Autumn is such a fab time to explore Taiwan! I know. I know. You’ve heard me say that about spring, too. But if you’ve lived in Taiwan as long as I have (13 years, to be exact), you’ll agree that any season with less humidity is a huge relief. Besides having milder weather, there’s lots to love about autumn in Taiwan! There’s leaf peeping (a real highlight), hiking, long soaks in hot springs, and cool seasonal festivals to look forward to.
If you plan on visiting Taiwan between September and November, here’s my comprehensive guide for an epic autumn trip! I’ve included everything from what to expect from the weather, what to pack, best autumn foliage spots, top activities, and much more! Let’s dive right in!
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Autumn Weather in Taiwan
Okay, first things first. The low down on the weather. The best part about visiting Taiwan during autumn is that it’s much cooler than summer! It’s also less humid, and typhoon season is nearing its end (yes, those can still occur in October).
However, please save yourself the headache; autumn in Taiwan is not comparable to autumn in Europe. I would know because I recently spent September and part of October in the Netherlands, and it was freezing! That’s not the case here.
The point is that it will still be humid (much less, thankfully) and warm due to the island’s subtropical climate. That said, there are a few exceptions, and it’s important to know that the weather can vary quite a bit depending on where you are on the island. If you’re going to visit the mountains, you definitely need warm stuff, if you’re going to the south you could easily work in some beach time, and if you’re visiting the north coast it’s always best to have an umbrella with you!
Average Temperatures by Region
- Northern Taiwan (Taipei, Jiufen): September and October are generally warm, with average temperatures between 22°C and 30°C. Towards the end of November, things start to cool down a bit, and typically, the average highs are around the mid-twenties. Expect some rain, though it’s generally much drier than in summer.
- Central Taiwan (Taichung, Sun Moon Lake): You can expect mostly pleasant weather in the central part of the island. Averages in September range from 24-31°C, in October from 21-28°C, and in November from 17-25°C.
- South Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Kenting, Xiaoliuqiu): If you’re after some beach time, autumn is a great time to head south, as it is typically much warmer there. In September, temperatures range from 25-31°C, while October is around 23-30°C. November temps range between 20-27°C, with cooler nights.
- Mountain Areas (Alishan, Hehuanshan, Cingjing): High-altitude areas are usually much cooler than elsewhere, especially in the early mornings and at night. Temperatures typically range between 10°C and 20°C but can dip below 10°C in November. Make sure you pack accordingly.
What to Pack
As mentioned above, autumn is generally quite mild, so you definitely don’t need Europe-like autumn wear. However, some planning is necessary as you never know what the weather will be like in Taiwan. One day, it could be cloudy; the next, it is sunny.
Therefore, I suggest packing clothes for warmer and cooler days — especially if you plan to visit mountainous areas. You won’t need a thick winter jacket, but you do need a light jacket or sweater. If you have something that is wind- and rain-resistant, that would be a bonus!
For more tips on what to bring, be sure also to check out my packing list.
Top Things to Do in Taiwan in Autumn
Go Leaf Peeping
Taiwan might not be as famous for its autumn foliage as Japan and South Korea, but there are actually quite a few places to enjoy the fall colors and see the maple leaves turn gorgeous shades of yellow, orange and red!
Unfortunately, the best places to see fall foliage in Taiwan are also the hardest to reach. But if you want the real deal, visit Alishan, Aowanda, Taipingshan, Xitou Nature Education Area, or Sun Link Sea Forest. (You can even combine the last tour on this 2-day tour).
If that’s too much of a mission, don’t worry; you can still see beautiful foliage in and around Taipei. Yangmingshan is a cool day trip option, especially if you want to see the silver grass fields. However, one of my fave things is to simply jump on the Brown MRT line (specifically from Liuzhangli station towards Technology Building station) to see the famous “Taiwanese Rain Trees” on Dunhua South Road from a unique vantage point!
If you’re coming specifically to see the autumn leaves, plan to visit between November and early December when the colors are at their prettiest.
Go Hiking
Autumn is a great season to tackle Taiwan’s epic hiking trails. There are so many kinds of hikes, varying in difficulty, so whether you’re looking for something more intense or just looking to get out of the city — there’s something for everyone. Some of the top spots include:
- Yangmingshan National Park near Taipei is famous for its volcanic landscapes, silver grass fields, and picturesque mountain views. Elephant Mountain, accessible by the MRT red line, is another iconic one. There are a bunch of stairs to climb, though, but the views over Taipei 101 and the rest of the cityscape are really something!
- Hehuanshan, near Cingjing, is one of the most underrated places in Taiwan (IMO). The views are breathtaking, and it’s even more stunning at sunrise.
