Best time to visit Taiwan

January is one of Taiwan’s quietest tourism months, following the busy New Year’s Eve weekend. Historically, it’s the second least popular month to visit, coming after December’s peak season. This lull occurs between the Christmas celebrations and the Lunar New Year holiday, which in 2025 falls at the end of January.

Being the first true winter month, January is often cold, with the possibility of snow in the mountains. This month also offers a glimpse of locals preparing for the Lunar New Year, and you can enjoy early cherry blossoms and relax in Taiwan’s hot springs.

Visiting Taiwan in February can be tricky due to the Lunar New Year holiday. This period may not be ideal, so check my guide for details on what to expect in Taipei.

On the positive side, February offers the chance to experience the magical Lantern Festival on February 12, alongside events like the thrilling Yanshui Fireworks Festival.

Weather-wise, February is often cold, wet, and gray in Taipei, marking the peak of winter. However, it’s the best time to see cherry blossoms and enjoy the hot springs, especially in southern Taiwan. Despite some challenges, February has plenty of highlights.

March is a wonderful time to visit Taiwan, as everyone returns to work after the Lunar New Year holiday and there are no national holidays to disrupt your plans.

This month serves as a transitional period between winter and spring. While Northern Taiwan, including Taipei, may still experience some chilly weather and light rain, the temperatures remain perfect for enjoying hot springs.

In southern cities like Tainan and Kaohsiung, the weather starts to warm up, with Taipei feeling pleasantly mild by the end of the month.

March is also an excellent time for viewing cherry blossoms, along with blooming tulips, azaleas, and calla lilies. With mild weather and fewer crowds, it’s ideal for long walks, rural exploration, and experiencing everyday life in Taiwan.

April is one of my favorite months in Taiwan as spring finally arrives! This means warm, pleasant weather—ideal for hiking and perfect for families visiting the island. In southern Taiwan, it can already feel like summer.

The month typically begins with a busy 4-day weekend, making popular destinations like Kenting National Park quite crowded. Several major music festivals also take place during this time.

If you visit Alishan in early April, you may catch the last of the cherry blossoms, but be prepared for crowds and early bookings. Additionally, beautiful calla lilies bloom near Taipei, and a highlight of the month is the Matsu Pilgrimage, one of the largest in the world.

Is May a good time to visit Taiwan? May represents the peak of spring, bringing warm temperatures as summer approaches. While it’s typically comfortable, the arrival of the Plum Rain monsoon in early May can lead to several rainy days, particularly in Taipei. If you prefer sunny weather, you might want to consider visiting at a different time.

On the plus side, there are plenty of things to enjoy in Taipei during May. You might spot fireflies lighting up the city, and other regions enjoy great weather for exploring attractions. Additionally, May is ideal for visiting Taiwan’s offshore islands, like Penghu and Orchid Island, which celebrate various festivals this month.

June marks the transition from spring rains to the start of summer in Taiwan. Temperatures and humidity rise, which some may enjoy while others might find uncomfortable. Expect sunny days paired with increased rainfall, often resulting in late afternoon downpours.

One of the highlights in June is the Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated from June 8-10 in 2024. In Taipei, the Xia Hai City God Parade is a lively and noisy event that attracts many visitors.

Overall, June is a great time to embrace the subtropical summer atmosphere before the much hotter and more humid weather of July and August sets in.

Ready for some serious heat? July is the hottest and sunniest month in Taiwan, so be prepared to sweat and seek refuge in air-conditioned spots like 7-Eleven.

Despite the high temperatures, many locals embrace summer by exploring popular sights and beaches, resulting in larger crowds. July also marks the beginning of typhoon season, with the first storms typically arriving this month. In recent years, however, the first typhoon has occasionally been delayed until August, so you may luck out.

Whether you love the tropical heat or are simply traveling during the summer, visiting Taiwan in July will certainly be an unforgettable experience.

August in Taiwan brings hot and humid days, marking the peak of summer alongside July. If you’ve been in the country for a while, you might find yourself getting accustomed to the heat by this time. By the end of August, temperatures typically start to drop slightly.

This month is one of the sunniest yet rainiest in Taiwan, often featuring a significant typhoon. It’s crucial to know how to handle a typhoon if it occurs during your stay, but this shouldn’t deter you from visiting.

With numerous summer events and activities, August remains an exciting time for those who enjoy the subtropical heat. Additionally, Ghost Month adds a layer of intrigue to your travels, along with unique customs and traditions.

September marks the final month of summer in Taiwan, with average temperatures a few degrees lower than July and August, making it much more manageable. By the end of the month, the weather can be pleasantly warm, making it one of the best times to visit.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, typically falls in September (September 17 in 2024). Despite its name, this festival occurs at the end of summer, welcoming early autumn.

As schools resume and people return to work, September usually sees fewer visitors, making it a great choice for those wanting to avoid crowds while enjoying summer-like conditions. It’s also an excellent time for beachgoers and features events like the Sun Moon Lake Mass Swim.

However, be aware that September is one of the months when typhoons are most likely to occur in Taiwan, and it is also the rainiest month in Taipei. While the rainfall can be intense, most days are actually sunny, and areas in central and southern Taiwan experience much less rain.

October is regarded as the first month of autumn in Taiwan, bringing pleasantly warm days and often clear blue skies in Taipei—perfect for hiking. In southern Taiwan, the weather still feels like summer but with less rain. While late-season typhoons can occur, October is typically one of the best months to visit in terms of weather.

This season offers great opportunities for exploration, and you can enjoy exciting Halloween celebrations and Asia’s largest Pride Parade at the end of the month.

November is one of my favorite months to visit Taiwan. It’s typically one of the driest months (though late-season typhoons can occasionally make an appearance), and the weather in Taipei shifts from warm to crisp and cool, while southern Taiwan remains pleasantly warm.

This month marks the peak of autumn, bringing stunning foliage across the island. I’ll share the best spots to see autumn colors in Taiwan. November also invites thoughts of relaxing in one of Taiwan’s many inviting hot springs.

Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the blooming silvergrass and the arrival of butterflies at Maolin Scenic Area. If you prefer mild weather over intense summer heat and want to avoid damp, chilly winters, November could be the perfect time for your visit!

December is the most popular month to visit Taiwan, and that may come as no surprise. Many travelers choose to spend December in Taiwan for various reasons, including enjoying a Christmas holiday abroad, escaping the cold weather in Europe or North America, and avoiding the heat of Southeast Asia. Visitors can also soak in Taiwan’s fantastic hot springs, enjoy flower viewing, and admire autumn foliage in the mountains.

The festive Christmas activities and one of the world’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks displays make December an exceptional time to visit.

However, since it’s the peak tourist month, expect significant crowds and sold-out hotels and trains. It’s advisable to book your accommodations and travel as soon as possible, especially with New Year’s Eve being the busiest night of the year in Taipei.

December is also a transitional month between autumn and winter. Chilly winter weather begins to settle in Taipei, while southern Taiwan remains pleasantly warm and dry. You can check my Taiwan weather guide for a comparison of temperatures and rainfall throughout the year.