Travel time: Year-round
Taipei’s climate is a dynamic, high-humidity experience governed by its unique geography. Nestled in a mountain-ringed basin at the northern tip of Taiwan, the city acts as a thermal trap, intensifying both summer heat and winter dampness. This humid subtropical environment is defined by four distinct seasons, two monsoon cycles, and the ever-present influence of the Pacific Ocean.
The city’s geography is its defining climate feature. Because Taipei sits in a low-lying bowl, it suffers from the "Heat Island Effect," where urban density and lack of airflow trap heat, making temperatures feel 3–5°C hotter than the thermometer suggest. Conversely, in the winter, the basin traps cool, moist air from the northeast monsoon, leading to a persistent, bone-chilling dampness that defies the relatively mild 15°C averages.
Spring is a volatile transition. It begins with the "Plum Rain" (Meiyu) season in late spring, characterized by persistent drizzle and overcast skies.
Summer in Taipei is an exercise in endurance. Temperatures frequently hit 35°C (95°F), but the proximity to the ocean and the basin effect create a "real feel" closer to 42°C (108°F).
Locals generally consider autumn the best time of year. As the heat of August breaks, the city experiences crisp, dry, and sunny days.
While it never snows in the city (though the nearby peaks of Yangmingshan might see a dusting), winter feels surprisingly cold.
Residents have developed a rhythm to survive the extremes. In summer, life shifts indoors or into the vast network of air-conditioned underground malls and MRT stations. The "bubble tea culture" is as much a climate response as it is culinary, providing a necessary icy respite from the afternoon heat. In winter, the absence of central heating in many older buildings means locals often wear layers indoors, relying on dehumidifiers to keep the pervasive dampness at bay.