Asia

Taiwan in March

Cherry blossom season in the mountains and the drizzle eases. A strong month once the lunar holidays are past.

GoodMild, highs near 72F (22C), changeable

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

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Taiwan. Cherry blossom season in the mountains and the drizzle eases. A strong month once the lunar holidays are past.

Weather: Mild, highs near 72F (22C), changeable
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What March is like in Taiwan

March is mild, with highs near 72F (22C) and changeable weather. The drizzle eases in the north, and cherry blossom season arrives in the mountains, especially at Alishan. Once the lunar holidays are past, crowds and prices settle to moderate levels, though the mountain gets busy during blossom weeks.

It suits nature lovers, hikers, and families on spring break who want pleasant weather and blossoms. It is less ideal for beach time, since the water is still cool. If you want warmer weather and fireflies at Alishan, April is even better.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Taiwan this month.

Alishan cherry blossoms

Roughly March into April, varying by year, the mountain's blossoms draw crowds. Book the forest railway and lodging well ahead.

Sun Moon Lake cycling

Mild weather makes the lakeshore cycle path and the ropeway pleasant. Go on a weekday.

Lantern Festival, some years

When the lunar new year falls late, the Lantern Festival and Pingxi sky lanterns land in early March.

What to pack for March

Light layers for changing weather
A light rain jacket
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
A warm layer for Alishan sunrise

Our timing tip

Stay overnight at Alishan for the sunrise over the sea of clouds, and book weekday nights during blossom season.

Book Taiwan for March.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Taiwan
Opens a hotel search for Taiwan in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

Lantern Festival and Pingxi sky lanterns

The 15th day of the lunar new year, usually February or early March

The national Taiwan Lantern Festival moves to a different host city each year, while Pingxi releases sky lanterns in the hills above Taipei.

Alishan cherry blossom season

Roughly March into April, varies by year

The mountain's busiest weeks. Book the forest railway and lodging well ahead.

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.

Taiwan in March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Taiwan?

March is a good month to visit Taiwan. Cherry blossom season in the mountains and the drizzle eases. A strong month once the lunar holidays are past.

What is the weather like in Taiwan in March?

Mild, highs near 72F (22C), changeable.

Is Taiwan crowded in March?

Crowds in Taiwan are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Taiwan in March?

Lantern Festival and Pingxi sky lanterns (the 15th day of the lunar new year, usually february or early march); Alishan cherry blossom season (roughly march into april, varies by year).