Best time to visit Taiwan? Discover the Perfect Month for Every Traveler

Understanding Taiwan’s Seasons: When to Go and What to Expect

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

Taiwan enjoys a subtropical climate in the north and tropical weather in the south, making it a year-round travel destination. However, different months offer distinct experiences, from cherry blossoms in spring to lively festivals in summer. Knowing when to go depends on your interests—whether you prefer mild hiking weather, cultural celebrations, or quiet, budget-friendly travel.

Below, we’ll explore each travel season in detail, complete with local tips on weather, festivals, and prices.

High Season in Taiwan (January–February, July–August)

High season in Taiwan brings peak prices, vibrant events, and bustling attractions. This period includes the Lunar New Year and the summer holidays—times when domestic and international tourism both surge.

January–February (Lunar New Year + Cherry Blossom Season)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

• Cherry blossom in taiwan starts earlier than Japan’s. Many travellers come for the spring‑flower bloom — in some higher‑altitude or northern areas you’ll spot early blossoms. Top spots include Yangmingshan National Park, Wuling Farm, and Alishan Forest Railway. (Cherry‑blossom season often runs January–April depending on altitude & region.)
• Hotel Prices: Expect room rates to rise 30–50%, especially in Taipei, Taichung, and popular scenic spots like Sun Moon Lake or Alishan. Book at least 3–4 months in advance to secure the best options.

July–August (Summer — beaches, heat, crowds)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

• Peak summer heat (28–32 °C / 82–90 °F), ideal for coastal regions, islands, beaches.
• Many locals take vacations — expect crowded beaches, busy attractions, full accommodations.
• Families and students flood beaches like Fulong, Kenting, and Taitung. Expect longer lines at attractions but also vibrant nightlife and open-air markets.
• Typhoon risk is real: summer storms can disrupt transport, rain can be heavy.

Why Visit During High Season?

Despite higher prices, this period offers some of Taiwan’s most colorful and culturally rich experiences. It’s the season many travelers consider the taiwan best time to visit for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural depth. From fireworks at the Taiwan Lantern Festival to outdoor concerts and indigenous festivals in summer, the energy is unmatched.

👉🏻 Travel Tip: Plan your itinerary carefully—major holidays like Lunar New Year can shut down many local businesses, while transportation tickets sell out fast.

Shoulder Season in Taiwan (March–May, September–November)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

For most travelers, the shoulder season is the best time to go to taiwan. These months bring mild weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices, creating ideal conditions for exploring the island comfortably.

What Makes Shoulder Season Ideal

• Comfortable Temperatures: Expect 20–28°C (68–82°F), perfect for hiking, cycling, or sightseeing without the summer humidity.
• Outdoor Activities: Trails in Taroko Gorge, Yangmingshan, and Hehuanshan are at their best. It’s also prime time for visiting tea plantations in Alishan or Pinglin.
• Festival Season: Taiwan’s spring and autumn months are filled with major cultural and music festivals.

Festivals & Events

• March–May: Megaport Music Festival in Kaohsiung attracts indie music lovers from all over Asia.
• June: Dragon Boat Festival brings exciting races in Taipei, Tainan, and Lukang.
• August–September: Keelung Ghost Festival, one of Taiwan’s most spiritual events, features floating lanterns and temple rituals.

👉🏻 Traveler’s Note: Hotels are moderately priced during this season, and booking a few weeks ahead usually guarantees excellent options. For adventure travelers, this is the ideal period for exploring Taiwan’s east coast or cycling the island.

Weather Overview by Season

Source: Central Weather Administration (CWA)

Understanding Taiwan’s weather is key to choosing your ideal travel month.

Season	Average Temperature	Weather Highlights	Recommended Activities
Winter (Dec–Feb)	15–20°C / 59–68°F	Cool, wet in the north	Hot springs, city sightseeing
Spring (Mar–May)	20–28°C / 68–82°F	Mild, breezy	Hiking, flower viewing
Summer (Jun–Aug)	28–32°C / 82–90°F	Hot, humid, rainy	Beach trips, night markets
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	22–27°C / 72–80°F	Warm, dry	Festivals, cycling tours

🌀 Typhoon Season: May–November is the official typhoon period, with the heaviest rain usually in June–August. However, most typhoons are short-lived, and travel disruptions are rare with good planning.

Best Time for Budget Travelers

If saving money is a top priority, certain months in Taiwan offer unbeatable value.

Smart Budget Timing

• December (except Christmas & hot spring resorts): Hotel deals abound, and attractions are less crowded.
• November & January: Cheap flights from major Asian hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore make this the most cost-effective travel period.
• March–May: The best balance between pleasant weather, reasonable hotel prices, and accessible outdoor experiences.

👉🏻 Traveler’s Tip: Use intercity rides like tripool for affordable, private transportation—a reliable alternative to taxis or limited public buses, especially when traveling to remote areas like Alishan or Sun Moon Lake.

