is july good time to visit taiwan

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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3 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

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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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Visiting Taipei & Taiwan in July 2023

Ready for some serious heat? July in Taiwan is the hottest and sunniest month of the year. Be prepared to sweat, and to duck into every 7-Eleven you pass for an air-conditioned moment of respite.

Although most Taiwanese fear the sun (“fear” is the word they really use), the Taiwanese summer is still the time when many locals get out to enjoy the sights and beaches around the country, not to mention the increase of foreign visitors in summer, so you can expect crowds in Taiwan in July, despite the heat.

July is also the start of typhoon season in Taiwan. Usually the first typhoon of the year strikes in July, but in the last few years the first one hasn’t come until August or not at all, so you may still be in luck. I’ll cover in detail below everything you need to know about getting through your first typhoon in Taiwan.

Whether you’re coming because summer is your only choice or because you love tropical heat, traveling to Taiwan in July is surely an experience to remember.

See here to find out what the best month of the year to visit Taiwan is, according to me 🙂 If it’s your first time coming to Taiwan, you may also want to read my Taiwan FAQs and guide to planning your Taiwan trip .

Table of Contents

Taipei in July: Best Things to Do

With soaring daytime temperatures, you may want to avoid doing much (or any) outdoor sightseeing in the midday. Get out early and follow one of my Taipei itineraries or recommended day trips from Taipei , then rest or do indoor activities in the midday.

Choose one of those super hot but clear days to enjoy epic (and air conditioned!) views of Taipei from the Taipei 101 Observatory (book your tickets online here !)

The major convenience stores in Taiwan such as t-Eleven and FamilyMart usually have delicious soft serve ice cream cones in summer, with flavors changing every week. Another great summer treat is chua bing (剉冰 or shaved ice), which is sold all over the city. Head to Yongkang Street near Da’An Forest park for the best mango shaved ice in Taipei (mangoes being in season in summer).

As the sun sets, the temperatures become bearable again, perfect for exploring Taipei’s plethora of night markets . I find 5-7 PM is the perfect time to go, when they are just getting started, but from 7-10 PM they become a sweaty, clogged mass of people.

As part of the Taipei Summer Festival and Qixi (Chinese Valentine’s Day), there will be fireworks at the riverside beside Dadaocheng every Wednesday at 8:30 PM from July 5 until August 20, with an especially long fireworks display on the final day. The best spot to watch the fireworks is Dadaocheng Pier Plaza , but crowds are big. Go at least one hour early.

The Taipei Film Festival will start in June this year and continue till July 8, while you can keep an eye out for activities related to the Taipei Children’s Art Festival (July 7 to August 13).

Despite the super hot weather, there are surprisingly few outdoor waterparks in Taipei. Water Country Park (Taipei Water Park or 自來水園區) in Gongguan is a children’s outdoor spray park suitable for toddlers and young children. It’s cheap but very popular, and only open in July and August (even though other months are hot enough for it). See more information in my guide to visiting Taipei with kids .

The W Hotel sometimes hosts upscale pool parties in summer, or you can search “Havana pool parties Taipei” on Facebook to find wilder ones.

In 2024, Thailand’s S20 Songkran Music Festival , the “wettest party in the world”, will come to Taipei on July 13 to 14 .

Also get out of the city and head to one of the many beaches that are within easy reach of Taipei . Budget 1-2 hours on the train or local bus to get to most of them. The Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival continues throughout July; the enormous sand sculptures on display were more impressive than we could have imagined.

The free Hohaiyan Rock Music Festival on Fulong Beach usually takes place in July or August; stay tuned for more details.

For a wild cultural event, check out the City God’s Parade at Xiahai City God Temple in Dadaocheng (July 1, 2023).

Taiwan in July: Best Places to Visit

If you find the cities overbearing in the July heat, cool down by heading to one of the best beaches in Taiwan . In the south you can try Dulan, popular for surfing, or Kenting National Park on the southern tip of Taiwan (see the cover photo of this article).

Be careful, though. The midday sun is a killer, and going into the water frequently will only make you forget. Try the early morning or late afternoon for the most pleasant beach experience. Higher altitude areas around Taipei, such as Yangmingshan or Jiufen , also offer slightly lower temperatures.

At Yehliu Geopark in New Taipei City , watch for the Times of the Rocks event, in which Queen’s Head Rock and other rock formations there are lit up at night.

One of the best water parks in Taiwan is at Leofoo Village Theme Park in Hsinchu County (an hour south of Taipei). Make sure to buy your tickets in advance online for a sweet discount, with the option to add a transfer from Taipei with this deal .

Others include Jumbo Wave Water Park at Window on World Theme Park in Taoyuan , Mala Bay at Lihpao Village in Taichung, Dongshan River Water Park in Yilan, and Vicky the Waterpark at Janfusun in Yunlin County .

Read more about Taiwan’s best amusement parks and waterparks here .

A more adventurous way to cool down in the summer is try river tracing , an increasingly popular summer sport in Taiwan that involves walking up rivers, boulder diving, and sliding down waterfalls. It’s important to wear felt shoes to avoid slipping (try any outdoors shop in Taipei) and a life jacket if you aren’t a strong swimmer (helmets are also worn in narrower canyons).

Go on an organized river tracing trip such as this one in Yilan , this one in Hualien , or this one in Taitung .

One of the most impressive events of the year in Taiwan, the International Balloon Festival in Luye, Taitung usually takes places in summer. The 2023 International Balloon Festival dates are June 30 to August 28.

Taroko Gorge in Hualien is blistering hot just like the rest of Taiwan in July, but a slight breeze may make it slightly more tolerable than Taipei.

Sun Moon Lake in Nantou is usually a few degrees cooler due to the elevation (unfortunately swimming in the lake is not permitted), while high mountain retreats such as Alishan and Qingjing Farm offer the perfect escape from the heat.

July and August are the most popular time for Taiwanese to head to the offshore islands such as Green Island, Orchid Island , Penghu , and Xiaoliuqiu , but it can be very hot.

Scuba diving is a popular activity on Green Island and on Orchid Island , island hopping on Penghu, and turtle watching on Xiaoliuqiu . Book your ferry tickets here .

Yet another way to beat the hot weather in July in Taiwan is to dig in to some chua bing (剉冰), or traditional Taiwanese shaved ice. It’s super refreshing and available everywhere!

Taipei Weather in July

July is the hottest month of the year in Taipei, with a daytime average high of 34°C (93°F). And while 34 is the average, it really doesn’t vary much from that number; it’s pretty much 34 degrees every single day, give or take 1-2 degrees (the highest temperature ever recorded in Taipei was 39.3°C (102.7°F)).

The last few summers in Taiwan have been some of the hottest on record, like in many other parts of the world, with several days in a row of 35°C or higher temperatures.

Please keep in mind that the intense humidity characteristic of Taipei means that the temperature generally “feels” 5-10 degrees hotter than the number indicates. You can expect a “feels like” in the low- to mid-40s (mid- to high 100s) every day.

While some people live for this kind of weather, including several of my non-Taiwanese friends in Taipei, I personally hate it and never got used to it in my 10+ years of living in the city. Instead of getting more used to it over time, every summer I spent in the city seemed to be harder to bear than the last.

I can only compare stepping outside in the middle of the day in Taipei in July to entering a steam room or sauna. The heat forces me into submission, and I can only think about how many meters I have to walk until I reach the next heavily air-conditioned 7-Eleven or MRT station. Like the locals, I stand several meters back from crosswalks to enjoy a few extra seconds in the strip of shade provided by a building, but I still haven’t gone as far as carrying an umbrella for shade like many locals do.

In the evening after the torturous sun sets, the city still gives off heat absorbed during the day. The average low temperature in Taipei in July is 26°C (79°F), but it’s often still pushing 30 (86) around the time I go to bed. Evenings are my favorite time to be out in Taipei in July, though; without the sun, the warmth of the city is perfect for drinking beer anywhere outside; try the LGBT-friendly bar patios beside Red Theater in Ximending .

July receives fewer days of rain (an average of 12) than preceding months. The spring plum rains are long finished by July. Along with August, it is the sunniest month of the year, with an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day. It may be ******* hot, but at least it’s not gloomy!

Taipei does still see 245mm of rain in July, the fourth highest month of the year, and most of that comes in the form of late afternoon downpours after the humidity builds up throughout the day in the basin that is Taipei. Full days of rain are unlikely, but if it does happen, see my recommended rainy day things to do in Taipei .

Find the best hostels, hotels, and other accommodations in my guide to where to stay in Taipei .

Typhoons in Taiwan in July

July to October is typhoon season in Taiwan. Rarely, a typhoon can strike as early as June, or as late as November, and generally the ones that come later in the season are the most powerful. Around 3-4 major typhoons usually strike Taiwan per summer, and the first one often comes in July.

This can vary, though; in 2018 virtually no typhoons hit Taiwan straight on, and in 2019, the first direct hit by a typhoon didn’t come until August. Therefore, you have a decent chance of not experiencing a typhoon during your July trip to Taiwan; in August and September, the odds are higher.

If you happen to be in Taipei when a typhoon strikes, you will surely hear about it for days before, as it will be the talk of the town and all over the news. The days leading up to a typhoon tend to be clear but extra hot and muggy. Sometimes people think one is coming, and talk about it a lot, only to find out that its course changed at the last minute and missed Taiwan altogether.

If a typhoon is really going to hit Taiwan, the government of each city or county in Taiwan will decide the evening before whether or not to have a mandatory stay-at-home day for all students (yes, many kids in Taiwan have cram school classes in summer) and most workers.

Sometimes in Taipei the government calls a day off to be safe, but the typhoon doesn’t hit the city directly and the storm isn’t bad at all. People rejoice in getting a day off, and locals flock to KTV bars or feast on instant noodles (the go-to typhoon snack) on their couch at home. Don’t celebrate too soon, though; often developed Taipei escapes the worst of it, while small villages in the mountains or near the coast get completely destroyed.

No matter what it seems like outside, is very important to stay in when the government says to; I have vivid memories of Typhoon Soudelor (August 2015), one of the few I’ve ever seen strike Taipei dead on, and my neighborhood was ravaged. Scooters and huge trees were knocked over, shops signs littered the streets, and large metal roofs were ripped off houses (one landed right in front of our apartment, covering our street, and we don’t even know where it came from).

Also, let us never forget, Typhoon Morakot (August 2009) the deadliest typhoon in Taiwan’s recorded history, killing 673 in Taiwan, most of whom died when a small village in the south was covered by a landslide.

These pictures and stories  are not meant to scare you; of the 10+ years I spent living in Taipei, there were only a couple typhoons that caused this level of damage in the city, and even at their worst, I felt perfectly safe inside my house. It was quite a spectacle to watch from my balcony, though, and I can’t say I got much sleep those nights!

Still, the threat of typhoons is not something that should cause you to avoid visiting Taipei or Taiwan in July. Taipei is probably the safest place you could be in Taiwan during a typhoon, so long as you stay inside when it is advised to do so. Most of the damage and deaths that occur from typhoons in Taiwan happen on the coast, in small mountain villages, or to people who ignore the warnings not to go outside.

If you are visiting the high mountains, the east coast of Taiwan , or an offshore island and learn that a big typhoon is approaching, it is best to head back to the big city. If in doubt, ask locals for advice. We once experienced this on Green Island, and all the tourists were sent back to the mainland a few days ahead of the storm.

If you know you will need to stay in for a day, just buy enough food (and beer) the evening before, then stay in and wait it out. It can be an awesome experience to hear (or observe from a balcony) the intense rain and wind as it lashes the streets and the roof of your building. And be aware that the rain and wind come in waves; just because  they die down for a few minutes, doesn’t mean there isn’t more coming. When Soudelor hit Taipei, we even experience a period of bizarre calm, which was actually the eye of the storm passing over the city.

What to Wear in Taipei in July

Considering the extreme heat of July, you’ll want to dress in the lightest, loosest, and most breathable clothing you’ve got. There’s no shame in wearing flip flops, shorts, or a tank top in Taipei, and you can even step into a temple in this attire; the locals do!

For women, super short shorts or skirts are commonly worn by locals, but they tend to be slightly less risqué above the waist. It is not really acceptable for men to go shirtless in the city (you may see construction workers doing it), but you could always try the Taiwanese old men’s trick of roll your shirt up above your belly (you WILL get stared at it if you do). But for the love of God, please never go barefoot anywhere in Taipei or Taiwan other than the beach (this is not my personal opinion; Taiwanese people will think you are disgusting).

