autumn Moon Festival, don’t forget to try the famous Taiwanese mooncakes -you’ll probably want to take some home with you! If you love exotic food and don’t know when to go to Taiwan, book your trip around this festival and you won’t be disappointed.

One of Taiwan’s greatest attractions is the sheer range and depth of its festivals, all celebrated with a passion and fervour unique to the island. While the biggest ones are the traditional Chinese festivals – which double as public holidays – there is also an eclectic collection of religious festivals as well as an amazing array of time-honoured aboriginal celebrations.

The majority of cultural and religious festivals follow the Chinese lunar calendar . As such, the actual Gregorian calendar dates on which they are celebrated tend to fluctuate significantly each year – in our festivals calendar , we have listed them under the Gregorian calendar month in which they are usually celebrated, with a note of their actual Chinese lunar calendar dates. We also specify which are public holidays (P), during which banks and government and private offices are closed, though many shops and restaurants remain open.

Though Chinese traditional and religious festivals are routinely well publicized, many aboriginal celebrations remain closely guarded secrets , and even local tourism officials are often confused about or unaware of the actual dates on which they are observed. Villages typically stage their own celebrations, and tribal elders usually set the dates for these in accordance with a variety of factors. Further complicating this, established dates can be changed at the last minute in the face of inauspicious omens such as the sudden illness or death of a village elder. Finally, the truly authentic aboriginal celebrations are taken very seriously, with ancient rituals performed with pinpoint precision. As such, most tribes don’t want their traditions to become a spectacle for busloads of camera-toting tourists, so many – especially those along the east coast – make a concerted effort to hide their celebration dates from tourism officials. However, individual travellers or those in small groups are generally welcomed to events such as harvest festivals with open arms, often being invited to drink local spirits with the tribesmen. Those fortunate enough to experience these thriving cultures will learn about a side of Taiwan that most foreigners – and many Taiwanese – know precious little about, and it’s well worth the effort to seek them out.

Foundation Day/New Year’s Day Jan 1 (P). Marks the founding of the Republic of China in 1911, but also gives a nod to the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Offices and schools are shut, with many remaining closed on Jan 2 & 3.

January/February

Chinese New Year ( chūn jié ) Lunar Jan 1–3 (P). Taiwan’s most important festival, marking the start of the Chinese year. Celebrations centre mostly on family gatherings with lavish meals; “lucky” money in small red envelopes is exchanged; fairs and public parades are held.

Qingshui Zushi’s Birthday Lunar Jan 6. Commemorates the quasi-historic figure from Fujian, revered for his wisdom and munificence. Main ceremonies at Zushi Temple in Sanxia, outside Taipei, including the ritual slaying of “God Pigs”.

Jade Emperor’s Birthday Lunar Jan 9. Pays tribute to the chief Taoist deity, the head of celestial government thought to mirror that of imperial China. Main ceremonies at temples in Daxi, Taichung and Tainan.

Lantern Festival Lunar Jan 15. Marks the end of Chinese New Year festivities, but itself often lasts several days in big cities such as Taipei and Kaohsiung. Main activity is the public display of paper lanterns; in some cities, paper lanterns are launched into the sky, most famously during the Heavenly Lantern Festival in Pingxi; another popular event is the Beehive Rockets Festival in Yanshui near Tainan, where an almost 200-year tradition of setting off fireworks has transformed into an annual free-for-all.

Peace Memorial Day Feb 28 (P). Instituted in 1997, and also known as “2-28 Memorial Day”, it commemorates the 2-28 Incident.

February/March

Wenchang Dijun’s Birthday Lunar Feb 3. Pays respect to the god of literature or culture, revered by students and their parents ahead of exams. Offerings of incense and wishes are written on colourful paper placed in glass jars.

Mayasvi Festival Tsou tribe celebration of warriors returning from battle, with rituals giving thanks to the god of war and the god of heaven. Hosted annually in rotation between Dabang and Tefuye villages.

Guanyin’s Birthday Lunar Feb 19. The goddess of mercy’s birthday is celebrated at Buddhist temples throughout the country, but the main place to mark the occasion is Taipei’s Longshan Temple. The event is also marked at the Zizhu Temple in Neimen (near Kaohsiung), which holds a festival celebrating its 300-plus-year history as one of the most sacred sites for Taiwanese Buddhists. The festival features the island’s most important annual performances of the Song Jiang Battle Array, ritualized martial performing arts depicting symbolic battles with a variety of traditional weapons, including farm tools.

Youth Day March 29. Pays tribute to the more than one hundred of Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionaries who were killed in the failed Canton Uprising against the imperial Qing government on March 29, 1911. Taiwan’s president officiates at a public service at the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine in Taipei, and local governments hold similar ceremonies.

March/April

Queen Mother of the West’s Birthday Lunar March 3. Honours the highest-ranking female deity, often portrayed as the Jade Emperor’s wife. Main festivities in Hualien (where it is celebrated on Lunar 18/7), the centre of her cult in Taiwan.

Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven’s Birthday Lunar March 3. Pays respect to the controller of the elements, particularly fire. Worshipped at some four hundred temples throughout Taiwan.

Tomb Sweeping Day ( qīngmíng ) April 5 (P). Families visit cemeteries to clean graves of relatives and pay respects to their ancestors. In Taiwan, it’s celebrated on the anniversary of Chiang Kai-shek’s death. “Grave cakes” are offered and paper money is burnt.

Baosheng Dadi’s Birthday Lunar March 15. Marks the birthday of Baosheng Dadi, the “Great Emperor who Preserves Life”. Biggest celebration is held in Xuejia, north of Tainan.

Bunun Ear-shooting Festival Most important celebration of the Bunun tribe, traditionally a test of archery skills to mark the coming of age of the tribe’s males.

Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage This eight-day, seven-night pilgrimage comprises one of the world’s biggest religious festivals, with worshippers parading a caravan containing one of the island’s most revered Mazu deities around a circuit before returning it to its mother temple in Dajia. Always preceding Mazu’s birthday celebration, the pilgrimage is part of the month-long Dajia Mazu Culture Festival.

Mazu’s Birthday Lunar March 23. One of Taiwan’s most important folk festivals, celebrating the birthday of Mazu, goddess of the sea, the island’s most popular folk deity. Mazu deities are returned to their “mother temples” on this day to be blessed and increase their spiritual powers. The liveliest celebrations are held at Dajia’s Zhenlan Temple, Beigang’s Chaotian Temple and Lugang’s Tianhou Temple.

Labour Day May 1 (P). Celebrates workers’ rights and the eight-hour workday in line with international convention.

Cleansing Buddha Festival Lunar April 8. Celebrates the birth of Buddha in accordance with the Mahayana school. Worshippers flock to Buddhist temples island-wide, with monasteries such as Chung Tai Chan, Foguangshan and Dharma Drum hosting legions of devotees.

Tainan City God Birthday Lunar April 20. Main festivities are held at the venerated Tainan City God Temple.

Dragon Boat Festival ( duānwŭ jié ) Lunar May 5 (P). One of the three major Chinese holidays, featuring dragon boat races held in honour of the poet Qu Yuan who, according to legend, drowned himself in protest after being slandered by envious officials on this date in 280 BC. Races are held in most major cities with waterways – including international races in Taipei, Lugang and Keelung – but the most distinctly Taiwanese are the aboriginal-style races held in Erlong, near the east coast hot-springs resort of Jiaoxi.

Taipei City God Birthday Lunar May 13. Includes fireworks, elaborate dances by temple guardians and a lavish parade in which the deity is carried around the streets surrounding Taipei’s City God Temple.

July/August

Guan Di’s Birthday Lunar June 24. Honours one of Taiwan’s most admired deities, the red-faced patron of chivalrous warriors, misleadingly known as the god of war. Ceremonies held island-wide, but Taipei’s Xingtian Temple hosts the biggest.

Yimin Festival Lunar July. The most important annual observance of the Hakka people honours groups of Hakka militia from the late eighteenth century. The main celebration is held at the Yimin Temple in Fangliao, near Hsinchu, and is marked by offerings to ancestors, music and the ritual slaying of several dozen force-fed “God Pigs” – an increasingly controversial ceremony that is seldom witnessed by foreigners.

Ami Harvest Festival One of the most colourful aboriginal celebrations, centred on dancing, singing and coming-of-age rituals for young men. Although dates vary from year to year, the most important festival of the Ami tribe is generally held in late summer, often in August. Ask at villages north of Taitung.

August/September

Ghost Month Begins ( guǐyuè ) Lunar July 1. The time when the gates of hell are opened and spirits of “hungry ghosts” haunt the living. Daily rituals include burning of incense and paper money, while major festivals are held in Keelung, Toucheng and Hengchun at the middle and end of the month.

Ghost Festival ( yúlán jié ) Lunar July 15. Appeasement ceremonies held at temples across the island. Families offer flowers, fruit and three sacrificial offerings: chicken (or duck), pig and fish. Taiwan’s most famous is the Keelung Ghost Festival, where an elaborate night parade is held before thousands of glowing “water lanterns” are released onto the Keelung River.

Ghost Month Ends Midnight Lunar July 30. On the last day of Ghost Month, the gates of hell close and hungry ghosts return to the underworld. In the month’s last hour, contests called …qiǎng gū – in which men race to climb tall bamboo towers to collect meat and rice dumplings – are held; the most famous is in Toucheng near Yilan, while a similar event is also staged in Hengchun in the southwest.

Thao Pestle Music Festival Held during the seventh lunar month in Itashao Village on Sun Moon Lake, members of the Thao tribe – Taiwan’s smallest aboriginal group – pound grain into a stone mortar with bamboo pestles, creating a traditional harmony.

Armed Forces Day Sept 3. Honours all branches of Taiwan’s military while also marking the end of China’s eight-year War of Resistance against Japan. Big ceremonies at martyrs’ shrines around Taiwan and military parades in the big cities.

Teachers’ Day/Confucius’s Birthday Sept 28. Pays tribute to teachers on the birthday of China’s best-known educator and scholar, Confucius. Unique dawn ceremonies are held at Confucius temples nationwide, with the biggest at Taipei’s Confucius Temple.

September/October

Mid-Autumn Festival ( zhōngqiūjié ) Lunar Aug 15 (P). Also known as the “Moon Festival” – families gather in parks and scenic spots to admire what is regarded as the year’s most luminous moon and to share moon cakes and pomeloes. Since the festival coincides with the autumn harvest, the Taiwanese also mark it by making offerings to the Earth God for a bountiful harvest.

Double Ninth Day Lunar Aug 9. Nine is a number associated with yang, or male energy, and on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month certain qualities such as male strength are celebrated through a variety of activities, including hill walking and drinking chrysanthemum wine; kite-flying is also popular. In 1966, the day also was designated as “Senior Citizens Day”, and since then it has been viewed as a time to pay respects to the elderly.

Hualien Stone Sculpture Festival Highlights the work of local and international stone sculptors (see Hualien ).

Sanyi Woodcarving Festival Held in Taiwan’s woodcarving capital to celebrate the craft. Includes ice sculpting and carving contests (see Sanyi ).

National Day Oct 10 (P). Also known as “Double Tenth Day”, it commemorates the Wuchang Uprising that led to the overthrow of the Qing dynasty in 1911 by revolutionaries led by Sun Yat-sen. Military and public parades and fireworks displays are held in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei.

Retrocession Day Oct 25. Marks the official end of fifty years of Japanese colonial rule over Taiwan on October 25, 1945. The national flag is flown everywhere.

Austronesian Culture Festival International festival of aboriginal cultures in Taitung, designed to instil pride and preserve traditions, using the example of indigenous peoples such as the Maori of New Zealand.

Rukai Black Rice Festival The Rukai tribe’s major festival, named in honour of what was once their staple diet but is rarely seen today. Offerings are made for abundant harvests, and it’s a traditional time for marriage proposals and weddings. The biggest ceremony is held at Duona, usually in late November, in Maolin National Scenic Area.

Ritual of the Short Black People The most poignant expression of Saisiyat (“true people”) identity, meant to appease spirits of a people the tribe are believed to have exterminated. Major festival held every ten years, with a smaller one every other year.

Birth of Bodhidharma Lunar Oct 5. Honours the legendary Buddhist monk, also known as the Tripitaka Dharma Master, traditionally credited as the founder of the meditative Chan – or Zen as it’s known in Japan and the West – school of Buddhism. Rites performed at the Chung Tai Chan Monastery near Puli.

Sun Yat-sen’s Birthday Nov 12 (P). Marks the birthday of Sun Yat-sen, founder of the Republic of China and the Chinese Nationalist Party who is commonly known as the father of modern China.

Qingshan’s Birthday Lunar Oct 22. Celebrates the birthday of the King of Qingshan (Green Mountain), who is believed to ward off pestilence and dispense justice in the underworld. Ceremonies held at Taipei’s ornate Qingshan Temple.

Puyuma Ear-shooting Festival Celebration of the Puyuma tribe, traditionally a test of archery skills. Rituals held near Zhiben, to the south of Taitung.

