With perfect weather, oodles of festivals, and fun things to do, springtime is a lovely time to explore Taiwan. Whether you want to gawk at blossoms, enjoy the cultural festivals, or go hiking, spring in Taiwan offers a whole host of activities to entice any traveler!
And in this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about spring in Taiwan – from the weather to what clothes to pack and, of course, the best spring activities!
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When is Spring in Taiwan
Spring in Taiwan runs through March, April, and May. It is a great time to explore the country as the heat and humidity of the summer months have not kicked in yet, and it’s not nearly as cold as wintertime.
While the temperatures vary by month and location, you can generally expect balmy temperatures all-round. With that said, you should know that northern Taiwan and mountainous regions are usually a few degrees cooler than the south.
Here’s a quick look at each month:
- March is a great month to visit Taiwan as the weather is pleasant, with little rain and humidity. You can practically go anywhere in Taiwan during this month as the weather is perfect for all kinds of outdoorsy activities. Expect average highs in the mid-twenties and average lows in the upper teens. Since March can still be quite cool, you’ll want to pack layers, especially for the evenings.
- April is often touted as the best month to visit Taiwan. It offers ideal temperatures perfect for spending time outdoors. Daytime temperatures are more comfortable than in March, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C.
- May is not the greatest month to visit Taiwan (IMO). It rains a lot, and the humidity increases quite a bit. Expect average lows in the upper teens and average highs of around 30°C.
What to Wear during Spring in Taiwan
Taiwan’s springtime weather is pleasant, with a good amount of sunshine and little rain (except the month of May).
In March and April, it can still be chilly in the evenings, especially at high-altitude regions like Alishan, Cingjing, and Taipingshan. Therefore, you still need to prepare for mild weather and pack accordingly. In general, you can pretty much pack your normal spring outfits (t’s, dresses, shorts, etc.). But you’ll also need to bring jeans, long-sleeve shirts, and a sweater or two for colder days and chilly evenings. A light thermal or wind-resistant jacket is also key for nighttime or hiking excursions.
With that said, if you’re heading down south to places like Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Kenting, you can easily get away with a light sweater or two as the weather is much warmer there. But pack a few warm things (just in case)! For more tips, also see my complete packing list for Taiwan.
The month of May usually marks the arrival of Taiwan’s plum rains, and it can rain for days on end. The first plum rains normally start in the north of the island (first half of the month) before moving south (second half of the month). It’s not the best month to visit Taiwan, and you’ll definitely need an umbrella or raincoat. Don’t worry about buying these items in advance, though. You can easily pick them up at any convenience store for a couple of dollars.
10 Fantastic Things to do in Taiwan in Spring
See the cherry blossoms at Alishan
A huge must on any Taiwan spring bucket list is cherry blossoms viewing at Alishan Forest Recreation Area.
While Alishan is a popular tourist attraction any time of year, it’s even more splendid during the season of spring when thousands of cherry blossom trees start to bloom. All kinds of cherry trees bloom in this scenic high-altitude park, and it is revered as one of Taiwan’s top cherry blossom viewing areas. Although some cherry trees start to bloom as early as February, the real show only begins in early April.
Besides hunting for blooms, Alishan is also a great place to hike, ride a historic railway train, and sample Taiwan’s most famous tea, high mountain Oolong tea.
Other than Alishan, there are still a few other places where you can see cherry blossoms. The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village in Sun Moon Lake hosts a massive sakura festival (early Feb to early March) that draws thousands of spectators each year. But you can also attend a lavender festival (mid-March to April) if you missed the blossoms.
Baiyang Temple of Heaven is another cool place to see sakura. It is a real hidden gem with minimal crowds. Cherry blossoms usually bloom here until mid-April.
Visit Laomei Green Reef
Laomei Green Reef is a sprawling 700m long rocky reef located roughly 2 hours from Taipei by bus and one of Taiwan’s best-kept secrets.