To avoid getting sunburned, dehydrated, or heatstroke, drinks tons of water, take breaks from the sun regularly (there’s always a cool 7-Eleven you can duck into for a while), and wear sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and protective clothing. A thin scarf or sarong can be perfect for covering your shoulders. Visitors traveling to Taiwan with children should take special care to protect their little ones.

Even though it’s not the rainiest month of the year, when it does rain in July (usually the late afternoon), it comes down all at once. Without an umbrella you can be drenched in seconds. Luckily, umbrellas are cheap and available everywhere.

You can also find ponchos, which are an essential item for cycling, but I personally find that for daily use, they trap heat and sweat moisture, so they are kind of icky to wear when it’s so hot out.

Taiwan Weather in July

The weather in every major city and lowland area of Taiwan is pretty much going to match that of Taipei in July, but it may feel just a hint less intense away from Taipei City, where the heat and humidity really seem to get trapped by the city, and other major urban centers.

Tainan City in the south of Taiwan has an average daily temperature of 33°C (91°F), one degree lower than Taipei, while the average nighttime low is 26°C (79°F), the same as Taipei.

While July is the sunniest month of the year in Tainan (average 7 hours of sunshine per day), it is also one of the rainiest, and one of the few months per year when the south of Taiwan gets more rain than Taipei (along with August and September). Tainan sees 370mm of rain in July, compared to 245mm in Taipei. In other words, you can expect any summer trip to the south of Taiwan to include a combination of hot sun and heavy rain.

If you aren’t a fan of the heat, head to the high mountains. Alishan in Chiayi is a pleasant 24°C (75°F) in the daytime in July, and in the early morning can even be a little chilly.

Most typhoons hit Taiwan from the east, so the east coast is of course more prone to them, including Yilan , Hualien , and Taitung counties.

Cities and counties on the central west coast, such as Taichung , Miaoli , Changhua , and Tainan , are shielded by the Central Mountain Range and therefore aren’t usually as badly affected.

What to wear in Taiwan in July

Besides the summer attire I recommended above in the “What to wear in Taipei in July” section, I would only here add an extra reminder to prepare for both intense sun and heavy rain, especially if you plan to travel away from the city where such things may not be easily available. Obviously, don’t forget your swimwear!

If you’re got some beach time scheduled on your Taiwan itinerary , it is absolutely essential that you apply (and reapply) sunscreen, and avoid the peak of the day if possible.

The sun on the beach in Taiwan in July is especially fierce, and going into the water often can make you forget. Most beaches in Taiwan provided large umbrellas or tarp-covered cubicles for a small fee. Beware of the sand, too, which can get so hot that it can burn your feet.

Conclusion: Is July a Good Time to Visit Taiwan?

Visit Taiwan in July and you will get a real dose of the elements: fierce sun and some intense bouts of rain (possibly including a typhoon). Prepare to get a little sticky, but to be very satisfied when you jump into the sea, retire to your air-conditioned hotel, or dig into a heaping mound of chua bing .

Don’t let the chance of a typhoon prevent you from enjoying Taiwan in July; take basic precautions and you will be fine. Thrilling water sports, some pretty awesome events, tropical summer vibes, and pleasantly cool high mountain retreats make this a one of the most enjoyable, if intense, times to visit Taiwan.

• January in Taiwan
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Best Times to Visit Taiwan 2024: What to Do & Monthly Guide

Most of Taiwan has beautiful warm climate all year round. You can leave your winter coat behind but are advised to bring an umbrella.

The north part of Taiwan belongs to sub-tropical climate zone, while the south part belongs to the tropical climate zone. Winters are warm and summers are hot and wet, with typhoons and thunderstorms. Because Taiwan is a relatively small island, the ocean breezes have a cooling effect so it never feels too hot. Please note that the high alpine areas like Alishan do get cold.

The annual average temperature is a comfortable 22 °C, with lowest temperatures ranging from 12 to 17 °C (54-63 °F).

The average amount of rainfall is about 2,500 mm per year, most of which come in the form of typhoons. At least three to four typhoons hit Taiwan every year, providing much of the water supply, but also causing damage, flooding, and landslides. Generally, typhoons happen frequently from July to September.

Because Taiwan is in the tropical zone, it is subject to more rain than most other areas, but showers are short-lived and blue skies prevail on most days.

Spring: Best for Natural Scenery

Weather: Spring is from March to May. In Taipei, the average high temperatures average about 25 degrees Celsius or 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Clothing: It generally feels warm during the day, and long-sleeve shirts are fine.

Special seasonal highlights: Hiking in Taiwan's high mountains (about 240 mountains over 3,000 meters) is an option before the summer typhoon season. You can also head down to the southern beaches to bask in the sun. You can climb Yangmingshan Hill to see the cherry blossoms.

Summer: Best for Families with School-Aged Children

Weather: Summer is from June to August. It is usually hot and humid, and there are occasional thunderstorms and typhoons. The average temperature in summer is about 30 °C (86 °F).

Things to do: Summer is a time to head for the beaches. When there are storms out at sea or after a typhoon, people can go and surf.

The Computex Taipei (Taipei International Information Technology Show) in June is a favorite tourist highlight. It is the world's second biggest IT show, and it is the largest in Asia.

Autumn: Best Season to Visit Taiwan

Weather: Autumn is from September to November. The weather is cooler but still warm and sunny, and October and November has relatively less rainfall, and it is still warm.

Special seasonal highlight: It is a fine time to head up to the mountains to see the fall foliage.

Winter: Enjoy a Mild Winter

Weather: Winter is from December to February. Winters mild and often foggy due to the northeasterly winds from Siberia.

Around Taipei , low temperatures can approach 8 °C (46 °F) at night, but there may be warm spells also.

Clothing: Prepare a coat and an umbrella. Wearing layers is a good idea.

Special seasonal highlight: The Chinese New Year usually falls in late January or early February. Streets will be colorfully decorated for the event.

Read where to travel in winter?

Popular Taiwan Tours

If you are planning a Taiwan tour, please see our popular tours below for inspiration:

• 1 Day Private Taipei City Tour with Michelin Star Lunch
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Not interested in the above tours? You can just tell us your interests and requirements, and we will tailor-make a Taiwan tour for you.

Taiwan Climate Information by Month

• Taiwan Weather in January
• Taiwan Weather in February
• Taiwan Weather in March
• Taiwan Weather in April
• Taiwan Weather in May
• Taiwan Weather in June
• Taiwan Weather in July
• Taiwan Weather in August
• Taiwan Weather in September
• Taiwan Weather in October
• Taiwan Weather in November
• Taiwan Weather in December

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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

When is the best time to visit taiwan, when to visit taiwan in winter, when to visit taiwan in spring, when to visit taiwan in summer, when to visit taiwan in fall, festivals and holidays in taiwan, aboriginal festivals, festivals calendar for taiwan, tailor-made travel itineraries for taiwan, created by local experts.

11 days  / from 1950 USD

Nature's adventure in Taiwan

Taiwan was formerly known as Ilha Formosa - "beautiful island" and it's easy to see why: lush rivers, tropical forest, and imposing sea cliffs, this itinerary focuses on Taiwan's nature. Start in cosmopolitan Taipei before heading to Taroko National Park, coastal Hualien and finally Sun Moon Lake.

11 days  / from 2541 USD

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.

5 days  / from 1100 USD

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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Best Time to Visit Taiwan – Monthly guide with Event Highlights

Your are at the right place if you are wondering when is the best time to visit Taiwan. Which month and which season is the best to visit Taiwan, we all wonder. Our vacations and paid time off (PTO) hold immense value in our lives, as they offer us the opportunity to create lasting memories and experiences. It’s only natural to contemplate whether we are making the most of these precious moments? In this comprehensive post, we will address this concern by diving into the ideal times to visit Taiwan, a captivating Asian country nestled along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Throughout this guide, we will provide a month-by-month breakdown of Taiwan’s weather conditions, highlighting the unique experiences each month and season offers. From vibrant festivals to exhilarating activities, beautiful blossoms to nice sunny beaches. We will present an array of options to ensure that your trip to Taiwan becomes a collection of unforgettable travel memories. So, continue reading and embark on a journey that will leave you with cherished moments to treasure for sure!

Best Time to Visit Taiwan

• 1-2: January and February
• 3-4: March and April
• 5-6: May and June
• 7-8: July and August
• 9-10: September and October
• 11-12: November and December

Traveling to Taiwan in January and February

Source: [email protected], eToday

January is the coldest month in Taiwan, with an average temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius. February will be milder, around 17-19 degrees Celsius. While this may not sound excessively cold, it is advisable to carry a jacket, especially in the northern regions like Taipei. Due to the humidity, the perceived temperature can feel even colder than the actual temperature. The southern parts of Taiwan is relatively drier and warmer.

If you plan to go hiking in places like  Hehuan Mountain  or Snow Mountain, you will notice a significant drop in temperature. In these mountainous areas, there is even a chance of snowfall at times. Therefore if you are looking to experience beautiful snow sceneries in the subtropical island, January will be the best time to visit Taiwan!

Events and influx of tourists highly depends on the date of the Lunar New Year . As this holiday is determined by the lunar calendar, it can fall in either the late January till mid February (most often in February). If you choose to travel during the Lunar New Year period in Taiwan, you should anticipate closed stores and restaurants on Chinese New Year day and busy transportation, bustling tourist attractions for the rest of the week. It is recommended to enjoy this period with a local friend or host to experience the festive, lively atmosphere, as students start their winter breaks, people return home to reunite with their families and embark on outings together. Otherwise, you might want to avoid the high prices and crowds at this time.

Source: news.housefun

Following the conclusion of Taiwan’s Lunar New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival, or Yuanxiao Festival, takes place. They are celebrated in almost every city, and a simple google search can bring you to pretty lanterns! Some popular ones include:  Yuejin Lantern Festival  in Tainan, which received the Red Dot Design Award in the past; and Taipei Lantern Festival , usually a collaborative effort spanning across the entire Xingyi and Zhongxiao Area. People also like to release sky lanterns in Pingxi with their families. Another exhilarating and even dangerous way of celebrating is to participate in the infamous Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival , where literally thousands of fireworks shoot straight to audiences. There are tons of options, so don’t forget to check if your travel plans coincide with the Lantern Festival, which usually falls in February but occasionally occurs in March. This will be the best time in winter to check out pretty lights.

Visiting Taiwan in March and April

Source: Line Travel, travel.taipei, Vogue Taiwan

If you plan to travel to Taiwan in March, you can look forward to enjoying a comfortable spring season. Temperatures gradually rise during this time and you’ll start witnessing various types of blossoms. In April, Taiwan begins to bask in more sunlight, and the average temperature rises to over 20 degrees Celsius. It’s an excellent time to hike and travel around, however, it’s worth noting that towards the end of the April, both Taipei and Taiwan as a whole experience an increase in rainfall.

The vibrant cherry blossoms can start as early as January, but the warm weather in March makes it a popular season for cherry blossom enthusiasts. Cherry Blossom Hotspots include Yangmingshan National Park, the Flower Research Center, Yangde Boulevard, Gezhi Road, and the areas along Yangming Road. If you’re seeking a unique nighttime spectacle, Taiwan’s forests come alive with fireflies during this season. Both Yangmingshan National Park and Dongshi Forest in Taichung are prime spots to witness the mesmerizing glow of these luminescent creatures. For those eager to explore more of Taiwan’s natural beauty, a trip to the north to visit Bamboo Lake will allow you to marvel at the blooming white calla lilies .

Source: China Daily News, 廖啟佑

In addition to the flower season events, one exciting festival not to be missed in March is the various “ Mazu Pilgrimage ” held throughout Taiwan. The most famous ones include the  Dajia Mazu  International Tourism Cultural Festival and the Baisha Tun Mazu Festival. Another internationally renowned event during this month is the “ New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon ,” Taiwan’s first and only marathon certified by international standards.

April also marks the start of the annual Penghu Fireworks Festival , a two-month extravaganza where fireworks illuminate the Penghu Islands at regular intervals. Some other cultural festivals include the “ Fulong Sand Sculpture Art Festival “, the “ Baosheng Culture Festival ” and the beautiful Taiwanese folk art procession called the “ Neimen Song Jiang Jhen Series ,” held annually from late March to early April. Last but not least, an outdoor music festival called the Spring Scream is held in Kenting annually, Spring is one of the best time to visit Taiwan for cultural events and music festivals.

