Taiwanese people like to say that they enjoy all four seasons in their country, but in my experience there are three seasons: Tropical summer, European summer and gray sky season. Most of the year is sunny and warm, though.
Taiwan sits on the Tropic of Cancer, which means it has a fairly warm climate year-round. There is even a ‘Tropic of Cancer Marker’ in Hualien county where you can experience the ‘no shadow’ phenomenon at noon during summer months.
Yearly temperatures vary between 34 degrees Celsius in summer and 15 degrees Celsius in winter. Summer months are marked with powerful typhoons slamming the eastern coast of the island, causing rainfall all over the country at 30+ temperatures. Winter, on the other hand, is mild and not as cold as winters in Europe or North America, with the ever-present possibility of rain.
Humidity is very high in Taiwan, which amplifies both the summer heat and the winter cold.
Your suitcase should include…
Rain is the constant weather pattern in Taiwan, so you should always consider bringing a rain coat of some sort. Pack a light rain jacket for summer, as it is extremely hot even when it is raining. If you don’t have a light jacket, you can always buy one at a very affordable price in Taiwan.
Packing for winter
In winter, you should be okay with a windbreaker and a jacket of medium thickness. You may consider bringing a light wool sweater and/or a thick cotton sweatshirt/hoodie, depending on your choice. Bring some t-shirts and cotton shirts as well. For leggings, regular jeans are more than enough to provide protection from the mild winter. Do not forget to bring water-proof shoes and cotton socks.
Packing for summer
If you plan to come to Taiwan in summer months, packing becomes a matter of warding off the heat. Clothes-wise, wearing anything more than a t-shirt, a pair of shorts and sandals could amount to a heatstroke. I advise you to bring a hat or a cap, sunglasses, extra t-shirts (you WILL sweat), UV-blocking sunscreen and a backpack.
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| Umbrellas are a must in Taiwan |
Backpacks are essential, as traveling around Taiwanese cities, especially around Taipei, involves a lot of walking. You will need to rehydrate yourself during those long walks and a backpack is ideal to keep extra water bottles, t-shirts, umbrellas and sunscreens conveniently at your disposal.
Again, if you don’t have a backpack, you can pick one among a wide array of choices at Taiwanese stores.
Even though it is extremely hot outside, interior spaces and especially subway stations are cooled to chilling temperatures. So remember bring a light jacket or a shirt to wear in the air conditioned environments.
Always bring an umbrella
You should also get a UV-protective umbrella as soon as you land in Taiwan as it serves the double purpose of protecting you from rain and also from the harmful rays of the sun.
Ideal time to visit Taiwan
The ideal time of the year to visit Taiwan would be autumn. Beginning in mid-September, the brutal heat starts to ease off, and weather enters the ‘European summer’ phase I was talking about. This period lasts until mid-November. Temperatures vary between 23-28 degrees.
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before embarking on your trip to Taiwan and always remember to have a great time, come rain or shine :)
-DS
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