Nestled in northern Taiwan, Taipei is a city where ancient temples stand beside modern skyscrapers, all framed by lush mountains. With a subtropical climate, Taipei experiences hot, humid summers and mild, damp winters, making it a year-round destination with distinct seasonal highlights. Summers can be scorching, reaching 33°C (91°F), while winters remain relatively mild, rarely dipping below 13°C (55°F). Here’s a guide to experiencing Taipei’s seasons at their best!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Taipei
🌸 Spring (March to May)
Spring in Taipei is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 19°C (66°F) to 24°C (75°F). Humidity starts rising, and light showers become frequent.
✅ What to Wear: Light layers are best! A jacket or sweater is useful for cooler mornings and nights. Always carry an umbrella or a light rain jacket for sudden drizzles.
🌼 Best Seasonal Activities: Visit Yangmingshan National Park to witness breathtaking cherry blossoms in full bloom. Parks like Da’an Forest Park also showcase Taipei's spring beauty.
🎉 Festivals & Events: The Hakka Tung Blossom Festival (余雅花節) in April celebrates Taiwan's indigenous culture with stunning white blooms and scenic hikes.
🌞 Summer (June to August)
Taipei summers are hot and humid, with temperatures soaring up to 33°C (91°F). July is typically the hottest month, and typhoons may occur, bringing sudden storms.
✅ What to Wear: Lightweight, breathable clothes are a must! Sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Always carry an umbrella for unexpected showers.
🍽️ Best Seasonal Activities: Escape the heat by visiting indoor attractions like the National Palace Museum. In the evening, explore night markets like Shilin and Raohe, enjoying local street food like mango shaved ice (芒果冰).
🧏 Festivals & Events: Witness the exhilarating Dragon Boat Festival (粽花節) in June, featuring boat races and delicious sticky rice dumplings (粽子). Also, the Fulong Sand Sculpture Festival showcases stunning beachside art.
🍂 Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Taipei, with pleasant temperatures between 22°C (72°F) and 28°C (82°F), lower humidity, and less rain.
✅ What to Wear: Light clothing is ideal, with a light jacket for evenings.
🌳 Best Seasonal Activities: Visit Jiufen, a charming hillside town with stunning ocean views. Enjoy hiking trails on Elephant Mountain, offering panoramic views of Taipei 101.
🌕 Festivals & Events: Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節) by savoring mooncakes and admiring the full moon. Families gather for barbecues, making it a cultural delight.
🌧️ Winter (December to February)
Winters in Taipei are mild but damp, with temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) to 19°C (66°F). January is the coldest month, though snowfall is rare except in higher altitudes like Yangmingshan.
✅ What to Wear: Bring warm layers, especially for chilly evenings. A rainproof jacket and water-resistant shoes are recommended as rainfall increases.
🌬️ Best Seasonal Activities: Warm up in the Beitou Hot Springs, a must-visit for relaxation. Enjoy Taiwanese tea at cozy teahouses in Maokong, with stunning city views.
🎆 Festivals & Events: The Taipei Lantern Festival in February transforms the city with dazzling light displays. The Taipei Marathon takes place in December, drawing runners from around the world.
📆 Taipei Month-by-Month Weather & Travel Insights
Taipei’s weather varies throughout the year, offering different experiences for travelers. Whether you prefer cherry blossoms in spring, festivals in summer, comfortable autumn hikes, or cozy winter hot springs, there’s a perfect time to visit for everyone! Here’s a detailed month-by-month guide to help you plan your trip:
Month | Temperature Range (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm/in) | Traveler Insights |
January | 13-19°C (55-66°F) | 83mm (3.3in) | Cool and damp; great for hot springs and indoor attractions like museums. |
February | 13-19°C (55-66°F) | 170mm (6.7in) | Lantern Festival time! Expect rain, so bring waterproof gear. |
March | 15-22°C (59-72°F) | 180mm (7.1in) | Spring begins—ideal for cherry blossom viewing in Yangmingshan. |
April | 18-25°C (64-77°F) | 177mm (7in) | Flowers in full bloom; great for hiking and outdoor activities. |
May | 21-28°C (70-82°F) | 238mm (9.4in) | Humidity rises; plum rain season starts—expect occasional downpours. |
June | 24-31°C (75-88°F) | 325mm (12.8in) | Dragon Boat Festival month! Typhoon season begins, so check forecasts. |
July | 26-33°C (79-91°F) | 245mm (9.6in) | Hottest month; stay cool with mango shaved ice and night markets. |
August | 26-33°C (79-91°F) | 322mm (12.7in) | Typhoon peak season; plan for indoor activities. |
September | 24-30°C (75-86°F) | 360mm (14.2in) | Start of autumn; great for Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. |
October | 22-28°C (72-82°F) | 189mm (7.4in) | Best month for hiking and Jiufen visits with stunning scenery. |
November | 19-25°C (66-77°F) | 108mm (4.3in) | Comfortable weather; low rainfall makes it ideal for exploring. |
December | 15-21°C (59-70°F) | 73mm (2.9in) | Taipei Marathon month; cool and dry—perfect for sightseeing! |
Crowds, Costs & Festivals: Choosing the Right Time to Visit Taipei
1️⃣ Peak Season (Busiest & Most Popular Months) 🌟🏙️
- 📅 Months: October, November, and April
- 🌞 Why These Months: Enjoy perfect weather with comfortable temperatures and low humidity—ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventures!
- 👥 Crowds & 💰 Costs: Expect large crowds at famous spots and higher prices for flights & hotels.
- ✅ Pros: Best weather, lively festivals, and vibrant city vibes!
