Taiwan is an island nation located off the southeastern coast of China, bordered by the East China Sea to the north, the Philippine Sea to the east, the Taiwan Strait to the west, and the South China Sea to the southwest. Covering an area of about 36,000 square kilometers, Taiwan is known for its varied landscapes, from bustling cities like Taipei in the north to the tropical beaches of Kenting in the south. The island is also home to rugged mountain ranges, including the Central Mountain Range, which runs down its spine, and Yushan (Jade Mountain), the tallest peak in East Asia.
Taiwan’s climate can be divided into two primary zones:
- Northern and Central Taiwan: Subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
- Southern Taiwan: Tropical climate, with warm to hot temperatures year-round.
Taiwan experiences four distinct seasons:
- Winter (December to February): Cool, especially in the north.
- Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures with increasing humidity and rainfall.
- Summer (June to September): Hot, humid, and the peak of the typhoon season.
- Autumn (October to November): Warm and dry, considered the best time to visit.
Because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan is prone to typhoons, particularly between June and September. The island’s diverse geography and location also mean that weather can vary dramatically between regions, particularly between the mountains and the lowlands. Below is a detailed breakdown of the weather in Taiwan by month.
January
Weather Overview
January is mid-winter in Taiwan, with cooler temperatures in the north and milder conditions in the south. It is one of the driest months in Taiwan, but northern regions, including Taipei, can still experience rain.
Northern Taiwan (Taipei, Keelung)
- Temperature: 13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F)
- Rainfall: 70-120 mm
- Weather: Cool and damp, with frequent rain and overcast skies. Northern Taiwan experiences its coldest temperatures in January, especially in Taipei, where wet conditions are common.
Central Taiwan (Taichung, Sun Moon Lake)
- Temperature: 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 30-60 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry, with cooler mornings and evenings. Taichung and the surrounding areas have relatively clear skies, making it a good time for outdoor activities.
Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Kenting)
- Temperature: 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. The south remains pleasant, with temperatures comfortable enough for beach activities in Kenting, and very little rain.
Eastern Taiwan (Hualien, Taitung)
- Temperature: 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Cool with occasional rain, particularly along the coast. Hualien and Taitung have milder temperatures and are less wet than the northern regions.
February
Weather Overview
February remains cool in Taiwan, especially in the north, but temperatures begin to rise slightly toward the end of the month. Rain is still common in the northern regions, while the south stays dry and pleasant.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F)
- Rainfall: 80-150 mm
- Weather: Cool and damp, with persistent rain in Taipei and Keelung. February is often overcast and rainy, but there are occasional sunny spells.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry, with clear skies in Taichung. It’s a pleasant time for exploring the central region’s cultural and natural attractions.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 10-40 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. Kaohsiung and Kenting remain sunny and warm, making it ideal for outdoor and beach activities.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 17°C to 23°C (63°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 70-110 mm
- Weather: Mild with occasional rain. Hualien and Taitung have relatively mild temperatures, though rain showers are still possible.
March
Weather Overview
March marks the beginning of spring in Taiwan, with rising temperatures and more sunshine. The north remains wetter than the south, but the overall weather becomes more pleasant across the island.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 14°C to 21°C (57°F to 70°F)
- Rainfall: 100-150 mm
- Weather: Cool and rainy, with the occasional sunny day. Taipei and the northern regions remain damp, but warmer days begin to appear toward the end of the month.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 50-90 mm
- Weather: Mild and increasingly warm. Taichung experiences pleasant spring weather, making it an ideal time to explore nearby natural attractions like Sun Moon Lake.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 20-50 mm
- Weather: Warm and mostly dry. The beaches of Kenting remain popular, and the pleasant weather makes outdoor activities in Kaohsiung enjoyable.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 70-130 mm
- Weather: Mild with occasional rain. The eastern coastal areas around Hualien and Taitung experience some showers, but sunny days become more frequent.
April
Weather Overview
April is a lovely month in Taiwan, with warmer temperatures and less rain in most regions. Spring flowers, including cherry blossoms, are in bloom, making it one of the best times to visit the island.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 80-130 mm
- Weather: Mild with occasional rain. Taipei experiences fewer rainy days, and temperatures rise, making it a good time to explore the city’s parks and outdoor markets.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry, with sunny skies. Taichung and the surrounding areas are great for outdoor activities, and the weather is perfect for visiting places like Alishan.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 30-60 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. Kaohsiung and Kenting enjoy beautiful spring weather, with temperatures ideal for beach outings and hiking in the national parks.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm
- Weather: Mild with occasional rain. The eastern region, including Hualien and Taitung, experiences mild, pleasant weather, though rain showers are still possible.
May
Weather Overview
May is the beginning of the transition into summer, with rising temperatures and increasing humidity across Taiwan. Rainfall begins to increase, particularly in the north and central regions.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 19°C to 27°C (66°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 150-250 mm
- Weather: Warm and wet. Taipei experiences more frequent rain showers, and humidity levels rise. It’s a good time to visit cultural attractions, but outdoor activities may be affected by the rain.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 100-200 mm
- Weather: Warm and increasingly wet. Taichung and central Taiwan begin to experience more rain, though sunny days are still common.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 50-120 mm
- Weather: Warm with increasing humidity and occasional rain showers. Kaohsiung and Kenting still enjoy warm temperatures, but the first signs of the summer rainy season begin to appear.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 120-180 mm
- Weather: Warm with frequent rain showers. The eastern regions around Hualien experience more rain in May, but there are still plenty of sunny days for outdoor activities.
