Taipei is a popular choice for a quick getaway from Singapore, but if you are travelling during Taiwan's typhoon season, it is worth keeping an eye on the weather before and during your trip.
A typhoon does not necessarily mean your entire holiday will be cancelled. However, strong winds, heavy rain and transport disruptions can affect flights, attractions and outdoor plans.
With a little preparation, you can make your Taipei trip more flexible and know what to do if the weather suddenly changes.
Taiwan is affected by typhoons mainly during the warmer months with July to September generally considered the main typhoon period. Historical data from Taiwan's Central Weather Administration shows that August has seen the highest number of typhoons affecting Taiwan, followed by July and September.
Typhoons can also occur outside these months, so travellers should still check the forecast if visiting in early summer or autumn.
For Singaporeans, the biggest difference is that Taipei can experience much more noticeable effects from a typhoon, including very heavy rain, strong winds, temporary transport disruptions and changes to flight schedules.
The July and September period is the main window to watch. However, there is no fixed date when typhoon season starts or ends, so checking the latest forecast is more useful than relying only on the calendar.
Month | Typhoon risk | What travellers should expect |
June | Lower | Early-season tropical systems are possible |
July | Higher | Typhoons become more common |
August | Higher | Historically one of the most active months |
September | Higher | Typhoon activity can remain significant |
October | Lower but possible | Late-season typhoons can still affect Taiwan |
November onwards | Generally lower | Typhoon risk decreases significantly |
A typhoon can affect your holiday in several ways:
For the most reliable information, Singapore travellers should prioritise official Taiwan weather information instead of relying only on social media posts or screenshots of forecast maps.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) issues two main types of typhoon warnings:
Warning | What it means |
Typhoon Sea Warning | The typhoon's strong wind area is forecast to affect waters around Taiwan |
Typhoon Land Warning | The typhoon's strong wind area is forecast to affect land areas of Taiwan |
A land warning does not mean the whole of Taiwan is necessarily experiencing the same conditions. The CWA identifies the cities or countries expected to be affected and provides wind and rainfall forecasts.
For travellers, the most useful thing to do is check whether Taipei City is included in the warning area and what the latest rainfall and wind forecasts show.
The CWA can update typhoon information regularly during an active warning, so avoid relying on an old screenshot or forecast from the previous day.
These are useful resources to bookmark before your trip:
Taiwan Central Weather Administration (CWA)
The official source for Taiwan weather forecasts, typhoon warnings, rainfall forecasts and storm information.
Taiwan Weather App
The CWA's official weather app provides weather and typhoon-related information.
CWA Weather Hotline
The CWA also provides weather information through its hotline, including English-language information.
Taipei Songshan Airport
Useful if you are flying through Songshan Airport. Its official website provides real-time flight information and advises passengers to check with their airline or travel agent for the latest flight status.
Taoyuan International Airport
For most international Singapore to Taipei flights, Taoyuan International Airport is the main airport to monitor. Check the airport and your airline directly for flight updates.
Flight disruptions are one of the biggest concerns when travelling to Taipei during typhoon season.
Most Singapore to Taipei international flights use Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is closer to central Taipei but mainly handles domestic and selected regional flights.
A typhoon can result in flight delays, cancellations, schedule changes or temporary airport operational restrictions. Even if your flight is still showing as scheduled, conditions can change closer to departure.
The best approach is to monitor three things at the same time:
If your flight is cancelled, do not immediately purchase a new ticket yourself. First check whether your airline has announced a special rebooking or refund arrangement for affected passengers.
Singapore travellers have several options for flying between Singapore and Taipei, including Singapore Airlines, Scoot, EVA Air, China Airlines and STARLUX Airlines depending
Typhoon arrangements are generally event-specific rather than a permanent "typhoon cancellation policy" that applies to every storm. When a particular typhoon is expected to affect Taiwan, airlines may issue special travel notices covering selected flights and dates.
