Climate Considerations for Travel Planning

Understanding Taiwan’s climate allows you to make informed decisions rather than simply following generic advice. Ask yourself: What activities interest you? How does your body respond to heat and humidity? Do you prefer crowds or quieter experiences?

For heat-sensitive travellers: Consider visiting October through April, avoiding the intense summer heat. Focus on northern Taiwan in autumn / winter when temperatures are moderate, or visit southern Taiwan in winter when it’s warm but not oppressive.

For those seeking beach and water activities: Summer (June-September) is warmest for swimming, but autumn (September-October) often provides better conditions: still warm but with clearer water and smaller crowds. Avoid northern beaches in winter.

For mountain hiking: Autumn (October-November) generally offers the most stable weather across the island. Spring (April-May) is beautiful but wetter. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that pose lightning risks on exposed peaks. Winter is excellent for low-to-mid elevation hiking but challenging at high elevations.

The key insight is that Taiwan’s climate isn’t a problem to overcome but a system to understand. The same monsoon that brings grey skies to Taipei in January creates perfect beach weather in Kenting. The summer humidity that feels oppressive at sea level makes Taiwan’s high mountains refreshingly cool. By understanding these patterns, not just memorising “best times to visit”, you can design an itinerary that aligns with Taiwan’s climatic reality rather than fighting against it.