Constitution Day Dec 25. Commemorates the passage of the Constitution of the Republic of China on December 25, 1946. The national flag is flown throughout the country, but these days Christmas is celebrated.

Travel advice for Taiwan

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Taiwan

• Eating and drinking in Taiwan
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Taiwan
• Culture and Etiquette in Taiwan
• How to get to Taiwan
• Getting around Taiwan: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Taiwan for planning and on the go

Find even more inspiration here

• Travel Tips

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 29.12.2023

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The Best Time to Visit Taiwan

TripSavvy /  Michela Buttignol

The weather around Taiwan tends to be warm year-round, with long and hot summers and short, only slightly cooler winters. That said, there’s a considerable variance between north to south—unusual for an island that’s only 13,855 square miles (35,883 sq km) in size, or slightly larger than the U.S. state of Maryland .   The best time to visit is between October and April when the weather is the best.

In the sub-tropical north, the winter months of November to February see increased rainfall, while the warmer, tropical south feels perceptibly drier and hotter.

The summer months of June to September bring heat and humidity throughout Taiwan, ramping up to typhoon season from July to October bringing storms that batter the east coast.

Read on to find out about Taiwan’s weather, its top holidays and things to do in Taiwan from season to season.

Weather in Major Regions of Taiwan

Taiwan straddles the Tropic of Cancer, cutting the island into two distinct eco-regions. The capital Taipei and most of the island falls under a subtropical climate, creating the evergreen forests and the temperate highlands that make Taiwan such an exciting adventure destination in the autumn months.

The southern third of Taiwan is classified as a tropical eco-region, covered in tropical rainforest and marked by warm weather that goes down no further than 72 degrees F (22 degrees C) even in the winter months.  

Northern Taiwan: Taipei

Taiwan’s capital Taipei sits at the northwest end of the island, and experiences some of the north’s climate extremes.  

The temperature in Taipei ranges from high 50 degrees F (14 degrees C) in January to low 90 degrees F (33 degrees C) in the peak of summer. Humidity remains relatively constant at an average of 76 percent, barely dipping or rising throughout the year. Sea temperatures offer pleasant swimming between May and October.

Taipei and the north experiences some 95 inches of rainfall yearly, reaching a peak in the summer months between June to September, with as many as 14.2 inches falling in September alone

Southern Taiwan: Kaohsiung

The Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung enjoys a tropical climate more akin to Cambodia or Laos , thanks to its coastal location and exposure to warm sea temperatures.

Kaohsiung’s temperatures hit a peak between April and November, with temperatures reaching 97 degrees F (36 degrees C) in July. The months of December to March see Kaohsiung at its coolest, with lows of 59 degrees F(15 degrees C) recorded in January.  

The southern city enjoys a relative humidity falling between 71 and 81 percent, with around 13 inches of rain falling between June to August.

Central Highlands

Visitors to the higher reaches of the island’s mountainous interior—including Alishan National Scenic Area and Taroko National Park—enjoy temperature highs of 55 degrees F (13 degrees C) in July and August, and wintry lows of around 23 degrees F (-5 degrees C) in January.  

Snowfall in the winter months can be experienced by hikers ascending the slopes of Mount Guanshan and Mount Hehuanshan.

Peak Season in Taiwan

Most foreign tourists know to avoid the hottest, wettest months in and surrounding the summer season. From October to April—the best time to visit Taiwan—the island’s weather feels comfortably (not oppressively) warm, and rainfall drops to an acceptable minimum.

These months also include some of the most crowded times to visit—Chinese New Year and “Double Ten” ( Oct. 10, National Day ) bring out locals traveling long distances home to visit family; expect to have a more difficult time booking transportation and accommodations on these dates.

Summer is considered peak tourist season in Taiwan—another good reason to avoid visiting Taiwan in July and August! Better to come during low season from November to March, where travel costs are 50 percent lower than in the summer months.

What to Pack

Given the shirt-sleeve weather that lowland Taiwan experiences all year round, you don’t need to pack any heavy clothing (unless you’re planning to trek in the highlands in the winter months).

The most useful clothes for a trip to Taiwan include:

• Light cotton or perspiration-wicking clothing for a summer visit.
• Warmer clothing, like long-sleeved shirts and jeans for spring or autumn visits.
• Umbrellas or lightweight waterproof jackets, to protect against the rain.
• Swimwear, if you’re planning on visiting beaches or hot springs.
• Sturdy shoes to match your purpose: hiking shoes for trekking Taiwan’s mountains, or just casual but comfortable trainers for walking around in the cities.

Avoid wearing skimpy clothing if you’re planning to visit a local temple; at the minimum, cover up most of your legs and shoulders if a temple is part of your itinerary.

Winter in Taiwan

The shortest season on the island, winter occurs between December and February. Tropical southern Taiwan experiences pleasant temperatures in winter, reaching highs of 73 degrees F (23 degrees C) in January, while the subtropical sections of the island experience slightly cooler maximum temperatures of 64 degrees F (18 degrees C).

Occasional cold fronts can see temperatures drop between 40 degrees F (4 degrees C), causing havoc when they catch locals by surprise. A 2016 cold snap killed 85 and stranded some 60,000 tourists.

Events to check out:

• Taiwan celebrates Chinese New Year during the winter months—one of Taiwan’s two biggest annual festivals (the other, National Day, takes place in October).
• The Lantern Festival ends the official Chinese New Year season 15 days later, with individual cities putting their own unique stamp on the festivities. Taipei Lantern Festival fills the Taipei Expo Park with both traditional and modern lanterns. Kaohsiung Lantern Festival is a lantern-themed party held along Love River, spilling out into major roads along the celebration venue. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival sees one of the biggest release of sky lanterns in the world, taking place at Pingxi near Keelung.

Spring in Taiwan

The spring months (March to May) see a slow movement from cool to warm in Taiwan. Expect average high temperatures of 73°F (23°C) in the daytime. Temperatures in the highlands will start to come down to reasonable levels; hikers hit the trekking trails around Taiwan’s mountains in these months.

At the latter half of spring, the beaches in southern Taiwan start to warm up enough for swimmers. This is perhaps the ideal time to see both extremes of the island: the cherry blossoms opening up in the highlands, and the warm (but not sweltering) welcome of the lowlands.

• Yangmingshan cherry blossom viewing: Visit Yangmingshan National Park near Taipei between mid-February and early April to watch the red cherry trees in full bloom.
• Mazu International Festival: A week-long festival in March that promotes the worship of the Goddess of the Sea Mazu, who has many devotees in Taichung. Southern Taiwan.
• Fulong Sand Sculpting Festival: Fulong Beach in northern Taiwan has golden sand whose consistency is perfect for sand sculptures; you’ll find these aggregates put to their best use come April, when beautiful sand sculptures sprout up all over the area.

Summer in Taiwan

The months of June to August finds Taiwan at its hottest and wettest, with average temperatures rising to 95 degrees F (35 degrees C) and humidity rising to a sweltering 92 percent in the south, and a more manageable 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) in the north.

• Computex Taipei : The largest IT fair in Asia takes place right in Taiwan’s capital in June.
• Taiwan International Balloon Festival : Held between June and August, this multi-week balloon festival takes off from Taitung county, filling the air with unusual hot air balloons.
• Keelung Mid-Summer Ghost Festival : This Taiwanese city takes the opportunity to celebrate Ghost Month not just for the departed ancestors, but also for the casualties of a long-ago war.

Autumn in Taiwan

The autumn months from September to November find the heat and humidity receding to a tolerable level, with average temperatures of 75 degrees F (24 degrees C). It’s a good time to go back into the cities: enjoy Taiwan’s awesome street food in Kaohsiung and Taipei!

• Visit Yangmingshan National Park to see the trees’ foliage in full autumnal bloom.
• Yunlin International Puppet Arts Festival : Yunlin County celebrates traditional Chinese puppetry with performances, classes and other celebrations held throughout the month of October.

The best time to visit Taiwan is from October to April. Not only are the days much cooler compared to the sweltering days of summer, but the humidity is lower and rain is minimal.

The cheapest time to visit Taiwan coincides with the best weather. The winter months are the low season for tourism around the country, with the major exception of Lunar New Year, which typically falls in late January or February.

Summer is when Taiwan experiences the most rainfall, especially from the months of June to September. This is also typhoon season, so keep an eye on weather alerts if you're visiting during these months.

Taiwan Tourism. "General Information." Retrieved February 3, 2021.

Weather Spark. "Average Weather in Taipei, Taiwan, Year Round." Retrieved February 3, 2021.

Weather Spark. "Average Weather in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Year Round." Retrieved February 3, 2021.

Taroko National Park. "Weather." Retrieved February 3, 2021.

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Taiwan Weather in December 2023: What to Do & Crowds

Find out Taiwan's weather in December (mild, damp, showery, averaging 16°C or 60°F in Taipei), what to wear and what's good to do: pro travel tips.

Weather: Winter starts from December, but weather is generally mild, with average low and high temperatures of 13 °C (55 °F) and 18 °C (64 °F) for Taipei, and damp with occasional showers.

Clothing: There is a big difference in temperature between day and night. During day time a long-sleeve shirt is adequate, but in early morning and evening a coat is needed, sometimes also a sweater. If you visit mountainous areas, a sweater and a water-proof coat is recommended.

Things to Do

The most spectacular New Year's Eve event in Taiwan happens next to Taipei 101 . 100,000s of people gather to hear the concerts and watch the countdown and the spectacular midnight fireworks that stream off the building itself and pop around it. It is the 5th tallest building in the world as of 2013. There is an observation deck on the 89th floor and restaurants and shopping at the mall.

Elephant Hill Park: See the New Year's Eve event from Elephant Hill (象山) Park. It is a scenic vantage point a 20-minute walk away from the Taipei 101 .

Tropical Warmth at Kenting Beach : Enjoy Taiwan's tropical beaches and warm currents. December temperatures range between 25°C (77°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night at Kenting, and the water is usually warmer.

Ximending Night Market : Eating hot Chinese and Japanese food is a fine way to spend a cold evening. Ximending is a popular night market in Taipei near the Taipei 101. This will be a taste and cultural experience and give you an opportunity to find gifts and souvenirs. A Taipei local favorite noodle shop called A Zong Mian Xian Restaurant has a great reputation (45 TWD per bowl (1.60 USD)). See how many of Taiwan's favorite foods, beverages and desserts you can eat.

Skiing and Snow Scenery: Hit the ski resort on Yushan Mountain. It is the second tallest mountain in Taiwan with a 3,886 meter (12,750 feet) high peak and large forests.

Christmas in Taiwan

Christmas is an unofficial holiday in Taiwan. While its 5% Christian population celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in churches and homes across the island, the majority enjoy the decorations and displays in shops, and general commercialism.

The big hotels and Western restaurants offer Christmas dinner, and the malls and shopping centers are dressed up in holiday decorations to entertain Taiwanese shoppers.

The Taiwanese have evolved their own peculiar Christmas traditions , isolated in the Pacific and subjected to cultural currents from the West and East. In Taiwan, celebrating Christmas isn't really so much an affair for parents and their children, but its for romantic couples. It is sort of like a Western Valentine's Day holiday.

Couples meet and spend the day together. Then they go out for dinner in the evening. Singles meet up with their friends, and they go out for a good time. Then after dinner, people want to go and watch a movie. How the collision of cultural winds produced this social custom is at yet not understood by scientists.

More on Christmas in China>>>

A Busy Travel Month

December is a busy travel month due to Christmas and New Year travel. Tickets for flights to Taiwan and between Taiwan and Chinese mainland may be difficult to get.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?

I’ve called Taiwan home for over 5 years and love discovering all it has to offer. I made this blog to share Taiwan living and travel resources I wish I’d had when I first arrived.

The best time to visit Taiwan is between September and November. Everyone’s in school. Typhoon season has passed. Temperatures will begin to cool. And you won’t have to worry about fall allergies.

I’ve lived in Taiwan for more than 5 years now. Throughout this time, I’ve learned about the country’s weather patterns. I want to help you know the best times to visit Taiwan. That way, you don’t have an unpleasant experience.

To pinpoint the best time to visit the island nation, you’ll want to know the following:

• Humidity levels
• Average temperature
• Common natural disasters
• Events and festivals
• October is the best time to visit Taiwan due to decent temperatures & lack of holidays.
• July through September are bad times to visit because of typhoons.
• February is the best time to visit to see cherry blossoms.

Taiwan’s Weather and Things To Do by Month

Here are festivals and average temperatures by month in Taiwan:

These temperatures don’t account for Taiwan’s high humidity. Air humidity can raise what temperatures ‘feel’ like. I’ll cover more details on this in a bit.

The following sections will cover more details about monthly weather and things to do in Taiwan.

January in Taiwan

January is one of Taiwan’s more comfortable months . It has temperatures averaging between 57 °F (13.9 °C) and 66 °F (19.1 °C). It’s also the country’s coldest month that doesn’t experience much sunshine (2.6 hours a day).

Taiwan Holidays in January

You won’t find any noteworthy festivals or holiday celebrations . Sometimes Lunar New Year, or otherwise Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, will begin at the end of January. If this is the case, beware of visiting Taiwan during this period.

