Asia

Taiwan in November

Excellent island-wide, especially in the mountains and the south. Maple color appears at higher elevations late month.

BestComfortable, highs near 77F (25C), north starting to turn damp

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

The straight answer

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Taiwan. Excellent island-wide, especially in the mountains and the south. Maple color appears at higher elevations late month.

Weather: Comfortable, highs near 77F (25C), north starting to turn damp
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What November is like in Taiwan

November is excellent island-wide, with comfortable highs near 77F (25C). The mountains and the south are especially lovely, while the north starts to turn damp late in the month. Maple color appears at higher elevations late in the month. Crowds and prices are moderate, and there are no major holidays to plan around.

It suits nearly everyone, especially hikers, photographers, and homeschool families who want comfortable weather and calm travel. The only weak spot is Taipei's first gray days late in the month. If that happens, head south to Tainan, Kaohsiung, or Kenting, where the sun keeps shining.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Taiwan this month.

Maple color in the mountains

Late in the month, maple leaves turn red and gold at higher elevations.

Sunny south

Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Kenting enjoy dry, pleasant weather, ideal for temples and beaches.

Sun Moon Lake in comfort

Cool mornings and clear skies make the lakeshore cycling path and ropeway perfect on weekdays.

What to pack for November

Light layers for warm days
A warm layer for mountain mornings
A compact umbrella for the north
Comfortable hiking shoes

Our timing tip

Plan Taipei and the north for early in the month, and save the south for later, when the northern drizzle returns.

Book Taiwan for November.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Taiwan
Opens a hotel search for Taiwan in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for November
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 November. 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.

Taiwan in November, quick answers

Is November a good time to visit Taiwan?

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Taiwan. Excellent island-wide, especially in the mountains and the south. Maple color appears at higher elevations late month.

What is the weather like in Taiwan in November?

Comfortable, highs near 77F (25C), north starting to turn damp.

Is Taiwan crowded in November?

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