Asia

Taiwan in December

Taipei gets grayer, the south stays lovely. The Taipei 101 New Year fireworks close the year.

GoodCool, highs near 70F (21C), drizzle returns to the north

Taroko Gorge, Taiwan — TaiwanPhoto: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Taiwan. Taipei gets grayer, the south stays lovely. The Taipei 101 New Year fireworks close the year.

Weather: Cool, highs near 70F (21C), drizzle returns to the north
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Taiwan

December is cool, with highs near 70F (21C), and the drizzle returns to Taipei and the north. The south stays lovely, with dry, sunny days in Tainan and Kaohsiung. Crowds are moderate, and prices are fair until the New Year. The year closes with the Taipei 101 New Year fireworks, a big night out in the capital.

It suits travelers who plan a south-heavy trip and want mild weather, and anyone who wants to ring in the New Year in Taipei. It is weaker for mountain views in the north. For the best all-round weather, choose October or November.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Taiwan this month.

Taipei 101 New Year fireworks

The tower's fireworks close out the year. Pick a viewing spot early, since crowds build all evening.

The south in winter sun

Tainan and Kaohsiung are dry and pleasant, perfect for temples, food, and old forts.

Cozy night markets

Cool evenings are ideal for hot soup and snacks at Raohe or Shilin.

What to pack for December

A light, waterproof jacket
A warm sweater for evenings
A compact umbrella
Comfortable walking shoes

Our timing tip

Book Taipei hotels early for New Year's Eve, and spend the rest of the trip in the sunny south.

Book Taiwan for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Taiwan
Opens a hotel search for Taiwan in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Taiwan
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Taiwan
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Taiwan for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Taiwan

Full guide

National Palace Museum

Go at opening on a weekday and head straight for the jade cabbage and the meat-shaped stone before the tour groups arrive.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Taipei night markets

Raohe is more compact and local than Shilin. Go hungry after 7pm and share everything.

Tickets and tours →

Sun Moon Lake

Cycle the lakeshore path and ride the ropeway. Weekdays in spring and fall are ideal; weekends fill with domestic tourists.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Alishan and the forest railway

Stay overnight for sunrise over the sea of clouds. Blossom season (roughly March to April) is the busiest time on the mountain.

Tickets and tours →

Taroko Gorge

The marble gorge was badly damaged by the April 2024 Hualien earthquake and some trails and road sections remain closed. Check the national park service before you plan around it.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Jiufen and the northeast coast

The hillside teahouse town is magical at dusk and packed on weekends. Combine with the Pingxi line and Shifen Waterfall.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid weekends at Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake, and Alishan. On weekdays outside holidays they are completely different places.
Book the high-speed rail and any train home during Chinese New Year, Tomb Sweeping Day, and the Dragon Boat long weekend weeks ahead; tickets vanish.
Do the night markets on a weeknight and arrive when they open. By 9pm on a Saturday Shilin is a shuffle.
When the north is gray from November to March, flip the itinerary: spend more days in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Kenting, where it is sunny.

Know before you go

Chinese New Year: many family restaurants, market stalls, and small shops close for several days. Major museums and department stores mostly stay open but run holiday hours.
Typhoons close mountain roads, suspend ferries to Green Island, Orchid Island, and Penghu, and can cancel domestic flights, usually for one to three days.
Taroko Gorge: large parts of the park were closed after the April 2024 earthquake and reopening has been gradual. Treat any Taroko plans as subject to change.
The National Palace Museum closes on Mondays; check current hours before you build a Taipei day around it.