Summer in Taiwan: A Season of Scorching Challenges and Refreshing Delights
Summer in Taiwan is a journey where extreme weather meets vibrant energy. The blazing sun scorches the land, thick humidity lingers in the air, and sudden afternoon thunderstorms come and go in a flash. Occasionally, typhoons sweep through, bringing fierce winds and torrential rain. Yet, it is precisely this unique climate that makes summer in Taiwan a one-of-a-kind experience—challenging yet filled with unforgettable seasonal pleasures.
As summer arrives, a series of “only-in-Taiwan” rituals unfold—stepping onto soft golden beaches, feeling the waves gently wash over your feet, and letting the sea breeze carry away the heat; indulging in a bowl of sweet and juicy mango shaved ice, where the icy sensation spreads through your body; plunging into cool rivers or swimming pools to instantly escape the scorching temperatures; walking into the air-conditioned oasis of a convenience store and grabbing a chilled beer, savoring the instant relief from the summer heat. These refreshing moments define the essence of summer in Taiwan.
While many locals have a love-hate relationship with the season, I’ve noticed that many of my foreign friends absolutely adore summer in Taiwan. They embrace the outdoor adventures under the sun, the vibrant summer festivals, and the unique energy that radiates across the island.
In this article, I’ll take you on an in-depth exploration of Taiwan’s summer—from the climate in Taipei and across the island, typhoon survival tips, clothing recommendations, and ways to beat the heat, to seasonal festivals, outdoor activities, and the best summer travel destinations in Taiwan. Whether you seek the thrill of tropical sunshine or a cool escape, this guide will help you make the most of your unforgettable Taiwanese summer!
Further Reading
🔗 [Autumn in Taiwan]
🔗 [Winter in Taiwan]
🔗 [Spring in Taiwan]
🔗 [Best Months to Visit Taiwan]
🔗 [Taiwan’s Weather by Month]
Taiwan’s Summer: When Does It Start and How to Experience It?
Taiwan’s summer typically lasts from June to September, with July and August being the peak of the heat. If you want to explore the unique climate patterns and travel recommendations for each month, check out my in-depth guides:
🔗 [June in Taiwan] | 🔗 [July in Taiwan] | 🔗 [August in Taiwan] | 🔗 [September in Taiwan]
Just like in many countries, students in Taiwan have summer vacation in July and August. However, many also take part in summer courses during this time. Due to the intense heat and humidity, summer is considered a low season for tourism compared to the more pleasant spring and autumn months.
Taiwan is situated between the subtropical and tropical zones. While summer climate differences between northern and southern Taiwan are less pronounced than in winter, cities like Taipei can feel even hotter due to geographical factors.
Taipei’s Summer: Scorching Heat, High Humidity, and Afternoon Thunderstorms
By early June, the East Asian monsoon (commonly called the “plum rain”) has usually moved southward, but occasional showers may still linger in northern Taiwan until mid-June. As the season progresses, Taipei becomes increasingly hot and humid, reaching its peak temperatures in July.
📌 Temperature Overview:
☀️ July Average High: 34°C (93°F)
💦 Feels Like: Due to high humidity, the real-feel temperature can exceed 40°C (104°F)
This extreme heat persists through August and slightly cools down in September (by only a few degrees).
📌 Key Summer Climate Features in Taipei:
✅ Frequent afternoon thunderstorms, often short-lived but intense
✅ Basin geography traps heat and humidity, leading to minimal temperature differences between day and night
✅ Urban heat island effect keeps nighttime temperatures high, with only a slight drop after sunset
🔗 Best Time to Visit Taipei? Check out my [Taipei Best Travel Months Guide]
🔗 Looking for accommodations? Check out my [Taipei Hotel Recommendations]
🔗 Is the Taipei Unlimited Travel Pass worth it? Read my [Travel Pass Review]
Taiwan’s Summer Climate: From Sweltering Cities to Cool Mountain Escapes
Most major cities and lowland areas in Taiwan share a similar summer climate with Taipei. While the north is subtropical and the south is tropical, there isn’t much difference in summer temperatures—it’s in winter when northern Taiwan is noticeably colder than the south.
