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Taiwan is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, but that isn’t the only reason for the country’s economic boom. The ‘Beautiful Isle’ is also a huge tourist magnet in Southeast Asia, with millions of vacationers flocking here to enjoy the island’s many offerings.
Choosing the best time to visit Taiwan doesn’t have to be difficult, and we’ll show you when to travel and places of interest to look out for, including how to score cheap deals and discounts.
In truth, Taiwan is great to visit all year round, but some months offer more bang for your buck than others.
Why You Should Visit Taiwan
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Taiwanese people are passionate about food, eating more than three meals daily. The country is a culinary hub with various world-class restaurants at your beck and call.
More importantly, the street food is amazing, sanitary, and extremely delicious, ensuring you don’t have to break the bank to savor the best dishes.
Taiwanese people are open and friendly, unlike other parts of Southeast Asia, and many locals speak English fluently. You can’t get lost on this island with so many people willing to help. Taiwan is also home to a thriving night market scene, and the island sparks into life after dark.
The night markets can overwhelm the senses, and you’ll fall in love with the dazzling bright lights, street food aroma, and affordable gadgets you can buy for cheap.
Overall Best Time to Visit Taiwan
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The best time to visit Taiwan is February to April. But if you can’t make it then, consider visiting from October to December.
Both times offer the best climate and numerous festivals and activities. However, you can still visit Taiwan at any time of the year and have an amazing experience. Still, you’ll crosscheck with your itinerary before purchasing a plane ticket and booking accommodation.
Summer is best for going to the beach, and there’s no better place to start than Qixingtan Beach. It’s on the east coast of Taiwan and is close to Taroko National Park for those who’d like to visit.
The turquoise water and sheer mountains offer amazing selfies, and you can grab some street food and green tea ice cream in the corner shops nearby. Taiwan has a subtropical climate, but winter is often chillier than most vacationers expect.
The country has a median temperature ranging from 59F to 68F – significantly different from the soaring summer temperatures. The country experiences cloudy skies and fog, making this period ideal for indoor activities.
You can start by visiting the National Palace Museum, also known as “Gu Gong,” five miles from the capital. Since its founding in 1925, the museum has amassed nearly 700,000 art pieces, masterworks, and artifacts.
Artworks like the Meat-Shaped Stone, Jadeite Cabbage, and Jade Duck are fascinating. The museum exhibits The 5000 Years of China’s History, and many rare artifacts wouldn’t survive today if they were left in China during the Cultural Revolution.
Cheapest Time to Visit Taiwan
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August and September are the cheapest months to visit Taiwan. This period offers numerous discounts across the country, and is an excellent time for vacationers looking to visit Taiwan on a budget.
Even though the country isn’t as pocket friendly as Cambodia or Vietnam, Taiwan is still more affordable than Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore while offering similar service standards.
Accommodation is on the high side, but you can claw back that spent cash on cheap, delicious food and affordable public transportation. Hotels also offer discounts when you book in advance.
The country has buses that move like clockwork, and you can stop at most destinations from the airport for less than $3.00. Taoyuan International Airport to downtown Taipei is a 40-minute distance, spending a miserly $2.80.
Another option is to use the EasyCard for store purchases and public transportation. The card won’t save you cash on your trip, but you can enjoy discounts when you transfer from Youbike to the bus and metro.
Taipei is also riddled with free attractions ensuring you would need 41 years to visit the 15,000 temples dotting the island. The country has numerous free parks, and you can buy a day pass to enjoy the countless trails and natural attractions for cheap.
It’s vital to use public transportation wisely to get the most value for your money. For instance, riding the Youbike and walking is the cheapest way to explore downtown Taipei.
Buses are cheaper for longer distances and use Fair Zone System to determine the price. Still, you may prefer the metro if you can’t stand the traffic jams and sweltering heat.
Taiwan has fast and slow trains. The slow trains are fantastic for tourists looking to enjoy a leisurely day while offering a cheaper fare. Kids under six years old can freely ride the MRT. Older kids can get a seat for half-price.
Least Busy Time to Visit
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The least busy time to visit Taiwan is from November to January. In dazzling glory, you’ll witness the cherry blossoms, including other exotic flowers.
The country is alive at all times, but tourist activity isn’t as crazy as peak season, allowing you to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. You can stop by one of the numerous botanical gardens in Chiayi, Taichung, and Taipei.
Winter is also the best time to explore the East Coast National Scenic Area. It’s a place of interest south of Hualien and stretches over a hundred miles.
Outdoorsy individuals can cycle down the scenic trails, make camp, or enjoy a hiking adventure. Visiting the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is a must during this period.
The mountain range offers panoramic views of Yushan – the tallest mountain in Taiwan. Visitors throng here to enjoy the misty forests while sipping Alishan High Mountain Tea.