- ❌ Cons: Expensive hotels, long queues, and fully booked accommodations.
- 💡 Smart Travel Hacks: Avoid the biggest crowds by visiting early or late in the season and booking in advance to save money!
2️⃣ Shoulder Season (Balanced Months for Weather & Crowds) 🍂🌤️
- 📅 Months: March & December
- 🌸 Why These Months: March brings cherry blossoms, while December offers festive holiday lights with fewer tourists.
- 👥 Crowds & Costs: Moderate crowds, better deals on flights & hotels.
- 🎯 Ideal For: Budget-conscious travelers, culture lovers, and those who enjoy a more relaxed experience.
3️⃣ Off-Peak Season (Least Crowded & Most Budget-Friendly Time) 🌧️💸
- 📅 Months: June, July, August, September
- 🔥 Why These Months: Hot & humid summers + typhoon season = fewer visitors.
- 👛 Cost & Crowd Levels: Flights & hotels are cheaper, and attractions are less crowded.
- ✅ Advantages & ❌ Downsides:
✅ Best for budget travelers who don’t mind heat & rain.
❌ Possible typhoons, high humidity, and some outdoor activities may be limited.
4️⃣ Major Festivals & Events That Impact Travel 🎉🏮
- 🐉 Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb): Huge celebrations but crowded & expensive so have to book early!
- 🚣 Dragon Boat Festival (June): Exciting boat races + local traditions.
- 🌕 Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept/Oct): Lanterns, mooncakes, and family gatherings = busy travel period.
- 🏮 Taipei Lantern Festival (Feb/Mar): Mesmerizing lantern displays all over the city—a must-see!
Recommended Hotels in Taipei
NO.1
Best Time to Visit Taipei Based On Your Travel Style
1️⃣ Budget Travelers 💰✈️
- Cheapest Months: April, February, and August are typically the most affordable months to fly to Taipei.
- Why These Months: These periods fall outside major holidays and peak tourist seasons, leading to lower demand and, consequently, cheaper flights and accommodations.
- Insider Money-Saving Tips:
- Book in Advance: Aim to book your flights around 40 days ahead of your departure date to secure the best deals.
- Stay Flexible: Being open to mid-week flights and non-peak hours can further reduce costs.
- Consider Package Deals: Look for flight and hotel bundles, which can offer significant savings.
2️⃣ Luxury Travelers 🏨🍽️
- Best Months for High-End Experiences: March to May and September to November offer pleasant weather, enhancing the comfort of luxury experiences.
- Highlights:
- Luxury Accommodations: Taipei boasts several high-end hotels offering top-notch amenities and services.
- Gourmet Dining: Indulge in Taipei's renowned culinary scene, featuring numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Exclusive Shopping: Explore upscale shopping districts like Xinyi for designer brands and luxury goods.
- VIP Tours: Arrange private guided tours to exclusive attractions for a personalized experience.
- Booking Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Reserve luxury accommodations and experiences several months in advance to ensure availability, especially during favorable weather seasons.
- Concierge Services: Utilize hotel concierge services to book exclusive experiences and gain access to premium events.
3️⃣ Adventure Seekers 🥾🚴
- Optimal Time for Outdoor Activities: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) provide comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, ideal for outdoor adventures.
- Weather Considerations: These seasons offer mild weather, making activities like hiking and cycling more enjoyable.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
- Yangmingshan National Park: Explore volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and diverse flora.
- Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan): Hike for panoramic views of Taipei's skyline.
- River Tracing in Wulai: Combine hiking and swimming by following river paths through lush forests.
4️⃣ Cultural Enthusiasts 🎭🏛️
- Best Months for Cultural Experiences: Taipei's cultural calendar is rich year-round, but certain festivals offer unique insights:
- Lunar New Year (January/February): Experience traditional celebrations and festivities.
- Dragon Boat Festival (June): Witness thrilling boat races and enjoy festive foods.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October): Participate in moon-gazing events and taste mooncakes.
- Tips to Avoid Crowds:
- Visit Museums on Weekdays: Explore institutions like the National Palace Museum during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
- Attend Local Events: Seek out neighborhood festivals for a more intimate cultural experience.
5️⃣ Family Travelers 👨👩👧👦🎢
- Ideal Time for Family Trips: March to May and September to November offer pleasant weather suitable for family-friendly activities.
- Considerations:
- School Holidays: Be mindful of local and international school vacation periods, as attractions may be busier during these times.
- Family-Friendly Activities:
- Taipei Zoo: Introduce children to a variety of animals in a spacious setting.
- Maokong Gondola: Enjoy scenic cable car rides with views of the city and tea plantations.
- Children's Amusement Parks: Visit places like Taipei Children's Amusement Park for rides and games suitable for all ages.
- Accommodation Tips:
- Family Suites: Opt for hotels offering family rooms or suites for added comfort.
- Proximity to Attractions: Choose accommodations near public transportation or major attractions to minimize travel time.
✈️ Final Tips for Planning Your Trip to Taipei
No matter when you visit, Taipei’s vibrant energy, incredible food scene, and rich culture make it an unforgettable destination year-round. But if you're looking for the perfect balance of pleasant weather, lively festivals, and fewer crowds, March to May and October to December are your best bets.
Now that you know the best time to visit, it’s time to plan your trip! Need the perfect place to stay? Check out our Where to Stay in Taipei guide for the best neighborhoods and hotels. Or, if you're ready to explore, don’t miss our Top Things to Do in Taipei for must-visit attractions and hidden gems.
With the perfect timing in mind, all that’s left is to book your flights, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable Taipei adventure! 🏙️🥢✨