Because you’ll find much higher flight and hotel prices . Plus, car pile-ups seem to rise in popularity during this time of year. Due to many traveling throughout the country to visit their family. A lot of these people are more likely to drink and drive.

Best Things to do in Taiwan in January

Here’s what I recommend doing in January:

• Check out Hehuanshan : One of few places in Taiwan with snow.
• Hike : The colder weather COULD make hiking more bearable.
• Relax in hot springs : An excellent way to combat the cold weather.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in January

Central & Southern cities like:

The cooler weather makes exploring these cities much more bearable. Since these cities get super hot in summer and autumn.

February in Taiwan

It’s Taiwan’s most humid month , with humidity that averages 81%, making this month the most uneasy time of the year. On average, you’ll encounter rainfall for at least 14.6 days out of the month. This can build up 6.7 inches (170.3 millimeters) of precipitation.

Partially because of this and other factors, this is also one of the least sunny months of the year. You’ll see an average of 2.5 hours per day.

This month also transitions the nation into its Spring allergy season, which will last between February and May. Taiwan doesn’t have ragweed. Grass pollen, certain molds, and tree pollen are the main allergens you must endure. Even in a city like Taipei, you will still face these symptoms.

Taiwan Holidays in February

Heed my warning under the “Festivals in January” section about visiting during the Spring Festival.

The Cherry Festival starts this month . It’s the best time of year to catch a glimpse at cherry blossoms throughout the country. If that’s why you want to visit, enter Taiwan once the Lunar New Year ends.

Best Things to do in Taiwan in February

Here’s what to do this month:

• View all the cherry blossoms
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall : To View cherry blossoms.
• Explore night markets : Learn more about Taiwan’s food culture.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in February

Taipei & New Taipei . Great places to see the cherry blossoms.

Where Can I See Cherry Blossoms in Taipei?

The best places that you can see cherry blossoms in Taipei include:

• Lohas Park in Neihu
• Pingjing Street in Taipei’s Shilin District
• Yangmingshan National park
• Tianyuan Temple in Tamsui (New Taipei)
• New Taipei City Gold Museum, Jinguashi (New Taipei)
• Sanxia (New Taipei)

And here’s a map of all the best places to see cherry blossoms throughout Taiwan:

March in Taiwan

March is when temperatures begin to rise . Most of the time, you’ll experience temperatures around 60.4 °F (15.7 °C), and sometimes you’ll see 71.8 °F (22.1 °C).

You’ll experience at least an average of 79% humidity.

One takeaway for this month is the varying flowers that blossom, which I’ll cover in a second.

It’s also the last month of the year that you’ll want to consider visiting an outdoor hot spring. The nation will begin to warm up from hereon.

Taiwan Holidays in March

In Taipei , around mid-March to early April, attend the Taipei Azalea Festival at Daan Forest Park. Or, visit Yangmingshan National Park to view calla lilies.

Taiwan’s firefly season begins in March and will last until May. The best place to find these flies is in Hualien’s Liyu Lake.

If you prefer music, attend the Eden Hill Music Festival (伊甸高原戶外音樂節), which is somewhere in Nantou County.

Best Things to do in Taiwan in March

Here’s what I recommend doing this month:

• Yangmingshan National Park : Hike & view the calla lilies.
• Stroll through Daan Forest Park : Also view the azaleas.
• Explore Alishan National Forest : The weather isn’t too bad.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in March

Taipei , due to all the places to view flowers.

April in Taiwan

Due to having balanced and dry weather and plenty of festivals, April is one of the ideal months to visit.

Taiwan Holidays in April

In early April, the Taiwanese will celebrate the Qingming Festival, or Tomb Sweeping day. There’s also Children’s Day. Both festivals give the Taiwanese a four-day weekend, leading to massive migrations. These days usually fall on April 4th, 5th, or 6th.

Consider booking flight tickets and hotel rooms outside this window .

Also, check out the Urban Nomad Film Festival in Taipei, the Organik Music Festival in Hualien, or the Spring Scream Music Festival in Kenting.

Best Things to do in Taiwan in April

Here’s what I recommend doing in April:

• Hike : Explore any of Taiwan’s hiking paths.
• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Kaohsiung: A mesmerizing religious site.
• Explore Tainan City : Refer to the next section for an explanation.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in April

Tainan and Kaohsiung . It’s a good time of year to explore both cities since the weather isn’t too hot.

May in Taiwan

May is one of the hotter months in Taiwan, with temperatures ranging between 71.1 °F (22.3 °C) and 84.6 °F (29.2 °C). Those temperatures are without humidity taken into account.

It’s around 76.6%.

Starting this month and lasting until October, be careful with the heat . Ensure you drink plenty of fluids, wear sunscreen, and stay in the shade when possible.

Starting from the middle of this month and lasting until mid-June, Taiwan will experience plum rain (梅雨). It’s also known as the East Asian rainy season. During this time, heavy rainfall will pound East Asian nations. These conditions also lead to serious flooding.

The name “plum rain” derived from a belief that plums fell, and their moisture turned into rain.

Toward the middle of the month, spring allergies will fade.

Taiwan Holidays in May

As Taiwan approaches warmer weather, you’ll find various festivals throughout the country like:

• Taichung International Matsu Festival
• Hakka Tung Blossom Festival : you’ll find these in Miaoli, Hsinchu, and New Taipei
• Heartown Music Festival : metal festival in Taichung
• Earthfest Music Festival : psytrance music in Puli, Miaoli, or Nantou

Best Things to do in Taiwan in May

Here’s what I recommend doing in May:

• Yehliu Geopark in New Taipei: See interesting rock formations.
• Visit religious sites : Visit as many of Taiwan’s thousands of temples as possible.
• Taipei Zoo : The weather isn’t too hot to see all the animals.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in May

Miaoli for the multiple festivals.

June in Taiwan

June is Taiwan’s wettest month. It averages 16 days of rain with around 0.04 inches (1.02 mm) of precipitation. Because of this, you won’t find many tourists around. With the nation moving into summer, you’ll begin to feel the heat. June’s heat index averages 109.8 °F (43.2 °C).

Fortunately, you’ll find that the humidity will reduce a bit.

July is the last month to visit Taiwan before typhoon season hits. 

Taiwan Holidays in June

No matter where you are in Taiwan, watch the weekend-long Dragon Boat Festival (端午節). During this period, you’ll find various teams racing boats with dragon heads.

If you prefer being in Taipei, visit the Taipei Film Festival.

Best Things to do in Taiwan in June

When traveling to Tainan during this month, don’t forget to buy something with mangos . The region’s mangos peak around this time; hence, they’ll taste the best.

If you’re a tech. nerd like me, check out Computex in Taipei. It’s a technology trade show that’ll give you a peak into what’s to come.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in June

Taipei for Computex and Tainan for their mangos.

July in Taiwan

Be careful when visiting from hereon for a couple of months. Because you may encounter harsh weather conditions. July is also Taiwan’s warmest month.

If you decide to sightsee during the day, you’ll wear yourself down and also need to keep a few things in mind:

• Dress light
• Drink Super Sapau or Pocari Sweat
• Relax indoors and embrace air conditioning

Taiwan Holidays in July

There’s the Hohaiyan Rock Music Festival at Fulong Beach along Taiwan’s northern coast. Sometimes this festival will happen in August.

Another big event that happens throughout July and August is the Taitung International Balloon Festival. It’s the perfect place to watch hot air balloons with various shapes and characters float into the sky.

Best Things to do in Taiwan in July

I recommend staying indoors when possible to avoid the heat. Here are some activities you could try:

• Try a tea house : Try locally-grown tea.
• Check out Huashan Creative Park in Taipei: Various indoor exhibits & local shops.
• Taipei 101 Observatory : Get an amazing view of Taipei City from one of the world’s tallest buildings.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in July

Hsinchu, Taichung, Miaoli, & Taichung . They’re protected by Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range and less suceptible to severe damage from typhoons.

August in Taiwan

During this time, Taiwan faces the highest chances of typhoons increasing while the blazing heat continues. If you’re coming to Taiwan to study at a Mandarin Training Center , I recommend arriving this month.

These storms will sweep the country with winds and heavy rainfall. The rain ranges from 2 inches (50 millimeters) to 12 inches (300 millimeters). Whereas, the wind speeds vary between 73 to 120 mph (118–190 km/h).

That way, you have enough time to find an apartment, and finish any requirements for classes. You may also have time to relax before your classes begin.

Taiwan Holidays in August

The entire month is Taiwan’s Ghost Month, which means spirits will briefly roam the mortal plane. Throughout this time, the Taiwanese will practice various ceremonies and superstitions.

For example, you will find many people burning ghost money, or joss paper, in metal containers along sidewalks.

Otherwise, you won’t find much happening.

Best Things to do in Taiwan in August

If it’s raining, do activities indoors like:

• Peruse shopping centers: Buy stuff while taking in the air conditioning.
• Visit art galleries : Support local artists.
• Sing at a karaoke room.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in August

Hsinchu, Taichung, Miaoli, & Taichung .

September in Taiwan

With classes underway, you’ll find fewer people crowding beaches and tourist hotspots. You still run a smaller risk of encountering typhoons while dealing with the heat.

Taiwan Holidays in September

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is a weekend-long celebration. Many Taiwanese families will gather and have barbecues.

If you don’t mingle with the locals, try the holiday’s famous snack. Moon cakes. You’ll find them at most bakeries. I also recommend getting them as a souvenir if possible. Most of the time, this festival will happen during September. On rare occasions, it’ll start in October.

Best Things to do in Taiwan in September

Again, stick to indoor activities like the following to avoid the heat and stay away from typhoons:

• Museums : Learn about Taiwan’s history & culture.
• Beitou hot springs (hotels): Great way to relax.
• Knife massage (or normal massage): Draw out “negative energy” & relax your body.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in September

October in Taiwan

The chaotic conditions begin to wind down as typhoon season comes to a close. This makes Taiwan safer (weather-wise) to visit. It’s also an ideal time of year to go hiking and explore the country’s beautiful landscapes before the rain comes back.

This is also the best month to visit Taiwan’s offshore islands. But the hotels and tour businesses understand this. Meaning you’ll find higher prices.

Taiwan Holidays in October

Festivals you’ll find in October include:

• Boat Burning Festival
• Hakka Yimin Festival
• Taipei Jazz Music Festival
• Double Ninth Festival
• Taipei Digital Arts Festival

The nation doesn’t celebrate Halloween. Though, some nightclubs and other businesses will host costume parties. While it’s one of the best months to visit, you won’t find any celebrations that’ll happen during this month.

Best Things to do in Taiwan in October

• Hiking: The weather isn’t too hot or cold.
• Lanyu (Orchid Island)
• Turtle Island
• Little Liuqiu

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in October

The offshore islands . Since the calmer ocean weather makes it safer to ride boats.

November in Taiwan

Take advantage of the remaining days of the beach season . Toward mid-November, a cold front will begin to descend on Taiwan. If you’re from a colder region, it’ll likely feel like summer to you, though.

Taiwan Holidays in November

The Taiwanese don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. For the most part, they also do not acknowledge Black Friday. Because of these reasons, you won’t have to worry about an influx of travelers .

Best Things to do in Taiwan in November

If you’re into hot springs , see if the Taipei Hot Springs Festival is happening in Taipei City. You’ll find discounted hot springs hotels here.

If you love flowers, visit the former residence of Chiang Kai-Shek in Taipei’s Shilin District . Once there, you’ll find displays of chrysanthemum flowers.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in November

Taipei. The temperature’s great for Beitou’s hot springs, which you could get discounted tickets for at the Hot Spring Festival.

December in Taiwan

During most of the month, you’ll find a mix of autumn weather, short periods of hot weather, and cold snaps. Once the end of the month comes around, the weather will get colder.

Taiwan Holidays in December

If you love running, take part in or watch the Taipei Marathon. It happens in the middle of the month. Otherwise, visit the various Christmas displays throughout the country. City governments will have them set up toward the beginning of the month.

They’ll later take them down when January approaches.

If you’re around Taipei 101 on New Year’s Eve, watch all the fireworks that erupt throughout the skyscraper . I recommend taking the Maokong Gondola to Maokong mountain. When there, chill at a tea house and watch the sky catch on fire.

It’s an excellent alternative for those who don’t like stuffing themselves in crowds. However, whether you can see Taipei 101’s fireworks is hit or miss. The first year, I had a clear view of them. The following 2 years were cloudy.

But the locals launched a bunch of fireworks.

Best Things to do in Taiwan in December

• Hiking : If it’s not raining, you could get in a good hike without bearing the sweltering heat.
• See Christmas displays.
• Attend New Year’s events.
• Soak in a hot spring: They feel amazing in cold weather.

Part of Taiwan That’s Best to Visit in December

Taipei & New Taipei . Visit the former on New Year’s Eve and you’ll catch a massive firework show at Taipei 101. Around Christmas, the latter will have a enormous collection Christmas exhibits in Banqiao.