Additionally, there are various international events worth watching, including the Baosheng Cultural Festival and the International Fireworks Festival.
Winter is an amazing time to soak in the numerous thermal hot springs. You can visit Jiaoxi, Wenshan, Wulai, and Beitou – all prime thermal hot springs locations.
Worst Time to Visit
May to November is the worst time to visit Taiwan. The reason is the tropical cyclone season which increases the likelihood of landslides, flooding, and road blockages on the island.
Taiwan typhoons affect the entire country, but the impact is usually on a section of the island. This situation allows you to enjoy the unaffected parts of the country.
Historically, you can expect three major typhoons annually, and summer is often the worst hit. Still, it isn’t all doom and gloom, and water-based activities are still the way to go this season.
Visit the country in summer if you’re used to tropical heat and soaring temperatures that surpass 90F. Remember that southern Taiwan is notorious for heavy rainfall, so factor that into your itinerary before carrying out any outdoor activities.
Things to Consider
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Taiwan is an amazing place for a vacation, on par with other first-world countries, considering the world-class infrastructure. It’s an island where nature and technology collide to offer the best of both worlds.
Still, you’ll have to consider a few things before traveling to ‘The beautiful Island.’
Book Accommodation in Advance
Taiwan has countless accommodation options that allow you to live like a king or a Buddhist monk. Hostels sell like hotcakes, and solo travelers can get the best deals in Taipei, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Tainan.
Keep in mind that lodgings are often more expensive in Taipei than elsewhere. You’ll need to reserve accommodations two months in advance to enjoy the most favorable rates.
Additionally, the country issues permits to individuals who’d like to hike the highest mountains, and the process can take a week or two.
Book Restaurants in Advance
Food will be an essential part of your vacation. Besides having a spare stomach, you’ll need to reserve a table in advance for fine dining. A week’s reservation will do for many restaurant chains.
Still, Michelin-starred establishments like Le Palais and RAW will need a minimum of two months to gain entry. You can make a reservation on Google and Facebook or go the old-fashioned route and reserve a table by phone.
Dinner service picks up around 5:PM and winds down by 7:PM. In other words, you’ll be left with slim pickings the later you other. Fortunately, the night markets have got you covered.
Get the EasyCard
Taiwan uses a contactless system to access public transportation, including trains, bikes, and local buses. The EasyCard costs $3.00, and you can increase the limit at the convenience store or metro station. You must keep your card because unused monies are subject to a refund in cash.
Language Problem
English is compulsory in Taiwan’s education system, but many locals struggle to speak the language. Translation apps will help in this situation, allowing you to enjoy the island even more.
You can download handy bilingual apps to check ticket prices, bus fares, and places of interest. Taiwan’s metro system is easy to understand, but certain apps can help you save money on transportation routes.
No Cannabis
It would be best to remember that this is Asia, and the continent generally has strict drug laws. Taiwan isn’t a 420-friendly country, and bringing cannabis into the island is punishable by life imprisonment.
Temple Dress Code
The country allows visitors to wear whatever they like, but temples require modest dressing to show respect. Ensure your clothing covers your thighs, cleavage, and midriff before visiting a temple.
LGBTIQ+ Vacationers
Taiwan holds the record as the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, and the country’s Pride Parade is second to none in the entire Asian continent. You’re free to come here and have fun, no matter your sexual orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Below are some common questions about the best time to visit Taiwan:
Which month is the best month to visit Taiwan?
February, March, and April are the three best months to visit Taiwan because the weather is cool and dry, perfect for most sightseeing activities.
What is the rainy season in Taiwan?
June to September are the most likely months to experience rainfall in Taiwan. The country doesn’t get torrential rain, but you must prepare for intense showers and humid conditions.
Which month is typhoon season in Taiwan?
You’re more likely to experience monsoon in the summer, which occurs from May to November.
What is the hottest month in Taiwan?
August is arguably Taiwan’s hottest month, with temperatures comfortably soaring past 90F at noon.
What month is the cherry blossom in Taiwan?
Cherry blossoms bloom in March before they start to fade in late April.
So, When Should You Go to Taiwan?
| 👍 Best Time to Visit | February-April |
| 💲 Cheapest Time to Visit | August-September |
| 🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit | November-January |
| 👎 Worst Time to Visit | May-November |
Taiwan is a leader in cutting-edge chip technology, but the country is gaining increasing momentum in the tourism sector. Many visitors enjoy the delicious cuisines and nightlife, with countless clubs that appeal to all music genres.
More importantly, Taiwan offers special activities throughout the year. You can always find places of interest to visit and festivals to attend, no matter your arrival time. Happy travels!