📌 Regional Climate Differences:
☔ Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Tainan): Still affected by plum rain in June, with heavier rainfall
⛰️ High-altitude areas (Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Cingjing Farm): Cooler temperatures, making them perfect summer retreats
🔹 Top Summer Escapes
✅ Sun Moon Lake (748m altitude): A few degrees cooler than the lowlands
✅ Alishan (2,500m) & Cingjing Farm (1,750m):
- Daytime: Around 25°C (77°F)
- Early morning: Can drop to 16°C (61°F)—you may need a light jacket!
- Alishan’s famous sunrise: A must-see, but bring warm clothing!
Taiwan’s Summer Typhoons: A Weather Factor You Can’t Ignore
Taiwan experiences an average of 3 to 4 major typhoons each summer. The first major typhoon can appear as early as June, but they are most frequent between July and September, sometimes extending into October or even November.
Typhoons with Significant Impact in Recent Years
🌪 2009 Typhoon Morakot: The deadliest typhoon in Taiwan’s history, causing 789 fatalities and triggering massive landslides that devastated southern Taiwan. The worst disaster occurred in Xiaolin Village, which was completely buried.
⚡ 2015 Typhoon Soudelor: Directly struck Taipei with record-breaking winds, resulting in Taiwan’s largest power outage in history, affecting 4 million households. At Taipei Songshan Airport, the typhoon recorded maximum gusts exceeding 200 km/h.
🌊 2016 Typhoon Megi: A powerful typhoon that caused extensive damage across Taiwan, leading to severe traffic accidents and infrastructure destruction. As it passed, it resulted in a nationwide blackout affecting 4.05 million households, making it the third-largest power outage in Taiwan’s history.
💨 2016 Typhoon Nepartak: The first super typhoon to hit Taiwan that year, with maximum gusts reaching 234 km/h. It severely impacted Taitung, destroying thousands of buildings, making it one of the most devastating typhoons in the region’s recent history.
🌪 2019 Typhoon Lekima: Brought torrential rainfall, setting a record of over 900 mm of rain within 24 hours in Yilan, leading to severe flooding and landslides.
⚠ 2023 Typhoon Doksuri: One of the most severe typhoons to impact southern Taiwan, bringing extreme rainfall that caused flooding in Pingtung and Tainan, with water levels reaching up to a one-story height in some areas. The storm also severely affected agriculture and transportation.
These typhoons have not only affected the daily lives of Taiwanese people but also reshaped urban disaster prevention plans and infrastructure, making Taiwan more cautious and well-prepared for future typhoons.
📌 Most Affected Areas:
🌊 North, East, and Southern Taiwan: Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, Pingtung, Kaohsiung, Tainan
⛰️ Mountainous regions (e.g., Taroko Gorge): Higher risk of landslides
💡 How to Prepare for a Typhoon?
✅ Stay updated via news and local announcements—cities will declare work and school closures the night before
✅ Stock up on food and water—avoid going outside during the storm
✅ Be flexible with travel plans—if heading to eastern Taiwan or the mountains, check weather updates frequently
🎒 Personal Experience:
Once, my family and I were on Green Island when a typhoon warning was issued. The local government ordered all tourists to evacuate, and we had to cut our trip short by a day. While it was inconvenient, safety always comes first!
Though typhoons may sound intimidating, Taiwan’s urban infrastructure is built to withstand them. As long as you stay indoors, you’ll be fine—and watching the storm from a safe vantage point can be an unforgettable experience!
Final Thoughts: Embracing Taiwan’s Summer
Taiwan’s summer is a season of challenges and adventures—from sweltering heat and typhoons to afternoon thunderstorms. Yet, it also has its own charm. You can experience the heat in bustling cities or seek cooler retreats in the mountains.
💡 How to Make the Most of This Guide?
📍 Want to escape the heat? → Head to mountain resorts (Alishan, Cingjing)
🏖 Prefer island vibes? → Visit Taiwan’s east coast and offshore islands (Green Island, Xiaoliuqiu)
⛈ Caught in a typhoon? → Plan ahead and avoid risky areas
Whether you’re traveling to Taiwan or rediscovering summer as a local, I hope this guide helps you fully experience this unique and vibrant season!
