When Is The Best Time To Visit Taipei (According To A Taiwanese Expat)

If you are making travel plans to visit Taipei and want to find out the best time of the year to go, I would love to share my opinions with you.

I was born and raised in Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan. Even though I have been living in other parts of the world (US, China, then US) for 30+ years, I go back to my hometown to visit family and friends at least once a year (except for during Covid time).

Every time I return to Taipei, I become both a local and a tourist. I feel the warmth and familiarity of my hometown, at the same time I discover new changes in the city and its people.

Thanks to this unique experience, I am able to view Taipei from both a local’s and a tourist’s perspective, and offer interesting viewpoints.

So, when is the best time to visit Taipei?

Winter! In my opinion, winter is definitely the best season to visit Taipei.

In this article, I will share my personal take on why the winter months are the best time for your visit to Taipei. I will provide brief information about Taipei’s weather and then list 5 reasons why you will enjoy Taipei in winter.

Let’s go!

Taipei in Winter

To give you a general idea of what winter is like in Taipei, I’ve included a chart of the monthly temperatures and rainfall averages. Please see below.

Due to its subtropical climate, the weather in Taipei during the coldest month, January, is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C (57°F) to 20°C (70°F).

If you’re accustomed to colder climates, seeing these temperatures might lead you to think, ‘Great! I only need to pack summer clothes!’ However, please keep in mind, due to the humidity, it can feel a bit colder than the actual temperature, especially on cloudy or rainy days.

But still, there is no need to pack a thick jacket when you travel to Taipei. A hoodie or a light jacket would be sufficient.

The winter months are also the driest months of the year compared to the plum rains in spring and the typhoon season in summer. However, you should still pack an umbrella (or be prepared to buy one from a local convenience store) in case you encounter rainy days when a cold front hits.

5 Reasons Winter is the best time to visit Taipei

Here are the 5 reasons why I think you should come visit Taipei in the winter months (December, January and February).

1. You can enjoy Outdoor Activities In Comfortable Temperatures:

In hot summers, the extreme heat during daytime makes it very uncomfortable to stay outdoors without shade or covering, unless you are doing water-based activities.

On the other hand, in Taipei’s mild winters, cooler temperatures make outdoor activities more enjoyable as your body engages in motion without the discomfort of excessive sweating.

I have listed some outdoor activities that you can enjoy in winter. Even though they can be done year-round, my experience is that they are best enjoyed during the winter months in cool temperatures.

Hiking the Elephant Mountain (XiangShan象山）: This is a must-visit location for nature lovers and photographers. The hike is short (30 minutes) and relatively moderate, with steps and paths leading to many observation points. On sunny days with clear skies, you will see the breath-taking views of the Taipei City and Taipei 101.

Exploring the Taipei Zoo: Home to over 1,600 animals representing 260 species, the zoo offers a diverse and educational experience for visitors. Notable exhibits include the Giant Panda House and the Formosan Animal Area, showcasing indigenous species unique to Taiwan.

Strolling through the old streets of Jiufen: the old town is set on a hillside overlooking the sea. Walk on the cobblestone streets packed with traditional tea houses, souvenir stores and street vendors.

Visiting Longshan Temple: The temple is not only a religious center but also a popular tourist destination. Established in 1738, the temple combines elements of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk religious practices, making it a unique spiritual site.

The architecture is a blend of traditional Chinese and Taiwanese styles, featuring intricate carvings, colorful artwork, and a vibrant atmosphere.

2. You will Love the Festive Atmosphere

In winter, Taipei becomes a lively and festive place with colorful decorations and events.

First comes the Christmas lights. Even though Christmas isn’t an official holiday in Taiwan, shops and restaurants still get into the holiday spirit. You’ll find beautiful decorations and light displays at the the shopping malls and restaurants.

My favorite place to see the Christmas lights is Xinyi Shopping District, where Taipei 101 and many shopping centers are located. The entire shopping district is adorned with Christmas trees and lights, creating a vibrant and celebratory ambiance.

The festive mood continues after New Year’s Day, especially with the Lunar New Year in late January or early February (depending on the Lunar Calendar). The decorations theme is red and according to the zodiac sign of the year. For example, the year 2024 is the year of the dragon. Dragon related decors were everywhere.

The Lunar New Year celebrations wrap up with the Lantern Festival, featuring parades, cultural events, and beautiful lantern displays.

The event usually takes place at different spots in the city, changing from year to year with unique themes each time. The lantern displays stay lit for about a month until early spring, extending the festive spirit beyond the New Year.

In addition, there is the Sky Lantern Festival in Pingxi.