Traveling to Taiwan in May and June

Traveling to Taiwan in May means encountering the onset of the rainy and humid weather that characterizes East Asia’s plum rain season. Lasting for two months, this season brings increased rainfall not only to Taiwan but also to surrounding countries. It’s named after the ripening of plums during this period. Expect brief showers and afternoon thunderstorms, so it’s advisable to carry an umbrella or lightweight raincoat when venturing outdoors. June then comes with soaring temperatures and abundant rainfall, ushering into a humid tropical climate. However, evenings are typically cooler and less prone to rain, providing a comfortable respite. This is an excellent time to explore Taipei’s night markets and savor the delicious street food if you plan to visit Taiwan in early summer.

Source: NewTalk, skyticket

If you don’t mind the occasional afternoon shower, plenty of blossoms are waiting for you in May. The snow-white tung blossom blankets the mountainous areas north of Chiayi in Taiwan, as well as regions in the east like Hualien and Taitung. May also marks the peak season for the golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) to bloom. Strings of yellow flowers sway in the breeze, resembling the radiant drops of golden rain. The hydrangea season also begins, and due to the different soil pH levels, hydrangeas exhibit various colors. Entering June, you can start seeing lotus flowers. One of the most famous spots are the Baihe Lotus Ponds in Tainan. Spring to summer is definitely the best time to visit Taiwan too see beautiful blossoms.

The major cultural highlight during this period is the Dragon Boat Festival , or Duanwu Festival. As this festival is based on the lunar calendar, the date varies each year but usually falls in June. Taipei, Miaoli, and Lukang are known for hosting dragon boat races, with intricately designed boats. Many people gather by the riverside to watch the races and enjoy traditional rice dumplings (zongzi). Starting June is also a “fishy” season, you can enjoy the Flying Fish festival in Orchid Island (Lanyu) and Bluefin Tuna Season in Donggang.

Source: Shopee, BusinessToday

Visiting Taiwan in July and August

July and August are the hottest months in Taiwan, with average temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius. Coupled with high humidity, it can feel more like 35 degrees Celsius. July also marks the typhoon season, so when traveling during this time, it’s essential to stay updated with weather forecasts. While it is not the absolute best time to visit Taiwan, you don’t have to worry too much, typhoons usually come and leave within a few days, so the chances of meeting a disastrous one is probably quite slim. However, even without typhoon visiting, afternoon showers are common. If the coast is clear, and you can handle the heat, there are plenty of exciting activities to participate in.

If you visit Taiwan for the summer break, you can witness a colorful spectacle at the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival , where a variety of hot air balloons take to the skies. Do not forget the Hohaiyan Rock Festival , the Taiwanese version of Coachella. An annual Taiwan rock music festival held in Fulong Beach, visitors craving an electrifying atmosphere, diverse music acts, and a beachside setting flock to this event, making it a must-attend for music enthusiasts and festival-goers alike.

Source: iHappyDay.tw, Northeast Yilan Coast National Scenic Area

For those interested in exploring the culture of the Amis indigenous people in Taiwan, the “ Fengnian Festival ” in Hualien is an excellent event to attend. This festival combines music and dance performances, showcasing the essence of indigenous songs, dances, and cultural rituals. In Yilan, there is also Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival , featuring art, games and water parks!

When the weather is favorable, Taroko Gorge in August is a popular destination due to its cooler temperatures. If you’re looking to soak up the sun, scenery, and gentle breezes on the beach, Kenting National Park is a great choice. In Hualien on the east coast, the vibrant orange day lilies cover the mountains, creating stunning landscapes that don’t require any filters to capture beautiful photos. After all the fun, if you need to cool off, you can visit the National Palace Museum or the Taipei Fine Arts Museum for some indoor activities. Check out our post about the 20 must visit places in Taipei , many of them are indoors. Also don’t forget to grab a refreshing cup of bubble tea to beat the heat—it’s a must-do on your itinerary.

As students start taking their summer breaks and travelers around the world feel their travel itch, no matter how hot it is in Taiwan, it is still a pretty busy tourist season. So if your schedule allows, we recommend skipping the scorching sun and unbearable humidity of the island, and come visit Taiwan some other times.

Source: Yahoo News, kkday

Visiting Taiwan in September and October

After enduring the scorching summer, Taiwan’s weather in September finally starts to become more comfortable. Temperatures in Taipei and other northern regions begin to drop (though only slightly in the south), and there is less rainfall compared to August. September still falls within the typhoon season, but on clear days, the southern beaches continue to attract many visitors. October brings warm and mostly dry weather to Taiwan, making it one of the best months for traveling in the country. The average temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius, and cool breezes start to prevail. It’s an ideal time for hiking or admiring the bright autumn colors in the mountains. One highly recommended destination is Alishan, where, if you wake up early enough, witnessing the sea of clouds and the sunrise at mid-mountain level is an unforgettable experience.

While the climate may not yet offer the coolness of autumn, Taiwan’s festivals in this month serve as a reminder that the fall season is on its way. Mid-Autumn Festival , aside from moon-watching, is an excellent time to savor mooncakes. A unique tradition of Taiwanese is to barbeque and get together during this time. Another tasty and beautiful festival is the Persimmon Festival in Xinzhu county. You will see miles of orange balls soaking up the autumn sun and turning into tasty snacks. Other worthwhile events include the Taipei Arts Festival and the Sun Moon Lake International Swimming Carnival , where thousands of swimmers take on the challenge of crossing Taiwan’s largest lake. There are also fireworks around Sun Moon Lake around this time. Fall is one of the most recommended times to travel to Taiwan because of the nice weather and abundance in fun activities.

Source: China Times, TravelKing, TaiwanHot, taiwan.net

In the major cities, plenty of exciting activities are waiting for you partake in. Taiwan Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ celebration in East Asia, features vibrant parades and colorful crowds lining the streets of Taipei. In New Taipei City, one of the most vibrant and colorful event, Shimen Kite Festival paints the sky into rainbow. Meanwhile, in Taichung, the renowned Jazz Festival is held every October. This week-long music extravaganza attracts top Taiwanese and international musicians, offering a fantastic musical experience.

Visiting Taiwan in November and December

In accordance with Taiwan’s standards, November offers cool and comfortable weather, making it an excellent time for outdoor travel and one of the best times to visit Taiwan. The average temperature hovers around the low 20s in degrees Celsius, and Taichung and Kaohsiung often enjoy sunny days. Taipei tends to be overcast or experience light rain, so packing a light jacket should suffice to stay warm. December in Taiwan typically sees average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest months in the country. This is especially true in southern cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan, where the climate is usually dry.

While the climate is pleasant, the tourist crowds are relatively smaller, making it an ideal time to visit many popular attractions like Elephant Mountain, Jiufen Old Street, or Longshan Temple. The season is also great to see the fluffy Miscanthus , or called Chinese Silver Grass, around most mountain ranges. The renowned Golden Horse Film Festival also takes place in November. If you’re in Taipei, take advantage of the opportunity to catch a movie. After the film, don’t forget to leave some time to explore the street food delights at Shilin Night Market.

Source: SmileTaiwan

Throughout December, there are plenty of rich and diverse activities to participate in. The mild winter weather is perfect for indulging in hot springs in places like Beitou and Wulai, or if you’re in southern Taiwan, the Kaohsiung Art Fair offers an opportunity to admire modern art creations from emerging local artists. Additionally, the Taipei Marathon takes place in December, attracting runners from all over. Whether you want to cheer them on or participate yourself, it’s an excellent way to explore the city and be part of a vibrant event.

Finally, Taiwan is an excellent destination for New Years celebration , festive activities are scattered all around major cities of Taiwan. One of the most spectacular and popular one are the fireworks in Taipei 101 .

Source: Taipei 101, Radio Taiwan International

Now that you found out more than enough activities to do in Taiwan, it is probably even harder to decide when is the best time to visit Taiwan. The answer of course really depends on what you are looking for in your trip. There are exciting cultural festivals, artistic celebration, beautiful sceneries and tasty food all year round in Taiwan, so you can never really go wrong. If there is one thing to consider, most people will probably find the summer in Taiwan a little unbearable; otherwise feel free to hop on a plane and come visit anytime you like!

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Best Time to Visit Taiwan | Seasonal Delights and Travel Tips | TaiwanThrills

Table of Contents

Insider Tips for Choosing Your Travel Dates | Best Time to Visit Taiwan | TaiwanThrills

Introduction:

Taking a road trip to Taiwan is not just a geographical exploration; It is an immersion in a tapestry of experiences woven through a kaleidoscope of diverse landscapes, rich cultural traditions and seasons. Every moment you stand on the threshold of this fascinating island promises to reveal a different facet of its beauty. Of the countless decisions you’ll make when planning your trip to Taiwan, none is more important than choosing the perfect time to visit.

With its dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, Taiwan beckons travelers to decipher the intricate poems written throughout the seasons. In this guide, we invite you to navigate the ever-changing canvas of the island’s climate, festivals and natural wonders. Join us on a journey through time to unlock the secrets of the best seasons and discover why your choice of timing is the key to unlocking the true essence of Taiwan.

In the following chapters, we will reveal the delicate dance of cherry blossoms in spring, the vibrant celebrations of summer, the lively charm of autumn and the festive charm of winter. In Taiwan, each season is a distinct chapter, and understanding this rhythmic progression allows you to create your own symphony of experience.

So, step into this world where the seasons are not just chronological markers, but storytellers, each whispering about beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. Taiwan is waiting for you, and the best time to visit isn’t just a date on the calendar; is an invitation to be part of the ever-evolving story of this extraordinary island.

The Ideal Time of Year to Travel to Taiwan

Spring (March to May):

Floral Wonderland: Spring is a magical time in Taiwan where cherry blossoms, azaleas, and other flowers bloom all over the island. Explore Yangmingshan National Park and Alishan for breathtaking floral displays. Moderate Temperatures: Enjoy mild temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.

Summer (June-August):

Festivals and Celebrations: Experience vibrant festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival and Ghost Moon celebrations that offer a glimpse into Taiwanese culture. Beach Time: Head to the east coast or the Penghu Islands for sunny beaches and water activities. Be aware that the summer months can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C.

Autumn (September-November):

Perfect Weather: Autumn is considered by many to be the best time to visit Taiwan due to comfortable temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C. Harvest Season: Explore the tea plantations of central Taiwan or attend the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival for a unique autumn experience.

Winter (December-February):

Festive Atmosphere: Embrace the holiday spirit with Christmas and New Year celebrations, especially in Taipei. The city comes to life with eye-catching decorations. Mild Winters: Northern Taiwan experiences cooler temperatures, while southern regions remain relatively mild, offering a welcome escape from harsh winter conditions.

The Greatest Months to Go to Taiwan.

Let’s break down the best months to visit Taiwan month by month and highlight the pros and cons of each period:

Pros: Temperate Weather: In January, cool and comfortable temperatures are experienced, especially in the southern regions. Festive Atmosphere: New Year celebrations continue in a lively and festive atmosphere.

Cons: Cooler in the North: Northern Taiwan can be cooler and requires warmer clothing.

Pros: Lunar New Year: Experience vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations with traditional festivities.

Cons: Closures: Some businesses may close during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Pros:Cherry Blossoms: Witness the blooming of cherry blossoms, especially in Yangmingshan National Park. Comfortable Temperatures: Enjoy mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.

Cons:Chance of Rain: Occasional showers may occur in March.

Pros: Continuation of Cherry Blossom: Cherry blossoms continue to bloom in various regions. Warmer Weather: Temperatures are rising, making for pleasant weather for exploring.

Cons: Increased Crowding: Popular tourist spots may become busier.

Pros: Spring Festivals: Experience local festivals and events celebrating the arrival of warm weather.

Cons: Higher Temperatures: Southern Taiwan may begin to experience warmer temperatures.

Pros: Beach Time: Head to the east coast for beach activities and water sports.

Cons: Beginning of Typhoon Season: June marks the beginning of typhoon season with increasing chances of rain.

Pros: Water Activities: Enjoy water activities and festivals along the coast.

Cons: Typhoon Concerns: Increased likelihood of typhoons and heavy rains.

Pros: Festivals: Attend various summer festivals across the island.

