When is the best time to visit Taipei, Taiwan?

When to visit Taipei

Taipei is humid subtropical with no fully dry season, but the year splits into clear stretches for different trips.

Autumn (October-November)

The most comfortable window: humidity drops, days are mild, and skies clear more than in spring. Rain still passes through but showers are shorter. Good for walking Elephant Mountain or riding the MRT out to Beitou and Jiufen without heat fatigue.

Winter (December-February)

Cool, overcast, and damp rather than cold, with drizzle for days at a stretch; it rarely nears freezing but the dampness feels colder than the number suggests. This is peak season for the hot springs in Beitou and Wulai. Lunar New Year (dates shift, typically late January to mid-February) closes many family-run shops and restaurants for several days, and transport out of the city books up fast even though Taipei itself feels quieter.

Spring (March-April)

Temperatures climb but this is the wettest stretch, known locally as the plum rain season into May. Expect overcast days and sudden showers rather than steady rain. A compact umbrella works better than a rain jacket, since MRT stations and covered arcades make short dashes between shelter easy.

Summer (May-September)

Hot and humid, the toughest season for walking-heavy sightseeing. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and typhoons can affect the island July through September, sometimes disrupting flights and closing coastal day-trip routes. Keep summer itineraries flexible and check typhoon warnings a few days out.

What to pack

A light rain jacket or umbrella suits most of the year. Summer needs breathable clothing and sun protection; winter needs layers rather than heavy coats, since indoor heating is uncommon. With the MRT reaching nearly every sight, comfortable walking shoes matter more than any weather gear.