Got an urge to visit Taiwan but don’t know when is the best time to go to Taiwan? Let’s face it, with its unique subtropical climate, it may be a challenge to plan a trip there, especially for newbie travellers.
Even though it’s a blissful and beautifully diverse year-round destination, there are months and seasons in Taiwan that might not suit your budget, taste and preferences. That’s why Skyscanner, with expert opinions from seasoned travellers, has created a detailed guide for those who need some help figuring out the best time to visit Taiwan.
When is the best time to visit Taiwan?
Spring (March to June)
Spring is very often deemed as the best time to visit Taiwan, and with good reason. After all, the weather in Taiwan during spring is extremely pleasant and favourable. Throughout Taiwan, travellers will experience warm and sunny weather (that is not too hot) with a little rainfall.
Outdoor enthusiasts and photography connoisseurs will find that spring is also the best time to hit the trails and parks in Taiwan, with the stunning flowers in full bloom. As a matter of fact, you’ll find tons of eye-catching cherry blossoms in Taiwan, in parks and places like Sun Moon Lake. As an added bonus, there are several exciting festivals happening during spring in Taiwan, such as the Dragon Boat Festival.
Price-wise, prepare a slightly higher travel budget when visiting Taiwan in spring, as April is on of the high tourist season. Of course, flights and hotels in Taiwan tend to increase this time of the year, so be sure to book your trip early.
What to wear in Taiwan during spring:
- Light long-sleeved shirt during the day and a heavier one for night time
- Also prepare a light rain jacket
Things to do in Taiwan in spring:
- Hike the Elephant Mountain
- Visit Alishan National Scenic Area
- Check out Taroko National Park
- Drop by Yangmingshan National Park
- Enjoy the cherry blossoms
- Witness Penghu Ocean Fireworks Festival
- See the Dragon Boat Festival
Summer (June to September)
Summer, though it’s the region’s high season, may not be the best time to visit Taiwan. With tons of locals and international travellers flocking to top destinations in Taiwan, expect to spend more on hotels and flight tickets. Furthermore, the weather is hot and humid throughout Taiwan in summer, with frequent typhoons and thunderstorms.
On the bright side, there are still dozens of exciting and relaxing things to do in Taiwan during summer, like enjoying the beach and experiencing its summer festivals.
What to wear in Taiwan during summer:
- Shorts and short sleeved shirts
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- A solid travel umbrella
Things to do in Taiwan in summer:
- Snorkel, sun and surf at Kenting National Park
- Unwind at Taroko Gorge
- Try the tasty summer fruits at a night market
- Experience the birthday celebration of Chenghuang at Xiahai City
- Escape the heat and bustling city life at Cinjing Farm
- Hike Mount Qixing in Yangmingshan National Park
- Admire Yehliu Geopark’s natural beauty
Autumn (September to December)
Taiwan is absolutely beautiful and charming, when autumn sets in. Compared to the summer months, there’s little to no rainfall in Taiwan in autumn, making it a perfect time enjoy its outdoor activities.
For the not-so-adventurous, Taiwan will host many celebrations and festivals in autumn, including the birthday celebration of Confucius and the Mid-autumn Moon Festival, which features lots of picnics and juicy outdoor barbecues. In terms of pricing, finding discounted hotels or accommodation options and cheap flight to Taiwan will be so much easier, thanks to the low season in autumn. By the way, did we mention that autumn in Taiwan means you’ll get to see striking autumn foliage?
What to wear in Taiwan during autumn:
- A light jacket or long sleeves
- A decent pair of hiking shoes, if you’re planning to go hiking
- A solid travel umbrella, just in case
Things to do in Taiwan in autumn:
- Autumn leaf viewing in Lala Mountain Nature Reserve, Shihmen Reservoir, and Manapan Mountain Trail
- Experience Mid-autumn festival
- Check out Taroko Music Festival
- See Yunlin International Puppets Arts Festival
- Experience Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival
You can also find out more about the best places to visit in Taiwan during autumn.
Winter (December to March)
If you plan to travel on a tight budget, visit Taiwan during winter. For the most part, winter is their low season, meaning that it will be easier to find deals for hotels and flights to Taiwan during this time of the year. Although it’s a bit chilly and foggy during these months, the temperature is fairly mild and tolerable, especially when compared to winters in Europe. In February, rainfall will occur across Taiwan, but not enough to disrupt your travel plans. Great prices aside, there are also plenty of highlights during this season, including hot springs, mountain retreats, and New Year’s celebrations.
What to wear in Taiwan during winter:
- A versatile all-season coat
- Long sleeved shirts
- Layers
Things to do in Taiwan in winter:
- Experience Taiwan’s Chinese New Year celebrations
- Retreat to Yangmingshan National Park
- Check out the New Year’s Eve party at Taipei 101
- Swing by Christmasland
- Be a part of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival and Taiwan Lantern Festival
- See the Butterfly Beauty Festival in Maolin National Scenic Area
Enjoy huge travel savings by booking hotels and cheap flights to Taiwan with Skyscanner. If you’re wondering what’s the best flight price to Taiwan, you can learn more about how airline price their tickets and how to find cheap flights on Skyscanner.
Adapted from an article that was originally published on Skyscanner Philippines