Cons: Peaks of Typhoon Season: The risk of typhoons is higher in August.

Pros: Cultural Festivals: Experience traditional Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Less Number of Tourists: There is a decrease in the number of tourists towards the end of the summer season.

Cons: Typhoon Risk Continues: Typhoon season continues until September.

Pros: Autumn Leaves: Enjoy the onset of autumn leaves, especially in Alishan.

Cons: Possible Rain: There is still a chance of rain in some areas.

Pros: Comfortable Temperatures: Enjoy mild temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Autumn Foliage Continues: Alishan and other regions display vibrant fall colors.

Cons: Possible Rain: Occasional rain may occur in some areas.

Pros: Festive Atmosphere: Experience Christmas and New Year celebrations especially in Taipei. Temperate Weather: Generally cool and comfortable temperatures.

Cons: Cooler in the North: Northern areas can be cooler, so pack accordingly.

General Tips:

• Typhoon Awareness: Be aware of typhoon season from June to November and stay informed about weather forecasts.
• Things to Consider During Peak Season: Popular tourist spots may be busier during peak travel times, so plan accordingly.
• Regional Difference: Taiwan’s climate may differ between the northern and southern regions, so plan your travel carefully.

Typhoon Season in Taiwan and Travel Tips

Taiwan’s geographic location places it in the typhoon-prone zone in the Pacific, making typhoon season an important consideration when planning a visit. Typhoon season usually lasts from June to November, and the risk of typhoons and heavy rainfall is higher during this period.

Understanding Typhoon Season:

Taiwan experiences an average of four to five typhoons a year, and these tropical storms can cause strong winds, torrential rains and potential disruptions to travel plans. The peak of typhoon season occurs from July to September, with August being the month of highest activity. Typhoons can affect different parts of the island, causing temporary closures of tourist attractions, transportation disruptions and security concerns.

Travel Tips for Typhoon Season:

Stay Informed: Follow weather forecasts and typhoon updates, especially during typhoon season. Follow local news channels and advisories for real-time information on typhoon developments.

Flexible Travel Program: Maintain a flexible travel schedule that allows for adjustments in case of unexpected changes due to typhoons. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip interruptions caused by natural disasters.

Accommodation Reservations: Make accommodation reservations in advance, but look for options with flexible cancellation policies. Be aware that some accommodations may close temporarily during typhoon.

Transportation Considerations: Check with transportation providers for updates on flights, trains, and buses during typhoon warnings. Keep alternative transportation options in mind and be prepared for delays or cancellations.

Stock Up on Essentials: Keep essential supplies stocked, including bottled water, non-perishable foods, and necessary medications in case local services are interrupted. Charge electronic devices in advance and carry power banks with you to stay connected.

Emergency Contact Persons: Find out emergency contact numbers, including local authorities and your country’s embassy or consulate. Have a communication plan with your travel companions.

Choose Safe Accommodation: If you’re staying in coastal areas, choose accommodations built to withstand typhoon conditions. Follow safety protocols and evacuation procedures provided by accommodation staff.

Respect Local Advice: Heed the advice of local authorities and follow evacuation orders. Stay indoors during the height of the typhoon and avoid going out until it is declared safe.

When to Go to Taiwan | Conclusion:

Ultimately, the best time to visit Taiwan depends on your preferences and interests. Whether you’re fascinated by cherry blossoms, intrigued by local festivals, or looking for mild weather for outdoor adventures, Taiwan has something to offer year-round. By unlocking the perfect seasons for your trip, you’re sure to create lasting memories and fall in love with the diverse beauty Taiwan has to offer. Plan wisely, pack appropriately and get ready for an unforgettable exploration of this vibrant island.

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The Best Time to Visit Taiwan in 2024 | When to Go

Written by: Author Andrew Helling  |  Reviewed by: Sandy Mitchell

Andrew Helling is a licensed pilot, travel enthusiast, and the founder of Travellers Worldwide whose travel expertise has been quoted in countless publications across the web. Armed with a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection, he loves exploring the world with his wife and son and is always on the hunt for cheap flights and new adventures... Learn More

Sandy Mitchell is a travel expert and the content reviewer/fact checker at Travellers Worldwide. Using the experience she gained working in the travel industry for more than 20 years, as a travel agent, travel marketing executive, and cruise school administrator, Sandy fact-checks and reviews each of our guides to ensure they're as accurate and helpful as possible... Learn More

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What's the best time to visit Taiwan?

The best time to visit Taiwan is from February to April or October to December, offering pleasant climates and a plethora of festivals and activities. Summers are perfect for beach trips, with Qixingtan Beach being a top choice, while the cooler and cloudier winter months are ideal for indoor activities like exploring the National Palace Museum’s vast collection. No matter when you visit, Taiwan’s diverse climate and cultural offerings ensure a memorable experience.

Taiwan is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, but that isn’t the only reason for the country’s economic boom. The ‘Beautiful Isle’ is also a huge tourist magnet in Southeast Asia, with millions of vacationers flocking here to enjoy the island’s many offerings.

Choosing the best time to visit Taiwan doesn’t have to be difficult, and we’ll show you when to travel and places of interest to look out for, including how to score cheap deals and discounts.

In truth, Taiwan is great to visit all year round, but some months offer more bang for your buck than others. Here’s what you need to know.

The Overall Best Time to Visit Taiwan

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The best time to visit Taiwan is February to April. But if you can’t make it then, consider visiting from October to December. Both times offer the best climate and numerous festivals and activities.

However, you can still visit Taiwan at any time of the year and have an amazing experience. Still, you’ll crosscheck with your itinerary before purchasing a plane ticket and booking accommodation.

Summer is best for going to the beach, and there’s no better place to start than Qixingtan Beach . It’s on the east coast of Taiwan and is close to Taroko National Park for those who’d like to visit.

The turquoise water and sheer mountains offer amazing selfies, and you can grab some street food and green tea ice cream in the corner shops nearby. Taiwan has a subtropical climate, but winter is often chillier than most vacationers expect.

The country has a median temperature ranging from 59F to 68F – significantly different from the soaring summer temperatures. The country experiences cloudy skies and fog, making this period ideal for indoor activities.

You can start by visiting the National Palace Museum , also known as “Gu Gong,” five miles from the capital. Since its founding in 1925, the museum has amassed nearly 700,000 art pieces, masterworks, and artifacts.

Artworks like the Meat-Shaped Stone, Jadeite Cabbage, and Jade Duck are fascinating. The museum exhibits The 5000 Years of China’s History, and many rare artifacts wouldn’t survive today if they were left in China during the Cultural Revolution.

Cheapest Time to Visit Taiwan

beeboys/Shutterstock

The cheapest months to visit Taiwan are in August and September. This period offers numerous discounts across the country, and is an excellent time for vacationers looking to visit Taiwan on a budget.

Even though the country isn’t as pocket friendly as Cambodia or Vietnam, Taiwan is still more affordable than Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore while offering similar service standards.

Accommodation is on the high side, but you can claw back that spent cash on cheap, delicious food and affordable public transportation. Hotels also offer discounts when you book in advance.

The country has buses that move like clockwork, and you can stop at most destinations from the airport for less than $3.00. Taoyuan International Airport  to downtown Taipei is a 40-minute distance, spending a miserly $2.80.

Another option is to use the EasyCard  for store purchases and public transportation. The card won’t save you cash on your trip, but you can enjoy discounts when you transfer from Youbike to the bus and metro.

Taipei is also riddled with free attractions ensuring you would need 41 years to visit the 15,000 temples dotting the island. The country has numerous free parks, and you can buy a day pass to enjoy the countless trails and natural attractions for cheap.

It’s vital to use public transportation wisely to get the most value for your money. For instance, riding the Youbike and walking is the cheapest way to explore downtown Taipei.

Buses are cheaper for longer distances and use Fair Zone System to determine the price. Still, you may prefer the metro if you can’t stand the traffic jams and sweltering heat.

Taiwan has fast and slow trains. The slow trains are fantastic for tourists looking to enjoy a leisurely day while offering a cheaper fare. Kids under six years old can freely ride the MRT. Older kids can get a seat for half-price.

Least Busy Time to Visit Taiwan

hxdyl/Shutterstock

The least busy time to visit Taiwan is from November to January. In dazzling glory, you’ll witness the cherry blossoms, including other exotic flowers.

The country is alive at all times, but tourist activity isn’t as crazy as peak season, allowing you to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. You can stop by one of the numerous botanical gardens in Chiayi, Taichung, and Taipei.

Winter is also the best time to explore the East Coast National Scenic Area . It’s a place of interest south of Hualien and stretches over a hundred miles. Outdoorsy individuals can cycle down the scenic trails, make camp, or enjoy a hiking adventure.

Visiting the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is a must during this period. The mountain range offers panoramic views of Yushan – the tallest mountain in Taiwan.

Visitors throng here to enjoy the misty forests while sipping Alishan High Mountain Tea. Additionally, there are various international events worth watching, including the Baosheng Cultural Festival and the International Fireworks Festival.

Winter is an amazing time to soak in the numerous thermal hot springs. You can visit Jiaoxi, Wenshan, Wulai, and Beitou – all prime thermal hot springs locations.

Worst Time to Visit Taiwan

Kaohsiung, Taiwan- May 20, 2020: During the rainy season, it rained heavily in the streets of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan/Jack Hong/Shutterstock

The worst time to visit Taiwan is from May until November. The reason is the tropical cyclone season which increases the likelihood of landslides, flooding, and road blockages on the island.

Taiwan typhoons affect the entire country, but the impact is usually on a section of the island. This situation allows you to enjoy the unaffected parts of the country.

Historically, you can expect three major typhoons annually, and summer is often the worst hit. Still, it isn’t all doom and gloom, and water-based activities are still the way to go this season.

Visit the country in summer if you’re used to tropical heat and soaring temperatures that surpass 90F. Remember that southern Taiwan is notorious for heavy rainfall, so factor that into your itinerary before carrying out any outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

f11photo/Shuterstock

Below are some common questions about the best time to visit Taiwan:

Which month is the best month to visit Taiwan?

February, March, and April are the three best months to visit Taiwan because the weather is cool and dry, perfect for most sightseeing activities.

What is the rainy season in Taiwan?

June to September are the most likely months to experience rainfall in Taiwan. The country doesn’t get torrential rain, but you must prepare for intense showers and humid conditions.

Which month is typhoon season in Taiwan?

You’re more likely to experience monsoon in the summer, which occurs from May to November.

What is the hottest month in Taiwan?

August is arguably Taiwan’s hottest month, with temperatures comfortably soaring past 90F at noon.

What month is the cherry blossom in Taiwan?

Cherry blossoms bloom in March before they start to fade in late April.

So, When Should You Go to Taiwan?

Taiwan is a leader in cutting-edge chip technology, but the country is gaining increasing momentum in the tourism sector. Many visitors enjoy the delicious cuisines and nightlife, with countless clubs that appeal to all music genres.

More importantly, Taiwan offers special activities throughout the year. You can always find places of interest to visit and festivals to attend, no matter your arrival time. Happy travels!

When to Go: Is Taiwan Safe to Visit in 2024? | Safety Concerns What It Costs: What a Trip to Taiwan Costs in 2024 | Average Prices

The Best Time to Visit Taipei, Taiwan for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Taipei for ideal weather are

October 22nd to May 6th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Taipei Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Taipei Travel Info

Weather in taipei.

Average temperatures in Taipei vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel nice most of the year, excluding some hot weeks in the summer, with a chance of rain throughout most of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 37th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Taipei, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early July where highs are regularly around 93.7°F (34.3°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 81.3°F (27.4°C) at night.

Taipei Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Taipei temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Taipei Perceived Temperature (F)

Taipei perceived temperature (c), average taipei temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Taipei are October, January, and then March. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid October. For example, on the week of October 15th there is 1 day of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early to mid June with an average of 4 days of significant precipitation the week of June 11th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Taipei.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Taipei (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Taipei has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is July (63.1% relative humidity), and the most humid month is February (71.8%).

Wind in Taipei is usually calm . The windiest month is October, followed by November and January. October’s average wind speed of around 6.2 knots (7.2 MPH or 11.5 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in late September where average top sustained speeds reach 10.1 knots, which is considered a gentle breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Taipei.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to taipei.

