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Is autumn a good time to visit Taiwan? Absolutely! In fact, it’s my favorite season to be in Taiwan.
Autumn in Taiwan is marked by pleasant weather, ranging from warm to cool temperatures, along with beautiful blue skies. Rain is infrequent during this season, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
Although Taiwan is a subtropical country and not as renowned for its autumn colors as regions with cooler climates, you can still enjoy some stunning fall foliage if you venture into one of Taiwan’s fabulous forest parks.
Autumn in Taiwan also features various holidays and cultural events, and the relatively low visitor numbers in October and November are a bonus. Interestingly, December is the peak month for tourist arrivals in Taiwan, often surprising some visitors.
For a detailed overview of the best months to visit Taiwan and Taipei, check out my complete guide.
Also read:
When is Autumn in Taiwan?
While most Northern Hemisphere countries consider the period from September to November as autumn, in Taiwan, September still feels like summer. Therefore, autumn in Taiwan is actually from October to December.
The vibrant fall colors tend to emerge in late October, which is also when the weather begins to cool down noticeably. November is typically the most characteristically “autumn” month in Taiwan.
December can be unpredictable, as it serves as a transition between fall and winter. Some days can be pleasantly warm and sunny, while others start to feel distinctly winter-like.
You can find more detailed monthly guides for visiting Taiwan during September, October, November, and December in my articles.
Sign up for Klook using my referral code to receive a discount on your first activity booking in Taiwan! Also, check out my guide to the Taipei Fun Pass to see if it can save you money on your trip.
Taipei Autumn Weather
The autumn weather in Taipei is, in my opinion, the most enjoyable of the entire year. Average high temperatures range from 27°C (81°F) in October to 21°C (70°F) in December, while average low temperatures fall from 22°C (72°F) in October to 15°C (59°F) in December.
October, November, and December are among the driest months in Taiwan. Although brief rain showers can occur at any time, the likelihood of encountering rain in autumn is lower compared to other seasons, and you’re more likely to see clear blue skies.
It’s important to mention that October is at the tail end of Taiwan’s typhoon season. Late-season typhoons can sometimes be quite destructive, and in rare cases, typhoons have even occurred in November. While this shouldn’t deter you from planning your autumn visit, it’s something to keep in mind. For more information on traveling in Taiwan during typhoon season, refer to my guide about visiting Taiwan in August, the month most prone to typhoons.
Taiwan Autumn Weather
In other parts of Northern Taiwan, such as Jiufen, Yilan County, Hualien County, and Taroko Gorge, the autumn weather closely resembles that of Taipei.
As with other seasons in Taiwan, temperatures tend to be warmer the further south you go. For example, in Tainan, average high temperatures in autumn range from 31°C (89°F) in October to 24°C (75°F) in December, meaning it might still feel like summer in southern Taiwan during October.
On the other hand, if you venture to higher altitudes, such as Sun Moon Lake, which sits at an elevation of 748 meters, temperatures may be a few degrees cooler than in nearby Taichung. Mountain resorts like Qingjing Farm and Alishan can be 5-10 degrees cooler than coastal areas.
On Taiwan’s offshore islands, such as Penghu, autumn brings stronger winds starting in October, which only intensify as winter approaches. Nonetheless, the weather can remain quite pleasant on the islands, similar to the rest of Taiwan.
What to Wear in Taiwan in Autumn
Your wardrobe for autumn in Taiwan will largely depend on the specific month you visit and your travel destination within the country. If you’re coming in October, you may find summer clothing appropriate for most of your stay.
Mid-November typically marks the onset of noticeably cooler weather; for instance, my birthday usually falls around this time, and I find myself reaching for a sweater or light jacket when going outside, particularly in the evening.
December can still have surprisingly warm days, so if you’re visiting Taiwan in mid to late autumn, I recommend packing a mix of summer and warmer clothing, like jeans and a warm top.
Don’t forget your swimwear; you might still want to hit the beach in early autumn or enjoy hot springs later in the season. If you’re heading to mountainous areas, be sure to dress for winter-like conditions, especially if you’re planning to watch the sunrise at Alishan.
Things to Do in Taipei in Autumn
With delightful autumn weather in Taipei, it’s an excellent time to explore the city or hike the numerous trails in and around it. For planning your trip, check out my suggested Taipei itinerary, recommendations for places to stay, and favorite activities in the city.
The autumn season in Taiwan often begins with one of the year’s most significant festivals, the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節 or zhongqiu jie, also known as the Moon Festival). Don’t be misled by its name; while it may be considered “mid” autumn in Beijing, this festival typically occurs in late September or early October, which is just the start of autumn in Taiwan.
During the Moon Festival, families gather on the street in front of their homes for barbecues and enjoy rich, filling moon cakes.