Airline | Singapore-Taipei service | What to check during a typhoon |
Singapore Airlines | Direct services are available | Check the airline's travel advisories and flight status |
Scoot | Direct Singapore-Taipei services | Check Scoot's latest flight disruption notice and booking options |
EVA Air | Direct services available | Check its special flight arrangements for affected dates |
China Airlines | Direct services available | Check its latest typhoon-related travel notice |
STARLUX Airlines | Direct services available | Check its latest operational updates |
For example, EVA Air's published special arrangements show that typhoon rebooking terms can be limited to specific ticket issue dates, flights and travel periods. This means you should not assume that every passenger travelling during typhoon season automatically qualifies for a free change or refund.
If you booked through Trip.com, keep your booking details handy and check the booking page and Trip.com customer support for the latest options when your flight is officially affected.
Discover the world with Trip.com! Book cheap flights to destinations worldwide and enjoy S$5 off flight bookings over S$150 or S$20 off over S$450 (before tax). Start your journey today!
Choosing a hotel during typhoon season is less about finding a hotel that is completely "typhoon-proof" and more about making your trip easier if heavy rain or transport disruptions occur.
It is also useful to avoid planning your entire stay around a remote attraction or mountain area during typhoon season. Look for a hotel with:
For most tourists, central Taipei areas with convenient MRT access can make it easier to adjust your plans during bad weather.
Ximending
A convenient choice for travellers who want shopping, restaurants and entertainment close to their hotel. Much of the area can be explored indoors.
Taipei Main Station
Useful if you expect to use trains, MRT services or airport connections. The area has plenty of shops, restaurants and indoor spaces.
Zhongshan
A popular central area with cafes, shopping and restaurants. It is also well connected by MRT.
Xinyi
Convenient for Taipei 101, shopping malls and restaurants. The concentration of indoor attractions can be useful during rainy weather.
Rather than choosing an area simply because it is described "safest", focus on central locations with easy transport access, nearby services and flexible accommodation policies.
Discover the world with Trip.com! Book the perfect hotel anywhere in the world and get an unbeatable 10% discount if you're a first-time user! Download our app now and start planning your next trip with ease.
A typhoon does not always mean you have to stay inside for your entire holiday. The weather can vary before and after the storm, so you can rearrange your itinerary according to the latest conditions.
When the weather is stable, consider outdoor attractions such as:
During poor weather, switch to indoor or weather friendly activities such as:
The easiest way to plan Taipei during typhoon season is to create a backup itinerary.
Do not head out just because the rain looks manageable. Strong winds, falling objects and sudden changes in weather can make outdoor areas dangerous during a typhoon.
For example, if you originally planned to visit Yangmingshan and Elephant Mountain on a particular day, keep a few indoor attractions in reserve.
Weather | Better plan |
Sunny and stable | Hiking, viewpoints, day trips and outdoor attractions |
Light rain | Museums, cafes, shopping and covered attractions |
Heavy rain | Indoor attractions and nearby activities |
Strong winds or active warning | Stay indoors and follow local safety advice |
Keep these simple tips in mind:
If you need emergency assistance in Taiwan, remember 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance services.
Yes, it can still be possible to enjoy Taipei during typhoon season, but you should be prepared for a more flexible itinerary.
Typhoons are weather events rather than something that affects every day of the season. The main difference is that travellers need to be prepared to change plans quickly when a storm approaches.
Pros | Cons |
Potentially fewer tourists during severe weather periods | Higher chance of heavy rain |
Plenty of indoor attractions and shopping | Flights may be delayed or cancelled |
Taipei has an extensive MRT network | Outdoor attractions may become unsuitable |
Flexible travellers can rearrange their itinerary | Some attractions or transport services may temporarily close |
You can still have sunny days between weather systems | Forecasts can change quickly |
For Singapore travellers, the key is flexibility rather than avoiding Taipei completely. Check the weather before you fly, keep important bookings flexible where possible, and have both indoor and outdoor plans ready.
If a typhoon is approaching, follow the latest advice from Taiwan's authorities and your airline rather than relying on an old forecast.
With the right preparation, you can still make the most of your Taipei trip while putting safety first.