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for Taiwan; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Nov 27, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Taipei, Taiwan is August, followed by November and February. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Taipei in June. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall taipei travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 85.9°F (29.9°C) and 66.5°F (19.2°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is very common with 8 to 12 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the slowest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the most precipitation with 8 to 12 days of precipitation per month. June – August is fairly slow season for tourism in Taipei, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 89.7°F (32.1°C) and 71.5°F (21.9°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 6 to 8 days per month. Tourism is the busiest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be higher priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is somewhat cool this time of year in Taipei to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 70.3°F (21.3°C) and 64.2°F (17.9°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 6 to 8 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Taiwan › Taipei, Taiwan

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Things to do in Taiwan in July

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Looking for a different month?

July is a good time to visit Taiwan .

Taiwan has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your July trip to Taiwan. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to July. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

Table of contents

• Experiences
• Attractions

Best events and things to do in Taiwan in July

Top experiences in july, holidays in taiwan in july.

There are no holidays in Taiwan in July

Other notable holidays

• Dragon Boat Festival ( June 10 )
• Hungry Ghost Festival ( August 18 )
• Armed Forces Day ( September 3 )
• Mid-Autumn Festival ( September 17 )
• Teachers' Day ( September 28 )
• National Day ( October 10 )
• Double Ninth Day ( October 11 )
• Taiwan's Retrocession Day ( October 25 )
• Constitution Day ( December 25 )
• Republic Day/New Year's Day ( January 1 )
• Lunar New Year's Eve ( January 28 )
• Lunar New Year's Day ( January 29 )
• Lunar New Year Holiday ( January 30 — February 2 )
• Farmer's Day ( February 4 )
• Lantern Festival ( February 12 )

Best attractions for Taiwan in July

What's the weather like in Taiwan?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Taiwan for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Taiwan in January
• Weather in Taiwan in February
• Weather in Taiwan in March
• Weather in Taiwan in April
• Weather in Taiwan in May
• Weather in Taiwan in June
• Weather in Taiwan in July
• Weather in Taiwan in August
• Weather in Taiwan in September
• Weather in Taiwan in October
• Weather in Taiwan in November
• Weather in Taiwan in December

Explore nearby places

• Miaoli City
• Hualien City
• Changhua City
• Nantou City
• Yonaguni-cho
• Pingtan County
• Lianjiang County
• Taketomi-cho
• Taitung City

All related maps of Taiwan

• Map of Taiwan
• Map of Da'an
• Map of Taipei
• Map of Wanhua
• Map of Banqiao
• Map of New Taipei
• Map of Keelung
• Map of Taoyuan
• Map of Ruifang
• Map of Yilan City
• Map of Zhubei
• Map of Hsinchu
• Map of Toufen
• Map of Miaoli City
• Map of Hualien City
• Map of Taichung
• Map of Changhua City
• Map of Nantou City
• Map of Yuanlin
• Map of Yonaguni-cho
• Map of Douliu
• Map of Pingtan County
• Map of Chiayi
• Map of Taibao
• Map of Puzi
• Map of Changle
• Map of Fuqing
• Map of Lianjiang County
• Map of Taketomi-cho
• Map of Fuzhou
• Map of Taitung City

Taiwan throughout the year

• Taiwan in January
• Taiwan in February
• Taiwan in March
• Taiwan in April
• Taiwan in May
• Taiwan in June
• Taiwan in July
• Taiwan in August
• Taiwan in September
• Taiwan in October
• Taiwan in November
• Taiwan in December

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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
• Month-by-month cost
• Places to visit
• Taiwan reviews
• Travel articles

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.

• Vacation Homes
• Bed and Breakfasts

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 July

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

I have visited several Asian countries and cities. Taipei became one of my favorite places because it is the sum of the best of other places. It is a modern city with very good transport. Taipei is not too busy and compared to other Asian cities has little pollution and is clean, has a good climate, is safe, and the people are very open and friendly.

Nice city with lots of food but don't over-rated this modern city as you still can see the street aren't that clean and still some homeless people wondering in the city. Also, don't think the people there are friendly as that was my original impression.

I loved the quiet, small town feel. Everything was convenient & there were many restaurants to choose from. Waiao beach is also very near, which is awesome to surf at. Definitely want to come back whenever we have the chance!

I really liked the MOOVO bike rental since its available to non residents like myself. Its the only place I was able to rent any transportation for myself other than taxis.

It was raining every day that we stayed there. We were blessed to go out a couple of days. We went to the only popular night market. They had good street foods and games like at the fair. We also went to the only big shopping center in town. Overall, it was a little depressing because of the rain, but nice when we got to go out and explore.

City itself is small, but the Taroko NP is the most beautiful place in TW.

The best thing is the soft wind from the ocean. We stayed in Taipei fora few days before we came to here, it was too warm and too sticky to stay there, next time we might consider to stay in Kaohsiung more if we come in summer again. The city is newer looking and feel cleaner than Taipei too. Take a ride with the light rail around the city is a good way to find out what you want to see .

Taipei is a great city, whether you like culture, shopping, walking or eating! You will find the best food, in restaurants or night markets. Great museums and many place for shopping, with a great transportation system . You can also easily get away from the city by going to Maokong, where you can spend the afternoon or evening admiring the view of the city from the mountains, and drink locally-grown tea.

Hualien is easily accessible by train from small or major cities, either with the express or local trains. It is also a great starting point to discover the central east cost, with wonders like Taroko gorge and Walami trail. In the city, the Dongdamen night market is worth spending a few evenings.

1 day is enough if you go on a e-bike to round Sun Moon Lake. If you use bicycle, it can be quite taxing going up slopes.

A city is improving except some city bus drivers are rude.

島自体が狭いので歩くにも困らない。まだベストシーズンではなかったので休みの飲食店がかなりあった。台湾初民宿だったがオーナーは親切で部屋にもシャワールームがあって良かった。ただ階段のみだったのでオーナーがスーツケースを運んでくれなければきつかった。自分の年齢を考えると多少高くてもホテルの方が良かったかも。

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.

We love the food, hospitality of the people there, the nature and relax feel.

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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Best Time to Visit Taiwan

Climate Overview

Beach Vacation in February

Best Time to Visit Taiwan: Overview

Best time to visit the regions, climate charts taiwan.

In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions.

Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions.

Day Temperatures

Night temperatures, average temperatures, water temperatures, precipitation, hours of sunshine per day.

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Tables Taiwan

Temperatures, precipitation, sunshine in taipei (taiwan), temperatures, precipitation, sunshine in tainan (taiwan), popular activities, more attractions, current weather and forecast.

Activities and Attractions

Distances to taiwan, where’s taiwan, continent: asia, taiwan: experiences of our visitors.

I lived in Taichung from August to January. There mostly super weather, very resistant and only from the middle of December a jacket became necessary. Then February to August in Taipei. The weather there is very changeable. Wednesday 30° and sun, Thursday 18° cloudy. Friday again pleasant at 25°. Generally much more rain and colder.

Weather Rating: 2 stars – Tricky

Warm humid rainy 15° in the region taipei. Kenting however 28° and sunshine

Weather Rating: 3 stars – Mixed

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The Perfect Time to Visit Taiwan. Is there one?

By ReddotExplorer

August 10, 2023

Introduction to Visiting Taiwan

When it comes to traveling to Taiwan , there is no single best time to visit. There are, however, several great times of the year that can make your trip to Taiwan even more enjoyable.

If you’re looking to take a trip to Taiwan, there are a few things you should consider before making your plans. You should consider the weather and climate in Taiwan, the popular attractions, street food, and accommodations. You should also be aware of the cost of flying to Taiwan from Singapore .

Best Time to Visit Taiwan

The best time to visit Taiwan depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for and the weather in Taiwan . If you’re looking for warmer temperatures, then the spring and fall are the best times to visit. The winter months are colder but are still a great time to visit if you’re looking for a different type of experience.

If you’re looking for a more festive atmosphere, then you should visit during the Chinese New Year in late January or early February. This is when the streets of Taiwan come alive with colorful decorations and festivities.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, then the summer months are a great time to visit. The temperatures are mild and the beaches are a great place to relax and soak up the sun.

Weather & Climate in Taiwan

Taiwan has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The temperatures range from an average low of 13°C (55°F) in the winter months to an average high of 28°C (82°F) in the summer months.

Rainfall is common in Taiwan, but it is generally light and doesn’t last for long. The wet season lasts from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in June and July.

The typhoon season in Taiwan runs from June to October, with the peak period being from late August to early October. Typhoons can cause serious damage and disruption in Taiwan, so it’s important to be aware of the typhoon season before you make your plans.

What to Expect During Different Times of the Year

The spring months (March to May) are a great time to visit Taiwan. The temperatures are mild and the flowers are in full bloom. The cherry blossoms are particularly beautiful during this time of year.

The summer months (June to August) are hot and humid but still a great time to visit. The beaches are a great place to relax and soak up the sun.

The fall months (September to November) are cool and dry. The temperatures are mild and the foliage is stunning.

The winter months (December to February) are cold but still a great time to visit. The streets of Taiwan come alive during the Chinese New Year festivities in late January or early February.

Popular Attractions in Taiwan

Taiwan is home to a variety of attractions that are sure to appeal to all kinds of visitors. Some of the most popular attractions in Taiwan include:

· Taipei 101: This iconic skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the world and offers stunning views of the city.

· Sun Moon Lake: This picturesque lake is located in the mountains and is a great place to go for a hike or simply enjoy the views.

· Taroko Gorge: This stunning gorge is a popular tourist attraction and is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Taiwan.

Must-Try Street Foods in Taiwan

Taiwan is known for its delicious street food. From night markets to small stalls, there is something for everyone. Some of the must-try street foods in Taiwan include:

· Stinky Tofu: This fermented tofu dish is a popular delicacy and is a must-try for any foodie.

· Oyster Omelette: This popular dish is made with eggs, oysters, and vegetables and is often served with a delicious sweet and spicy sauce.

· Bubble Tea: This tasty drink is a favorite and is a great way to cool off during the hot summer months.

· Beef Noodle Soup: This classic dish is a must-try and is sure to hit the spot.

Tourist-Friendly Accommodations in Taiwan

Taiwan is home to a wide variety of accommodations that cater to all kinds of visitors. From luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels, there is something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, then you should check out the Grand Hyatt Taipei or the W Taipei . Both of these hotels offer stunning views of the city and are close to many of the city’s attractions.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, then you should check out the hostels in Taiwan. There are several great hostels located around the city that are perfect for those on a budget.

Flying to Taiwan from Singapore

If you’re flying to Taiwan from Singapore, then you should be aware of the cost. The average cost of a round-trip flight from Singapore to Taiwan is around $300. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the time of year, the airline, and the type of ticket.

With effect from 29 September 22, Singaporeans can enter Taiwan visa-free for durations of stay up to 30 days. Pre-departure PCR tests are not required, and there are no vaccination requirements to enter Taiwan.

Taiwan is a great destination for travelers looking for a unique experience. With its stunning scenery, vibrant cities, and warm people, Taiwan is sure to be a memorable experience.

When it comes to the best time to visit Taiwan, there is no single answer. Depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for, the spring, summer, fall, or winter months can all be great times to visit.

No matter when you decide to visit, Taiwan is sure to be a memorable experience. With its amazing attractions, delicious street food, and tourist-friendly accommodations, Taiwan is a great destination for any traveler.

• 1. Introduction to Visiting Taiwan
• 2. Best Time to Visit Taiwan
• 3. Weather & Climate in Taiwan
• 4. What to Expect During Different Times of the Year
• 5. Popular Attractions in Taiwan
• 6. Must-Try Street Foods in Taiwan
• 7. Tourist-Friendly Accommodations in Taiwan
• 8. Flying to Taiwan from Singapore
• 9. Conclusion

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Best Time to Visit Taipei, Taiwan

Last Updated: 10/27/2023

Published: 08/10/2023

I may make commissions from purchases made through links.  Read here for more information. And as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This is an overview of all Taipei’s seasons and a means to help you choose the best time to visit. Read on to learn more.

I’ve lived around Taipei for more than 5 years and have experienced all weather conditions it could offer. Hence, it has given me the best idea of when people should visit.

The best times to visit Taipei are in September, October, and November . The weather isn’t too hot, there aren’t any typhoons, and it’s still sunny enough to explore many outdoor attractions.

• October is the best month to visit for temperature & lack of holidays.
• Avoid visiting between July & October because of typhoons.
• December through May are excellent for lower temperatures.
• Taiwan is very humid year-round.