Taiwan Vacation Packing List

Ensure you include these items in your packing checklist:

I have tested and frequently use all of these products except for the travel adapter and the backpack cover. I do have the travel adapter on my list of things to buy, though. I do thorough research on the products I recommend. As I always want to use the “best” of whatever I buy.

Explore my guide to find details on why I recommended these items.

FAQs: Best Time to Visit Taiwan

Which month is typhoon season in taiwan.

Taiwan’s typhoon season begins in the summer and ends in mid-autumn; July–October. The nation will face an average of 3.7 typhoons per year.

Best Time to Visit Taiwan for Cherry Blossoms

Blooming times for cherry blossoms, or yinghua (櫻花), in Taiwan vary each year. The best time frame to catch a glimpse of these trees is mid-to-late February.

• Average hours of sunlight [ 1 ]
• Average relative humidity [ 2 ]
• Average days of rainfall [ 3 HTTP link]

17 Things to See and Do in Taiwan

I lived in Taiwan for a few months as an English teacher. I loved my time there and have always felt the country was really under-appreciated. Carrie Kellenberger is an expat who has been living in Taiwan for ten years. She runs My Several Worlds and in this guest post she lists out all the amazing things you should see and do there!

Every country in Asia is beautiful, but Taiwan is special for many reasons. The people are warm and hospitable, it’s incredibly budget-friendly , and, according to the UN’s yearly World Happiness Report, Taiwan consistently ranks as one of the happiest places in East Asia .

While it might be a small island, you would be amazed at the never-ending variety of sights and fun things to do here. With over a hundred mountain peaks above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), over a hundred hot springs scattered around the island, both golden and black-sand beaches, nine national parks, world-class museums, glittering skyscrapers, stunning temples, and a huge number of night markets that are second to none, Taiwan has something that everyone can enjoy.

Here’s my list of the best things to do Taiwan to help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

1. Eat, Eat Eat (Especially at the Night Markets)!

2. experience taiwanese tea culture, 3. check out the northern coastline, 4. hit the beaches, 5. soak in the hot springs, 6. go island hopping, 7. visit tainan, taiwan’s oldest city, 8. see old taiwan, 9. get off the beaten track on orchid island and green island, 10. explore the mountains, 11. go hiking in taroko national park, 12. head east, 13. witness some chaos, 14. see tianhou temple, 15. explore fo guang shan monastery, 16. visit a taiwanese aboriginal village, 17. take part in the pingxi lantern festival.

There are over 30 night markets in Taipei , New Taipei, and Keelung (and over 70 night markets across Taiwan). My personal favorites are Shilin, Keelung, and Raohe Street in Taipei.

Don’t miss eating xiao long bao, also known as soup dumplings, a favorite staple food here. They are made out of a thin pastry folded into a type of bag that is then stuffed full with a meat-and-vegetable mixture and a tiny amount of soup, then garnished with raw ginger and soy sauce. Biting into one of these is a flavor explosion in your mouth.

If you’d like to really dive deep into the different sides of Taiwanese cuisine, take a guided food tour . On this food tour, you’ll first dine at the Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung (famous for their xiao long bao) and then experience the Raohe Street night market, all with a local guide.  

The Taiwanese also have their own type of tea ceremony that takes elements from both Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies while adding their own cultural flair. Here, tea ceremonies are less focused on the rules and more about bringing people together.

Jiufen, Jwu Jiu Teahouse, and Pinglin are some of the best places to visit if you want to sample tea and learn more about how it’s made. You can also ride the Maokong Gondola up a mountain to a secluded teahouse where you can take in the amazing views while enjoying some tea.  

Guided tours are also available . The benefit to these tours is that you’ll have someone explain what you’re seeing. Signage isn’t great. If you can, I would definitely recommend a guided tour.  

Beaches may not be the first thing that you think of when Taiwan comes to mind. But with almost 1,000 miles of coastline (it is an island after all!), a great beach is never that far away.

Each region of the country offers something different. For example, the north is best known for its golden and black-sand beaches, while Kenting on the southern tip of the island offers a lively beachside nightlife. White Sand Bay is the most popular and a great place to soak up the sun, swim, snorkel, or even go diving (just keep an eye out for jellyfish!). Other great beaches are South Bay and Little Bali Bay.  

As part of the Taipei metro area, Beitou is easily reachable by metro. Prices start at 60 TWD per person for a soak in Beitou Public Hot Spring, making it a very affordable choice for anyone looking for some R&R. If you’d like to splash out, there are plenty of more upscale hotels and resorts too.  

The beautiful islands of Penghu just off Taiwan’s western coastline comprise the biggest archipelago and are especially well known for their golden beaches. All of the islands are distinct, and you can take a boat that will drop you off at one island for a few hours and then take you to the next one, so you can literally go from snorkeling to observing sea turtles to wandering through traditional villages made out of coral in a single day.  

This is Taiwan’s oldest urban area, established by the Dutch East India Company in 1624. Located in the south near Kaohsiung, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan from 1683-1887. There are all kinds of temples to visit here (don’t miss the Confucius Temple), several night markets, a historic old town, and a massive department store reminiscent of the Ginza district in Tokyo. There is also a nearby mangrove and wildlife reserve (it’s part of Taijiang National Park) just 30 minutes away by car.  

Additionally, you’ll be able to see historical military sites like underground tunnels and bunkers hidden in the countryside, and visit insightful museums to learn more about the unique history of the islands. The region is also known as being the producer of Taiwan’s famous gaoliang (kaoliang) grain alcohol, made from fermented sorghum.  

Located just off the southeastern coast, these lush islands are a treat to visit. Here you’ll find hiking, swimming, and diving. The best way to explore these islands is by renting a scooter so that you can get further off the beaten path and have an adventure exploring at your own pace.

Green Island has amazing saltwater hot springs — one of only three such hot springs in the world! Orchid Island is home to the indigenous Tao people, Taiwan’s most isolated indigenous tribe. They’re best-known for their traditional hand-carved wooden canoes and underground homes.  

If you want to stretch your legs, climb to the summit of beautiful Jade Mountain and watch the sunrise (it takes two days to hike). This beautiful peak is almost 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level, giving it sweeping views in every direction.

Wuling Peak on Hehuan Mountain, around 3,275 meters (10,745 feet) above sea level, is another good hike for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors. But what really makes this place special is that the peak is so high, you can look down into a sea of clouds below!  

Ready for another city break? This national park covers 92,000 hectares (360 square miles) and offers visitors a chance to hike the numerous trails through mountainous terrain and dramatic gorges. You can stop to dip your feet in swiftly flowing mountain rivers and to marvel at the shrines and temples.

You can visit the park solo (which, if you’re staying in the nearby town, is easy to do) or as part of a full-day tour from Taipei . If you’re tight on time, the guided tour is the best option because it comes with transportation and a guide. Admission to the park is free.  

To really enjoy Taiwan’s majestic beauty, don’t forget Taiwan’s eastern coastline like most international visitors do! The east coast highway has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world, from plunging sea cliffs and splashing surf to beaches, nature reserves, and rural towns a world away from the big city.

For maximum flexibility, Taiwan’s East Coast is best explored on a road trip, though there are buses that go down the coast. There is also a train line that hugs the coast a bit when heading south from Taipei, though it then veers inland.  

The center of the neighborhood is the Red House, a well-known cultural landmark and marketplace where local artisans sell their wares. The massive outdoor plaza behind it is the epicenter of the city’s LGBTQ scene and is surrounded by many different welcoming bars and shops.

Give yourself bonus points for checking out all the super cool street art; you won’t find it on the main thoroughfares, but if you venture onto some of the smaller side streets, you’ll soon find yourself in a world of brightly decorated alleys and lanes.  

While you’re in Ximending, it’s worth stopping by one of the oldest temples in the city, Tianhou (also known as the Ximending Mazu Temple, after the in-house deity Mazu, goddess of the sea). Around since 1746, it’s one of three major temples in Taiwan from the Qing period. It’s located on a main thoroughfare but it’s very easy to miss the entrance.

Stepping through the entrance to this beautiful Taoist temple filled with mythological creatures, smoky incense, lucky goldfish, and people paying respect to the gods is truly a surreal experience. You’d never know this quiet oasis is in one of the busiest areas of Taipei !  

One of the central features of the complex is the Buddha Museum, which houses tooth relics of the Buddha himself along with various shrines, galleries, exhibitions, vegetarian restaurants, and even a Starbucks (really). Behind the museum lies the Great Path of Buddhahood, a broad pathway flanked by eight identical pagodas, leading up to the 108-meter-high golden Big Buddha.

I’ve been to many temples and monasteries in my lifetime, but this one takes the cake.  

If you can’t make it to Orchid Island (see above), there are plenty of other places to learn about indigenous Taiwanese tribes. The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village near Sun Moon Lake is the most popular destination. It’s the largest outdoor museum in the country and is half cultural village, half amusement park. Each of the nine small villages in the park represent and are run by a different tribe. In each, you can watch cultural performances and see how a variety of traditional crafts are made.  

One of the coolest events in Taiwan, the Pingxi Lantern Festival involves releasing hundreds of paper lanterns into the sky. (Many newlyweds also include this meaningful tradition as a part of their wedding celebration.) If you don’t want to brave the crowds, you can easily purchase a lantern and light one on any of Taiwan’s beaches. This is one of the biggest events in all of Taiwan so be sure to get tickets in advance to avoid the ticket lines.

Taiwan is very environmentally friendly, so make sure you go with the eco-friendly paper lantern options that disintegrate, leaving no residue, and don’t cause fires. The company My Taiwan Tour also currently offers biodegradable paper lantern tours in Shifen.

There are many things about Taiwan that make it an incredible place to live; it’s easy to take some of those things for granted once you’ve been here for a while. I frequently hear that people think Taiwan is very Westernized, and while I agree that it is to some extent, there are still plenty of authentic Taiwanese experiences to be had!

Taiwan is and continues to be an unexpected travel destination that continues to delight visitors to this day. There is no place like it!

Canadian expat Carrie Kellenberger has been living in Asia since 2003. She moved to Taiwan in 2006 and became a permanent resident in 2012. She loves entertaining guests and travelers to Taiwan. You can read about her adventures and life there at her blog, My Several Worlds .

Book Your Trip to Taiwan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• Formosa 101
• Meander Taipei

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Taiwan Weather in December

Averages for taiwan weather in december, what to wear in taiwan in december.

Where to Go in Taiwan in December

1. A dryer is a must for the washed clothes are hard to be dry because of the humid weather in Taiwan on December. Or don’t wash clothes if you stay in Taiwan for only a few days.

2. Take an umbrella just in case. Even though the rains are much fewer in winter, there are light showers from time to time.

3. You may prepare cold medicines beforehand and wear clothes accordingly when the Taiwan weather in December changes sharply.

What is the temperature in Taiwan in December?

Historical Taiwan Weather in December

20 Places to Visit in Taiwan that I’m Obsessed With

In this article, I’ve shortlisted my 20 favorite destinations in Taiwan. It wasn’t easy!

After living in Taiwan for over 10 years, writing a book about it, introducing Taiwan’s attractions to the likes of BBC Travel, CNN, and National Geographic, and running a Facebook group about Taiwan Travel Planning , I’d like to think that I know Taiwan fairly well.

In this article, I’m really sticking to the sights that I truly love. Some are super obvious and famous, while others are off-the-beaten-track. All of them are places that I’m legitimately obsessed with and will keep returning to again and again.

Table of Contents

My Top-5 Places in Taiwan

Here I’ve hand-picked my personal top-five places to visit in Taiwan.

Taipei – The City with Everything

OK, so I’m biased (I lived in Taipei city , well technically New Taipei City , for a quarter of my life). But I freakin love Taipei.

Taiwan’s capital has it all: the best night markets in the country , the most famous attractions ( Taipei 101 , Longshan Temple , CKS Memorial Hall, Maokong Gondola , Elephant Mountain ), and the coolest neighborhoods ( Ximending , Dadaocheng , Tamsui, and more).

And there’s more – the biggest events, the best public transportation, the top restaurants, cherry blossom viewing , and hikes galore .

On its doorstep, it has active volcanoes in Yangmingshan National Park , hot springs at Beitou , beaches, aboriginal villages , tea plantations , and atmospheric old streets like this one .

You can never run out of things to do in this city, and that’s why I will never grow tired of exploring it. It’s no wonder it has chosen as the best city in the world for expats several times !

Most visitors start and/or end their Taiwan trip in Taipei. It’s even tempting to use the city as a base for your whole trip (see my recommended hotels ), but I do urge you to get out at some point – we still have 19 more awesome places to cover!

Alishan Region – Tea Farms & Bamboo Forests

It’s no secret that I’m in love with Alishan region in Chiayi county . I have a personal connection to Chiayi – it’s my wife’s ancestral hometown and we usually go there to visit her family for Lunar New Year.

I’ve been raving Alishan for years and the articles I’ve written about the area have helped to popularize some of its small villages among foreign visitors – I know because people tell me all the time in my Facebook group that they went there because of me.

Most tourists gravitate to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (even though getting there is a little complicated). It is known for its misty forests of ancient hinoki cypress trees, iconic Alishan Forest Railway Line, and stunning sunrises.