🔗 More Summer Travel Info
📖 [Best Travel Months for Taiwan] | 📖 [Monthly Weather in Taiwan]
What to Wear in Taiwan During Summer? Dress Right for a Comfortable Trip! ☀️🏝️
Taiwan’s summer is hot and humid—stepping outside for just a few minutes can make you start sweating like you’ve entered a natural sauna. If you don’t want to feel sticky all day, the best dressing strategy is to choose lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and quick-drying clothing.
Personally, I love wearing loose cotton-linen outfits or cooling fabric clothing. They absorb sweat and allow airflow, making the breeze feel like an instant relief.
Essential Summer Accessories 👒🕶️
- Hat & UV-blocking sunglasses are must-haves.
- If you’re afraid of sunburn, a light scarf or sarong can protect your shoulders and double as a shawl indoors to prevent discomfort from sudden temperature changes between outdoor heat and air-conditioned spaces.
Dressing Habits & Local Style 👗🩳
Taiwan is quite accepting of skin-baring outfits, especially in summer. You’ll often see young men in shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops, while women prefer shorts and dresses, though tops usually aren’t overly revealing.
That said, walking around Taipei shirtless or barefoot will definitely turn heads!
A friend of mine visited Taiwan and wanted to dress lightly like the locals. But he forgot about sun protection—after spending a day at Yangmingshan, his shoulders and arms turned into “grilled mode.” So even though you might want to wear as little as possible in Taiwan’s summer, sun protection is non-negotiable!
Always Be Ready for Rain! 🌦️🌧️
Aside from the heat, Taiwan’s summer is known for afternoon thunderstorms, which can appear out of nowhere—even weather forecasts struggle to keep up.
Carrying a light umbrella is the best solution. Taiwan’s umbrellas are affordable and easy to find, and convenience stores even sell disposable raincoats, so if you get caught in a sudden downpour, you can quickly grab one and continue your trip.
Survival Guide for Taiwan’s Summer 🔥☀️
I once went out at noon during summer in Taiwan and nearly passed out from heat exhaustion within 30 minutes. So here are some crucial tips to help you have fun without getting overwhelmed by the heat!
✅ Avoid the Hottest Hours
- The best time to go out is in the morning or evening.
- Stay indoors at noon, especially if you’re planning to visit the beach—going at midday is basically “BBQ mode.”
✅ Sun Protection is Key
- Wear a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen and reapply frequently.
- Wear light, loose long sleeves to protect your skin—otherwise, you might end up looking like a “charred squid” by the end of the day.
✅ Hydration is a Must
- Taiwan’s summer makes you sweat a lot, so drink plenty of water.
- Grab an electrolyte drink like Pocari Sweat from any convenience store to replenish lost salts.
✅ Make Use of Convenience Stores
- Taiwan’s convenience stores have super-strong air conditioning and sell cold drinks and snacks—perfect for cooling off.
- Some stores even have seating areas, making them mini summer sanctuaries!
✅ Water Activities = The Best Cool-Down
- Water parks, rivers, waterfalls, beaches—these are the best places to escape the heat!
- But don’t assume being in the water means no sunburn—apply sunscreen & stay hydrated!
Best Places to Visit in Taipei During Summer 🌆🎡
🔥 Thank Goodness for Taipei Metro’s Strong Air Conditioning!
Taipei’s summer makes walking outside unbearable, but luckily, the metro (MRT) is super cool and lets you travel comfortably to different spots.
Also, since convenience stores are everywhere, I often stop by one just to cool down, grab a cold drink, and take a break before continuing my journey.
Indoor Cooling Spots in Taipei 🏛️❄️
If you don’t want to melt under the summer sun, Taipei has many air-conditioned attractions where you can have fun while staying cool:
- Taipei 101 Observatory & Skyline 460 🌆 (Breathtaking views + air-conditioning = best combo!)
- National Palace Museum 🏺 (Explore 1,000+ years of history while staying cool)
- Taipei Fine Arts Museum & MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) 🎨 (Enjoy art in an air-conditioned space)
- Eslite Bookstore (Xinyi & Dunhua branches) 📚 (A book-lover’s paradise where you can stay all day)
- Huashan 1914 Creative Park 🎭 (Exhibitions, cafés, theaters—perfect for a slow-paced visit)
- Songshan Cultural & Creative Park 🏛️ (Art exhibitions, designer shops, and a beautiful Eslite bookstore)
- Discovery Center of Taipei 🏙️ (Free exhibits about Taipei’s history, with full AC!)