Temperatures in Taipei Compared by Month

Best time to visit taipei by season.

The following sections will cover what each season’s like in Taipei, whether it’s worth visiting around those times, and if there are any holidays you should consider.

Taiwan has very high relative humidity. In many scenarios, you’ll walk outside and feel drenched in sweat. And it can make the temperatures feel hotter than it is. For instance, if you have 95 °F weather with 60% relative humidity, it’ll feel like 107 °F.

An additional 10 degrees.

Let’s dive into this.

Fall in Taipei

These are the best months to visit Taipei . The humidity is a bit ridiculous, but the lower temperatures counter the increase you’d notice. 

These months don’t have too many holidays. Thus, you don’t need to risk price hikes and mass migrations. The Mid-Autumn Festival happens in late September, increasing the number of people moving around.

However, I haven’t noticed price hikes. The same goes for National Day, around October 8th through the 10th.

Nothing happens during November except for Sun Yat-sen’s Birthday, which isn’t a national holiday. Thanksgiving isn’t a big thing here , meaning you won’t need to worry about many people moving around.

Black Friday also isn’t a “thing” here. Some stores will have Black Friday sales (e.g., Costco). But they’re not crazy like in the States.

Don’t forget to order flight tickets at least a month or 3 ahead of time. It’ll help you get the best chances of getting cheaper flight tickets.

Here’s the second-best season to visit Taipei.

Spring in Taipei

These 3 months are also fantastic months to visit Taipei because there aren’t too many holidays. Tomb Sweeping Day on April 4th is a national holiday and a lot of people will have the day off. Then there’s Matsu’s birthday on May 1st. 

The latter is a religious holiday dedicated to the goddess Matsu. Nothing that happens during this time will affect your traveling experience.

When visiting around this time, check out the cherry blossoms.

And here are the best places to see them in Taipei City:

• No. 12, Lane 42, Pingjing St., Shilin District
• No. 38, Section 2, Hushan Rd, Beitou District
• Section 1, Hushan Rd, Beitou District
• Lohas Park (樂活公園): Lane 61, Kangle St., Neihu District
• Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂): First half of February–March

You don’t need to pay to see any of these cherry blossoms. Though, you’ll find it crowded.

You’ll also find them in the Gold Museum, Big Bear Cherry Blossom Forest, and Tianyuan Temple in New Taipei City , which is adjacent. However, this guide’s about Taipei.

Check these places out if you go near them.

Let’s move on to my favorite season.

Winter in Taipei

Winter’s a great season to visit Taipei if you want to experience Taiwan’s Christmas scene and avoid Taiwan’s hottest weather. These are the coldest months, and they feel amazing.

Most folks in Taiwan don’t seriously celebrate Christmas. Many decorate for it. However, they blow many displays I’ve seen in the U.S. out of the water. For instance, the Banqiao, New Taipei City Christmasland has light displays everywhere, concerts, a giant tree, and more.

It’s also lovely to arrive around New Year’s Eve. Sit in front of Taipei 101 and watch massive fireworks show. Or go to one of the restaurants in Maokong Mountain and watch from a distance. 

Taking this route will help you escape the hell of the crowds that flock to MRT stations after the firework show.

If you want to stay at a hotel around Taipei 101 around New Year’s Eve, you must book at least a year in advance. People want those rooms and are willing to pay a lot to stay in them. Thus, they sell out quickly.

Aside from summer months, February is one of the worst months to visit because of the Lunar New Year holiday (Chinese New Years). Billions of people shuffle throughout Asia and can make finding flights a nightmare [ 1 ].

This’ll lead to price hikes and difficulty booking flights. Plus, a lot of Taipei is empty and buildings are closed since many folks will head to the countryside to visit their families.

The dates for Lunar New Year will change every year. In 2024, Lunar New year is February 9th through the 15th. The holiday will fall in January in 2025. Then from 2026 to 2033, it’ll be in February again.

Here’s where the weather gets bad…

Summer in Taipei

The Dragon Boat Festival happens in June, which is an event where many Taiwanese will watch people piloting dragon-shaped boats race. Some places, like Sun Moon Lake, will cost more to stay at and may not have any rooms available.

And no holidays happen during July and August. However, these months are all super hot and not ideal for visiting outdoor attractions.

If you arrive in Taiwan during this time, bring sunscreen and ensure you keep an umbrella on you whenever you go out. Taipei now has umbrella rental services at the MRT stations, but they require an app.

You’ll also find umbrellas for under NT$150 at convenience stores like Family Mart and 7-Eleven.

This season also falls under the typhoon season. Let’s learn when it’ll happen.

Typhoon Season in Taiwan

Typhoon season in Taiwan runs from July toward the end of September . Some sources suggest they’ll happen in May, June, October, and November, but I’ve never seen one in those time frames [ 2 ].

Taiwan will rarely have typhoons earlier than July and later than September. However, in my 5 years here, I haven’t seen one outside the time frame I listed.

Best Places to Visit in Taipei

National palace museum, chiang kai-shek memorial hall.

Historical site

Daytrip, for families

Miniatures Museum of Taiwan

National revolutionary martyer’s shrine, sun yat-sen memorial hall, beitou hot spring resort.

Hot springs

Yangmingshan National Park

Daan forest park, miramar ferris wheel.

For families, shopping

Guanghua Digital Plaza

Treasure hill, maokong mountain.

Vista, hiking

Dihua Street

Taipei botanical garden, huashan 1914 creative park, jianguo flower & jade markets, faqs on the best time to visit taipei.

Keep reading to find frequently asked questions regarding times to visit Taipei.

Does It Snow in Taipei?

It does not snow in Taipei . Most of the snow in Taiwan happens on the main island’s Central Mountain Range.

• * Source: ncdc.noaa.gov
• ** Source: championtraveler.com/dates/best-time-to-visit-taipei-tw/
• † Source: en.climate-data.org/asia/republic-of-china-taiwan/taipei-city/taipei-city-5817/

More Guides for Taipei Visitors

• Where to Stay in Taipei: Best Places Compared 08/28/2023
• Taipei Nightlife: Best Bars, Nightclubs, & Attractions 08/18/2023
• 13 Taipei Travel Tips to consider when visiting 08/18/2023
• Guide to Getting Around Taipei 08/18/2023
• Best Time to Visit Taipei, Taiwan 08/10/2023
• Taipei Red Light District 08/05/2023
• Travel Costs for Taipei 08/04/2023

Even More Guides

Where to Stay in Taipei: Best Places Compared

Indoor Things to do in Taipei

Things to do in Taipei with Kids

Taipei Nightlife: Best Bars, Nightclubs, & Attractions

13 Taipei Travel Tips to consider when visiting

Guide to Getting Around Taipei

Best Taipei Tours

Beitou Museum – Visitors Guide

Theodore began first experienced the wonders of traveling when visiting Vietnam. Afterward, he went crazy and ventured to at least… More about Theo

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The best times to visit Puglia, Italy

Mar 26, 2024 • 4 min read

Puglia is a gem throughout all the seasons – here are our tips on how to decide when to go © Zigres / Shutterstock

Puglia might still be a somewhat under-the-radar destination compared to other Italian regions, but locals know that the country’s easternmost region is emblematic of all the best things  Italy  has to offer: stunning natural landscapes, millennia-old history, rich folklore and delicious cuisine.

Sometimes also known as the Heel of Italy since most of its territory takes up what is unmistakably the heel of the boot-shaped Belpaese , Puglia is a popular summer spot for Italians, and its gentle Mediterranean weather and cultural treasures mean travelers will find something to fill their days even in the off season.

Whether you're into summer festivals along the beach or nativity scenes at Christmas, here is a guide to help you pick the perfect time for your visit to Puglia.

April to June is best for lovely weather and Easter traditions

The period from April to June is probably the best time of year to be in Puglia. While you might still encounter some rain showers at the beginning of April, each month will get warmer, allowing you to take a dip into the sea and explore the region's enchanting cities and towns – all without the heat and crowds of high summer.

Depending on when Easter falls, you might also be able to catch some of its celebrations in April. Italian schools close in the days leading up to Easter, as do most workplaces for Easter Monday, making that long weekend a bit more trafficked than usual. 

Still, it’s definitely worth witnessing some of the Easter traditions where spirituality and folklore intertwine, like the famous Fracchie in the village of San Marco in Lamis, an event during which huge torches are lit on fire and then hauled along the village’s main streets.

July to August is best for a textbook summer vacation

The weather in Puglia is softened by its proximity to the sea, but summer here still gets pretty hot – lean into the languor by dozing on the sand under a beach umbrella or taking a dive into the waters of the Adriatic Sea. July and August provide that quintessential Italian summer experience, but make sure to book in advance as this is high season – accommodations get crowded quickly and prices rise equally fast.

There are many Italians who love to travel to Puglia for their summer holidays – beyond the beautiful beaches and historic towns, the whole region is alight with festivals and events. Don't miss the music festival Notte della Taranta , a string of folk music concerts held in cities and towns across Salento throughout August and that culminates in one big concert in Melpignano.

September to October is best for milder weather and fruits of the harvest

Autumn is an excellent time to visit Puglia. While the things can turn chilly and rainy towards the end of October, the weather is overall still lovely, so much so that you can’t really tell that summer has actually ended. With life going back to normal for Italians, who return to work and school, you’ll have a chance to explore the region’s highlights without the crowds.

While September and October are harvest months, one of the most interesting events you can attend to if you happen to be in Puglia around the beginning of September is not harvest related. The Challenge of Barletta is a historical reenactment of the clash that took place at the beginning of the 16th century between thirteen Italian knights and thirteen French ones, complete with heralds, noblewomen and of course, knights.

November to March is best for budget travel and holiday magic

Autumn officially ends with November and the harvesting of olives from Puglia’s famous olive trees. Winter strolls in, bringing the coldest weather the region experiences throughout the year, but it’s also the perfect season if you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind skipping the ocean swims. Christmastime sees people returning home to spend the holidays with their families, and several cities and towns put up living nativity scenes where actors recreating the story of the birth of Jesus. 

If you are in Puglia in the first half of January, you might also catch the massive bonfires illuminating the night in the town of Castellana Grotte, a tradition to celebrate the city being freed from the plague at the end of the 17th century.

February is also the month of Carnival celebrations. The largest of these is held in Putignano, with a parade of incredibly elaborate carnival floats and masked groups.

Keep planning your trip to Puglia:

Build your itinerary with the 8 best things to do in Puglia

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Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem

The former republican national committee chairwoman was hired by nbc and then let go after an outcry..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Today, the saga of Ronna McDaniel and NBC and what it reveals about the state of television news headed into the 2024 presidential race. Jim Rutenberg, a “Times” writer at large, is our guest.

It’s Monday, April 1.

Jim, NBC News just went through a very public, a very searing drama over the past week, that we wanted you to make sense of in your unique capacity as a longtime media and political reporter at “The Times.” This is your sweet spot. You were, I believe, born to dissect this story for us.

Oh, brother.

Well, on the one hand, this is a very small moment for a major network like NBC. They hire, as a contributor, not an anchor, not a correspondent, as a contributor, Ronna McDaniel, the former RNC chairwoman. It blows up in a mini scandal at the network.

But to me, it represents a much larger issue that’s been there since that moment Donald J. Trump took his shiny gold escalator down to announce his presidential run in 2015. This struggle by the news media to figure out, especially on television, how do we capture him, cover him for all of his lies, all the challenges he poses to Democratic norms, yet not alienate some 74, 75 million American voters who still follow him, still believe in him, and still want to hear his reality reflected in the news that they’re listening to?

Right. Which is about as gnarly a conundrum as anyone has ever dealt with in the news media.

Well, it’s proven so far unsolvable.

Well, let’s use the story of what actually happened with Ronna McDaniel and NBC to illustrate your point. And I think that means describing precisely what happened in this situation.

The story starts out so simply. It’s such a basic thing that television networks do. As elections get underway, they want people who will reflect the two parties.

They want talking heads. They want insiders. They want them on their payroll so they can rely on them whenever they need them. And they want them to be high level so they can speak with great knowledge about the two major candidates.

Right. And rather than needing to beg these people to come on their show at 6 o’clock, when they might be busy and it’s not their full-time job, they go off and they basically put them on retainer for a bunch of money.

