Just returned from Taiwan. I really don’t recommend going in August or September because it’s just…
Just got back from the island|Honestly advising everyone not to come in August or September! Full record of all the pitfalls faced 😭
Just finished circling the island. To be honest, visiting Taiwan in August and September seriously affects the experience. Here’s a summary of my real travel impressions. If you’re planning a trip, please read this before deciding!
❌ Four major reasons to avoid August and September—unavoidable hassles
1. High heat and humidity make it unbearably muggy, hard to spend time outdoors
The whole island has a year-round humidity above 80% in summer. Taipei and Taichung daytime temperatures stay steady at 33–36℃, and southern Kenting even exceeds 38℃. The heat feels intense, with perceived temperatures close to 40℃.
Walking outside for just a few minutes leaves you sticky and sweaty. Hiking Yangmingshan, Alishan, climbing the hills of Pingxi Old Street and Jiufen Mountain Town is a struggle. Between noon and 3 PM, outdoor activities are impossible—you’ll get dizzy and overheated after just a few steps.
Afternoons almost always bring sudden short heavy rain. One moment it’s bright sun, the next it’s pouring. Cameras and belongings get soaked easily, and plans get frequently interrupted.
2. Typhoon season means trips can be canceled at any time
July to September is the peak typhoon season, with August at its highest and September’s autumn typhoons generally stronger and less predictable.
When a typhoon warning is issued, these problems happen:
✅ Many flights between Taiwan and mainland China are delayed or canceled, and ferries stop running
✅ Suhua Highway and the entire eastern route through Hualien and Taitung close, ruining island tours
✅ Alishan, Taroko Gorge, and coastal Kenting attractions close temporarily
✅ Local authorities suspend work and school, night markets, shops, and attractions shut down, leaving you stuck in your hotel
Some friends planned an 8-day island tour but got stuck in Taipei for 3 days due to a typhoon. Half their trip was canceled, and it’s hard to get full refunds for flights and hotels.
3. The lunar Ghost Festival month dampens the atmosphere
From mid-August to mid-September is the Ghost Month, a traditional local festival that affects travel:
Many locals avoid traveling, and some mountain and seaside spots are considered taboo to visit; several outdoor events and night markets reduce their schedules; mountain inns and countryside shops close early, so you won’t experience the usual lively island nightlife.
4. High risks for island tours mean you miss the best mountain and sea views
Taiwan’s highlights fall into two categories: eastern sea cliffs and mountains with clouds and lakes, all limited by summer weather.
Heat and showers cause thick mountain fog. Visibility at Sun Moon Lake, Qingjing Farm, and Hehuan Mountain is very low, making it impossible to capture clear, stunning photos.
Strong winds and waves on the east coast lead to temporary closures of cliff trails, so you can’t get close to the breathtaking Pacific coastline.
Even beach activities in Kenting are restricted during typhoon warnings—no snorkeling or surfing allowed, making the trip pointless.
✅ If your trip is already booked|Emergency travel tips for August and September
If you can’t change your dates, follow these tips to reduce risks:
1. Skip the island tour and stick to northern cities
Focus on indoor spots in Taipei and New Taipei: Taipei 101, cultural and creative districts, museums, and art galleries. Stay indoors during the day to avoid the heat, then visit Shilin and Raohe night markets in the evening. Avoid eastern, mountainous, and coastal long-distance routes.
2. Strictly avoid peak heat hours
Go out between 6:30 AM and 9 AM to explore old streets and Jiufen; return to your hotel for a midday rest; head out again after 5 PM to avoid the midday heat.
3. Must-have travel items
High-SPF waterproof sunscreen, cooling arm sleeves, sun hat, portable raincoat, large water bottle, herbal remedy for heatstroke, mosquito repellent. Bring a light jacket because malls have very cold air conditioning, and switching between hot and cold can cause colds.
4. Buy travel insurance
Make sure your policy covers typhoons and flight cancellations. This can help recover some losses if your trip is disrupted. Check weather alerts daily and adjust your plans flexibly.
🌟 Best times to visit Taiwan year-round (precise recommendations)
▪️ March to May spring|Top choice! Temperatures 20–28℃, little rain, cherry blossoms at Yangmingshan and flower seas at Alishan bloom, perfect for hiking and island tours
▪️ October to November fall|Best season! Typhoons are gone, dry and cool, clear mountain and sea views, stunning cloud seas and coastlines for photos, ideal for self-driving island tours
❌ July to September|High heat, heavy rain, and typhoons combine—avoid unless necessary
💡 Final honest advice
Taiwan’s mountains, seas, night markets, and culture are truly worth visiting, but the seasonal differences are huge.
If it’s your first time and you want to see the coastline, mountain lakes, and hidden villages all at once, definitely avoid August and September. If you just want to explore city night markets and indoor cultural spots, prepare well for the heat and typhoons before you go!