Best Time to Visit Taipei

Surrounded by mountains at the northern tip of Taiwan where subtropical Pacific air meets winter northeast monsoon winds, Taipei has warm summers, mild winters and four distinct seasonal moods. For the highest number of clear sky views from Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain paired with comfortable walking temperatures, the prime window is mid-autumn to early winter (October to December), closely followed by spring (March to April).

Autumn and Early Winter (October to December) bring the most stable, pleasant weather of the year. After the summer typhoon season fades in early October, daytime highs settle between 22°C and 27°C with noticeably lower humidity and crisp evenings. This is the ideal season for climbing Xiangshan at sunset, cycling along the Tamsui and Keelung riverfront paths, and grazing outdoors through Raohe and Ningxia night markets without breaking into a sweat. In November and December, silver grass (miscanthus) blankets the ridges of Yangmingshan National Park north of the city.

Winter and Early Spring (January to March) are mild by temperate standards (daytime highs of 18°C to 21°C, nights dipping to 13°C to 15°C), though northeast monsoon winds often bring cool, misty drizzle over the northern hills around Jiufen. Winter is prime season for soaking in the steaming mineral waters of Beitou Hot Springs and slurping rich bowls of braised beef noodle soup. In late January or February, Dihua Street hosts its exuberant Lunar New Year Bazaar, followed fifteen days later by the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Shifen and early pink cherry blossoms across Yangmingshan and Tamsui.

Late Spring (April and May) warms into the mid-to-high 20s with lush green mountain trails, though mid-May to early June brings the seasonal Meiyu ("plum rain") front with heavier showers.

Summer (June to September) is hot and humid (32°C to 34°C), with brief afternoon thundershowers and occasional Pacific typhoons between July and September. Taiwan's meteorological agency issues early warnings if a typhoon approaches; on sunny summer days, visit the National Palace Museum and Taipei 101 mall at midday, cool off with fresh mango shaved ice on Yongkang Street, and save outdoor sightseeing for evening. Check what to wear in Taipei before packing.