I wish I could tell you that spring in Taiwan was a symphony of sakura and late-falling snow, a cultural event so profound that millions of people from all corners of the earth fly to Taipei for it, as they do just past Okinawa in Japan.
And look, you will find cherry blossoms in Taiwan, albeit mostly not ones belonging to the famous somei yoshino species. There are festivals, too, and a substantial number of extra tourists, including those who head south, enjoying relatively warm weather with only minimal crowds.
But as much as I love Taiwan in spring, I’d be lying if I said that it was without a doubt the best time to visit Taiwan. I’d also be lying if I said that was a bad thing.
Why “Spring” Has a Mixed Meaning in Taiwan
As I conceded within the introduction, there is some truth to the idea that Taiwan spring travel (at least in certain destinations) is rainbows, flowers and butterflies. This is especially true in northern and central Taiwan—well, at least on days when it isn’t raining constantly. The catch, of course, is that the Tropic of Cancer runs directly through Taiwan. It’s always raining somewhere on the island, and that rain is often relentless.
Then there’s southern Taiwan—the actual tropical part, ironically—which on one hand tends to be very dry during the northern spring. On the other hand, it’s so warm (and, in the latter part of spring, hot) that you might be fooled into thinking it’s already summer, depending upon what area of the world you hail from. In my opinion, of course, this is definitely not a bad thing!
What to Do in Spring in Taiwan
Attend a lantern festival
Northern Taiwan can be very rainy in spring—or late winter, which is technically the season when the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival takes place. No matter the day on the calendar, and whether you visit this lantern festival or others around the country, the light (literal and figurative) of this event can help counteract the moisture and chill in the air that’s almost guaranteed to accompany it.
See cherry blossoms (in Alishan or elsewhere)
I won’t claim that cherry blossoms in Taiwan are on the same level as they are in Japan. With this being said, they still at a pop of color and a feeling of joy to the season. As is the case with lanterns, they sometimes bloom in February rather than March or April, such as at Wuji Tianyuan Temple in Taipei’s Tamsui district. If you’re planning to visit when it’s technically spring, the tea fields of Shizhao in Alishan are a better bet.
Enjoy great hiking weather
My favorite thing to do in Taiwan in spring, by far, is hiking. This tends to be a surer bet, at least in northern Taiwan, as March transitions into April, whether at Yangmingshan Mountain just north of Taipei or at Teapot Mountain near Jiufen. Sky-scraping Yushan in central Taiwan is also good at this time. By contrast, hikes further south (I’m thinking Lisong Hot Springs near Taitung) are better earlier on, lest you do them amid real tropical heat.
Hit the beach in the off-season
When you think of Taiwan in March, you might not think of a beach—particularly not if you’ve come to agree with my general thesis about Taiwan’s beaches. With this being said, if you can make it to one of the good ones (I’m thinking in particular about Kenting Baishawan here) you might just have it all to yourself, and with great weather no less.
Travel to Taiwan’s outlying islands
Feeling tropical, and a little adventurous? Head to one (or more) Taiwan’s outlying islands. You’ll find warmer weather and sunnier skies to the south, be that at Lanyu and Lyudao off Taitung, or Xiaoliuqiu off Kaohsiung or even to the Penghu archipelago. Weather is a bit more unpredictable upon north in Kinmen, though in the Matsu islands it could pay off: This is when the “blue tears” are most likely to appear.
Potential Pitfalls of Visiting Taiwan in Spring
As I alluded to above, Taiwan can be rainy during the spring season, especially in the north, and especially during the month of March. Both when I lived in Taipei and on subsequent visits, I’ve often had several days in a row of nonstop rain, which even if you’re expected it can be a bummer. Especially since the rain is likely to be heavy, meaning that all sightseeing will require an umbrella, presuming you’re even motivated to leave your hotel room.
By contrast, it’s generally better to visit Taiwan in April, but this is not foolproof. It can start to be rainy in the south of the country; even when it’s dry, it can be surprisingly hot, particularly in Taitung and Kenting. Now, if you’re a heat-loving lizard like me, this won’t be a problem. But if you’re expecting cool or even mild weather for the entirely of your trip, southern Taiwan can present a rude awakening in late spring.
Other FAQ About Spring Travel in Taiwan
Is spring a good time to visit Taiwan?
Spring is a great time to visit Taiwan, if you’re aware of what to expect. It’s not a cool-to-mild wonderland with sunny skies overhead and flowers all around, even if parts of the country are sunny from March-May, and certainly areas even have cherry blossoms.
Is it better to visit Taiwan in March or April?
I prefer visiting southern Taiwan in March and northern Taiwan in April. In March, Taiwan’s south is warm (but not yet hot) and clear, with sunny skies and calm winds. While the north is often cool and rainy at this time, the weather around Taipei becomes warmer and clearer, making this an ideal month to visit.
What to do in Taipei in spring?
If you’re in Taipei in spring and it isn’t raining, this is a perfect time to enjoy the city’s natural beauty. This could mean renting a YouBike and biking from the city center up the Tamsui River to Guandu, or hiking the Seven Stars Trail in Yangmingshan National Park.
The Bottom Line
I hope you’ve now got a better idea of what to expect visiting Taiwan in spring than you did when you arrived on this site. Some of you will try to emulate a trip you might take to Japan or Korea around this time, whether or not that entails walking under cherry blossoms at Alishan or in Tamsui. Others will take advantage of southern Taiwan’s warm weather, getting sun (and maybe even some surf) on Xiaoliuqiu island or in Kenting National Park. Still others will come during Chinese New Year, whether or not that includes a trip to one of Taiwan’s lantern festivals. Need personalized help planning your Taiwan spring adventure? Commission a custom Taiwan itinerary today!
