Best times to visit Taiwan

ArabiaWeather - Taiwan is a beautiful island that has everything from snow-capped peaks and bubbling hot springs to nature reserves filled with wildlife and cities lit by neon lights. It is one of the most popular destinations in Asia.

Many foodies flock to Taipei to try some of the world's most delicious street food (don't miss a bowl of beef vermicelli soup, Taiwan's unofficial national dish), while nature lovers come to explore the national parks, towering mountains and stunning coastline. Wondering when is the best time to visit Taiwan? The good news is that because of its topography and size, there's never a bad time to visit.

Winters in this relatively subtropical destination are mild, and although light rain can occur throughout the year, it is these precious (usually short) showers that are the reason behind Taiwan's vibrant landscape. Overall, September, October and November are the best times to explore the outdoors in the country, while spring means endless opportunities to enjoy nature's stunning colors and some of Taiwan's most important festivals.

November and December are great times to explore cities like Taichung and Taipei. Remember, the further south you go, the warmer it gets, and don't make the mistake of dismissing the idea of ​​escaping winter – winters in Taiwan are much less harsh than in Japan or China. And the best part? You'll never be far from a steaming hot spring where you can ward off any winter chills - although the downside is that hot spring hotel prices are higher during the colder months. Fortunately, this does not apply to other types of accommodation, which often offer great discounts at this time of year. Here is when to visit Taiwan.

January and February are cherry blossom season in Taiwan

Do you think the cherry blossom displays in Japan are amazing? Cherry blossom season in Taiwan is just as stunning, and we guarantee there's less chance of a selfie stick randomly appearing in your sakura blossom photos. Some of the best places to see cherry blossom displays are in the cities and surroundings of Taiwan, and these magnificent floral displays are exactly why January and February are considered by many to be the best times to visit Taipei.

The beginning of the year (and winter in general) is also an ideal time to enjoy hot springs – visitors can work off their aches and pains at more than 150 hot springs in Taiwan. Some of the best hot springs are near Taipei, although there are several hot spring resorts in Gojuan, a mountainous area near the city of Taichung, which is a 2.5-hour bullet train ride from Taipei. Excellent public transportation means that Beitou Hot Springs near Taipei are easy to access, and crowds will be less in January and February.

Get a cultural (and caffeine) experience between March and May

Spring is all about nature in Taiwan. You'll still see cherry blossoms in March and May, although it's also a great time to explore Taiwan's hinterland and coastal areas. Do you want to have a good time? Consider exploring Taiwan by bike – temperatures are cooler than summer, and the country's national parks are bursting with colour.

Spring is also a great time to visit Taiwan's tea plantations (oolong is the most common type produced here), which are at their greenest. Top tea destinations in Taiwan include Chiayi, Miaoli and Taoyuan. There are wonderful festivals throughout the year, although many of the most important indigenous celebrations take place in the spring.

Our favorite? Bonon archery festival in April or May (exact date depends on the lunar calendar). This is the time when the coming-of-age ceremony for this original group takes place. Men would go into the forests to hunt wild deer, and then the ear of the deer would be nailed to a wooden pole. Young men will attempt to shoot the arrow at the ear – a symbolic act that represents the transfer of hunting knowledge to the younger generations in the group. Locals delight in watching the ceremonies, which mostly take place in rural villages in and around eastern Taiwan.

Explore Taiwan's cities from June to August

June, July and August are great times to visit Taiwan, especially its cities. These months can be hot and humid, which is why Taiwanese (especially those living in urban areas) tend to migrate to the country's coast during this time.

Cities will be quiet and less crowded, and there are plenty of indoor museums, galleries and attractions that make it easy to escape any downpour – this is Taiwan's official rainy season, although the rains are usually short and gentle (and will be heavier in southern Taiwan). We recommend booking in advance if you're visiting during these months, especially if you're on a tight budget – hotel prices can rise by up to 50% during July and August (expect a price increase during Chinese New Year as well).

When is typhoon season in Taiwan?

Hurricane season lasts from May through November. Also known as tropical storm season, typhoons are likely to occur during this time, but it is worth noting that Taiwan only experiences 3.7 typhoons per year on average. The country's structure is largely capable of handling these hurricanes, and the vast majority of them only affect specific parts of the country.

The best approach is to monitor the weather forecast and be flexible when it comes to plans. We must keep in mind that the peak tourism season (between May and September) occurs during typhoon season – this reminds us that Taiwan is still a great destination to visit during these months.

August is the best time to go hiking

During August, expect average low temperatures of around 28°C (82°F) and average highs of around 32°C (90°F). It's hot and humid, and it's a great time to escape the heat by heading into the mountains – to mountainous areas like Yushan National Park, which has a network of hiking trails. We also love the Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail – it's close to Taipei, and the well-marked walking trails meander around many different waterfalls, providing plenty of opportunities to cool off.

Enjoy autumn in Taiwan's nature reserves

Taiwan's autumn colors are gorgeous – the dense forests in areas like Nantou County's Awanda Recreation Area (its highlight is the beautiful Maple Trail) turn into endless expanses of gold, red and yellow-brown. Fall is also a great time to sign up for a scenic train ride. We recommend booking a seat on the Alishan Forest Train – a century-old steam train that takes you through the forests and mountains surrounding Chiayi County in southwestern Taiwan. Another reason to visit Taiwan during September and October? It's shoulder season, when rates are much lower for weekday hotel stays.

Source: lonelyplanet