January is the coolest month in Taiwan. However, temperatures in Taiwan are not as low as in many other countries during winter. The weather remains mild to warm across the island, with temperatures ranging from a low of 14ºC (57ºF) in Taipei to a high of 23ºC (73ºF) in Tainan. This makes January a pleasant time to visit, especially for those who don't mind occasional cooler weather. While it's not the most popular time of year for tourists, January is one of the least crowded and most affordable months to travel in Taiwan.
Average Taiwan Weather in January
- Temperature Range: 15–21°C (59–69°F)
- Rainfall: 5 cm (2 inches)
- Rainy Days: 9
- Sunshine Hours/Day: 4
- Humidity: 77% (humid across the island, particularly muggy on the Penghu Islands)
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January Climate Comparison (Averages) for Taiwan's Top Tourism Areas
In terms of variations across the region, the north of Taiwan island is generally rainier and colder in January, with warmer, drier weather in the south and west of the island. Apart from those slight differences, the weather is similarly mild.
| Taiwan city/area | Daily High | Daily Low |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei | 20°C (68°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| Tainan | 23°C (73°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| Hualien | 21°C (70°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| The Penghu Islands | 19°C (66°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| Taiwan city/area | Rain/Snow (cm) | Rain/Snow (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei | 9 | 4 |
| Tainan | 2 | 1 |
| Hualien | 5 | 2 |
| The Penghu Islands | 2 | 1 |
The Best Things to Do in Taiwan in January
Considering the weather and festivals in January, here are some recommended activities and sights that are unique to this time of year:
1. Sample Local Snacks at Dihua Street Lunar New Year Market
Dihua Street is situated in a historically significant trading area, where shops have lined the road for centuries. Seasonal shops typically open about two weeks before the Lunar New Year, making mid-January 2025 and late January 2026 ideal times to visit.
While the market operates on other days, it is particularly lively during this festive period.
We recommend hiring a tour guide for an informative exploration of the market, allowing you to learn more about the available foods and their significance in relation to the Lunar New Year.
You can buy some traditional new year decorations in Dihua Street Lunar New Year Market.2. Visit an Exhibition at the National Palace Museum
Starting January 7, 2025, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is hosting a special guided journey through the history of Chinese calligraphy. The temporary exhibition, running until April 6, 2025, showcases objects highlighting the importance of calligraphy in Chinese culture, beginning from the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC – 220 AD) and exploring its significance throughout history.
3. Hike the Snowy Peaks of Hehuanshan
For mountain enthusiasts, January is an excellent time to visit Hehuanshan, also known as Mount Joy, located within Taroko National Park.
Despite the mild to warm weather, Hehuanshan can be snow-capped in January and February due to its elevation of 3,422 meters (11,227 feet).
You can take a bus from Cingjing Farm to Hehuanshan, which operates three times a day, or we can assist in booking a private transfer and accommodation for easier access. At the summit, you can enjoy various hikes across the five peaks, or drive partway up the mountain to take in stunning views without hiking.
The snowy Peaks of Hehuanshan MountainFestivals and Events in Taiwan in January
Lunar New Year is the main celebration to be mindful of in Taiwan in January. As mentioned above, it takes place between January 27 and February 2 in 2025. It's February 16 and 21 in 2026. The celebration is family-focused, with people gathering at homes with their families, praying at the local temple, and having feasts.
You can expect some closures of shops, museums and restaurants in the first few days. Many of the larger tourist spots reopen after the first four days of the new year celebrations. Your hotel can also help you call ahead to confirm.
We do recommend booking your travel ahead of time during this week. It's a big public holiday, and people often travel around the island to see family at this time of the year.
What to Wear in January
January is relatively mild in Taiwan, but with cooler mornings and evenings, we do recommend bringing a few warmer items to layer up just in case.
It is worth bringing a coat, particularly if you are traveling further to the north of the island. Bring good outdoor wear if you are hoping to hike one of the many mountains or do lots of outdoor activities.
Given that there is moderate rainfall in Taipei in January, we suggest bringing an umbrella or a raincoat just in case. In general you should be fine with a few extra layers, and some sunglasses if you are visiting the south of the island.
Recommended Tours for Taiwan in January
For visitors to Taiwan in January, we recommend looking into our tour options to make your trip as amazing as possible. Our Taiwan experts are able to plan the perfect activities around the weather in January, including regional differences. You can see our most popular Taiwan tours here.
Of course, it is also possible to put together your own custom itinerary with one of our Taiwan experts. For a mix of independent time to explore and organized activities, contact us to begin a tour inquiry.
You could start from one of our customizable Taiwan tours that we recommend for January: