Asia

Taiwan in October

Typhoon season winds down, skies clear, hiking season opens up. The Double Ten National Day on October 10 adds a busy long weekend.

BestWarm and drier, highs near 83F (28C)

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

The straight answer

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Taiwan. Typhoon season winds down, skies clear, hiking season opens up. The Double Ten National Day on October 10 adds a busy long weekend.

Weather: Warm and drier, highs near 83F (28C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What October is like in Taiwan

October is one of the best months in Taiwan. Typhoon season winds down, skies clear, and the weather is warm and drier, with highs near 83F (28C). Hiking season opens up in the mountains, and Taipei 101 finally has clear views. The Double Ten National Day on October 10 brings a parade, fireworks, and a busy long weekend. Crowds and prices are moderate.

It suits nearly everyone: families, hikers, food lovers, and first-timers. The only reason to look elsewhere is if you want the spring blossoms at Alishan, which belong to March and April.

Make the most of October

What is especially good about Taiwan this month.

Hiking season opens

Clear, drier weather makes mountain trails and the Alishan forest railway a joy.

Taipei 101 views

Clear autumn days are the best time to go up to the observatory.

Double Ten National Day

On October 10, a parade and fireworks mark the national holiday. Expect crowds in popular spots.

What to pack for October

Light layers
Sturdy hiking shoes
Sunscreen and a hat
A light rain jacket for mountain showers

Our timing tip

Avoid the Double Ten long weekend at Sun Moon Lake and Jiufen, and book weekday visits instead.

Book Taiwan for October.

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

What's on in October

Double Ten National Day

October 10 every year

Parade and fireworks with a national holiday. Expect a busy long weekend in popular spots.

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 October, quick answers

Is October a good time to visit Taiwan?

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Taiwan. Typhoon season winds down, skies clear, hiking season opens up. The Double Ten National Day on October 10 adds a busy long weekend.

What is the weather like in Taiwan in October?

Warm and drier, highs near 83F (28C).

Is Taiwan crowded in October?

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

What is happening in Taiwan in October?

Double Ten National Day (october 10 every year).