My personal favorite spot, however, is Shizhuo village , where I love staying in accommodations on tea plantations and hiking through tea farm. The tea produced there is Alishan High Mountain Oolong Tea , the most famous tea in a country that is especially known for its high quality teas.

I also love the cute market town of Fenqihu, with its fireflies, railway bento boxes, and bamboo forests. And we can’t forget about the epic sunrises and sunsets on Eryanping Trail .

I even have a plan to someday retire and open a killer guesthouse in Alishan region, so watch for that (in like 1 or 2 decades…). That’s how much I love this area!

Penghu Islands – Best Beaches

It’s super tough to choose only one of Taiwan’s offshore islands to put in my top-5. But that honor goes to the Penghu archipelago , which lies in the middle of the Taiwan Strait (the body of water between China and Taiwan).

Riding a scooter around the islands of Penghu – which include four main connected ones and many smaller ones – is one of my single favorite things to do in Taiwan.

Penghu has a unique, windswept landscape, with edible purple cacti (they make sorbet out of them!), the best beaches I’ve seen in the country , traditional courtyard homes made of coral, ancient heart-shaped weirs for catching fish, and towering volcanic basalt columns.

On top of all that, Penghu has the country’s best fireworks festival, which goes for several months from spring to summer, and some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving.

Oh, and did I mention it’s super easy to get to? There are oven a dozen flights every day from Taipei’s city-center Songshan Airport!

I’ve been to Penghu three times and would happily return at the drop of a hat.

The East Coast – The Ultimate Road Trip

The entire East Coast of Taiwan is more than just one place, but I’m lumping it together here because you’ll likely tackle it in one go – here’s how to rent a car and drive in Taiwan . For all the details, see my part 1 and part 2 guides to road tripping the east coast . But of course you can do it by train, too!

Taiwan’s east coast is wild, sparsely populated, and breathtakingly gorgeous. The continental shelf is just off the coast, so within a surprisingly short distance, towering mountains drop off to coastal buffs and continue descending rapid off the coast.

Currents are strong and that’s why you can’t swim on most east coast beaches – but you can spot whales there !

Starting from one of Taiwan’s best seafood harbors, Nanfangao, the highway passes the dramatic Qingshui Cliffs and the entrance to Taroko Gorge (Taroko is currently closed for an estimated one year due to the April 3, 2024 earthquake, but here are things you can still do in Hualien ).

South of Hualien city, the main base for visiting the region, Highway 9 follows the train line through the East Rift Valley. My favorite stops are Chishang for cycling among the rice paddies and Luye for tea farms and the incredible International Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Meanwhile, Highway 11 runs down the practically uninhabited coast, with Sanxiantai (Dragon’s Backbone Bridge) and Dulan surf town being the major highlights.

Southern Hualien and Taitung county are Taiwan’s most laid-back region and home to the highest concentration of aboriginal peoples. While it may lack the big-name attractions of other parts of Taiwan, I suggest you slow down here and really take it all in.

Tainan – Temple Hopping in the Old Capital

Taiwan’s original capital, Tainan , remains the country’s heart and soul and arguably the most authentically Taiwanese city. The history nerd and temple junkie in me will always keep me coming back to Tainan.

It will come as no surprise that Tainan has the country’s best collection of ancient temples and historic attractions. The Confucius Temple stands out as the most popular, but there are dozens of others, dedicate to concubines, the sea goddess, gods of water, wind, and medicine, and many more.

Over in Anping district , Anping Fort and Anping Tree House are also musts, while Anping Old Street is one of the country’s oldest and most traditional.

Not far out of the city, Sicao Green Tunnel is a good introduction to the marshlands and rare migratory birds of Taijiang National Park, Luermen Tianhou Temple is enormous, Cigu Salt Mountain is bizarre, Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields are stunning, and Guanziling Mud Hot Springs are one-of-a-kind.

Locals will also tell you that Tainan is the culinary capital of Taiwan. I love stepping into Tainan’s hole-in-the-wall shops and night markets to sample unique dishes like eel noodles, oyster rolls, Spanish mackerel stew, and traditional ice cream with fruit.

Other Destinations I Love to Visit

Here’s are 15 more Taiwanese attractions that I’ll never grow tired of visiting.

The Pingxi Line – Best Taipei Day Trips

The Pingxi Line is one of several old railway lines in Taiwan which have been converted from transporting timber and coal to transporting tourists.

The Pingxi Line is the closest one to Taipei and provides access to several extremely popular tourist attractions but also some great off-the-beaten-track ones.

On the touristy side, Jiufen Old Street (access from Ruifang Station, with train connections to Taipei) and Shifen Old Street (famous for its sky lanterns and Shifen Waterfall ) are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Taiwan – expect serious crowds.

However, my personal favorites include Badouzi (for Shen’ao Rail Bike ), Houtong Cat Village (I’ve been there a ridiculous number of times), Sandiaoling (my favorite waterfall hike in Taiwan), Pingxi (for the thrilling Pingxi Crags hike and known for Pingxi Lantern Festival ), and Jingtong (an off-the-beaten-track old street).

Yilan – Hot Springs & Kid-Friendly Activities

Yilan is a county on the northeast coast of Taiwan which is fully loaded with fun activities and attractions, especially for kids. This is why it is a favorite weekend getaway for Taipei families, mine included.

Jiaoxi village is home to some of the kid-friendliest hot spring spas in Taiwan – think hot spring slides, bright pink bubble gum or oolong tea scented thermal pools, and foot-skin-nibbling fish ponds. Jiaoxi also has waterfall hikes and hot springs ramen, where you can soak your feet while you eat.

Then there’s Luodong, which has some of the best minsus (local guesthouses) in Taiwan, like this one , and an excellent night market . We choose here as a base for taking our kids to leisure farms like Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm , eating green onion cakes at Sanxing, and trips to Taipingshan (see below).

On top of all that, Yilan has Northern Taiwan’s best surf beach at Wai’ao, award winning whiskey at Kavalan Distillery , a great brewery at Jim & Dad’s, and several excellent museums.   

Kaohsiung – Arts & Temples

Kaohsiung people hate me for not raving about their city as much as I do about Taipei. But they have a point – Kaohsiung is undeniably a cooler, more laid-back, and less pretentious city than Taipei, and I do love it, too.

Taiwan’s largest port city is also without a doubt the country’s street art capital. My favorite place is Pier 2 Art Center , where creative art installations line the docks, especially when they are lit up at night.

Everywhere I go in the city, I’m always stumbling upon amazing new murals covering entire sides of buildings – the city activity encourages graffiti. Weiwuying has a whole neighborhood covered in it. Dome of Art in Formosa Boulevard is also mesmerizing, while Cijin Island ’s coast is lined with art installations.

Kaohsiung is also about the grandiose – from the kitschy temples and god statues on Lotus Pond to Fo Guang Shan , the country’s largest monastery and Buddha statue, where I enjoyed an eye-opening temple stay many years ago.

One of my favorite souvenirs from Taiwan is the Hakka paper umbrella that I bought from Meinong Folk Village in Kaohsiung.

I admit that I don’t know Kaohsiung as well as many other parts of Taiwan – I have yet to visit the hot springs of Guguan, the huge seafood harbors on the coast, or see the swarms of purple butterflies at Maolin – many reasons for me to keep coming back.

Hehuanshan – Hiking & Sunrises  

Hehuanshan in Nantou is Taiwan’s most accessible high mountain area. There’s nowhere else in Taiwan, or in all of East Asia for that matter, where you can literally drive a car or take a public bus to 3275 meters above sea level (Wuling Pass).

Hehuanshan consists of five high mountain peaks, all of which are much easier to climb than almost all the other 100 Peaks of Taiwan.

I recently had an incredible stay at historic Songsyue Lodge , built for former president Chiang Kai-Shek at the base of the only ski resort Taiwan has ever had. That’s right – it even snows at Hehuanshan, at least once every year. When it happens, tourists and locals alike flock to see it.

Staying at the lodge, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen, from right in front of the accommodation. It’s not easy to get a room there (click my link above to find out how), so many will stay at Cingjing Farm nearby and do a morning sunrise tour.

Lukang – Traditional Taiwanese Culture

Like a smaller and more off-the-beaten-track version of Tainan, Lukang in Changhua is a small town with loads of history.

Because a train line was never built to it (they didn’t want it), Lukang remains decidedly traditional to this day. It has some of the country’s best preserved ancient temples, a new temple made of glass, and a quirky temple with odd decorations and tunnels below it.

Lukang Old Street is also one of the country’s most traditional, with food specialties like miancha (flour tea), phoenix eye cakes, ox tongue cookies, and shrimp monkeys.

There are often traditional temple parades and festivals going on in Lukang, while the town’s Dragon Boat Festival celebrations are better than anywhere else in the country.

Yushan – Taiwan’s Tallest Peak

In my first year of living in Taiwan (2008), I joined a guided hike to the peak of Jade Mountain (Yu Shan), the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia. It beats out Mt. Fuji by 176 meters!

Yushan National Park is Taiwan’s largest non-marine national park. Most of it is remote and inaccessible. Biologists have even called it “The Ark” as it is a repository for rare species, including Formosan black bears and flying squirrels.

Needless to say, Yushan was one of the most incredible places I’ve visited in Taiwan. Sunrise from the peak was an experience I’ll never forget.

We were surrounded by seas of clouds in all directions, as the sun rose majestically above the horizon. On clear days, you can see as far as the sea.

The North Coast – Beaches & Harbors

Since this is supposed a list of places in Taiwan that I love to repeatedly visit, I can’t leave out the beaches on the North coast of Taiwan .

Because most of these can be reached in only one or two hours from Taipei, I return to them again and again every year. They may not be as picture-perfect as the beaches in the far south or on the offshore islands, but they are super convenient for a capital city dweller like me.

Qianshuiwan is my go-to place for easy access and restaurant-bars by the sea. Baishawan is a little further but a little better, while Fulong Beach stands out as the prettiest, not to mention its awesome sandcastle festival.

Besides beaches, I love cliff diving at Longdong (also known for rock climbing and scuba diving), feasting on seafood at Guihou Harbor (near the super popular Yehliu Geopark ), photographing Laomei Green Reef, swimming at the seawater pool on Heping Island in Keelung , and finishing off at Keelung Night Market , my favorite night market in Taiwan.

Sun Moon Lake – Aboriginal Culture & Tea Farms

Sun Moon Lake is probably the most divisive major tourist attraction in Taiwan – visitors either love it or hate it.

If you only do the tourist things at Sun Moon Lake – like riding a boat across the lake and taking the Ropeway to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village , then you might hate find it too touristy.

However, there are many gems around the lake, too. The tea plantations north of the lake make insanely good black tea (a rarity in a country that produces mostly oolong). The lake views from the top of Wenwu Temple or Ci’En Pagoda are unbeatable.  

For authentic aboriginal culture, avoid Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and head to Ita Thao village instead.

The Thao Tribe Performance Center there is trying its best to preserve a culture which is on the verge of extinction (it’s one of Taiwan’s smallest tribes), while the food street in Ita Thao is one of the easiest places in Taiwan to try Taiwanese aboriginal foods and millet wine.

I love hopping on a bike at Sun Moon Lake. CNN has even called the paths around the lake one of the best cycling trips in the world (though I sort of feel that’s an exaggeration).

Last but not least, Shuiyuan Suspension Bridge south of the lake is quite possible the country’s most beautiful one, but it’s not super easy to get to.

Green Island – Scuba & Salty Hot Springs

Green Island off the coast of Taitung is another of my favorite offshore islands in Taiwan. This former penal colony stands out for me in two big ways today.

First, Green Island has some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving – the best I’ve done in Taiwan, but I haven’t tried it everywhere.

Secondly, Zhaori Hot Spring on Green Island is one of my favorite hot springs in the whole country . This is one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world. The hot spring pools are right on the coast, with some of the lowest pools right next to the sea.

Lying in one of those pools at night, gazing at stars to the sound of waves splashing into the hot pool, was one of my most sublime experiences in all my years of living in Taiwan.  

Taipingshan – Hiking on Old Logging Railways

As the fourth mountain on my list, you may be starting to gather that I really love the mountains in Taiwan.

Taipingshan is like Alishan’s lesser known cousin, among foreign tourists at least. It too is a former logging region-turned-tourist attraction.

The must-do tourist attraction at Taipingshan is taking a ride on the cutely named (and cute looking) Bong Bong Train. My personal favorite hike there is Jianqing Haigu Trail, which follows an old mining railway line that is now twisted and overgrown with vegetation.

Another highlight of visiting Taipingshan is hitting Jiuzhize Hot Spring on the down the mountain back to central Yilan. For a few bucks, you can cook your own hot spring eggs in the boiling thermal waters.

The public springs at Jiuzhize there are awesome,, too, with multiple private elevated tubs in the main pool. There’s an open air nude bath, too, if that’s your jam.

For the best experience, you’ll need to drive, hire a private driver , or take a tour to Taipingshan. There’s only one bus per day and it limits how much you can see.

