Climate & Weather in Taiwan
Taiwan has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid; winters are mild in the north and warm in the south.
Seasonal Overview
| Season | Months | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar-May | 19-29°C (66-84°F) | Pleasant, increasing rain |
| Summer | Jun-Sep | 28-38°C (82-100°F) | Hot, humid, typhoons |
| Autumn | Oct-Nov | 22-28°C (72-82°F) | Best weather, dry |
| Winter | Dec-Feb | 13-19°C (55-66°F) | Cool, damp (north) |
Taipei Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19°C | 14°C | 15 | Cool, damp |
| Feb | 20°C | 14°C | 14 | Cool, humid |
| Mar | 22°C | 16°C | 15 | Warming |
| Apr | 26°C | 19°C | 14 | Pleasant |
| May | 29°C | 22°C | 15 | Warm, rainy |
| Jun | 32°C | 25°C | 14 | Hot, typhoon season starts |
| Jul | 34°C | 26°C | 12 | Hottest |
| Aug | 34°C | 26°C | 14 | Hot, typhoons |
| Sep | 31°C | 25°C | 14 | Typhoon peak |
| Oct | 28°C | 22°C | 9 | Best weather |
| Nov | 24°C | 19°C | 12 | Pleasant |
| Dec | 20°C | 15°C | 13 | Cool |
Regional Differences
North (Taipei):
- More rain year-round
- Cooler winters
- Higher humidity
- More overcast days
South (Kaohsiung, Tainan):
- Distinct wet/dry seasons
- Warmer winters
- More sunshine
- Less winter rain
Mountains:
- Significantly cooler
- Higher rainfall
- Snow on highest peaks in winter
East coast:
- More typhoon exposure
- Beautiful scenery
- Less developed
Typhoon Season (June-October)
Taiwan is in the Western Pacific typhoon belt:
What to expect:
- 3-5 direct hits per year on average
- Government issues warnings in advance
- Businesses close during typhoon
- MRT may suspend service
Preparation:
- Stock water and food
- Charge devices
- Stay indoors during storm
- Typhoon days = work/school cancelled
Tracking:
- Central Weather Bureau (cwb.gov.tw)
- Windy.com
- Taiwan Typhoon apps
Best Time to Visit/Move
Recommended:
- October-November - Best weather, dry, comfortable
- March-April - Pleasant spring, fewer tourists
Avoid if possible:
- July-August - Extreme heat, typhoons
- January-February - Damp, chilly (north)
Coping with the Climate
Summer survival:
- AC is essential (budget for electric bills)
- Light, breathable clothing
- Stay hydrated
- Indoor activities during afternoon heat
- Umbrella always handy
Winter comfort (north):
- Indoor heating rare - bring warm clothes
- Dehumidifier helpful
- Hot pot season!
Air Quality
- Generally good (AQI 30-80)
- Occasional poor days (spring sandstorms, industrial)
- South can have worse air quality
- Check apps: Taiwan AQI, IQAir
Pro Tips
- •October-November has the best weather - ideal for moving
- •Summer AC bills can be significant - budget accordingly
- •Always carry an umbrella, especially in Taipei
- •Typhoon days mean everything closes - stock up beforehand
- •Southern Taiwan is warmer and sunnier year-round
Have questions about climate & weather in Taiwan?