Major Attractions to Visit in Each Month

Taiwan is filled with breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural treasures. While each destination can be visited year-round, the experience can differ dramatically depending on the month. Here’s a look at five must-visit attractions and the best time to visit taiwan major attractions, based on weather, scenery, and crowd levels.

Alishan (Chiayi County)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

🗓️ Best Months: March–April, October–November
💭 Why: Alishan is world-famous for its sunrise views, mountain railways, and cloud seas. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers crisp air and golden maple foliage. Summer can be foggy and crowded, while winter mornings may be chilly but peaceful.

Sun Moon Lake (Nantou County)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

🗓️ Best Months: September–November
💭 Why: Autumn delivers cool, clear weather ideal for cycling and lake cruises. The annual Sun Moon Lake International Cycling Festival in October is a highlight. Winter mornings are misty and romantic, but the area can get crowded during holidays.

Taroko Gorge (Hualien County)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

🗓️ Best Months: March–May, October–December
💭 Why: Spring and autumn offer stable weather for hiking trails like Shakadang and Zhuilu Old Trail. Summer’s heavy rain may cause rockfalls, while winter remains pleasant with fewer crowds. Visit in early morning for soft light and fewer visitors.

Kenting National Park (Pingtung County)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

🗓️ Best Months: October–April
💭 Why: Located in tropical southern Taiwan, Kenting is warm all year, but late autumn to spring provides the most comfortable beach weather without the intense summer heat. Water activities, coral reefs, and night markets are best enjoyed during this period.

Taipei City & Northern Taiwan

🗓️ Best Months: November–April
💭 Why: The capital’s mild winters make for perfect city exploration. Visit during February for the Lantern Festival or in early spring for cherry blossoms at Yangmingshan. Avoid the humid summer if you prefer cooler sightseeing days.

Attraction	Best Months	Highlights & Reasons
Alishan (Chiayi County)	Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov	Stunning sunrises, cherry blossoms in spring, and maple foliage in autumn.
Sun Moon Lake (Nantou County)	Sep–Nov	Cool autumn weather, perfect for cycling and lake cruises.
Taroko Gorge (Hualien County)	Mar–May, Oct–Dec	Best hiking weather with clear skies and fewer crowds.
Kenting National Park (Pingtung County)	Oct–Apr	Pleasant beach season with ideal temperatures and vibrant nightlife.
Taipei City & Northern Taiwan	Nov–Apr	Mild weather, Lantern Festival in Feb, and cherry blossoms in spring.

👉🏻 Traveler’s Tip: Combine regions strategically. For instance, pair Alishan and Sun Moon Lake in autumn for scenic mountain drives, or combine Taipei and Taroko in spring for culture and nature in one trip.

Most Celebrated Festivals by Season in Taiwan

Lantern Festival (Jan–Feb)

Source: Department of Tourism and Travel, New Taipei City Government

The Taiwan Lantern Festival — celebrated on the 15th day of the first month in the lunar calendar (usually January or February) — lights up cities and towns across Taiwan.

• Where to see it:
  Every year the “main lantern show” rotates among different host cities/counties; recent editions have included Taoyuan, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and others
• What to expect:
  Immense light installations, artistic lantern displays, folk-arts performances, music, and communal celebrations.
• Local highlights: In addition to the official national Lantern Festival, there are also local variants — e.g., the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, where people write wishes on lanterns and release them into the sky; and the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival in Tainan, famous for its wild fireworks and firecracker display.

The Lantern Festival marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations — flooding the night sky with color and hope.

Megaport Music Festival (Mar–May)

Held in southern Taiwan – Kaohsiung, Megaport is the island’s biggest indie and rock music festival.

• Typical timing: Usually in March.
• Music & vibe: Showcases a wide range of Taiwanese rock, indie, and alternative music, often featuring both local and international artists.
• Cultural importance: Since its founding in 2006 by the Taiwan Rock Alliance, Megaport has grown to be a flagship festival for Taiwan’s independent music scene.
• Who it's for: Great for travelers who enjoy live music, youthful energy, and want to experience Taiwan’s contemporary culture rather than just traditional heritage.

Dragon Boat Festival (Jun)

Source: Changhua County Government

Celebrated nationwide, but especially visible in cities with water access — such as Taipei or historic towns like Lukang. The festival commemorates the ancient poet‐patriot Qu Yuan with boat races and traditional foods.

• Main activities: Dramatic dragon-boat races on rivers or coastlines; festive atmosphere with thousands of spectators.
• Traditional treat: Eating sticky rice dumplings (zongzi), a core custom tied to the legend of Qu Yuan.
• Cultural meaning: It’s one of Taiwan’s three major traditional holidays (alongside the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival), marking a deep connection to folklore and seasonal change.