Lion’s Head Mountain – Sleeping in a Temple

Shitoushan or “ Lion’s Head Mountain ” is an off-the-beaten-track destination on the border between Hsinchu and Miaoli in Central Taiwan.

This small mountain is dotted with Buddhist and Taoist temples, some of which are built into caves. The coolest thing about hiking this mountain is that you can sleep in one of the temples, Quanhua Temple on the Miaoli side.

I’ve slept in this temple a couple times, including once with my kids. Both times, I/we were the only ones there, making it a truly serene experience.

Nearby, Nanzhuang Old Street is one of the coolest old streets in Taiwan. It’s famous for its sweet osmanthus shaved ice and Hakka-style dried tofu.

This part of Miaoli is known for slow travel and for its many traditional minsus (guesthouses). We loved staying at this one and this one .

Orchid Island – Unique Aboriginal Culture

Lanyu (Orchid Island) is another remarkable offshore island in Taiwan. This one is best known as the home of the Tao people, Taiwan’s most isolated and traditional aboriginal tribe.

Tao culture is the main draw here – including the chance to see traditional hand-carved canoes, Tao underground houses, and activities related to the Flying Fish Festival, which takes place throughout spring.

Two of my best friends and I had a blast scootering around Lanyu and spotting the countless roaming goats on the island.

Orchid Island also has some great swimming holes, rock formations, and scuba diving. It’s best to fly here from Taitung, as the ferry ride is extra bumpy. Also, avoid winter, when almost everything shuts down.

Neiwan Old Street – Hakka Culture & Hot Springs

Neiwan Old Street is probably my favorite of Taiwan’s many old streets. Neiwan is the terminal stop on the Neiwan Line, another cute small train lines – this one sets out from Hsinchu.

Neiwan is an old Hakka village and former mining/logging town. Today, the old street is one of the best places in Taiwan to sample leicha or “pounded tea”. It is made by pounding tealeaves with various seeds, nuts, and spices, adding hot water, topped with puffed rice, and usually served with mochi.

The old street also has extremely delicious Hakka dried tofu and a famous old theater.

Nearby, my family and I loved spending a weekend camping or visiting hot springs in Jianshi district. This is a remote, aboriginal district with gorgeous scenery and some excellent hot spring spas like this one .

Kenting National Park – Beachy Getaway

In my early years in Taiwan, we used to make the annual journey down to Kenting National Park for Spring Scream Music Festival on the April long weekend .

Kenting occupies the southern tip of the country and has the best beaches and beach resorts on all of mainland Taiwan.

While Spring Scream has long ended and is now replaced with a free music festival put on by the local government on the main beach, it is still the unofficial place to party and laze on the beach for spring break.

Kenting’s beaches can feel a little crowded, but for me, it has always been a part of the package. I love Kenting Night Market , the only place in Taiwan you’ll see cocktail vendors wearing beach attire and blasting electronic music.

I also love cycling or scootering along the Kenting coast, finding new spots to try seafood, and hiking to natural infinity pools in the jungle . Thrill seekers can also try surfing, scuba diving, jet skiing, and more.

Xiaoliuqiu – Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

I’m finishing off this list with yet another offshore island. It’s one of the smallest but also best, and it goes by many names – Little Okinawa, Lambai Island, or as the locals say, Xiaoliuqiu .

Xiaoliuqiu’s biggest draw is its resident population of nearly a thousand giant sea turtles. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see them if you try – my kids and I even saw them swimming in the harbor from our hotel room balcony .

Even better, we had an intimate encounter snorkeling with the turtles in water – my kids’ first time ever snorkeling. Freediving is also very popular on Xiaoliuqiu.

The island is so small that you can scooter or cycling around it without difficulty, yet there are many little secret beaches and coves to explore.

Read This Before Renting a Car and Driving in Taiwan!

What to eat at ningxia night market in taipei (with map), 4 thoughts on “20 places to visit in taiwan that i’m obsessed with”.

Another excellent article! As someone who is also Taiwan obsessed, I appreciate you sharing your experiences. I will return to Taipei this May and your blog is giving me so much hype!

Thank you so much!

What awesome information, Nick! Thanks for all your research, experience and insights. I am using your website to help plan our trip to Taiwan in the first half of January 2025. Do you have suggestions for great things to do at that time of year, particularly outdoors? Thanks

Make sure to visit my “January in Taiwan” article with lots of ideas. It can be a little chilly in the north of Taiwan at that time, but any hikes are still fine (see my “best hikes in Taipei” article on my nickkembel site). In January there’s a chance of seeing snow if you head to Hehuanshan or hike Snow Mountain (permit needed). In the far south, which is more tropical, Kenting and Xiaoliqiu are lovely in January, with low crowds and it’s still warm enough to swim in the sea.

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

36 Must-Visit Attractions in Taiwan

Visitors to Taiwan are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do and places of incredible natural beauty to visit on the island – with so many attractions, it’s hard to figure out what to see. Let us do the hard work for you, with our list of the most beautiful tourist spots in Taiwan.

1. taipei 101.

2. National Palace Museum

3. taroko gorge.

Park, Shrine

4. Alishan Scenic Mountain Area

Natural Feature

5. Sun Moon Lake

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7. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Buddhist Temple

8. Shilin Night Market

9. yangmingshan geysers, 10. longshan temple.

11. Rainbow Village

12. chiang kai-shek memorial hall.

Memorial, Building, Park

13. Kenting Street

14. fo guang shan buddha museum, 15. fort zeelandia, 16. the rocks of yehliu geopark.

17. The Taiwan Black Bear

18. jiufen gold mines.

Historical Landmark, Museum

19. Enjoy a wild hot spring

Swimming Pool

Yushan National Park

Another of the most beautiful national parks in Taiwan , Yushan National Park is the setting for the country’s tallest mountain along with several other picturesque peaks such as Sanqingshan.

Maolin National Scenic Area

South of Kaohsiung lies the region known as Maolin National Scenic Area. This is where you’ll find Purple Butterfly Valley, the wintering home for a million Euploeini butterflies. An incredible sight to behold if you’re lucky enough to arrive at the right time of the year.

Miramar ferris wheel

Located in the Miramar Entertainment Park, the Miramar ferris wheel dominates the local skyline. And with very few tall buildings to obstruct the scenery, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

One of Taiwan’s most popular weekend trips is a trip to the archipelago of Penghu. This sandy tropical paradise has plenty of beaches scattered throughout its islands and is a must for seafood lovers.

Chimei Museum

This private museum was established by the Chimei corporation in 1992 but moved to its current location in 2014 and contains a large collection of Western art, musical instruments, and weapons. Its design is heavily influenced by European architecture, making it one of a kind in Taiwan.

Fulong beach

While Taiwan is not quite a go-to surfing destination like Bali or Hawaii, there are still some great spots around the island that boast waves all year round. One such spot is Fulong beach which is also a popular destination for day-trippers from Taipei keen to spend some time on the sand. As it is on the Northeast coast, Fulong gets some great swells throughout the year but in particular from May to October, just pay attention to the weather as this also coincides with typhoon season.

Xinmending shopping district

One of the coolest neighborhoods in Taipei, Ximending is known as the place to be for the younger generation. But that doesn’t mean tourists can’t also enjoy the scores of shops selling everything from hats to anime figures. A great place to grab an alternative kind of souvenir.

Everyone loves a good sing song but it Taiwan they take it to a whole new level. There’s no need to worry about bothering others with your renditions of the latest pop tunes as in the local Karaoke Television (KTV) clubs you get a private soundproofed room that even has its own bathroom. Fancy something to eat or drink? Pick up the phone, and the wait staff will bring it right in.

Attend a cultural festival

The people of Taiwan love a good celebration, and as a result have a pretty impressive calendar of festivities throughout the year. In spring you have Penghu Ocean Fireworks Festival , Baosheng Cultural Festival and the Bunun Tribe’s Ear Shooting Festival. Come summer it’s all about Taiwan International Balloon Festival , Fulong Sand Sculpting Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Keelung mid-summer Ghost Festival . In autumn you have Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival , Yunlin International Puppets Arts Festival and National Yimin Festival, while winter welcomes iconic lantern festivals, Christmasland and the Lunar New Year. Read our guide to the best festivals in Taiwan and plan your trip accordingly.

Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms

While Japan is often the go-to tourist spot for cherry blossoms , not many people realize that Taiwan is actually a great place to witness the yearly blossoming. The island is full of cherry blossom trees and you need only go to a local park to find yourself surrounded by these beautiful trees. But perhaps one of the best locations to take in the blossoms is Sun Moon Lake . Here there are hundreds of the trees throughout the area making for some incredible photo ops. March and April are usually the best time of year to see the trees in full bloom.

The Most Unusual Things to do in Taiwan

Go zorbing in kenting.

There are many ways to descend a hill, but one of the most unusual has to be in what can only be described as an inflatable hamster ball. Zorbing down hills in Kenting is a thing – and it’s huge fun if you don’t suffer from motion sickness.

Play with some sheep

OK, while visiting a farm may not initially seem unusual, Qing Jing Farm in Nantou is a little different. Here you can wander around the farm (which is located in stunning surroundings, by the way) and play with the sheep. They are free to roam the mountainside, and you are free to accompany them, stroke them and maybe take a selfie with them!

Eat some penis-shaped goodies

Phallic images and symbols are quite prevalent throughout the island, but it’s the penis waffle that has really captured the imagination of a nation. Head to any night market, and the chances are that someone somewhere is selling a penis waffle and more often than not there will be a queue of locals waiting to take some very NSFW photos with them. Taiwanese people certainly know how to have fun.

Buy betel nuts from a scantily-clad lady

It’s the only place in the world where you will see ladies dressed in skimpy clothing selling betel nuts on the side of the road. The betel nut girls of Taiwan are a bit of a contentious issue, as some politicians feel that they are shameful, while most of the general population consider them a harmless custom. You’ll have to head out of Taipei City to see them though, as they are not allowed to sell within the capital city’s limits.

Go paragliding in Wanli

Not something that many would expect to find just outside of Taipei but it’s just a short bus ride to Wanli where local paragliding clubs take tourists up for tandem rides around the bay. Kitted out with a GoPro, thrill seekers can record their trip to prove to the folks back home that they really did it.

Visit a haunted prison

Green Island’s Bagua Building was once home to political prisoners, and it’s said that during the White Terror period between 1949 and 1987 many of these prisoners died in most unpleasant ways. Locals say their spirits haunt the buildings and tourists jump at the opportunity to visit the abandoned buildings at night.

Have a sleepover in an aquarium

The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium have come up with a novel way to allow visitors to enjoy the fish after the building has shut down. They allow a limited number of guests to sleep in various sections of the aquarium each night. Imagine waking up to the sight of a shark swimming overhead. Pretty magical.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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When is the best time to visit Taiwan?

The info on this page is based on historical averages and might not reflect current conditions. Check with local authorities for the latest travel advice.

The best time to visit Taiwan is from February to April and October to December . Falling on either side of the sweltering summer and typhoon season, these two periods let you make the most of the warm, subtropical climate and some of Taiwan ’s top events.

With the weather on your side, Taiwan ’s great outdoors are well worth exploring during these months. Go sakura spotting at Yangmingshan starting in February , see the mesmerizing fireflies at Dongshi Forest Garden in April , or admire the beautiful autumn colors of Alishan later in the year. Whenever and wherever you embark on your outdoor adventure, the hot springs at Beitou and Wulai are the perfect place to recover. Back in the cities, the comfortable climate makes it prime time to explore top attractions like Shilin Night Market and Elephant Mountain , and join in with the infectious atmosphere during the Lantern Festival and Taiwan Pride.

More about the best time to visit Taiwan

• Weather and temperature
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Monthly weather and travel tips for Taiwan

January is the coldest month in Taiwan with an average temperature of about 63°F for the month. While this might not sound very wintery a jacket is still a good idea, since the humidity in the northern regions like Taipei can make it feel a few degrees colder. It’s drier and slightly warmer in the south of the country, but you’ll feel a much more noticeable difference if you venture higher up into the mountains—like Hehuanshan and Xueshan —where there’s even a chance of snow.

January tends to be fairly quiet in terms of events, unless Chinese New Year happens to fall in this month. The festival follows the lunar calendar, which means it can take place anytime from January 21 to February 20, so it’s best to check ahead to see if the big crowds and even bigger celebrations will be here during your trip.

February in Taiwan is generally mild, with average temperatures in the 60s. You’ll get cooler and wetter weather up north in Taipei , while southern and eastern cities like Kaohsiung and Taitung bolster the average temperatures up with dry, sunny days.

The crowds in February depend on the timing of Chinese New Year. This festival follows the lunar calendar, so it can fall in either January or February – but there’s a bigger chance it’s the latter. If you’re in Taiwan during Chinese New Year, expect busy transit hubs, lively tourist spots, and an uplifting atmosphere as locals travel to their hometowns and go on trips with family. Chinese New Year is capped off in Taiwan with the Lantern Festival, when families gather in cities like Pingxi to release floating lanterns into the sky. Check ahead to see if the Lantern Festival will take place during your visit. It’s usually in February , but can occasionally take place in March too.