Yeah. And in this case, here’s this perfect scenario because quite recently, Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee through the Trump era, most of it, is now out on the market. She’s actually recently been forced out of the party. And all the networks are interested because here’s the consummate insider from Trump world ready to get snatched up under contract for the next election and can really represent this movement that they’ve been trying to capture.

So NBC’S key news executives move pretty aggressively, pretty swiftly, and they sign her up for a $300,000 a year contributor’s contract.

Nice money if you can get it.

Not at millions of dollars that they pay their anchors, but a very nice contract. I’ll take it. You’ll take it. In the eyes of NBC execs she was perfect because she can be on “Meet the Press” as a panelist. She can help as they figure out some of their coverage. They have 24 hours a day to fill and here’s an official from the RNC. You can almost imagine the question that would be asked to her. It’s 10:00 PM on election night. Ronna, what are the Trump people thinking right now? They’re looking at the same numbers you are.

That was good, but that’s exactly it. And we all know it, right? This is television in our current era.

So last Friday, NBC makes what should be a routine announcement, but one they’re very proud of, that they’ve hired Ronna McDaniel. And in a statement, they say it couldn’t be a more important moment to have a voice like Ronna’s on the team. So all’s good, right? Except for there’s a fly in the ointment.

Because it turns out that Ronna McDaniel has been slated to appear on “Meet the Press,” not as a paid NBC contributor, but as a former recently ousted RNC chair with the “Meet The Press” host, Kristen Welker, who’s preparing to have a real tough interview with Ronna McDaniel. Because of course, Ronna McDaniel was chair of the party and at Trump’s side as he tried to refuse his election loss. So this was supposed to be a showdown interview.

From NBC News in Washington, the longest-running show in television history. This is “Meet The Press” with Kristen Welker.

And here, all of a sudden, Kristin Welker is thrown for a loop.

In full disclosure to our viewers, this interview was scheduled weeks before it was announced that McDaniel would become a paid NBC News contributor.

Because now, she’s actually interviewing a member of the family who’s on the same payroll.

Right. Suddenly, she’s interviewing a colleague.

This will be a news interview, and I was not involved in her hiring.

So what happens during the interview?

So Welker is prepared for a tough interview, and that’s exactly what she does.

Can you say, as you sit here today, did Joe Biden win the election fair and square?

He won. He’s the legitimate president.

Did he win fair and square?

Fair and square, he won. It’s certified. It’s done.

She presses her on the key question that a lot of Republicans get asked these days — do you accept Joe Biden was the winner of the election?

But, I do think, Kristen —

Ronna, why has it taken you until now to say that? Why has it taken you until now to be able to say that?

I’m going to push back a little.

McDaniel gets defensive at times.

Because I do think it’s fair to say there were problems in 2020. And to say that does not mean he’s not the legitimate president.

But, Ronna, when you say that, it suggests that there was something wrong with the election. And you know that the election was the most heavily scrutinized. Chris Krebs —

It’s a really combative interview.

I want to turn now to your actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

And Welker actually really does go deeply into McDaniel’s record in those weeks before January 6.

On November 17, you and Donald Trump were recorded pushing two Republican Michigan election officials not to certify the results of the election. And on the call —

For instance, she presses McDaniel on McDaniel’s role in an attempt to convince a couple county commissioner level canvassers in Michigan to not certify Biden’s victory.

Our call that night was to say, are you OK? Vote your conscience. Not pushing them to do anything.

McDaniel says, look, I was just telling them to vote their conscience. They should do whatever they think is right.

But you said, do not sign it. If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. How can people read that as anything other than a pressure campaign?

And Welker’s not going to just let her off the hook. Welker presses her on Trump’s own comments about January 6 and Trump’s efforts recently to gloss over some of the violence, and to say that those who have been arrested, he’ll free them.

Do you support that?

I want to be very clear. The violence that happened on January 6 is unacceptable.

And this is a frankly fascinating moment because you can hear McDaniel starting to, if not quite reverse some of her positions, though in some cases she does that, at least really soften her language. It’s almost as if she’s switching uniforms from the RNC one to an NBC one or almost like breaking from a role she was playing.

Ronna, why not speak out earlier? Why just speak out about that now?

When you’re the RNC chair, you kind of take one for the whole team, right? Now, I get to be a little bit more myself.

She says, hey, you know what? Sometimes as RNC chair, you just have to take it for the team sometimes.

Right. What she’s really saying is I did things as chairwoman of the Republican National committee that now that I no longer have that job, I can candidly say, I wished I hadn’t done, which is very honest. But it’s also another way of saying I’m two faced, or I was playing a part.

Ronna McDaniel, thank you very much for being here this morning.

Then something extraordinary happens. And I have to say, I’ve never seen a moment like this in decades of watching television news and covering television news.

Welcome back. The panel is here. Chuck Todd, NBC News chief political analyst.

Welker brings her regular panel on, including Chuck Todd, now the senior NBC political analyst.

Chuck, let’s dive right in. What were your takeaways?

And he launches right into what he calls —

Look, let me deal with the elephant in the room.

The elephant being this hiring of McDaniel.

I think our bosses owe you an apology for putting you in this situation.

And he proceeds, on NBC’S air, to lace into management for, as he describes it, putting Welker in this crazy awkward position.

Because I don’t know what to believe. She is now a paid contributor by NBC News. I have no idea whether any answer she gave to you was because she didn’t want to mess up her contract.

And Todd is very hung up on this idea that when she was speaking for the party, she would say one thing. And now that she’s on the payroll at NBC, she’s saying another thing.

She has credibility issues that she still has to deal with. Is she speaking for herself, or is she speaking on behalf of who’s paying her?

Todd is basically saying, how are we supposed to know which one to believe.

What can we believe?

It is important for this network and for always to have a wide aperture. Having ideological diversity on this panel is something I prided myself on.

And what he’s effectively saying is that his bosses should have never hired her in this capacity.

I understand the motivation, but this execution, I think, was poor.

Someone said to me last night we live in complicated times. Thank you guys for being here. I really appreciate it.

Now, let’s just note here, this isn’t just any player at NBC. Chuck Todd is obviously a major news name at the network. And him doing this appears to just open the floodgates across the entire NBC News brand, especially on its sister cable network, MSNBC.

And where I said I’d never seen anything like what I saw on “Meet the Press” that morning, I’d never seen anything like this either. Because now, the entire MSNBC lineup is in open rebellion. I mean, from the minute that the sun comes up. There is Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.

We weren’t asked our opinion of the hiring. But if we were, we would have strongly objected to it.

They’re on fire over this.

believe NBC News should seek out conservative Republican voices, but it should be conservative Republicans, not a person who used her position of power to be an anti-democracy election denier.

But it rolls out across the entire schedule.

Because Ronna McDaniel has been a major peddler of the big lie.

The fact that Ms. McDaniel is on the payroll at NBC News, to me that is inexplicable. I mean, you wouldn’t hire a mobster to work at a DA’s office.

Rachel Maddow devotes an entire half hour.

It’s not about just being associated with Donald Trump and his time in the Republican Party. It’s not even about lying or not lying. It’s about our system of government.

Thumbing their noses at our bosses and basically accusing them of abetting a traitorous figure in American history. I mean, just extraordinary stuff. It’s television history.

And let’s face it, we journalists, our bosses, we can be seen as crybabies, and we’re paid complaining. Yeah, that’s what we’re paid to do. But in this case, the NBC executives cannot ignore this, because in the outcry, there’s a very clear point that they’re all making. Ronna McDaniel is not just a voice from the other side. She was a fundamental part of Trump’s efforts to deny his election loss.

This is not inviting the other side. This is someone who’s on the wrong side —

Of history.

Of history, of these moments that we’ve covered and are still covering.

And I think it’s fair to say that at this point, everyone understands that Ronna McDaniel’s time at NBC News is going to be very short lived. Yeah, basically, after all this, the executives at NBC have to face facts it’s over. And on Tuesday night, they release a statement to the staff saying as much.

They don’t cite the questions about red lines or what Ronna McDaniel represented or didn’t represent. They just say we need to have a unified newsroom. We want cohesion. This isn’t working.

I think in the end, she was a paid contributor for four days.

Yeah, one of the shortest tenures in television news history. And look, in one respect, by their standards, this is kind of a pretty small contract, a few hundred thousand dollars they may have to pay out. But it was way more costly because they hired her. They brought her on board because they wanted to appeal to these tens of millions of Americans who still love Donald J. Trump.

And what happens now is that this entire thing is blown up in their face, and those very same people now see a network that, in their view, in the view of Republicans across the country, this network will not accept any Republicans. So it becomes more about that. And Fox News, NBC’S longtime rival, goes wall to wall with this.

Now, NBC News just caved to the breathless demands from their far left, frankly, emotionally unhinged host.

I mean, I had it on my desk all day. And every minute I looked at that screen, it was pounding on these liberals at NBC News driving this Republican out.

It’s the shortest tenure in TV history, I think. But why? Well, because she supports Donald Trump, period.

So in a way, this leaves NBC worse off with that Trump Republican audience they had wanted to court than maybe even they were before. It’s like a boomerang with a grenade on it.

Yeah, it completely explodes in their face. And that’s why to me, the whole episode is so representative of this eight-year conundrum for the news media, especially on television. They still haven’t been able to crack the code for how to handle the Trump movement, the Trump candidacy, and what it has wrought on the American political system and American journalism.

We’ll be right back.

Jim, put into context this painful episode of NBC into that larger conundrum you just diagnosed that the media has faced when it comes to Trump.

Well, Michael, it’s been there from the very beginning, from the very beginning of his political rise. The media was on this kind of seesaw. They go back and forth over how to cover him. Sometimes they want to cover him quite aggressively because he’s such a challenging candidate. He was bursting so many norms.

But at other times, there was this instinct to understand his appeal, for the same reason. He’s such an unusual candidate. So there was a great desire to really understand his voters. And frankly, to speak to his voters, because they’re part of the audience. And we all lived it, right?

But just let me take you back anyway because everything’s fresh again with perspective. And so if you go back, let’s look at when he first ran. The networks, if you recall, saw him as almost like a novelty candidate.

He was going to spice up what was expected to be a boring campaign between the usual suspects. And he was a ratings magnet. And the networks, they just couldn’t get enough of it. And they allowed him, at times, to really shatter their own norms.

Welcome back to “Meet the Press,” sir.

Good morning, Chuck.

Good morning. Let me start —

He was able to just call into the studio and riff with the likes of George Stephanopoulos and Chuck Todd.

What does it have to do with Hillary?

She can’t talk about me because nobody respects women more than Donald Trump.

And CNN gave him a lot of unmitigated airtime, if you recall during the campaign. They would run the press conferences.

It’s the largest winery on the East Coast. I own it 100 percent.

And let him promote his Trump steaks and his Trump wine.

Trump steaks. Where are the steaks? Do we have steaks?

I mean, it got that crazy. But again, the ratings were huge. And then he wins. And because they had previously given him all that airtime, they’ve, in retrospect, sort of given him a political gift, and more than that now have a journalistic imperative to really address him in a different way, to cover him as they would have covered any other candidate, which, let’s face it, they weren’t doing initially. So there’s this extra motivation to make up for lost ground and maybe for some journalistic omissions.

Right. Kind of correct for the lack of a rigorous journalistic filter in the campaign.

Exactly. And the big thing that this will be remembered for is we’re going to call a lie a lie.

I don’t want to sugarcoat this because facts matter, and the fact is President Trump lies.

Trump lies. We’re going to say it’s a lie.

And I think we can’t just mince around it because they are lies. And so we need to call them what they are.

We’re no longer going to use euphemisms or looser language we’re. Going to call it for what it is.

Trump lies in tweets. He spreads false information at rallies. He lies when he doesn’t need to. He lies when the truth is more than enough for him.

CNN was running chyrons. They would fact check Trump and call lies lies on the screen while Trump is talking. They were challenging Trump to his face —

One of the statements that you made in the tail end of the campaign in the midterms that —

Here we go.

That — well, if you don’t mind, Mr. President, that this caravan was an invasion.

— in these crazy press conferences —

They’re are hundreds of miles away, though. They’re hundreds and hundreds of miles away. That’s not an invasion.

Honestly, I think you should let me run the country. You run CNN. And if you did it well, your ratings —

Well, let me ask — if I may ask one other question. Mr. President, if I may ask another question. Are you worried —

That’s enough. That’s enough.

And Trump is giving it right back.

