Best time to visit

Best Time to Visit Taipei (Weather, Events, & More)

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Planning your next getaway and wondering about the best time to visit Taipei? This vibrant city offers a unique blend of modern urban life and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination. Whether you're looking to explore bustling night markets, serene temples, or lush landscapes, timing your visit right can enhance your experience. Let’s dive into the details to help you decide when to book your trip to Taipei.

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Table of Contents

Best Overall Time to Visit Taipei

If you're pondering the best time to visit Taipei, aim for the months between October and April. During this period, the weather is comfortably cool and dry, making it ideal for exploring the vibrant street markets and stunning outdoor attractions like Elephant Mountain. Additionally, these months avoid the sweltering heat and humidity that characterize Taipei's summers, as well as the frequent rains.

Visiting Taipei during the low season, which includes the hot summer months from May to September, has its ups and downs. On the upside, you'll likely find fewer tourists and potentially lower prices on accommodations and activities. However, the cons include dealing with the intense heat and the possibility of typhoons, particularly from July to September, which can disrupt travel plans.

Monthly Overview of Taipei

Month Season Avg. Days of Rainfall Avg. Temperature (°F/°C) Hotel Costs
January Dry 14 62/17 Medium
February Dry 15 63/17 Medium
March Dry 15 68/20 Medium
April Wet 14 75/24 High
May Wet 15 80/27 High
June Wet 14 84/29 High
July Wet 12 89/32 High
August Wet 14 89/32 High
September Wet 13 86/30 Medium
October Wet 14 79/26 Medium
November Dry 12 72/22 Low
December Dry 11 64/18 Low

Detailed Monthly Analysis

Here’s what to expect in Taipei in each month of the year:

Taipei in January

Visiting Taipei in January offers a cooler, quieter experience compared to the bustling summer months. The city is less crowded, and the weather is mild, making it comfortable for exploring the vibrant streets and cozy cafes. It's a great time to experience the local culture without the sweltering heat or heavy tourist crowds.

Taipei in February

Visiting Taipei in February offers a cooler, quieter experience compared to other months. It's a great time to explore the city without the sweltering heat or the crowds of peak tourist seasons. While you might encounter some rain, the weather generally remains mild, making it comfortable for sightseeing and enjoying the city's vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations.

Taipei in March

Visiting Taipei in March is a delightful experience as the city transitions from winter to spring. The weather is comfortably cool, and while there might be occasional rain, it generally doesn't disrupt outdoor activities too much. This makes it a great time to explore the vibrant street markets and beautiful cherry blossoms that start to bloom across the city.

Taipei in April

Visiting Taipei in April is a delightful experience as the city transitions into spring. The weather is pleasantly warm, making it perfect for exploring the vibrant street markets and beautiful cherry blossoms. While occasional rain showers are common, they're usually brief and provide a refreshing break from the day's warmth.

Taipei in May

Visiting Taipei in May offers a vibrant blend of warm weather and local festivities. While it's the beginning of the hot season, the temperatures are quite comfortable, making it ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. May is also a culturally rich month in Taipei, with several local festivals that provide a deep dive into the traditions and celebrations of Taiwan.

Taipei in June

Visiting Taipei in June means embracing the wet season. You'll find the island lush and green, though it's also the peak of the rainy season, so expect daily downpours. However, the rain usually comes in intense short bursts, often in the afternoon, leaving the morning and night clearer for exploration.

Taipei in July

Visiting Taipei in July means embracing the wet season. You'll find the city lush and vibrant, but be prepared for frequent rain showers. The weather is warm and humid, making it perfect for indoor activities or exploring the city in short bursts between downpours.

Taipei in August

Visiting Taipei in August is quite the steamy adventure! The city buzzes with vibrant energy despite the heat and frequent rain showers. It's a great time to dive into Taipei's indoor attractions or enjoy the lush, rain-washed outdoor scenery in brief, sunny interludes.

Taipei in September

Visiting Taipei in September is a vibrant experience, as the city transitions from summer to autumn. While it's still quite warm, occasional rain showers are common, making the cityscape glisten uniquely. This is a great time to explore both the indoor and outdoor attractions of Taipei, as the weather is generally mild, but with fewer tourists compared to peak season.

Taipei in October

Visiting Taipei in October is a delightful experience as the city transitions from the hot and humid summer into a cooler, more comfortable autumn. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the vibrant street markets and beautiful outdoor spaces without the oppressive heat of summer.

Taipei in November

Visiting Taipei in November is a delightful experience as the city transitions into cooler weather. The bustling city streets are less crowded, and the mild temperatures make exploring outdoor markets and historical sites more comfortable. Plus, the city starts gearing up for various winter festivals, adding a festive air to your travels.

Taipei in December

Visiting Taipei in December offers a cooler, drier experience compared to the humid summer months. The city lights up with festive decorations and the streets buzz with year-end excitement. It's a great time to explore the city comfortably, as the weather is mild and the rainfall is less frequent.

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Special Events in Taipei to Look Out For

Taipei Lantern Festival

Dragon Boat Festival

Taipei Film Festival

Ghost Festival (Zhong Yuan Jie)

Mid-Autumn Festival

Taipei Jazz Festival

Taipei Pride Parade

Taipei International Travel Fair

Christmasland in New Taipei City

Pro Tips for Traveling to Taipei

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Taipei Travel FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Taipei?
Whether you need a visa to visit Taipei depends on your nationality. Many countries benefit from visa-exemption agreements allowing stays of up to 90 days. Always check the latest visa requirements from the official Taipei representative office before your trip.

What currency is used in Taipei?
The New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD) is the currency used in Taipei. While credit cards are accepted in many establishments, carrying some cash is advisable, especially for smaller shops and local markets.

What should I pack for a trip to Taipei?
Pack comfortable clothing suitable for warm and humid weather, as Taipei can be quite muggy, especially in the summer. Include an umbrella or a raincoat, as sudden showers are common. For winter months, bring a light jacket. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes, as you'll likely do a lot of walking.

Do I need to speak Mandarin to visit Taipei?
It's not necessary to speak Mandarin to visit Taipei, as many people, especially the younger generation, speak English, particularly in tourist areas. However, learning a few basic phrases in Mandarin can enhance your experience and interactions with locals.

Is Taipei safe for tourists?
Taipei is considered very safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, and the locals are generally helpful and respectful. However, always exercise common sense precautions like watching your belongings and being cautious when crossing busy streets.

Is Taipei accessible for those with disabilities?
Taipei has made significant improvements in accessibility for those with disabilities, including public transportation systems equipped with facilities for the disabled and ramps in most public areas. However, some older buildings and smaller establishments might not be fully accessible.

What type of outlet is used in Taipei?
In Taipei, the standard voltage is 110V, and the frequency is 60Hz. The power sockets used are of type A and B, which are the same as those used in the United States. If you're coming from a country with different standards, you might need a power adapter or converter.

What are the best months to visit Taipei?
The best time to visit Taipei is during the fall, from September to November, when the weather is cooler and drier. Spring, from March to May, is also a pleasant time. Summers can be hot and humid, coupled with the typhoon season, making outdoor activities less comfortable.

Can I drink the tap water in Taipei?
Tap water in Taipei is treated and is technically safe to drink after boiling. However, most locals and visitors prefer to drink bottled water or water from filtration systems commonly found in homes and hotels.

What local food should I try in Taipei?
Don't miss out on trying some iconic Taipei dishes such as beef noodle soup, lu rou fan (braised pork rice), and bubble tea. Also, explore the night markets, like Shilin or Raohe, for a variety of street food options like stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and Taiwanese fried chicken.

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