Best Time to Visit Taipei
The best time to visit Taipei is November. You escape the oppressive humidity of summer and the unpredictable rains of early spring. November offers clear skies, average temperatures between 19°C and 24°C (66°F–75°F), and lower humidity. It is the most comfortable window for urban exploration and hiking the surrounding peaks like Elephant Mountain. While late October and early December are also strong contenders, November provides the highest probability of dry days before the winter chill sets in. If you want the perfect balance of weather, price, and accessibility, book your trip for November.
Month by month
January in Taipei
January is one of the coolest months, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 19°C (55°F–66°F). Expect grey skies and frequent drizzle. It is not freezing, but the humidity makes the air feel sharper. Crowds are manageable unless the Lunar New Year falls in late January. Prices for accommodation are generally low. Visit the Beitou hot springs to take advantage of the chilly weather; it is the peak season for soaking in sulfur baths.
February in Taipei
Temperatures remain cool, fluctuating between 14°C and 20°C (57°F–68°F). February is dominated by the Lunar New Year celebrations. During this time, many small shops close, but the city feels quieter as locals head to their hometowns. Prices spike around the holiday. If you visit in February, attend the Pingxi Lantern Festival. Thousands of glowing lanterns are released into the night sky, marking one of Taiwan’s most iconic cultural displays.
March in Taipei
March marks the transition into spring. Temperatures rise to 16°C–22°C (61°F–72°F). The weather is unpredictable; you might get a sunny afternoon followed by a sudden downpour. Humidity begins to climb. This is the start of the cherry blossom season in Yangmingshan National Park. While not as famous as Japan’s, the pink blooms against the volcanic landscape are a major draw. Crowds increase at floral hotspots but remain moderate elsewhere.
April in Taipei
April is pleasantly warm, with averages between 19°C and 26°C (66°F–79°F). This is a "shoulder" month where you can find decent flight deals. The humidity is noticeable but not yet draining. It is the ideal time for the Zhuzihu Calla Lily Festival in Yangmingshan. The white lilies fill the mountain valleys. It is a popular time for outdoor photography, so expect some foot traffic on mountain trails during the weekends.
May in Taipei
May brings the "Plum Rain" season. Temperatures jump to 22°C–29°C (72°F–84°F). Expect high humidity and consistent, heavy afternoon showers. This is a low season for tourism due to the rain, so you can find significant discounts on high-end hotels. Spend your time in Taipei’s extensive underground malls or the National Palace Museum to stay dry. It is also the month for the Dragon Boat Festival, featuring competitive racing on the Keelung River.
June in Taipei
June is the start of the true heat. Temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F–90°F). The heat index often makes it feel significantly hotter. While the rains of May subside, June marks the beginning of typhoon season. Crowds are thin because the heat discourages walking. You should use this month to explore the world-class specialty coffee scene. Taipei has more high-quality cafes per square mile than almost any other Asian city.
July in Taipei
July is peak summer. Temperatures frequently hit 34°C (93°F) and rarely drop below 26°C (79°F). The sun is intense, and the risk of typhoons is real. If a typhoon hits, the city effectively shuts down for 24 hours. Despite the heat, this is a busy time for student travel. Head to the air-conditioned observatories of Taipei 101 or spend your evenings at Shilin Night Market when the sun goes down and the air cools slightly.
August in Taipei
August is statistically the hottest and wettest month due to typhoon activity. Temperatures hover between 27°C and 34°C (81°F–93°F). Flights are often cheaper because of the weather risks. If you visit now, participate in the Ghost Month festivals. You will see locals burning incense and offering food to spirits on the sidewalks. It is a unique cultural experience, though the outdoor heat requires frequent hydration and breaks in air-conditioned convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
September in Taipei
September sees a slight dip in heat, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 31°C (77°F–88°F). This is still typhoon season, but the extreme humidity starts to break toward the end of the month. It coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival). You will smell charcoal everywhere as locals gather on sidewalks for traditional street barbecues. Hotel prices begin to stabilize as the summer rush ends and the business travel season picks up.
October in Taipei
October is one of the best months to visit Taipei. Temperatures drop to a comfortable 22°C–27°C (72°F–81°F). The rain decreases significantly, and the sky clears. It is the month of Double Tenth Day (National Day), featuring parades and fireworks. Because the weather is ideal for hiking, popular spots like Teapot Mountain see more visitors. Prices are moderate—higher than the rainy summer but lower than the peak holiday periods.
November in Taipei
November is the "sweet spot." Temperatures are a mild 19°C–24°C (66°F–75°F). Rainfall is at its annual low. You can walk the entire city without sweating through your clothes or carrying an umbrella every five minutes. There are no major public holidays, so prices are stable and crowds are thin. Use this weather to visit the outdoor markets in Tamsui or take the Maokong Gondola up the mountain to drink locally grown Oolong tea.
December in Taipei
December brings back the clouds and cool air, with temperatures between 15°C and 21°C (59°F–70°F). It is rarely "cold" by Western standards, but the dampness makes it feel brisk. The city is decorated for Christmas, though it is not a public holiday. The month ends with the massive Taipei 101 fireworks display. This is the busiest time of the year for hotels; if you plan to be in Taipei for New Year’s Eve, book six months in advance.
Cheapest time to visit Taipei
The cheapest time to visit Taipei is from May through September. This period coincides with the "Plum Rain" season and the height of typhoon season. Because the weather is hot, humid, and prone to storms, demand for leisure travel drops.
You can find 4-star and 5-star hotels at 30-40% discounts compared to the October or December peaks. Low-cost carriers frequently run sales during this window to fill seats. To maximize savings, avoid the specific week of the Computex Taipei trade show (usually late May or early June), which sends hotel prices soaring. If you don't mind carrying an umbrella and spending mid-afternoons in museums or malls, the summer months offer the best value.
When to avoid Taipei
Avoid Taipei during the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year). The dates change annually based on the lunar calendar but usually fall between late January and mid-February.
During this week, Taipei becomes a ghost town. Most independent restaurants, small shops, and traditional markets close for at least the first three to five days of the holiday. While major department stores and chain hotels stay open, the "local" experience disappears. Furthermore, transportation becomes a nightmare as locals travel across the island to visit family. High-speed rail tickets sell out seconds after they are released. If you want to see the city in its energized, functional state, avoid this window.
You should also keep a close eye on the weather forecast from July through September. This is the peak typhoon window. While a typhoon rarely ruins a whole trip, it can result in grounded flights and "Typhoon Days" where the government mandates that all businesses and public transport stop operating for safety.
Best time for good weather
For the best weather, book your trip between October and December.
- October: Warm, dry, and sunny. Best for photography.
- November: The most stable month. Low humidity and mild temperatures.
- Early December: Crisp air and clear views from the skyscrapers.
During these months, the "feels like" temperature remains close to the actual temperature. In the summer, a 32°C day feels like 40°C due to the moisture. In the fall, the breeze from the Pacific makes long-distance walking pleasant. This is the best time for the "classic" Taipei experience: night markets, mountain hiking, and coastal day trips to Jiufen or Shifen.
Best time for fewer crowds
To avoid crowds, visit Taipei in March or April, excluding the Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) in early April.
Unlike the summer, which draws students and families, or the fall/winter, which draws weather-seekers, the early spring is a quiet transition period. Most major tourist sites like the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall or Longshan Temple are much easier to navigate during weekday mornings in March.
Another quiet window is the period immediately following the Lunar New Year. After the frantic holiday travel ends, the city settles into a lull for several weeks as every-day life resumes. If you visit in late February or early March, you will find a more authentic, "lived-in" version of Taipei with far fewer tour groups.