A comfortable spring feel awaits if you’re visiting Taiwan in March . Places like Taipei and Taoyuan are prone to wet weather, but the rain paired with the rising temperatures help Tung blossoms and other flowers spring into life.

Another flower you can see in Taiwan in March is the cherry blossom. These light pink flowers can actually bloom as early as January , but the warmer weather makes March a popular time to see them – and a less crowded alternative to sakura season in Japan . If the start of spring has given you a taste for the great outdoors, continue your adventures hiking Yushan National Park ’s mountain trails, exploring the breathtaking Taroko Gorge, or unwinding in the Beitou Hot Springs .

April in Taiwan sees the sun come out more and average temperatures rise above the 70°F mark. It’s prime time to climb up Taipei ’s Elephant Mountain , but be mindful of rainfall increasing both here and all over Taiwan as you approach the end of the month.

April marks the start of the yearly Penghu Fireworks Festival – 2 months of fireworks displays every few days over on the Penghu archipelago. If you want a different kind of light show, head into Taiwan ’s wilderness to catch the peak of firefly season. Places like Yangmingshan National Park and Taichung ’s Dongshi Forest Garden are home to swarms of fireflies, which light up the evening with a magical bright green glow. To take in more of Taiwan ’s natural sights, venture north to Zhuzihu to see the beautiful white calla lilies come into bloom.

Expect heat, humidity, and rain if you’re visiting Taiwan in May . This month signals the start of East Asia ’s plum rain season, a 2-month period of rainfall across Taiwan and some of its neighboring countries. The season is named after its ripening plums and brings rain in short but heavy thundershowers, usually in the afternoon. An umbrella and a thin rain jacket are essentials at this time of year.

If you’ve already been caught in a downpour, save yourself the trouble of drying off and head to one of Taiwan ’s hot springs. The natural thermal waters in areas like Beitou and Wulai are popular places to unwind and de-stress. If you’re happy to brave the afternoon showers, Taiwan ’s national parks are well worth a visit too. The rocky landscape at Taroko National Park , beaches and mountains at Kenting , and diverse flora at Yangmingshan National Park all make for great photos – but keep that umbrella handy to keep you and your camera dry.

June in Taiwan is nearing the peak of summer, so expect soaring temperatures, heavy rainfall, and a generally humid, tropical climate. The plum rain season is in full swing, with short but heavy afternoon thundershowers, particularly down south in Kaohsiung . The heat and the rain ease off in the evening for cooler, more comfortable weather – perfect for exploring Taipei ’s street food-fueled night markets.

A highlight on the cultural events calendar in Taiwan is the Dragon Boat Festival. The date varies since it follows the lunar calendar, but more often than not it falls in June . Crowds congregate by rivers in Taipei , Miaoli and Lukang to watch rowers race in intricately painted boats and eat “zongzi” – pyramid-shaped sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. If the June heat is getting a little too hot to handle, cool off in blissfully air-conditioned shops in the famous Taipei 101 tower, or in malls and restaurants dotted all over the capital.

July is the hottest month in Taiwan , with temperatures averaging in the upper seventies across the country and humidity making it feel more like 95°F. July is also part of the typhoon season here, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on the weather forecast during your visit. If the coast is clear and you’re not put off by the heat, you’ll find plenty to do.

Taitung Balloon Festival sees an array of colorful hot-air balloons take to the skies, while Fulong Beach transforms into an outdoor art gallery, thanks to incredible works at the International Sand Sculpture Festival. For an air-conditioned break from the outdoors, head inside to the National Palace Museum or the Taipei Fine Arts Museum , then keep cool with an ice-cold bubble tea in the very country that invented it.

The heat shows no signs of stopping in Taiwan in August , which experiences the same tropical temperatures and afternoon downpours as July . Typhoon season continues into August too, so be sure to check weather forecast often to see how it might affect your travel.

The season tends to only bring a couple of typhoons to Taiwan over the few-month period, so for the most part you should be able to head out and explore all that the country has to offer. Weather permitting, Taroko Gorge is a popular August activity due to its cooler climate, or you can soak up some sun, sights, and the sea breeze at the beaches of Kenting National Park . Over in the eastern county of Hualien , mountains covered in seasonal bright orange day lilies make for beautiful, no-filter-necessary photos.

After a sweltering summer, Taiwan in September is a bit more comfortable when it comes to weather. The temperature drops slightly down south but more so in Taipei and other northern regions, and some of the August rains ease off, too. September is still part of the typhoon season, but the beaches down south remain popular in the sunny weather.

The temperatures might not seem all that autumnal, but one of Taiwan ’s festivals at this time of year acts as a seasonal reminder. The Mid-Autumn Festival—also known as the Moon Festival—is a chance to gorge on mooncakes and join locals for riverside barbecues in Taipei . As a lunar calendar festival, the date varies but usually happens in September . Other events worth noting include the Taipei Arts Festival and the Sun Moon Lake International Swimming Carnival – a swim across the country’s largest lake attracting tens of thousands of participants.

Warm and mostly dry weather make October one of the best months to visit Taiwan . With an average temperature of 75°F and some cooling winds coming in, it’s a great time to head up to the mountains and see the bright autumn-colored woodlands. A popular place to do this is Alishan , where—if you’re up early enough—you can also watch the sun rise above a “sea of clouds” floating around the lower parts of the mountain.

There’s plenty worth getting out of bed for in the big cities too. Taiwan Pride is East Asia ’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration, with lively parades and colorful crowds taking to the streets of Taipei . It’s party time in Taichung , too. The annual jazz festival attracts a variety of top Taiwanese and international talent for over a week of music-filled festivities each October .

By Taiwan standards, November is a cool and comfortable to visit the country. Average temperatures are just above 65°F, so you should get some sun in the Taichung and Kaohsiung regions. Taipei tends to be a little gray with some rain, but a light jacket should be more than enough to keep you warm here.

Despite the pleasant weather conditions, it’s one of the quieter months in terms of tourists. Use this opportunity to explore some of the major attractions like Elephant Hill , Jiufen Old Street , or the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas . If you’re in Taipei in November , grab yourself a seat for screenings at the prestigious Golden Horse Film Festival, and save time to fill up on street food at Shilin Night Market .

With average temperatures in the fifties, December is one of the coldest months in Taiwan . It’s the driest too, particularly in southern cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan . The days in Taipei can look a little gloomy, but Christmas lights and the Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve Fireworks brighten up the capital later in the month.

You’ll find plenty to do in the lead up to the end of year festivities in December . The mild winter weather makes a soak in Beitou ’s and Wulai ’s hot springs an appealing prospect. Or, if you’re in the south of Taiwan , the Art Kaohsiung fair showcases contemporary works from up-and-coming local talent. December also sees Taipei Marathon runners put to the test in the capital. Cheer them along or sign up and take part yourself for a great way to explore the city.

Weather and temperature in Taiwan

You’ll get the best weather in Taiwan from February to April and October to December . The summer brings soaring temperatures, short but heavy thundershowers, and occasional typhoons, so either side of these months offer much more pleasant conditions. A raincoat is still a good idea if you’re in northern regions like Taipei from February to April , while the days should be a little drier from October to December . Southern and central cities like Kaohsiung and Taichung tend to be dry for most of the spring and autumn, with temperatures hovering in the 70s and even some December sunshine.

Weather data provided by Forecast.io

Cost of stay in Taiwan

Want to travel smart? Here you can check out the average cost of accommodations per night in Taiwan.

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The best places to visit in Taiwan

Check out some of the most popular cities, places to visit, and things to do in Taiwan!

Popular in December

Convenient Public Transportation, Night Markets, Food

Night Markets, Local Food, Food

Popular in February

Night Markets, Local Food, Relaxation

Local Food, Street Food, Food

Hualien City

Popular in August

Nature, Scenery, Nature Walks

Taitung City

Nature, Scenery, Clean Air

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What other travelers say about their trips to Taiwan

Taipei is a great city to visit. The foods are great and inexpensive. People are friendly. Public transportation (MRT) can reach lots of tourist spots. Night Markets are fun to visit. I went to many night markets and the foods are clean. Never got issue with food poisoning. Get your google translate ready if you do not speak Chinese. But you can just point or ask other customers which food is good. Usually a long line indicated it's good!

台南，台灣最古老的城市之一，並且也是台灣的美食之都。 每一條小巷每一個轉彎，都有不同的小吃、咖啡店、酒吧。 太多太多的驚喜，無法用短短的兩三天去體驗。 一定要去國華街吃美食，成大校園巡禮、赤崁樓安平古堡孔廟....太多太多古蹟旅遊

Interesting metropolis with night markets offering good food, and mountainous surroundings offering weeks of hiking opportunities to shed the extra pounds from too much fatty pork ;-) Not much real history outside of the great Palace Museum (Taipei is about as old as Los Angeles), but much cleaner than the chinese mainland.

Great city with convenient and easy to navigate transit system. Clean streets and friendly locals to assist English speaking tourists. Amazing food options ranging from inexpensive quality foods to high end quality foods/experiences. Will definitely go back near the end of the year.

We really only walked to old town one day as we spent a lot of time in the hotel and in the hotel spa. However, in one day we in the village we had great street food, took a tram up the mountain, took a vintage train ride, went for a long walk, and we loved our hotel Volando Urai. We didn't get a chance to go to the indigenous museum which looked great. We will visit Wulai again!

The area was bustling with shops and food stalls. It was a train ride away from Taipei, but it was a LONG and crowded trip both directions. It is a very walkable area with great access to multiple transit lines and types.

Good food. I gained like 5kgs eating Lu Rou Fan. Beautiful places. Too many tourists though (Yes I am one).

Taichung is kinda my hometown, the weather is nicer than Taipei and Kaoxiong. Life expense is a little cheaper than Taipei. It's easy to get to parks, shopping malls, very convenient for travelers to walk around either by buses or on foot.

Feels like you are in Japan when u are in Taipei. The foods are best, the locals can talk in English so communication is a lot easier. I love the cold weather. Transportation is accessible and cheaper compared to other countries. People are nice like Japanese. Will definitely go back in Taiwan.

Lots to see and do in Taipei, night markets, museums, shopping and so much more.

The free hot springs in the Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park and Tangweigou Park are enjoyable. Easy to reach them, right besides with many vendors and convenient stores where can buy some drinks, snacks. Recommend to bring your own towels and shorts. The hotspring is very warm around 40 degree Celsius.

Great place. Inexpensive, people are friendly, great transit. Can do lots & never leave Taipei. Lots of toilet facilities everywhere. Clean country. Good food.

A must visit place ! Jiufen old street is Too pretty !

A small and beautiful city. There are lots of nice small restaurants providing authentic local food, which is fresh and tastes so good. People here are very nice! If you need to rent a car, make sure you have international driving permit. Otherwise you are not allowed to rent a car. Taroko national park is a must visit attraction . It is amazing !

Beautiful city with many places to visit. People are friendly. Transportation is good with MRT and buses. Many good food available.

if you into temples and a few other sightseeing options, Taipei is a pretty interesting city. I only had a layover so did not have much time to do some exploring. Knowing some mandarin will help a lot!

Taipei - such a safe and convenient place to enjoy, unwind, and stay. People are friendly, so systematic, organized, clean, and fresh. Nature is very accessible via transportation. Just need to be more prepared to have google translate but overall, it is a place to discover and explore if you are fond of nature and the hostel is in the city center so you can just go around anytime you are free.

City has grown very large from last time we were here but there still many sights to see and many restaurants to explore

Taipei Metro is a big plus for the whole journey. Uber is convenient too.

It was raining for a few days, but wasn't too bed.

I love the food, places we visited and especially climbing at elephant mountain during a cold weather, I want to travel next time to other provinces of Taiwan.

Sun Moon Lake and its surroundings is a fantastic family vacation

Fantastic destination for families and beach explorers. The resort we stayed was fantastic which had lot to do within the resort itself in addition to access to beach.

Taipei is a very dynamic city. Transport and communication facilities are top notch. Food is everywhere. The people are warm.

Fantastic city undiscovered by Westerners. Art district is modern, fun and lively with lots of great art, restaurants, shops and even a movie theatre. Fo Guang Shan Buddhist site and museum is about a 30 minute drive out of town and has some very impressive pieces. Lotus Lake was interesting. Qijin Island was worth a visit--about a 20 minute walk then a 10 minute ferry ride.

Still amazing as I remember it to be. It was my 3rd visit and I'd like to visit more if schedule permits.

Taipei is an amazing city, there is so much to see and do but you can also do multiple day trips from the city as well. Very much worth a visit for 4-5 days.

新建築的實驗場，被資本壟斷，但新舊紛呈，是個活力十足的城市。城內是文化聚集的地方，但周邊的自然環境也很舒適，交通便捷，可以交替安排，既使旅遊到很晚，都很合適。

Fair Warning: Kenting requires bike or scooter/car for the common traveler/backpacker. Some people I met thought the area was underwhelming and boring. However, the scenery along the roads is gorgeous, and YouBikes are available. Scooters more convenient for most on hot days (it will get very hot in summer). The landscape and laid back environment is what draws me here.