October 10 is also National Day in Taiwan, featuring an official holiday and a flag-raising ceremony in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei. If it falls on a Friday or a Monday, it creates a 3-day weekend. However, if it falls on a weekday (as it will in 2024), it will only be one day off, which won’t significantly affect travel plans.
Other notable events in Taipei during early autumn include Nuit Blanche, the Hakken Yimin Festival, and Halloween festivities (the Taipei Zoo is a great spot for kids, while nightclubs cater to partygoers). Other seasonal highlights include the Shilin Residence Chrysanthemum Show and the Autumn Rose Exhibition.
In November, silvergrass starts to paint the hills around Taipei, with the best viewing spots being Yangmingshan and the Caoling Historic Trail.
In late autumn, check out the lively birthday parade for Qing Shan King (22nd day of the tenth lunar month – November 26 in 2021) around Qingshan Temple, one of Taipei’s most significant temples, as well as the annual Taipei Marathon.
For more information on Christmas and New Year’s Eve events in Taipei, refer to my detailed guide.
In early autumn, the temperature may still be warm enough to enjoy the beaches around Taipei, typically with minimal crowds. This season also marks the start of hot spring season in Taipei. Check out my in-depth guides on Beitou Hot Spring and Wulai Hot Spring for more details.
Where to See Autumn Foliage in Taipei
If you’re looking to enjoy fall foliage in and around Taipei, November is the best time to visit. The prime location for autumn colors in Taipei is Yangmingshan National Park.
Within the park, the best spots include Qianshan Park and Taipei Aowanda, a restaurant overlooking the forest. You may also catch some fall colors at Maokong, which can be reached via the Maokong Gondola. However, don’t expect the vibrant foliage to rival that of cooler climates, such as the stunning fall colors seen in Kyoto, Japan.
Things to Do in Taiwan in Autumn
Autumn is a fantastic season to explore the great outdoors, especially outside of Taipei. For tons of ideas beyond the city, check out my 40-day trip recommendations from Taipei.
As the weather cools in Taiwan, it’s an ideal time to visit hot springs across the island. Beyond the ones already mentioned in Taipei, I recommend checking out Jiaoxi Hot Spring in Yilan County, the hidden Wenshan Hot Spring, and Guanziling Mud Hot Spring.
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore Taiwan’s famous natural attractions, including Taroko Gorge, the Alishan National Scenic Area, and Sun Moon Lake. The Sun Moon Lake International Fireworks Festival usually occurs in October or November.
Autumn is also an excellent time to visit Taichung, where you can check out Rainbow Village and Gaomei Wetland. The popular Xinshe Flower Festival typically takes place in November and December. Thanks to the milder weather, it’s also a fantastic time to spend a day at one of Taiwan’s amusement parks.
Although Alishan can get quite cool in autumn, the chances of witnessing the breathtaking sunrise above a sea of clouds increase, making it a popular destination.
While autumn may not be the busiest time for the offshore islands, with winter being even quieter due to increasingly windy conditions, if you’re up for the chill, you can enjoy a more tranquil experience. Please note that many services on Orchid Island begin closing for the winter season in autumn, which can affect your visit.
Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Taiwan
If you’re hoping to catch autumn colors in Taiwan, there are some excellent spots if you’re willing to venture further from Taipei into the mountains. November and early December are the best months for autumn foliage, depending on your destination (usually, southern areas exhibit colors later).
In Taoyuan, you can view the autumn foliage at Shimen Reservoir (石門水庫, reachable by bus) and Lalashan (拉拉山, which is best accessed by car). In Yilan, the Mingchi Forest Recreation Area (明池森林遊樂區) is ideal.
Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area (太平山) in Yilan is stunning all year but the red maples there only achieve their peak colors in spring and summer (April to September). Nonetheless, some beech trees along the Bong Bong trail and at Cuifeng Lake turn colors around mid-October.
Three of Taiwan’s most prominent fall foliage spots are Wuling Farm in Taichung (best accessed via the east coast on a Wuling Farm tour), Aowanda in Nantou County (visit on this Aowanda day tour), and Sun Link Sea (also in Nantou).
Alishan National Scenic Area is also a solid choice that’s easier to reach independently. For directions, see my guide to Alishan.
Another worthy site is the Xitou Nature Education Area (溪頭自然教育園區), located near Monster Village. While visiting Guanziling Mud Hot Spring in Tainan, you can also explore Hongye Park (紅葉公園).
Conclusion: Is Fall a Good Time to Visit Taiwan?
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy autumn in Taiwan. From excellent hiking opportunities and breathtaking silvergrass to lovely fall foliage and a host of holidays and events, this season offers something special. Don’t forget to pack some warm clothing just in case, and have a wonderful trip!