I tell you what, CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN.

Very combative.

So this was this incredibly fraught moment for the American press. You’ve got tens of millions of Trump supporters seeing what’s really basic fact checking. These look like attacks to Trump supporters. Trump, in turn, is calling the press, the reporters are enemies of the people. So it’s a terrible dynamic.

And when January 6 happens, it’s so obviously out of control. And what the traditional press that follows, traditional journalistic rules has to do is make it clear that the claims that Trump is making about a stolen election are just so abjectly false that they don’t warrant a single minute of real consideration once the reporting has been done to show how false they are. And I think that American journalism really emerged from that feeling strongly about its own values and its own place in society.

But then there’s still tens of millions of Trump voters, and they don’t feel so good about the coverage. And they don’t agree that January 6 was an insurrection. And so we enter yet another period, where the press is going to have to now maybe rethink some things.

In what way?

Well, there’s a kind of quiet period after January 6. Trump is off of social media. The smoke is literally dissipating from the air in Washington. And news executives are kind of standing there on the proverbial battlefield, taking a new look at their situation.

And they’re seeing that in this clearer light, they’ve got some new problems, perhaps none more important for their entire business models than that their ratings are quickly crashing. And part of that diminishment is that a huge part of the country, that Trump-loving part of the audience, is really now severed from him from their coverage.

They see the press as actually, in some cases, being complicit in stealing an election. And so these news executives, again, especially on television, which is so ratings dependent, they’ve got a problem. So after presumably learning all these lessons about journalism and how to confront power, there’s a first subtle and then much less subtle rethinking.

Maybe we need to pull back from that approach. And maybe we need to take some new lessons and switch it up a little bit and reverse some of what we did. And one of the best examples of this is none other than CNN.

It had come under new management, was being led by a guy named Chris Licht, a veteran of cable news, but also Stephen Colbert’s late night show in his last job. And his new job under this new management is we’re going to recalibrate a little bit. So Chris Licht proceeds to try to bring the network back to the center.

And how does he do that?

Well, we see some key personalities who represented the Trump combat era start losing air time and some of them lose their jobs. There’s talk of, we want more Republicans on the air. There was a famous magazine article about Chris Licht’s balancing act here.

And Chris Licht says to a reporter, Tim Alberta of the “Atlantic” magazine, look, a lot in the media, including at his own network, quote unquote, “put on a jersey, took a side.” They took a side. And he says, I think we understand that jersey cannot go back on him. Because he says in the end of the day, by the way, it didn’t even work. We didn’t change anyone’s mind.

He’s saying that confrontational approach that defined the four years Trump was in office, that was a reaction to the feeling that TV news had failed to properly treat Trump with sufficient skepticism, that that actually was a failure both of journalism and of the TV news business. Is that what he’s saying?

Yeah. On the business side, it’s easier call, right? You want a bigger audience, and you’re not getting the bigger audience. But he’s making a journalistic argument as well that if the job is to convey the truth and take it to the people, and they take that into account as they make their own voting decisions and formulate their own opinions about American politics, if tens of millions of people who do believe that election was stolen are completely tuning you out because now they see you as a political combatant, you’re not achieving your ultimate goal as a journalist.

And what does Licht’s “don’t put a jersey back on” approach look like on CNN for its viewers?

Well, It didn’t look good. People might remember this, but the most glaring example —

Please welcome, the front runner for the Republican nomination for president, Donald Trump.

— was when he held a town hall meeting featuring Donald J. Trump, now candidate Trump, before an audience packed with Trump’s fans.

You look at what happened during that election. Unless you’re a very stupid person, you see what happens. A lot of the people —

Trump let loose a string of falsehoods.

Most people understand what happened. It was a rigged election.

The audience is pro-Trump audience, was cheering him on.

Are you ready? Are you ready? Can I talk?

Yeah, what’s your answer?

Can I? Do you mind?

I would like for you to answer the question.

OK. It’s very simple to answer.

That’s why I asked it.

It’s very simple. You’re a nasty person, I’ll tell you that.

And during, the CNN anchor hosting this, Kaitlan Collins, on CNN’s own air, it was a disaster.

It felt like a callback to the unlearned lessons of 2016.

Yeah. And in this case, CNN’s staff was up in arms.

Big shakeup in the cable news industry as CNN makes another change at the top.

Chris Licht is officially out at CNN after a chaotic run as chairman and CEO.

And Chris Licht didn’t survive it.

The chief executive’s departure comes as he faced criticism in recent weeks after the network hosted a town hall with Donald Trump and the network’s ratings started to drop.

But I want to say that the CNN leadership still, even after that, as they brought new leadership in, said, this is still the path we’re going to go on. Maybe that didn’t work out, but we’re still here. This is still what we have to do.

Right. And this idea is very much in the water of TV news, that this is the right overall direction.

Yeah. This is, by no means, isolated to CNN. This is throughout the traditional news business. These conversations are happening everywhere. But CNN was living it at that point.

And this, of course, is how we get to NBC deciding to hire Ronna McDaniel.

Right. Because they’re picking up — right where that conversation leaves off, they’re having the same conversation. But for NBC, you could argue this tension between journalistic values and audience. It’s even more pressing. Because even though MSNBC is a niche cable network, NBC News is part of an old-fashioned broadcast network. It’s on television stations throughout the country.

And in fact, those networks, they still have 6:30 newscasts. And believe it or not, millions of people still watch those every night. Maybe not as many as they used to, but there’s still some six or seven million people tuning in to nightly news. That’s important.

Right. We should say that kind of number is sometimes double or triple that of the cable news prime time shows that get all the attention.

On their best nights. So this is big business still. And that business is based on broad — it’s called broadcast for a reason. That’s based on broad audiences. So NBC had a business imperative, and they argue they had a journalistic imperative.

So given all of that, Jim, I think the big messy question here is, when it comes to NBC, did they make a tactical error around hiring the wrong Republican which blew up? Or did they make an even larger error in thinking that the way you handle Trump and his supporters is to work this hard to reach them, when they might not even be reachable?

The best way to answer that question is to tell you what they’re saying right now, NBC management. What the management saying is, yes, this was a tactical error. This was clearly the wrong Republican. We get it.

But they’re saying, we are going to — and they said this in their statement, announcing that they were severing ties with McDaniel. They said, we’re going to redouble our efforts to represent a broad spectrum of the American votership. And that’s what they meant was that we’re going to still try to reach these Trump voters with people who can relate to them and they can relate to.

But the question is, how do you even do that when so many of his supporters believe a lie? How is NBC, how is CNN, how are any of these TV networks, if they have decided that this is their mission, how are they supposed to speak to people who believe something fundamentally untrue as a core part of their political identity?

That’s the catch-22. How do you get that Trump movement person who’s also an insider, when the litmus test to be an insider in the Trump movement is to believe in the denialism or at least say you do? So that’s a real journalistic problem. And the thing that we haven’t really touched here is, what are these networks doing day in and day out?

They’re not producing reported pieces, which I think it’s a little easier. You just report the news. You go out into the world. You talk to people, and then you present it to the world as a nuanced portrait of the country. This thing is true. This thing is false. Again, in many cases, pretty straightforward. But their bread and butter is talking heads. It’s live. It’s not edited. It’s not that much reported.

So their whole business model especially, again, on cable, which has 24 hours to fill, is talking heads. And if you want the perspective from the Trump movement, journalistically, especially when it comes to denialism, but when it comes to some other major subjects in American life, you’re walking into a place where they’re going to say things that aren’t true, that don’t pass your journalistic standards, the most basic standards of journalism.

Right. So you’re saying if TV sticks with this model, the kind of low cost, lots of talk approach to news, then they are going to have to solve the riddle of who to bring on, who represents Trump’s America if they want that audience. And now they’ve got this red line that they’ve established, that that person can’t be someone who denies the 2020 election reality. But like you just said, that’s the litmus test for being in Trump’s orbit.

So this doesn’t really look like a conundrum. This looks like a bit of a crisis for TV news because it may end up meaning that they can’t hire that person that they need for this model, which means that perhaps a network like NBC does need to wave goodbye to a big segment of these viewers and these eyeballs who support Trump.

I mean, on the one hand, they are not ready to do that, and they would never concede that that’s something they’re ready to do. The problem is barring some kind of change in their news model, there’s no solution to this.

But why bar changes to their news model, I guess, is the question. Because over the years, it’s gotten more and more expensive to produce news, the news that I’m talking about, like recorded packages and what we refer to as reporting. Just go out and report the news.

Don’t gab about it. Just what’s going on, what’s true, what’s false. That’s actually very expensive in television. And they don’t have the kind of money they used to have. So the talking heads is their way to do programming at a level where they can afford it.

They do some packages. “60 Minutes” still does incredible work. NBC does packages, but the lion’s share of what they do is what we’re talking about. And that’s not going to change because the economics aren’t there.

So then a final option, of course, to borrow something Chris Licht said, is that a network like NBC perhaps doesn’t put a jersey on, but accepts the reality that a lot of the world sees them wearing a jersey.

Yeah. I mean, nobody wants to be seen as wearing a jersey in our business. No one wants to be wearing a jersey on our business. But maybe what they really have to accept is that we’re just sticking to the true facts, and that may look like we’re wearing a jersey, but we’re not. And that may, at times, look like it’s lining up more with the Democrats, but we’re not.

If Trump is lying about a stolen election, that’s not siding against him. That’s siding for the truth, and that’s what we’re doing. Easier said than done. And I don’t think any of these concepts are new.

I think there have been attempts to do that, but it’s the world they’re in. And it’s the only option they really have. We’re going to tell you the truth, even if it means that we’re going to lose a big part of the country.

Well, Jim, thank you very much.

Thank you, Michael.

Here’s what else you need to know today.

[PROTESTERS CHANTING]

Over the weekend, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in some of the largest domestic demonstrations against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since Israel invaded Gaza in the fall.

[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

Some of the protesters called on Netanyahu to reach a cease fire deal that would free the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. Others called for early elections that would remove Netanyahu from office.

During a news conference on Sunday, Netanyahu rejected calls for early elections, saying they would paralyze his government at a crucial moment in the war.

Today’s episode was produced by Rob Szypko, Rikki Novetsky, and Alex Stern, with help from Stella Tan.

It was edited by Brendan Klinkenberg with help from Rachel Quester and Paige Cowett. Contains original music by Marion Lozano, Dan Powell, and Rowan Niemisto and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

• April 2, 2024   •   29:32 Kids Are Missing School at an Alarming Rate
• April 1, 2024   •   36:14 Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem
• March 29, 2024   •   48:42 Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband
• March 28, 2024   •   33:40 The Newest Tech Start-Up Billionaire? Donald Trump.
• March 27, 2024   •   28:06 Democrats’ Plan to Save the Republican House Speaker
• March 26, 2024   •   29:13 The United States vs. the iPhone
• March 25, 2024   •   25:59 A Terrorist Attack in Russia
• March 24, 2024   •   21:39 The Sunday Read: ‘My Goldendoodle Spent a Week at Some Luxury Dog ‘Hotels.’ I Tagged Along.’
• March 22, 2024   •   35:30 Chuck Schumer on His Campaign to Oust Israel’s Leader
• March 21, 2024   •   27:18 The Caitlin Clark Phenomenon
• March 20, 2024   •   25:58 The Bombshell Case That Will Transform the Housing Market
• March 19, 2024   •   27:29 Trump’s Plan to Take Away Biden’s Biggest Advantage

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jim Rutenberg

Produced by Rob Szypko ,  Rikki Novetsky and Alex Stern

With Stella Tan

Edited by Brendan Klinkenberg ,  Rachel Quester and Paige Cowett

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Dan Powell and Rowan Niemisto

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Ronna McDaniel’s time at NBC was short. The former Republican National Committee chairwoman was hired as an on-air political commentator but released just days later after an on-air revolt by the network’s leading stars.

Jim Rutenberg, a writer at large for The Times, discusses the saga and what it might reveal about the state of television news heading into the 2024 presidential race.

On today’s episode

Jim Rutenberg , a writer at large for The New York Times.

Background reading

Ms. McDaniel’s appointment had been immediately criticized by reporters at the network and by viewers on social media.

The former Republican Party leader tried to downplay her role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. A review of the record shows she was involved in some key episodes .

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jim Rutenberg is a writer at large for The Times and The New York Times Magazine and writes most often about media and politics. More about Jim Rutenberg

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