Country Guide

Travel guide: Taiwan 🇹🇼

Best time to go and Good things to know in Taiwan

28 Apr 2025 • 2 min read

🗓️ Best time to go

While the weather is generally warm, Taiwan’s microclimates mean your experience can vary wildly between the north and south.

Spring (March to May) in Taiwan brings pleasant weather with warm temperatures and blooming flowers, particularly in March and April. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring nature, and enjoying cherry blossoms.
Summer months (June to August) can be very hot with high humidity and occasional typhoons.
Autumn (September to November) offers similar weather conditions to spring, with comfortable temperatures and less rainfall. It's a great time to explore Taiwan's scenic landscapes, national parks, and cultural festivals without the summer crowds.
Winter (December to February) can also be enjoyable, especially in southern Taiwan, where the temperatures are milder, but it might not be the best time for outdoor activities in the northern regions due to cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are the pulse of Taiwan. Beyond snacks, you can:
- Pay parking tickets or utility bills.
- Ship and receive packages.
- Top up transport card
- Literally everything
Buy an EasyCard (or iPass) at the airport or any convenience store. It works for the MRT, buses, YouBikes (the city bike-share), and even at most convenience stores and supermarkets.

No eating, drinking, or chewing gum inside the MRT stations (past the yellow floor line). Fines are heavy and strictly enforced.
Those dark blue seats at the end of rows are for the elderly, pregnant, or disabled. Even if the train is packed, locals often leave them empty out of respect.
Tipping is not part of the culture in Taiwan. In nicer restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually added to the bill. At night markets or small eateries, just pay the listed price—no extra is expected.

Taiwan is renowned for its night food market, which offers top-notch and very affordable food
Look for the longest queue. If the locals are willing to wait 20 minutes for a "Pepper Pork Bun" or "Stinky Tofu," it’s worth the hype.
Tap water isn't drinkable. Stick to bottled water or the delicious (and ubiquitous) bubble tea
Taiwan has its own tea varieties, and is particularly famous for its Moutanin Oolong

Taiwan is a mountainous island with peaks over 3,000 meters. If you plan to hike "Big Mountains" like Jade Mountain (Yushan), you often need to apply for a permit weeks or even months in advance.
Going with a certified tour group means they can take care of all the logistics, incl. permit application, which can save you trouble and avoid disappointment

Check out Kodama Travel's Taiwan Tours