When is the best time to visit Taiwan?

The best time to visit Taiwan depends on what you would like to do while you are there!

Best Seasons to Visit Taiwan are either Autumn or Spring, Winter is also nice, but could be considered cold to some.

• Autumn (October – November): Widely considered the best time, offering cool, dry weather and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

• Spring (March – May): Warm and pleasant, marked by cherry blossoms and flower festivals, though rain is possible in the Spring.

• Winter (December – February): Mild and comfortable in the south, while northern Taiwan can be cold but it's perfect for hot spring visits.

• Summer (June – September): Extremely hot and humid, with high chances of heavy rain and typhoon activity. Typhoon Season officially lasts from June to September, which can cause significant disruptions, such as flight cancellations and closure of scenic areas. Avoid Summer if you can!

If you would like to avoid some of the busier holidays, or visit during the holidays, here are some holidays with dates in Taiwan!

Holidays:

• Lunar New Year: Occurs in January or February; popular spots will be crowded, and many shops may close. Lunar New Year's Eve will fall on February 5, Lunar New Year on February 6, 2027 and festivities will last until February 20, 2027. Shops do close during this time and it is best to come after Lunar New Year to see all the lanterns around the country.

• Lantern Festival: The festival is a massive annual celebration marking the end of the Lunar New Year, featuring, light installations, cultural performances, and traditional food. With the main Taiwan Lantern Festival scheduled to be held in Miaoli County from February 20 to March 7, 2027; the event will feature massive lantern displays, "slow living" themes, and local traditions like the "Bombing Dragon" activity.

• Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Jie): A 2,000-year-old traditional festival, often called the "Double Fifth," designed to ward off disease and evil spirits. The 2027 Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Jie) in Taiwan, falling on June 9, 2027 (June 19, 2026) (5th day of the 5th lunar month), is a major, vibrant public holiday commemorating ancient poet Qu Yuan. It features thrilling dragon boat races, eating sticky rice dumplings (zongzi), hanging traditional herbs to ward off evil, and balancing eggs at noon.

• Ghost Festival (Zhongyuan Jie): occurs on August 27, 2026 (15th day of the 7th lunar month), marking the peak of "Ghost Month" (Aug 13 – Sep 11, 2026). It is a traditional belief that the gates of the underworld open, allowing spirits to visit the human world, where they are appeased with food offerings, incense, performances, and floating water lanterns to ensure they do not cause harm.

• Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival): A major public holiday celebrating the fall harvest with family reunions, moon gazing, eating mooncakes, and a unique modern tradition of outdoor barbecuing. The festival centers on gratitude, harmony, and togetherness (September 25, 2026).

• Christmas: While only a small percentage of the population (about 3-6%) is Christian, many enjoy the holiday spirit. While not a major public holiday, cities are decorated, shops run promotions, and locals enjoy gift exchanges and festive meals, often treating it as a romantic occasion for couples. Malls and city centers, especially in Taipei, are decked out with lights and trees. New Taipei City's "Christmasland" in Banqiao is a major attraction.

• New Year's Eve: Taiwan celebrates New Year's Eve (December 31st) with great enthusiasm, featuring major public countdown parties, concerts, and fireworks, most notably at Taipei 101. While the Lunar New Year is the more significant traditional holiday, December 31st is widely celebrated with friends and loved ones, transforming cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung with a vibrant, festive atmosphere. Cities hold star-studded, free concerts, such as the Taipei New Year's Eve Party at City Hall. The iconic skyscraper hosts one of the world's most famous fireworks displays, drawing hundreds of thousands to the Xinyi district.

  Christmas and New Year's Eve is a fun time to travel to Taiwan, but note that hotels do sell out and cost more during this time of year!