If you’re planning an itinerary for Taiwan in spring, it’s the perfect opportunity to witness an incredible natural phenomenon. Every year from March to May, a blanket of vibrant green algae covers the entire reef, and it’s truly a sight to behold.
However, if you do want to visit, planning will be key. Laomei is not the easiest place to reach, and the reef is only visible during low tide. Remember to check the tide schedules before heading out. And if you can, come at sunset for a truly memorable experience!
Klook.comAttend the flower festivals
Spring in Taiwan is a great time for flower gawking, with loads of amazing flower festivals on offer.
For a truly unique and spectacular experience, head out to Yangmingshan National Park in Beitou District. Yangmingshan is revered as one of the best flower viewing spots in northern Taiwan, with several flower-related festivals throughout the year.
One of the most iconic festivals among flower lovers is the Zhuzihu Calla Lily & Hydrangea Festival, boasting endless fields of flowers and plenty of photo ops. The festival runs from March 18 to April 24 and from May 20 to June 19. (See the festival’s website for more info).
The park also hosts another popular festival, the Yangmingshan Flower Festival (Mar-May). Azaleas, camellias, wild peonies, peach blossoms are just a few of the incredible flower varieties you can see during this festival.
The Hakka Tung Blossom Festival is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for something less touristy. The festival runs through spring (Apr-May), and it’s the perfect way to learn a little more about the Hakka culture while marveling at these delicate white blooms. There are loads of places to see tung blossoms, with Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli among the best.
Relax at the beautiful beaches
If flowers are not for you, springtime in Taiwan offers perfect conditions to lounge on Taiwan’s beautiful beaches. The best part? You won’t need to look too far to find one!
There are several really great beaches near Taipei like Fulong, Waiao, Baishawan, and Dawulun. All are just a short bus or train ride away, perfect for a quick side trip from Taipei.
For those exploring further afield, Kenting National Park in the southern corners of the island is by far the best place for epic beach vibes. Besides basking in the sun, there are loads of amazing things to do in Kenting too!
Some of the most popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, and visiting Maobitou Park, Sail Rock, and the most southern point of Taiwan. However, since Kenting is a popular go-to spot throughout the year, book a hotel at least a few weeks in advance to avoid disappointment. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Kenting.
Just a heads up, March might still be a bit too cold to swim, but you wouldn’t have much problem from April onwards. Also, remember that the south of Taiwan is much warmer than the north, and I’ve even seen people swimming in Kenting during wintertime in Taiwan!
Attend the Penghu Fireworks Festival
If you want to plan a quick spring getaway to one of the most beautiful offshore islands in Taiwan, then you’ve got to get yourself to Penghu.
Penghu actually consists of some 90 islets and islands just off the west coast of Taiwan. But the main island, Magong, is where all the action is. Getting to Penghu is relatively easy, with boats and planes departing from several places on the mainland.
There are loads of amazing things to do in Penghu too. It’s filled with dreamy beaches, great food, unique geological and historical sites, and excellent snorkeling opportunities, just a short boat ride away. And if you happen to visit Taiwan during spring, you’re in for an added treat!
Every year, Penghu hosts one of the most famous pyrotechnic events in Taiwan, the Penghu International Fireworks Festival. This year (2022), the festival runs from April 25 to June 30, featuring an array of fireworks displays every Monday and Thursday. If you want to see the fireworks, the best place is at the Guanyinting Recreation Area in Magong City. See the event’s Facebook page for more details about the festival.
Klook.comTackle a couple of hikes
Spring in Taiwan is the perfect time to tackle some of Taiwan’s gorgeous hiking trails. Whether you’re looking for a low-key hike or want to attempt something a bit more challenging, Taiwan is absolutely littered with trails!
You’ll find some of the best treks in places like Taroko Gorge and Central Taiwan, but there are loads of amazing trails near Keelung and Yilan. However, if you’re just sticking to Taipei, don’t miss the most popular hike in the city, Elephant Mountain! It’s a relatively short (and easy) hike, and the views from the top will take your breath away!
