How to Deal with the Summer in Taiwan?
Summer is coming! By definition, summertime is the hottest of the four temperate seasons. In Taiwan, that means it will be hot, like really hot. The climate in this country ranges from tropical in the south to subtropical in the north. Any Taiwan travel guide, including the one I wrote, will tell you that summer is not the best time to visit Taiwan.
But in this article, I want to show you that traveling in Taiwan during summer can be fun. Last year, I made a video about my day trip to Keelung Island in the summer. It was great to be close to the water, and I wanted to follow up by sharing my suggestions on how to deal with Taiwan’s summer heat.
How Hot Is Taiwan in the Summer?
Temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F), which does not sound too bad. After all, even Germany sometimes reaches 37°C. However, the high humidity makes it feel much hotter. On top of that, I also struggle with the concrete that reflects and traps heat. Taipei in summer is famous for its “basin effect.” The mountains surrounding the city keep the heat inside, and all the high-rise buildings certainly do not help.
I recommend two things when traveling in Taiwan during summer: First, head to the water. Second, escape to the mountains. it is always a bit cooler up there. And Taiwan has plenty of them. In Taipei, for example, you can visit Yangmingshan, which is easily accessible by bus. I also made a video about hiking in Yangmingshan where I show you all the details.
The Best Beaches for Traveling in Taiwan During Summer
Of course, when you think of summer, you also think of beaches. And Taiwan has plenty of amazing ones. Interestingly, Taiwanese people are not so fond of going to the beach. I talked about this in the third episode of my Kinmen podcast when discussing the beaches of Kinmen. I think it is related to the cultural preference for staying white. Nany Taiwanese do not like getting a tan.
And yet, there are many wonderful beaches to visit in the summer. Near Taipei, you have beaches in Tamsui (Danshui) or Yilan, the latter is also great for surfing. At the southern tip of Taiwan, you have Kenting. As I point out in my Kenting video, the area has amazing beach vibes and is also popular among surfers.
However, my personal favorite is Xiao Liuqiu, near Kaohsiung, not only in the summer. Snorkelling with sea turtles is one of the best attractions in Taiwan. But because Lambai Island is quite small, I suggest staying just for a weekend.
When is Summer Vacation in Taiwan?
Be aware that summer vacation runs from 1 July to 29 August this year. For these two months, many places in Taiwan get very busy. That is also the reason I did not mention my home island, Kinmen. While the summers there are more bearable, it becomes a popular destination during this period, with many visitors coming from both Taiwan and China.
Do not get me wrong. The summers in Kinmen are great. There is always a light breeze and you are close to the sea. There is a lot of space and nature. However, many Taiwanese use the school vacations to visit the island and take the ferry from Taiwan to Xiamen. Thus, the island is busy. In fact, all of Taiwan is.
If you travel during these months, you will have to deal not only with the heat, but also with the crowds. For example, last year I wanted to visit Matsu, but there was no chance of getting a ferry ticket. Instead, I took a summer trip to Green Island. If you plan to travel during the summer vacation in Taiwan, make sure to book your accommodation and transport well in advance.
What to Wear in the Taiwan Summer?
I also want to give you some pracitcal advice: Bring the right cloths! Mastering the summer dress code in Taiwan is not easy. The country is not very formal, so you do not need to worry much about looking polished. However, indoors you will often find freezing cold air conditioning. As a European, I had to get used to that. I assume that if you are from North America, you may already be used to it. And in some regions, especially in the north, it rains a lot.
Therefore, choose clothing made from breathable fabrics. I love cotton, but it is not the best option for Taiwan’s humid summer. Joggers or quick-dry pants are great for day trips. Synthetic fabrics or linen are moisture-wicking and provide much more comfort in the heat.
Bring a small umbrella, a light rain jacket, and waterproof shoes to handle sudden showers. Also make sure you have comfortable footwear with decent grip, such as sneakers or hiking sandals.
Find Summer Indoor Activities or Join a Taiwan Summer School
Almost all buildings have air conditioning. I am working in Taiwan, and the indoor temperature is low enough that people can comfortably wear a suit even in summer. So if it gets too hot outside, you can always turn to indoor activities such as museums and malls.
If your stay in Taiwan is long enough, you can also consider joining a summer school. NTU in Taipei and other universities offer summer language courses for visitors, for example. I can tell you from experience that learning Mandarin is tough. But it is worth considering if traveling in the summer in Taiwan feels like too much of a hassle.
Summary: Just Visit Taiwan!
I hope this blog gives you some ideas on what to do in Taiwan during the summer. The weather and the summer vacation crowds can be challenging, but you can manage them. Plan ahead, wear the right clothes, and you will be fine.
For more Taiwan travel tips, check out my Taiwan travel videos on YouTube, and follow me on Facebook or Instagram.
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