Amis Harvest Festival (Jul–Sep)

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

Originating among the indigenous Amis people of eastern Taiwan (mainly in Taitung). The celebration honors the harvest and tribal heritage, blending music, dance, and community gathering.

• Purpose: A traditional tribal harvest ritual turned major cultural festival — celebrating the bounty of the land, gratitude, and communal unity.
• Events: Indigenous music and dance performances, cultural exhibitions, art, and food showcasing Amis heritage.
• Who should go: Travelers seeking authentic indigenous culture, off-the-beaten-path experience, and local-community interaction in a scenic coastal/mountain setting.

Keelung Zhongyuan (Ghost) Festival (Aug–Sep)

Source: National Religion Information Network

Held in the port city of Keelung, this is Taiwan’s most renowned Ghost Month festival — a deeply traditional, month-long ritual that honors wandering spirits and ancestors.

• Timing: The festival spans the 7th lunar month (roughly August–September), but the key ceremonies concentrate around the 12th–15th days of the lunar month.
• Main rituals: Opening of the “shrines' gates,” lantern-light ceremonies, water-lantern parades, ancestral offerings and prayers, and elaborate puppet or folk dances (e.g., the “Zhongkui dance”) to guide spirits home.
• Cultural significance: It’s the first Taiwanese festival listed as national folk-custom heritage. The event fuses religious tradition, community identity, and shared memory — reflecting centuries of local history in Keelung.

Season	Festival	Location	Description
Jan–Feb	Lantern Festival	Nationwide	Temples and streets glow with thousands of lanterns celebrating one of the deities' birthday.
Mar–May	Megaport Music Festival	Kaohsiung	Taiwan’s largest indie and rock festival.
Jun	Dragon Boat Festival	Taipei, Lukang	Exciting dragon boat races and traditional rice dumplings.
Jul–Sep	Amis Harvest Festival	Taitung	Indigenous tribes celebrate with music, food, and dance.
Aug–Sep	Keelung Ghost Festival	Keelung	A spiritual, centuries-old festival honoring ancestors.

Getting Around Taiwan: The Most Convenient Transportation Options

Taiwan’s transportation system is among the most efficient in Asia, combining modern trains, intercity buses, and affordable private transfer options. The best method depends on your itinerary and travel style.

Major Transportation Options

• Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR): Fast and comfortable. Connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in about 2 hours. Great for long-distance travel.
• Taiwan Railways (TRA): Slower but scenic—ideal for reaching destinations like Hualien, Taitung, or coastal towns.
• Tripool Private Transfers/Charter Service: A flexible, door-to-door service favored by travelers who want comfort without the high cost of taxis. Especially convenient for families or groups traveling to mountain regions.
• Metro and Buses: Efficient in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung for city travel.

👉🏻 Traveler’s Tip: During peak travel times like Lunar New Year, train tickets sell out fast. Booking a tripool private transport in advance ensures flexibility and saves valuable sightseeing time.

RTR Editor’s Note: When’s the Worst Time to Visit Taiwan?

Let’s be honest—there isn’t truly a bad time to visit Taiwan. However, if we had to pick the most challenging months for sightseeing comfort, July and August would top the list.

During midsummer, temperatures in southern cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan can exceed 32°C (90°F), and humidity often makes the heat feel even more intense. Popular destinations like Kenting, Taitung, and Taroko Gorge can be crowded with families on school holidays. Accommodation prices rise, and trains and buses can book out fast.

That said, it’s not all bad news. The same months also bring Taiwan’s liveliest atmosphere. The Amis Harvest Festival fills Taitung with music and dance. Summer night markets are in full swing, offering icy desserts, grilled seafood, and refreshing fruit teas. Coastal towns host fireworks shows, and even mountain regions are alive with festivals.

If you can handle the heat, July and August are an incredible time to experience Taiwan’s passionate summer spirit—from sunrise hikes at Hehuanshan to ocean swims in Kenting. Just plan ahead, stay hydrated, and schedule indoor activities during the midday heat.

At Round Taiwan Round (RTR), we believe every month in Taiwan has its charm. The secret is knowing what to expect and matching the season to your travel style. Whether it’s the soft pinks of taiwan cherry blossom 2025 in February, the golden sunsets of November, or the sparkling lanterns of Lunar New Year, Taiwan is always ready to surprise you.

FAQs: Best Month to Visit Taiwan

Q: What is the best month to go to taiwan overall? 

Q: Is Taiwan too hot in summer? 

Q: When can I see cherry blossoms in Taiwan? 

Q: When is the cheapest time to travel to Taiwan? 

Q: Does Taiwan have a rainy season? 

Q: When is the typhoon season in Taiwan? 

Q: When are hotels most expensive in Taiwan? 

Q: Is Taiwan worth visiting in winter? 

Q: What are the best months for hiking in Taiwan? 

Q: When should I book hotels and flights for Taiwan? 

Q: Does it snow in Taiwan?