Wonderful metro system with respectful, quiet, clean, safe culture. LOVED being able to to ride around with grandmas in the morning to see tai chi in the parks, local food markets, and the kids peacefully riding to school. LOVED the plentiful variety of foods at low cost everywhere! LOVED being in the areas where there were no tourists, enjoying Taiwanese culture.

Taipei information centers no longer have paper maps and everything is now online. This is great, but not if you are going to a remote spot. Taipei is so safe that you can go to 7-11 at 3 am in your pajamas and slippers.

Taipei is a great city - efficient, clean, and friendly. We love it's "organic-ness" - you get the vibe of how people really live. It might be pricier though than some might expect, and certainly more expensive than most other Asian cities, so be prepared.

Many museums and cultural sites. June fireworks festival is spectacular!

Taipei is a great place to go and visit, especially because the public transportation is particularly good and easily accessible by walking. There is so much to see. Some of my favorite places that I have traveled to in the past are Taipei 101, Taipei Zoo, National Palace Museum, Tamsui waterfront.

It's nice city. A bit old but beautiful. 101 is a nice tower to visit. Food is good.

It's a nice city. I was there for only one day for business purpose so don't know much about the city. Food is good and available from my hotel.

A mountain town, not too far from Taipei. It's known for the narrow alleyways of its old town, packed with teahouses, street-food shacks and souvenir shops! Safe, friendly and interesting both day and night!

ived been check in for how many times in this hotel every time i go in tainan and its near in train station and accesable in all store

I was absolutely lost in all of the amazing food stalls at the night market. That pretty much took my entire agenda. I originally wanted to go to take a dance class however I arrived too late. Transportation is rather swift and easy. I think there is definitely a lot to explore with this area so I'm excited for my next visit.

Staff was nice Room was very nice for the price. Only complaints are the expired coffee and tea packages (from 2022) and the toilet needs maintenance as it kept running but everything else was good

One of the priority locations everyone should visiting when in Taiwan. Includes Alishan Township, Yushan National Park and Yushan Peak (highest geolocical location in Taiwan/Asia Pacific).

Taipei is a dynamic and vibrant city with a rich culture, wonderful people, delicious food, an efficient transportation system, and much more to offer. You will fall in love with the city as well as Taiwan!

Great country to visit. The railways are not intimidating. Rich history and good food! I recommend especially for beginners in traveling.

Taipei was a really great city! It's good for solo female travelers. I felt safe the whole time I was walking by myself. Food was amazing and affordable too!!!

Yilan city is a suburban area. If you like to experience the countryside but not that far in the city, Yilan is very recommended. There are so much activities to be done and a lot of off the beaten paths are worth the visit.

Been here for the 3rd time and I'm still in love with this country! I still have so much to go to! I want to go to Kaoshiung next time. I love Taipei and Taiwan!

It’s rural area in Taiwan. You will need your own transportation or call taxi to move you around. I can speak Chinese, so not a problem for me. Hot air balloon is cool.

Taipei is not that much advertised compared to its East Asian neighbors - Japan and Korea, but nonetheless a truly great country to visit. The weather is nice and the people are courteous, and the place offers an equally unique set of experience. Truly a must visit country!

Taipei is a good place for nature lovers, and for food lovers. There are lots of places to hike to and Taipei has lots of night markets to go on food trips. I noticed that there are a lot of claw machine games around Taipei, but the toys are hard to get.

the best place to go if u looking for a solo trip. super safe. vast coverage of public transportation. food heaven. excellent hospitality.

Will surely return to Taipei and stay again in the same Hotel. I recommend fully this hotel for others to experience the excellent services.

Less expensive than Taipei. I would rate it higher than Taipei

The name of the two International Airports are confusing. I flew into Taipei on Star Lux Airline. My booking says LAX to Taipei International Airport but the actual airport is Tayuan International Airport so took a yellow cab to Taipei international but it was the wrong airport. Same thing with my friends flight from Manila to Taipei on China Airline. The airport is Tayuan International.

Gorgeous historic town and amazing local markets. I was fascinated but the old town sections and history. It was great ti see people’s daily li es around the markets and temples. Highly worthwhile visiting. Lukang old sector is under threat from development and really take the opportunity to enjoy this experience.

Everything is so cheap compared to Los Angeles. Taking the bus to some places was like 50 cents. Good food is cheap too.

Jiu Feng worth to visit. not only old street. I would suggest go to hike the mountains and avoid from the busy crowd in old street. try something different than normal path.

Great town for a relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Friendly locals.

Tapei has really excellent public transportation. The main airport is in a nearby sister city, Taoyuan. The Taipei metro (MRT) takes you right from the Taoyuan airport into Taipei City — easy peasy. Just get an EasyCard for the fare, and you can use it to get around on buses and subway. The Taipei subway is way nicer than what we have in NYC — no comparison. If you're a foodie, then Taipei is a destination not to be missed: a major street food venue.

海岸的景色很美，看夕陽的好地方 很多特色餐廳與景點 適合走走

convenience to get to all the places with Taipei MRT

Good for natural scenery visit. Tourist areas are all about seafood. No other options regarding restaurants except the cafe in the hotel. A very decent coffee shop near the hotel. Highly recommended.

You will never be disappointed for visiting Taipei. So many attractions, gourmet food and cultural areas.

The city is great and friendly. The papaya milk was delicious and local fold were good. I would have spend more time to explore the city more if I could stay longer. The city provides convenient access to Alishan.

The staffs are nice and approachable. The room was clean and comfortable to sleep with. Breakfast are good.

Public transportation is easy accessible to most of the places even attractions or one can hire private drivers. Food choices are plenty for different tastes.

Wonderful city. Extremely safe. Very well organized with tons of transportation options : MRT, YouBikes, Uber, Taxis, Buses, Walking... A lot to see and experience. Great great food and fabulous night markets. A memorable experience all around. Quieter than Bangkok, as safe as Hong Kong but not as diverse. Easy to venture out of the city with the Fast train.

We’re so grateful to spent our Christmas here at homestay located in the middle of the mountains, here we feel so relaxing and comfortable. A Highly recommended for the travelers especially for the nature lovers. A big thumbs up for the owner who’s being so friendly and kind to us!

Loved the circle fountain in the center of the city and the side streets that offered so many different food options. Lovely view of the mountains and short drive from a great hiking area. The facilities at the Grand Earl were lovely - especially enjoyed the rooftop bar, the rooms, and breakfast. It's a lot more affordable than other cities in Taiwan.

A must visit place one you are in Taiwan! Stay at least 2 nights to enjoy and explore the place.

We toured Taipei Botanical Garden (lovely) and the Ning Xia night market (very nice). We also did a food tour of Taipei which was excellent. No trip to Taipei is complete without a stop at the National Palace Museum. We also explored the Fine Arts Museum, which was quite interesting.

good cities, food slightly cheaper than taipei but nicer

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Taiwan In December 2022: Discover The Best Places And Activities For Your Vacation

Taiwan is an incredibly beautiful island enveloped in a dense green tropical forest cover. No matter where you go, the amazing scenery will surely take your breath away. Surrounded by marvelous mountains, Taiwan gives you the best of everything. Other than lush foliage, this island nation is also known for its colorful festivals like Christmas, aboriginal culture, pristine coast, diverse wildlife, delish cuisine, myriad hiking trails, as well as the charming city of Taipei. Taiwan in December is a great time to visit when nature is in full bloom and there are plenty of things to do. Let’s find out what these are!

Weather In Taiwan In December

Taiwan’s climate is split into two distinct climate zones – subtropical and tropical zone. Taiwan is mostly warm all around the year with mild winters. December is the best month with a relatively dry, mild and foggy climate. December is cooler in Taiwan but much drier and ideal for many outdoor activities.

Unlike other snowy places, the weather in Taiwan in December is much more comfortable. However, you can find a significant difference in the temperatures between the day and the night. In Taiwan, you should always expect the unexpected. It is recommended to always stay prepared if you are planning on visiting Taiwan in December.

7 Best Things To Do In Taiwan In December

Have a look at some of the most splendid activities that Taiwan has in store for you in the month of December. You and your family or friends will surely like to try all of them during your trip there.

1. Wenshan Hot Springs: Take A Rejuvenating Bath

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As much as vacationing is important to get a break from your routine life, it is important to calm your body and soul. Refresh and rejuvenate yourself by visiting one of the famous hot springs. Taiwan’s hot springs are widely preferred and loved by most of the tourists for its novelty and therapeutic advantages. Emerging from the very depths of the Earth, these hot water springs carry a powerful amalgamation of natural chemicals and minerals. And so, it is good for health and gives relief from the digestive, nervous, circulatory and organ disorders.

So, take advantage of this great chilly weather and sneak away from that fatigue by soaking up in the relaxing hot springs of Taiwan. The Beitou, Wulai, Guguan, Wenshan, Lengshuikeng, Tangweigou, The Governor General, etc., are a few best hot springs that you can visit.

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2. Taipei: Soak In Its Beauty

This modern metropolis capital of Taiwan with many iconic spots needs a special mention. Taipei is a spectacular city with lively shopping streets, Japanese colonial lanes, and contemporary buildings. The 509m tall bamboo-shaped skyscraper – Taipei 101 is the jewel of this city. Overlooking the panoramic views of this city is the observatory on the top of this formed tallest tower in the world. Try some delicious food of Taipei, it is also well-known for cheerful night markets and street food.

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3. Enjoy Taiwanese Christmas And New Year

Although Christmas is an unofficial holiday in Taiwan, this state is well-lit and decorated during the eve of Christmas. To entertain the Taiwanese shoppers and the tourists, all the malls, markets, and other shopping centers and dolled up in holiday decorations. Strolling through these places and tasting the Christmas dinner in the Western restaurants and big hotels are the best things to do in Taiwan in December. Taiwan has its own peculiar Christmas traditions which are unique in their own way.

The most astounding event of the new year takes place next to Taipei 101. Over 100,000 locals and tourists gather here and enjoy this grand event. The concerts and the new year countdown with midnight fireworks, set off from the Taipei 101 around it is a delight to watch and simply unmissable. All in all this city is a great place to enjoy the holidays, you also have numerous options for sightseeing.

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4. Elephant Mountain: Admire The Sunset Views

If you are a sucker for sunsets and are looking for a little adventure, do visit the busiest yet popular Elephant Mountain of Taiwan in December. The trials of this vintage point have a lot of stairs with many pavilions and lookouts in between. Choose your route to reach this mountain and capture the beauty of this place in photographs. Apart from the sunset photos, this mountain gives conspicuous views of Taipei 101 and the city. Watching the New Years’ fireworks from the Elephant mountains is a sight to behold.

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5. Baishihu: Pick Some Fresh Strawberries

Don’t miss out on the 116-meter long Baishihu bridge, if you are holidaying in Taiwan in December. This bridge basically connects four mountains namely Daluntou, Liyu, Zhongyong and Baishihu. It stretches from Dragon Boat Rock and looks as if a giant dragon is watching over Baishihu town.

Hiking through this bridge to pick some fresh strawberries by the Baishihu Leisure Agricultural Area is a thing to do. Merely 30min downtown Taipei, Baishihu is a place where you can enjoy hiking, scenic beauty, and fruit picking. Besides enjoying this, you can also admire the scenic splendor of this place.

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6. Wanjin Catholic Church: Seek Blessings In The Oldest Church

Known as the oldest church, the Wanjin Catholic Church was founded in 1863 by the Spanish-Dominican missionary. Sited in Pingtung, this church is indeed one of the alluring places to visit in Taiwan in December. This church holds a grand celebration, combining the traditions of the East and the West is a must-see. During this festival, the 100-year-old sitting of Holy Mother sitting and sizable palanquin is paraded through the streets of Pingtung in December (2nd Sunday). The 3D light show put up by the government as well as the display of Christmas tree further dazzles the holiday season.

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7. Kenting Beach: Relax On Secluded Shores

Attracting plenty of tourists even during the winters, this beach offers many more attractions like Frog rock and coral reefs. One of the best sandy beaches in Taiwan , this long beach with sparkling blue water is occupied by many almost permanently. Serene and quite this beach is surrounded by many restaurants and resorts too.

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You will surely have a great time on your vacation in Taiwan in December if you plan well in time and include all these delightful activities and experiences in your itinerary. Blessed with immense natural beauty, wonderful infrastructure, sandy beaches, and a lot more, Taiwan is a wonderful destination to explore with your loved ones in the winter months.

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Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taiwan In December

Is December a good time to visit Taiwan?

December is the start of the winter season in Taiwan and is an apt time to visit if you want to holiday in warmer winters.

Is Taiwan snowing in December?

Yes, it does snow a little but only on the high mountains such as Hehuanshan.

Is December the rainy season in Taiwan?

The temperature in December is comfortable and pleasant to visit Taiwan. Taipei is always wetter and rainy than other places in Taiwan.

Is it very cold in Taiwan in December?

December has a mild and bearable winter with occasional showers in Taipei.

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