Asia
Taiwan in September
Heat starts to break late in the month, but it is still typhoon season. Cheap if you stay flexible.
The straight answer
September is a month of real tradeoffs in Taiwan. Heat starts to break late in the month, but it is still typhoon season. Cheap if you stay flexible.
- Weather
- Hot, highs near 89F (32C), typhoons still likely
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What September is like in Taiwan
September is still hot, with highs near 89F (32C), and typhoons remain likely, especially in the first half. The heat starts to break late in the month, and mornings become more pleasant. Ghost Month can carry into September depending on the lunar calendar. Crowds are thin and prices are low, making it cheap if you can stay flexible.
It suits budget-minded, flexible travelers who are happy to shuffle plans around the weather. It is a weaker pick for mountain trips, island ferries, or families with fixed dates. If you can wait a few weeks, October brings clearer skies and the start of hiking season.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Taiwan this month.
Late-month relief
By the last week, the heat starts to ease, and evenings are pleasant for walking.
Tainan food tour
The old capital's temples and street food make a great base, and it is easy to reach by high-speed rail.
Low prices with flexibility
Hotels and tours are cheap, and you can often book a few days ahead.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clothing
- A sturdy umbrella
- High SPF sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
Our timing tip
Aim for the last ten days of September, and use flexible bookings so a typhoon warning does not cost you money.
Book Taiwan for September.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in TaiwanOpens a hotel search for Taiwan in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in TaiwanWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in TaiwanTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Taiwan for September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in September
Ghost Month
The seventh lunar month, usually August into September
Temple offerings and ceremonies, especially the Keelung Ghost Festival. Some locals avoid swimming and travel in this month.
Things to do in Taiwan
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.
Taipei night markets
Raohe is more compact and local than Shilin. Go hungry after 7pm and share everything.
Sun Moon Lake
Cycle the lakeshore path and ride the ropeway. Weekdays in spring and fall are ideal; weekends fill with domestic tourists.
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.
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.
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.
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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Taiwan?
September is a month of real tradeoffs in Taiwan. Heat starts to break late in the month, but it is still typhoon season. Cheap if you stay flexible.
What is the weather like in Taiwan in September?
Hot, highs near 89F (32C), typhoons still likely.
Is Taiwan crowded in September?
September is one of the quieter months in Taiwan; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Taiwan in September?
Ghost Month (the seventh lunar month, usually august into september).
Keep planning Taiwan.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.