Soak in a hot spring
During March, you could easily still squeeze in a trip to one of Taiwan’s awesome hot springs.
Beitou, just on the outskirts of Taipei, is one of the most popular hot spring areas in the country. It’s full of everything from public outdoor springs to swanky resorts like the Gaia Hotel and the Grand View Resort.
If you want to go somewhere less touristy, Wulai in New Taipei City is another great option. This tiny aboriginal village is hidden in the hills and famous for its eclectic mix of hot spring hotels. Treat yourself to a stay at Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort or the Pause Landis Resort Wulai. For a more traditional onsen experience, try Fullmoon Spa.
Jiaoxi Township near Yilan is another popular place to soak in steamy pools. Check out Yunoyado Onsen Hotspring Hotel Deyang or Mu Jiao Xi Hotel. Further afield, Ruisui Township, just south of Hualien, also has a great selection of gorgeous hot spring hotels, like Yen Hotspring and Silence Manor.
See the fireflies at Neiwan
Neiwan is a tiny traditional village in Hsinchu County, and a popular side trip from Hsinchu City.
The town is famous for its historic branch-railway line, quaint train station, and bustling Old Street, where you can find a wide selection of Hakka dishes. But another special reason to visit here is to see fireflies!
Although Neiwan is just one of the firefly-viewing spots in Taiwan, it is arguably one of the best. And every year during April and May, large crowds flock to the hilly slopes of this charming mountain town to marvel at thousands of fireflies lighting up the forests.
There are several places to spot fireflies in and around Neiwan, but the most popular (and easiest trail) starts right behind the Old Street. You can access the path via the Hsinchu County Neiwan Elementary School entrance. The entrance looks like an old castle, so you can’t miss it! (See Google Maps here). The best time for firefly-viewing is from 7 pm to 8 pm.
Partake in the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage
The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is one of the biggest and oldest religious festivals in Taiwan. It celebrates the birthday of Mazu (the Taoist sea goddess) and usually occurs near the 23rd day of the third month of the Lunar calendar.
During the pilgrimage, a statue of Mazu is carried on foot through four counties (Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi), stopping at various important temples along the way. The journey covers a whopping 340 kilometers and takes nine days to complete.
If you want to experience the festivities first-hand, head out to Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung (where the pilgrimage begins and ends). It’s a lively affair, with float parades, puppet shows, dragon and lion dances, and much more on display. This year (2022), the pilgrimage runs from April 8 to April 17.
Attend the Taiwan Music Festival
If you’re in Taiwan during the first long weekend in April, grab your party hat and put your dance shoes on!
Every April, hordes of people flock to the golden shores of Kenting Town to partake in one of the island’s biggest and best outdoor music festivals. Formerly known as Spring Scream, the Taiwan Music Festival features a diverse selection of musicians, bands, and DJs to keep you entertained well into the night.
It’s a bit of a wild party, but the festival is quite mellow and family-friendly during the day. If you want to go, it’s crucial to plan. Make sure to book accommodation at least a few months in advance as it’s almost impossible to find a hotel room last minute. (See my recommendations on where to stay in Kenting). You’ll also want to reserve a ticket on the HSR to get to Kaohsiung (up to 28 days in advance) as lots of people travel during the 4-day Tomb Sweeping holiday.
In 2022, the Taiwan Music Festival was scheduled to run from April 1-3. Sadly it got canceled after the second day due to a Covid case.
Should You Visit Taiwan in Spring?
Absolutely! Spring is one of the best times to visit Taiwan with comfortable temperatures and plenty to keep you busy! Whether you want to see the blooms, go hiking or attend one of the cultural festivals, you can’t go wrong visiting Taiwan in spring!
There you have it – the absolute best things to do in Taiwan in spring! Did your favorite Taiwan spring activities make my list? If not, let me know what I’ve been missing out on in the comments below!
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