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When it comes to Taiwan tourism, many immediately think of the poetic beauty of cherry blossoms or the golden hues of autumn leaves. However, not many know that winter in Taiwan is also a wonderful time for travel. During winter in Taiwan, visitors can witness the timeless beauty of the island covered in pristine white snow. At the same time, you'll feel the crisp air and discover countless exciting and surprising experiences. Join Mytour for an unforgettable winter journey through Taiwan as detailed below.
Does Taiwan get snow in winter?
Although winter is not Taiwan's peak tourist season, traveling to Taiwan during this time holds a unique charm due to its historic beauty and many special experiences. Winter temperatures in Taiwan typically range from 10 to 15°C, which means it's not as harsh as winters in other Asian countries. Because of this, only a few regions experience snowfall, covering the landscape in a blanket of white.
Snow falls only in certain northern areas of Taiwan (Image source: Collected)
The Taipei area tends to be colder than Tainan. As you head south, the weather gradually becomes warmer, offering comfort even in the chill of winter. Winter travel in Taiwan promises to be a journey filled with unforgettable memories for visitors.
When is the best time to visit Taiwan in winter?
Taiwan's winter season typically spans from December to February. Therefore, you can plan your winter trip to Taiwan during this period. Before Christmas, the island enjoys beautiful weather with soft, gentle sunlight. However, after December, temperatures drop significantly, and the daylight hours shorten. Around this time, many northern regions experience snowfall along with several stretches of rainy weather.
Even though the snow covers everything in sight, the weather is not always freezing. This makes Taipei a favorite destination for many travelers who want to enjoy a mild winter and admire the beauty of falling snow.
Snow covering the high mountains of Taiwan (Image source: Collected)
If you have the chance to visit Taiwan in winter, don't miss the opportunity to explore the ancient Shifen Old Street in Taipei. It's the perfect spot to experience the crisp winter air. Additionally, Shifen Old Street is an ideal place to release sky lanterns and make a wish in the cold weather.
What should you wear when traveling to Taiwan in winter?
The coldest times of the day during winter are in the evening and early morning, with temperatures potentially dropping as low as 10°C. To stay warm, it's advisable to pack cozy clothing like sweaters, scarves, gloves, warm shoes, and hats. However, avoid excessively thick clothes, as they can be cumbersome and limit your movement. Moreover, such clothing will also lead to higher baggage fees at the airport.
Be sure to prepare warm clothing when traveling to Taiwan in winter (Image source: Collected)
Additionally, you don’t need to bring too many coats or knitted scarves—one to three pieces will be sufficient. Taiwan offers plenty of fashion stores selling a wide range of stylish coats at affordable prices. You can buy these winter clothes for yourself or as souvenirs to give to friends and family.
Exciting Experiences When Traveling to Taiwan in Winter
Although winter is not the peak tourist season, there are activities that only take place during this time of year. So, what are these unique winter experiences?
Hot Springs Bathing
There's nothing more ideal than relaxing and warming up in a hot spring during the chilly winter days. The emerald waters and the white steam swirling in the breeze create a picturesque scene, almost like a fairyland. In addition to public hot spring baths, visitors can opt for private hot spring services for a more personal and relaxing experience. Taiwan is home to many attractive hot spring destinations:
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Wulai:
Located in the outskirts of Taipei, Wulai is renowned for its natural hot spring services and beautiful, serene landscapes. -
Jiaoxi: Situated in the Taitung area, Jiaoxi offers visitors not only luxurious hot spring resorts but also other appealing amenities.
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Beitou: Nestled at the base of Yangmingshan, Beitou is one of the most beloved natural hot spring destinations. Besides relaxing in the soothing waters, guests can also experience traditional acupuncture therapy.
Hot spring bathing is one of the most popular activities during winter in Taiwan (Image source: Collected)
Winter Mountain Climbing
When talking about the exciting experiences of winter travel in Taiwan, mountain climbing is a must-do. Winter is the perfect time to conquer the towering peaks. If you love outdoor activities, this thrilling adventure is not to be missed. There’s nothing more wonderful than immersing yourself in the crisp air and witnessing the snow blanket the world around you.
What's more, you can even camp overnight in the snowy expanse at the summit of Hehuanshan. Known as the best spot to witness falling snow in Taiwan, this journey promises unforgettable memories. If you get the chance to spend the night on Hehuanshan, you'll catch the most breathtaking sunrise of the day.
