Hey riders! Have you ever seen those epic photos of cyclists on Taiwan's coastal highways and thought, "I have to ride there"?
Before you book that flight, there's one crucial question you need to answer first: "When is the absolute best time to go?"
Taiwan is beautiful year-round, but it's also famous for its unpredictable weather. Powerful typhoons, scorching summers, and surprise rain showers can quickly derail your perfect cycling plans.
Don't worry! This guide will break down Taiwan's seasons and climate, telling you which region to visit at which time of year. Let's make sure you avoid the weather traps and have the ride of a lifetime.
A Rider's Guide to Taiwan's Seasons
First thing's first: Taiwan has a subtropical climate, which means it's warm to hot most of the year, humidity is high, and sudden rain showers are common.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from each season:
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Spring (March–May): This is a beautiful time to ride. The weather is warm, flowers are blooming, and while there's some rain, it's generally a Very Good season for cycling.
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Summer (June–August): Things get hot and humid, and this is prime typhoon season. You'll need to ride with Caution.
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Autumn (September–November): This is the sweet spot! The weather is dry, cooler, and stable, making it an Excellent time to ride.
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Winter (December–February): The weather Depends heavily on your location. It's mild and pleasant in the south, but can be cold and wet in the mountains and the north.
Pro-Tip: Northern Taiwan (like Taipei) gets wet and chilly in the winter. But Southern Taiwan (like Tainan and Kaohsiung) stays dry and warm—making it the perfect winter escape route for cyclists!
The Weather Patterns You Can't Ignore
Beyond the four seasons, there are three specific weather events every rider needs to know about:
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Plum Rain Season (May to mid-June)
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Expect daily rain showers, especially in the north and in the mountains.
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Your Strategy: Plan your rides for the early morning or late afternoon. Roads can be slippery after rain, so be extra careful on descents!
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Typhoon Season (July to September)
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A typhoon can shut down everything for days.
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Your Strategy: Do not plan a long-distance tour or mountain ride during this period without a flexible schedule. Always check the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) forecast before you head out.
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Winter Monsoon (December to February)
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This makes Northern Taiwan cold, rainy, and windy.
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Your Strategy: Go south! Southern Taiwan remains a dry and pleasant 20–25°C (68–77°F), which is ideal riding weather. This is the best time for a trip to Taitung, Kenting, or Pingtung.
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Your Regional Riding Playbook: Where to Go and When
Taiwan might be small, but the weather difference between the north and south is huge. Here’s a simple guide:
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Taipei / North: The best seasons are Spring and Autumn. It's best to avoid winter due to wet roads.
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East Coast (Hualien, Taitung): The best seasons are Autumn and Winter. It's scenic but can be quite windy.
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Central Taiwan (Sun Moon Lake, Alishan): The best seasons are Spring and Autumn. Be mindful of mountain fog and sudden weather changes.
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South Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Kenting): The best seasons are Autumn and Winter. It's dry and sunny—like paradise, even in January!
Bonus Tip: Planning to conquer a high-mountain pass like Wuling? Schedule your attempt between April and October to avoid snow and freezing temperatures.
Your All-Season Packing & Safety List
No matter when you ride, these rules always apply:
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Always bring a rain jacket or windbreaker, even on a sunny day.
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Use sunscreen year-round—yes, even in winter.
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Start early in the summer to avoid the intense midday heat (get your ride done before 9 AM).
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For multi-day trips, pack layers and a cap for sudden chills at higher altitudes.
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Be flexible with your schedule, especially during typhoon season.
The Verdict: So, When's the Absolute Best Time?
Hands down, the golden window for cycling in Taiwan is October and November.
But if you can't make it then, don't worry. If you know how to pick the right region for the right season, there’s always a beautiful road in Taiwan waiting for you and your bike.
Happy planning, and see you on the road!
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