When is the optimal time to visit Taipei?

Nestled at the edge of the tropics, east of China and southwest of Japan, the petite island of Taiwan is brimming with potential – along with a fair share of traveler perspiration.

In the capital city of Taipei, the four seasons meld into two distinct periods, following a lunar calendar. The weather is often humid and hot, with temperatures and crowds reaching their peak from July to August.

However, whether you’re visiting during the hottest months or the slightly cooler ones, there’s always plenty to enjoy – from festivals and hiking to beaches and biking.

The period from June to September is ideal for festivals and water-related activities.

Summer is peak season, but with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F), you’ll want to avoid lengthy strolls through the streets of Taipei. Instead, make your way to the nearest water for surfing, snorkeling, and diving adventures. As the sun begins to set, the heat subsides and the parties come alive.

The Dragon Boat Festival in June, a traditional Chinese celebration with various debated origins, continues the age-old tradition of competitive dragon boat racing, followed by rice dumpling making during the three-day weekend.

June marks the onset of the monsoon season (June to September), and while the weather forecast can appear daunting, it’s possible to dodge the rain. Keep an eye on the gathering clouds, pack a reliable umbrella, and try to wrap up your outdoor activities by early afternoon.

Taipei observes its romantic day on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Head to Daocheng Wharf (Dadaocheng) between Dihua St and the Tamsui River for fireworks displays set atop shipping containers that serve as bars and food stalls. The Taipei Water Festival also begins in July, offering a fantastic way to keep kids cool and entertained during family trips.

August signals the opening of the gates to the underworld, as Ghost Month emerges as Taiwan’s eeriest Taoist tradition. Throughout August, people are advised to avoid inauspicious activities, like whistling after dark, while Tao followers conduct rituals and prepare offerings (usually fresh fruits and snacks, though sometimes whole pigs) at their local temples to invite good fortune.

One of the more exhilarating events is the Grappling with the Ghosts pole-climbing competition, which takes place in Yilan on the final day of the month.

September ushers in a 2000-year-old tradition celebrating the harvest festival and the brightest full moon of the year. The Mid-Autumn Festival is observed in a laid-back manner in modern Taiwan, with families firing up barbecues on the roadside while children play with pomelo peels on their heads.

From November to March, it’s the prime time for outdoor adventures.

The low season offers a cooler environment for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and searching for hot springs, perfect if you’re not fond of high temperatures and humidity. Winter in Taipei can be a bit brisk (13-18°C/55-64°F), but adventure enthusiasts will appreciate the refreshing air while trekking the Pingxi Crags or biking through Pinglin.

November is packed with activities, both within and outside the city. Escape the urban hustle on a day trip, or hop on your bike to traverse the Taipei Riverside Bikeway. Alternatively, hike on Yangmingshan and cap off the day with a clandestine nighttime soak in Bayan Hot Spring.

Following closely after Christmas, when young Taiwanese gather for German markets and gift exchanges, New Year’s Eve is another global celebration that the residents of Taipei eagerly join in on.

Join the festive atmosphere at the Taipei 101 fireworks display by mingling with crowds around Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall and the Xinyi shopping district. For an even better view, hike up Elephant Mountain and arrive early for the best vantage point.

The Chinese Lunar New Year is Taiwan’s largest public holiday, lasting for a week in late January. During this time, Taipei often feels like a ghost town, as restaurants and shops close while residents travel south for family reunions.

Consider arriving a few days early to explore the bustling markets of Dihua Street and Nanmen, and book a stay at the Grand Hyatt to prepare for the spectacular annual dragon dance on New Year’s Day.

By mid-February, numerous lantern festivals will be happening across Taiwan, with the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival being the largest and nearest to Taipei. Here, lanterns are released along the picturesque old railway that weaves through Pingxi Old Town.

With winter behind and summer not yet upon us, March is an ideal month to visit Taipei for outdoor adventures. Enthusiastic bikers often begin their round-the-island journeys, while surfers head to the east coast.

March is also the prime time to witness the stunning cherry blossoms, which can still be enjoyed into April at higher elevations, offering vibrant hiking opportunities on Yangmingshan.

The optimal times for breathtaking foliage are from March to May and October to November.

Taiwan showcases four distinct seasons, although they can be fleeting. Spring (March to early May) paints the forested mountains around Taipei in shades of pink and white, while fall (October and November) transforms the landscape into rich rusty reds.

With the beautiful scenery and more pleasant temperatures (19-22°C or 66-72°F in April), the shoulder seasons are ideal for outdoor activities.

Spring ushers in a variety of vibrant art and design events, attracting picnicking locals and art enthusiasts to several cultural parks. Among these, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Taipei Expo Park, and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park feature a blend of independent design shops, art galleries, and film showcases, along with weekend markets outside.

As the first Asian nation to legalize gay marriage, Taiwan proudly hosts the largest LGBTIQ+ celebration in the region every October. The annual LGBTIQ+ Pride parade in Taipei attracts around 100,000 supporters and activists who march through the streets near City Hall, culminating in vibrant Halloween-Pride festivities throughout the city, including at Yuanshan’s Maji Square and Ximen’s Red House.