- Miniatures Museum of Taiwan 🏡 (Tiny yet incredibly detailed dioramas—fun for both kids and adults)
- Taipei Underground Mall (Between Zhongshan & Taipei Main Station MRT) 🛍️ (Shops, anime merch, food—fully air-conditioned)
- Miramar Entertainment Park 🎡 (Shopping, movies, dining, and even an indoor ice-skating rink!)
- Taipei Astronomical Museum 🔭 (Planetarium shows & interactive exhibits—great for families)
- Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A11 & Breeze Nanshan 🏬 (High-end shopping & restaurants—easy to spend the whole day indoors)
These spots keep you away from the scorching heat while offering a fun and enriching experience!
Outdoor Attractions – Timing is Everything! ☀️🌳
If you really want to visit outdoor spots like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Ximending, or Longshan Temple, go in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
At night, you can explore night markets, but be prepared—it’s still hot and humid even after sunset!
Best Summer Travel Destinations and Activities in Taiwan
Starting from Taipei, you have numerous day-trip options, especially to the cooler mountain areas surrounding the city. Jiufen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall are among the most popular destinations.
Additionally, within a 1 to 2.5-hour drive from Taipei, you can find many beaches and water parks. However, be cautious of the intense midday sun, as it can cause sunburn within minutes. Most major beaches offer large umbrellas for rent, and staying hydrated is crucial.
At Fulong Beach, the Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival takes place annually from June 9 to October 22. Additionally, the Ocean Indie Music Festival, a free event, is usually held on the beach sometime in July or August.
Some of Taiwan’s most popular water parks include:
- Leofoo Village Theme Park in Hsinchu (about an hour’s drive from Taipei)
- Little Ding-Dong Water Park in Taoyuan
- Mala Bay at Lihpao Land in Taichung (for more details, check out my Best One-Day Trip Guide to Taichung)
- Dongshan River Water Park in Yilan
- Janfusun Fancyworld Water Park in Yunlin
If you enjoy more adventurous activities, river tracing is a highly popular option in Taiwan. Some of the best spots include Wulai in New Taipei City, Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung. You can join guided tours for river tracing; check local websites for details.
Taroko Gorge is just as hot as other places in summer, but certain areas offer more shade. Avoid visiting during or right after heavy rain or typhoons.
Escape the Summer Heat in the Mountains
Another way to escape the city’s heat is by heading to the mountains. Sun Moon Lake is slightly cooler, while Alishan and Cingjing Farm are excellent high-altitude retreats for beating the summer heat. Sun Moon Lake also hosts the Annual Mass Swimming Event, usually held in September. This is the only day of the year when swimming is permitted in the lake, so be sure to register online in advance.
At the southernmost tip of Taiwan, Kenting National Park boasts some of the country’s best beaches and beach resorts. If you’re into surfing, you might want to check out Dulan.
Summer Festivals and Island Adventures
The Taiwan International Balloon Festival is an incredible event held annually at Luye Highland in Taitung. In 2023, it ran from June 30 to August 28. You can even sign up for a hot air balloon ride (registration is in Chinese only).
Although summer is the hottest season in Taiwan, the outlying islands still offer a tropical escape. Green Island is a fantastic destination for warm weather and diving, while Lanyu (Orchid Island) and Xiaoliuqiu are great for turtle watching and snorkeling. Penghu is famous for sailing and island-hopping tours.
Summer is also the peak season for Taiwan’s many cultural events and festivals. Ghost Month (August–September) is a time when locals believe spirits of the deceased return, with the biggest ceremonies and celebrations taking place in Keelung City (more details in my August in Taiwan Guide). Mid-Autumn Festival usually occurs in September (in 2023, it was on September 29), when locals enjoy mooncakes and outdoor barbecues.
Is Summer a Good Time to Visit Taiwan?
Taiwan’s summer is perfect for travelers who don’t mind the tropical heat and love water activities. With so many festivals and events, it’s a season full of excitement and adventure.
Although typhoons are a potential concern, they shouldn’t stop you from planning a summer trip to Taiwan. Just take the necessary precautions and remain flexible with your itinerary. With the right planning, a summer visit to Taiwan can be an unforgettable experience.