June
Weather Overview
June marks the start of summer and the rainy season in Taiwan, with hot temperatures and heavy rainfall, particularly in the north and along the east coast. This is also the beginning of the typhoon season, though major storms are more likely in later months.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 200-300 mm
- Weather: Hot and wet. Taipei experiences frequent thunderstorms and high humidity, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. It’s a good time to visit indoor attractions like museums and malls.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 150-250 mm
- Weather: Warm with heavy rain. Taichung experiences increased rainfall and humidity, though it remains slightly drier than the northern regions.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 100-200 mm
- Weather: Hot and humid, with frequent rain showers. Kaohsiung and Kenting remain warm, but the increased rainfall marks the onset of the wet season.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 250-400 mm
- Weather: Hot and very wet. The eastern coastal areas, including Hualien and Taitung, experience heavy rainfall, making it difficult for outdoor activities.
July
Weather Overview
July is the height of summer in Taiwan, with scorching temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall due to the monsoon season. Typhoons are a significant risk during this time.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 250-350 mm
- Weather: Hot, humid, and rainy. Taipei experiences heavy thunderstorms and high temperatures, with frequent rain disrupting outdoor activities.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 200-300 mm
- Weather: Hot and humid, with frequent rain showers. Taichung is still warm, though the heavy rains and high humidity make the weather less favorable for travel.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F)
- Rainfall: 150-250 mm
- Weather: Very hot and wet, with frequent thunderstorms. Kaohsiung and Kenting remain warm, but the heavy rainfall limits outdoor activities.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 300-450 mm
- Weather: Hot and extremely wet. The eastern regions around Hualien and Taitung experience frequent heavy rain and are at high risk for typhoons.
August
Weather Overview
August remains part of the typhoon season, with hot, humid conditions and frequent rain across the island. Typhoons are a common occurrence in August, affecting travel and outdoor activities.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 200-400 mm
- Weather: Hot, humid, and stormy. Taipei experiences high temperatures and frequent thunderstorms, along with the risk of typhoons.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 150-300 mm
- Weather: Hot and humid, with frequent rain. Taichung remains hot, with occasional heavy downpours and high humidity.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F)
- Rainfall: 120-250 mm
- Weather: Very hot and humid, with frequent rain showers. Kaohsiung and Kenting continue to experience hot temperatures, but frequent storms make it difficult for beachgoers.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 300-500 mm
- Weather: Hot and wet, with frequent heavy rain and a high risk of typhoons. Hualien and Taitung experience the brunt of the wet season, with frequent disruptions due to bad weather.
September
Weather Overview
September marks the end of the summer rainy season, with rainfall beginning to decrease and temperatures cooling slightly. However, typhoons are still a risk, particularly early in the month.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 150-300 mm
- Weather: Warm and humid, with decreasing rain. Taipei experiences fewer storms as the month progresses, though typhoons can still occur.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 100-200 mm
- Weather: Warm with decreasing rain. Taichung becomes drier toward the end of the month, making it a more pleasant time to visit the central regions.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 100-200 mm
- Weather: Warm and increasingly dry. Kaohsiung and Kenting remain hot, but the rain begins to taper off, making beach trips more appealing.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 200-400 mm
- Weather: Warm and wet, with frequent rain showers. The eastern regions, particularly Hualien, experience a gradual decrease in rainfall, but typhoons are still possible.
October
Weather Overview
October is one of the best months to visit Taiwan, with warm temperatures, clear skies, and less rain. The typhoon season is coming to an end, and autumn brings pleasant weather across the island.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 80-150 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry, with occasional rain showers. Taipei experiences sunny, pleasant days, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 50-100 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. Taichung has clear skies and warm temperatures, making it perfect for visiting cultural attractions or exploring nature.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 30-80 mm
- Weather: Warm and mostly dry. Kaohsiung and Kenting experience fewer rainy days and warm, sunny weather, ideal for beach outings and water sports.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 100-200 mm
- Weather: Warm with decreasing rain. Hualien and Taitung see fewer rain showers as the month progresses, with more sunny days and less chance of storms.
November
Weather Overview
November is part of Taiwan’s autumn, with mild temperatures and dry conditions across most regions. It’s one of the best times to visit Taiwan, as the weather is comfortable and typhoons are no longer a concern.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 60-120 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry, with occasional rain. Taipei experiences cooler, pleasant days, perfect for exploring the city or hiking in nearby mountains.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 19°C to 27°C (66°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 30-70 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. Taichung has sunny, comfortable weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities like hiking.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 20-50 mm
- Weather: Warm and mostly dry. Kaohsiung and Kenting enjoy sunny, pleasant days, making it one of the best times to visit the southern beaches.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 19°C to 27°C (66°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry, with occasional rain. Hualien and Taitung experience more sunshine and fewer rainy days, making it a great time to explore the region’s natural beauty.
December
Weather Overview
December marks the beginning of winter in Taiwan, particularly in the north, where temperatures drop, and rain becomes more frequent. The south remains mild, with comfortable temperatures and little rain.
Northern Taiwan
- Temperature: 14°C to 21°C (57°F to 70°F)
- Rainfall: 80-150 mm
- Weather: Cool and damp, with frequent rain showers. Taipei experiences cooler temperatures and overcast skies, but the rain is generally light.
Central Taiwan
- Temperature: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 40-80 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry, with occasional rain. Taichung remains warmer and drier than the north, making it a pleasant time for sightseeing and cultural visits.
Southern Taiwan
- Temperature: 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. Kaohsiung and Kenting remain pleasant for outdoor activities, with temperatures cool enough for comfortable exploration and beach outings.
Eastern Taiwan
- Temperature: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 70-120 mm
- Weather: Mild with occasional rain. Hualien and Taitung have cooler days, but the rain is generally lighter than during the summer months.