- Taroko Gorge is the country’s top tourist attraction, featuring dramatic marble cliffs and epic trails like Shakadang and the Eternal Shrine. However, you should know that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the island on 3 April 2024. It caused severe damage, rock falls, and landslides within the park, which led to its closure. While some sections have partially reopened, you really should check their website before going. Most trails are still closed, with some only expected to open again by 2031.
Soak in the Hot Springs
Nothing beats taking a long soak in a hot spring, especially when things start to cool down. The good news is that Taiwan is peppered with outdoor natural springs and dedicated hot spring hotels! While you’ll find the biggest concentration of them up north, there are a few further afield that are just as fun to visit. Here are a couple of my faves:
Near Taipei
Beitou, the most famous hot spring village near the capital, is easily accessible by MRT red line. There is a good selection of public bathing houses here, but you can also splurge at a private hot spring hotel like The Gaia Hotel.
Another cool hot spring area is Wulai, a beautiful aboriginal village hidden in the mountains. It’s one of my favorite day trips from Taipei! Not only can you soak in steamy pools, but you can also check out the waterfalls, eat aboriginal delicacies, ride a cute mini train, or hop in the cable car! If you want to make a weekend of it, Pause Landis Resort and Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort are great places to stay.
Near Yilan
Ask any Taiwanese person where Taiwan’s best hot spring area is, and the answer will be Jiaoxi. The town is easily accessible by train from Taipei, with many spa hotels.
Another fantastic spot (although a bit harder to reach) is Jiuzhize Hot Springs near Taipingshan in Yilan. It’s a beautiful outdoor hot spring resort, but what makes it so unique is that you get to soak in your own mini rock tub!
On the East coast
If you’re heading to the East Coast, you should definitely pop in at Ruisui Hot Springs, just outside Hualien. It’s a charming Japanese-inspired hot spring that started way back in 1919.
Zhaori Hot Springs is on Green Island, just off the coast of Taitung. The island is absolutely gorgeous, and the springs are one of only three saltwater hot springs worldwide! This place is a bit harder to reach, but it is so worth it! Plan your trip well in advance, as ferry tickets could sell out.
Visit Sun Moon Lake
Another dreamy place to go is Sun Moon Lake. It’s the island’s largest natural lake, and I guarantee it will be one of the highlights of your itinerary.
Besides its natural beauty, there’s quite a bit to do here. Cycling around the lake is lots of fun, but there are also some cool temples to check out, like Wenwu Temple and the Ci’en Pagoda. Taking the cable car to Formosan Village and sampling unique aboriginal treats at the Ita Thao night market are other must-do’s.
Try the Seasonal Fruit
If you love fruit, you’re in for a real treat! During autumn, there are some unique fruits to try, like pomelos, Asian pears, and persimmons. You’ll find them on any supermarket shelf and even at Family Mart or 7-11.
I know Hsinchu is not the most exciting city to visit, but if you love persimmons and are looking for a unique day trip idea, Wei Wei Jia Persimmon Farm is it! It’s a fun place to walk around, with loads of photo ops, especially the trays of drying persimmons. Another real highlight is stuffing your face with their delicious persimmon popsicles!
Visit Jiufen & Shifen
Jiufen and Shifen are two must-visit spots just a short trip from Taipei, and they’re both charming in their own way! While you don’t necessarily need to wait until autumn to visit them, the cooler temperatures can help make your trip more enjoyable.
Jiufen is filled with narrow, lantern-lit streets, and its Old Street is a foodie’s paradise with lots to try. Shifen, on the other hand, is home to Taiwan’s widest waterfall and a popular spot to release sky lanterns.
You can read more about how to get to Jiufen and Shifen from Taipei here.
Enjoy Moon Festival
There are a couple of seasonal festivals and special holidays during the autumn months, but the one everyone looks forward to the most is Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival.
It usually occurs somewhere in September, but the dates are a little different each year as it is based on the Lunar Calendar. During this festival (usually a long weekend), family and friends gather to enjoy outdoor barbeques, stare at the moon, eat mooncakes, and make silly hats with the skins of pomelos. It’s truly a fun time to be in Taiwan, especially if you’ve made friends with a few locals.
Is Autumn a Good Time to Visit Taiwan?
Absolutely! With mild weather, beautiful autumn foliage, and persimmons, what’s not to love about autumn in Taiwan? While it’s a great time to visit, you should know it is one of the busier seasons. Therefore, make sure to book accommodation in advance, especially if you’re coming during Moon Festival.
So, which Taiwan autumn activity are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below!
Your Taiwan autumn guide really makes the season sound magical — the combination of mild weather and colourful foliage highlights like scenic leaf-peeping spots is so inviting.
I especially appreciate the packing and timing tips, which make planning a fall trip to Taiwan feel much easier!