Some of the famous mountains in Taiwan that you can experience trekking on include: Yushan Mountain, Nanhu Mountain, and more.
Winter mountain climbing is the ideal choice for those who enjoy adventurous outdoor activities (Image source: Collected)
Conquering the Summit of Yushan
Yushan is known as the highest mountain in Taiwan. It also ranks as the fourth tallest mountain among "the highest peaks on islands worldwide." During winter, the summit of Yushan is blanketed by a thin layer of snow, resembling a precious gemstone.
From the top of the mountain, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of nature's grandeur, complemented by a blanket of pure white snow. Yushan is not only renowned for its distinctive beauty but also as an ideal spot in Taiwan for exploration and relaxation.
Savor Winter Delicacies
It would be a missed opportunity not to try the hot, comforting dishes during the chilly winter. While traveling to Taiwan in winter, visitors can enjoy hotpot, noodles, soups, and other hearty foods to warm up. Or, simply indulge in street food delights like pancakes, bao buns, and seafood, all widely available at Taiwan's night markets.
For an authentic culinary experience in Taiwan, visitors should explore the vibrant night markets. In Taipei, the Shilin or Raohe Night Markets are a must-visit, while Taichung boasts the Zhongxiao or Fengjia Night Markets. Tainan is home to the popular Gongguan and Liuhe Night Markets.
Indulge in hot, delicious dishes while enjoying the cool, crisp air of winter (Image source: Collected)
Experience the Vibrant Atmosphere of Cultural Festivals
Winter is undoubtedly one of the most festive times in Taiwan, especially during Christmas and the Lunar New Year. If you visit Taiwan during winter, you will have the chance to partake in these spectacular events. Taiwan's cultural festivals not only offer fun and exciting experiences but also provide a deeper understanding of the country’s history, culture, and traditions. Let's take a look at some of Taiwan’s notable winter festivals:
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Christmas Festival: Held throughout December, when homes, streets, and shops are beautifully adorned with thousands of sparkling lights and Christmas trees.
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Lunar New Year: This is considered one of the biggest events of the year. If you visit Taiwan during this time, you'll have the opportunity to witness spectacular fireworks displays in major cities.
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Lantern Festival: This festival takes place in many locations from mid-January to early March, lasting just a few weeks. Colorful lanterns are displayed along the streets, creating a dazzling sight.
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Taipei Cherry Blossom Festival: If you are lucky enough to visit Taiwan at the end of winter (February), you may witness thousands of cherry trees in full bloom, creating a stunningly beautiful scene.
The Christmas festival in Taiwan is beautifully decorated (Image source: Collected)
Experience Strawberry Picking
Strawberry picking in Miaoli County during the winter is a unique experience that visitors should not miss. Upon arriving at the vast strawberry farms, you can explore the fields and pick fresh, ripe strawberries yourself. Afterward, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor right there in the garden.
Should you visit Taiwan in winter?
While the winter weather in Taiwan may feel chilly and not ideal for sightseeing, for those who appreciate serene, historical beauty, this is the perfect time to visit. Moreover, the cost of winter travel in Taiwan is relatively low, and there are fewer tourists, allowing visitors to explore various scenic spots without worrying about finances.
Important Tips for Winter Travel in Taiwan
To have a perfect winter trip to Taiwan, visitors should keep in mind the following important tips:
- It’s recommended to book hotel rooms and flight tickets 1-2 months in advance.
- Avoid carrying heavy luggage to make your travel more convenient.
- Ensure to pack warm clothing, gloves, wool hats, warm socks, scarves, medications, etc.
- The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). Visitors can exchange Vietnamese Dong for Taiwanese Dollars at exchange offices or banks in Vietnam or at airports. However, you don’t need to carry too much cash as most tourist destinations, shopping centers, and restaurants accept card payments.
- Most Taiwanese people speak Mandarin Chinese, and English is rarely used. Therefore, learning a few common Mandarin phrases can be helpful. Additionally, you can use translation apps on your phone for easier communication if you’re not fluent in the language.
- When traveling in Taiwan, the Metro system is the most popular and convenient form of transport. Taxis and buses are also great choices for self-guided trips in Taiwan.
This is a comprehensive guide to winter travel in Taiwan. We hope that with the insights shared by Mytour, travelers can add more knowledge and tips to their upcoming winter trip! If you're interested in booking a Taiwan tour, please feel free to contact Mytour at the hotline 028 3827 0404 for free consultation!