Surrounded by mountains, Pingxi in New Taipei City has the advantageous geographic location. With the average of humidity up to 75-80%, it is a safe area (certified by the government) to fly sky lanterns.

3. Keep yourself warm by eating “winter food”

Winter is the perfect time to eat hot pots and soup dishes. These foods are popular in Taiwan during winter time:

Ginger Duck (薑母鴨): A traditional Taiwanese dish, Ginger Duck is a flavorful and aromatic stew made with duck, ginger, and various Chinese herbs. The dish is known for its rich broth and tender duck meat infused with the warmth of ginger.

I actually didn’t try this dish until in my 30’s. And this has been my personal favorite in winter ever since. The flavorful ginger broth warms me up!

Sesame Chicken Soup (麻油雞): A popular Taiwanese comfort food, Sesame Chicken Soup features tender chicken pieces, often accompanied by shiitake mushrooms, ginger, and a fragrant broth infused with the distinctive flavor of sesame oil.

Mutton Hot Pot (羊肉爐): Features thinly sliced lamb or mutton cooked at the table in a simmering broth. The hot pot is filled with various fresh vegetables, tofu, and noodles.

Fish Head Casserole (砂鍋魚頭): It is a stew that highlights the flavorful and tender parts of fish heads. The dish is often prepared with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and a savory broth, creating a rich and aromatic culinary experience.

Oden (關東煮): Originating from Japan but popular in Taiwan, Oden is a one-pot dish featuring various ingredients like fish cakes, tofu, daikon radish, and hard-boiled eggs simmered in a soy-based broth. It is a comforting and flavorful winter dish enjoyed during colder months.

4. Winter is the best time to enjoy the Hot Springs

If you hear the term “soup dipping”, don’t mistakenly think it’s some type of cuisine. It means hot springs.

Because of its unique geological characteristics, there are some famous hot springs in the greater Taipei area.

There are different ways to enjoy hot springs. You can go to an outdoor public hot spring, or indoor hot springs (normally for 2 people). In addition, there are also hot spring hotels where you can enjoy hot spring from the bath tub of your hotel room.

If you are seeking a more indulgent experience, there are luxurious hot springs resorts where you can spend an entire afternoon, or even a weekend, immersed in comfort. These resorts often provide private hot spring tubs in your room, allowing you to enjoy the soothing waters in the privacy of your own accommodation. Additionally, these resorts offer sumptuous meals and well-appointed hotel rooms, creating a holistic and pampering getaway.

I’ve listed 3 areas that are popular destinations for hot springs.

1. Beitou Hot Springs:
The area boasts public hot spring facilities, private resorts, and luxurious hotels. You can immerse yourself in the healing waters in public baths or opt for a more private experience in a resort.

The Beitou Hot Spring Museum is also worth a visit, providing insights into the history and cultural significance of hot springs in the region.

2. Wulai Hot Springs:
Wulai’s outdoor hot springs, often perched along the riverbanks, offer a unique experience where you can soak in warm waters while surrounded by the beauty of the lush forest.

3. Yangmingshan Hot Springs:
Yangmingshan National Park is another hotspot for hot spring enthusiasts. The area features a range of options, from public baths to upscale resorts.

Yangmingshan’s hot springs are often praised for their sulfuric waters, believed to have various health benefits. The scenic beauty of the national park adds to the overall experience, creating a perfect blend of nature and relaxation.

5. You get to see These Winter Blooms

If you love flowers, you can enjoy a variety of flowers both in natural settings and vibrant flower exhibitions during the winter months.

Here are some popular places you can go to view the flowers during the winter months:

Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence (士林官邸) :This former president’s residence has a large garden and holds various flower exhibitions throughout the year. During the winter months, you can see plum blossoms, chrysanthemum, and roses.

Yangmingshan Flower Festival (陽明山花季): Attend Yangmingshan National Park’s flower festival for plum blossoms, tulips, cherry blossoms, camellias, and azaleas. The Yangmingshan Flower Clock and areas like the Zhuzihu (Bamboo Lake 竹子湖) are particularly famous for winter blossoms.

Riverside Parks (河濱公園）: There are several riverside parks along the banks of the Tamsui River and Keelung River. They provide scenic spots for recreation and relaxation.

Conclusion

To recap, in my opinion, winter is the ideal time to visit Taipei. Here are the 5 reasons you will have a great time in Taiwan in winter:

• Outdoor activities in comfortable weather
• Festive atmosphere for the long holiday season
• Taiwanese winter food
• Hot spring retreats
• Winter blooms

I hope this article is helpful for you in planning your perfect trip to Taipei!