Taiwan has an oceanic, sub-tropical monsoon climate, which means that the weather is generally warm and humid throughout the year. However, there are some fluctuations in weather conditions during spring and winter, while in summer and autumn the weather is more consistent and stable.
The warm and humid summer season lasts from May until September, with temperatures typically ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. During this time, it can be quite rainy and humid, and typhoons occasionally approach or hit the country, particularly in August and September.
The mild winter season lasts from December until February, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. It is generally less humid and rainy during this time, but it can still be quite chilly, particularly in the mountains.
The best time to travel to Taiwan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is generally lower. During these months, temperatures typically range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it a comfortable time to explore the country.
Dress Appropriately
Taiwan is a relatively conservative country, so it is important to dress modestly, especially in more traditional areas. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and revealing clothing may not be appropriate in certain settings.
Loose fitting, lightweight cotton materials are the most comfortable for humid and warm conditions, layers of warmer clothes for cold conditions that are easy to remove when getting on and off coaches or inside restaurants, and a warm water/windproof jacket for possible freezing conditions. The dress code throughout the tour is casual however, smart casual clothes are highly recommended for evening banquets and shows.
Suggested Packing List
- Travel documents and passport - including a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or stolen while you are abroad. Keep one photocopy at home and take another photocopy with you.
- Main luggage and luggage padlocks.
- ‘Day bag’ – a smaller bag to carry with you during the day.
- Money belt to carry passport, cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other important travel documents.
- Shirts or long-sleeved tops of light cotton material.
- A water/windproof jacket and small umbrella.
- Smart casual clothes are suitable but not compulsory for evening banquets and shows, and welcome and farewell dinners.
- A warm jumper/fleece for spring/autumn evenings.
- Light jumpers or thermals are great for layering.
- A thick warm jacket and walking boots for winter.
- Walking shoes and socks – it is important to have sturdy and comfortable shoes for sightseeing every day, preferably shoes that you can take off and put on easily.
- Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
- Personal medical kit & doctor’s certificate for any prescription medication.
- Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer.
- Spare glasses - it is difficult to get any prescription lenses repaired or replaced locally.
- Toilet paper or tissues – not all sightseeing areas and public toilets will have this available
- Universal adaptor/conversion plug.
- Chargers, cables and portable power bank.
- Camera and spare memory card.
- Phone – check international roaming charges.
- Enough masks for your trip including when flying, in airports and some public areas.
- Snacks - your favourite tea/coffee bags, milk powder or sachets, instant soups or noodles, drinking chocolate, muesli, energy or snack bars, vegemite or anything else you can’t live without!
Average Temperate & Rainfall Charts
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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