Taiwan Weather in October

October is one of the best times to visit Taiwan. The fall foliage attracts visitors from around the world, and the cooler weather makes Taipei and Tainan especially pleasant. With less heat and lower rainfall in the north and south, tourism peaks this month. To avoid high prices, book hotels and transport in advance.

At this time of the year the weather is warm to hot, rainfall varies a great deal from region to region. If you plan to visit Taiwan in October, it's a good idea to check local weather conditions and adjust your plans accordingly.

Weather Averages in October:

• Temperature range: 23–29°C (73–84°F)
• High feels-like temperature: 35°C (95°F)
• Rainfall: 15 cm (6 inches)
• Rainy days: 8
• Sunshine hours/day: 5
• Humidity: 74% (humid across the island, particularly muggy on the Penghu Islands)

Content Preview

• October Climate Comparison
• The Best Things to Do in Taiwan in October
• Festivals and Events that may Impact Your Trip
• What to Wear in October
• Recommended Tours for Taiwan in October

October Climate Comparison (Averages) for Taiwan's Top Tourism Areas

Weather in Taiwan varies in October. Hualien and the Penghu Islands experience more rainfall than Tainan and Taipei due to typhoon systems affecting the coastal areas. Generally, October is not ideal for visiting the Penghu Islands due to high rainfall, heat, and strong winds.

The Best Things to Do in Taiwan in October

For visitors in October, we recommend sampling the Mid-Autumn Festival specialty of mooncakes and heading outside for some hikes. We would list a few spots where the fall foliage is the best. Some of these places can be visited by foot or on a bike.

1. Taste Mooncakes during Taiwan's Mid-Autumn Festival and Admire the Moon

On October 6, 2025 Taiwanese people celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. In 2026, this festival falls on September 25. The dates change annually due to the lunar calendar. It is a public holiday with most businesses closed. We suggest calling ahead if you are planning to visit a specific museum or a restaurant.

On this day, families come together to celebrate the full moon and share mooncakes. The festival symbolizes unity and harmony, and it is when farmers give thanks for their harvest. During time in Taiwan around this time of year, you would be able to sample mooncakes. They are sold in many shops as well as in restaurants.

Mooncakes are filled with a variety of fillings. Lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks are some that are seen often. Some are also filled with dried sausage or with a mung bean paste. Your China Highlights tour guide can help you find and sample any mooncakes that you are interested in.

Mooncakes

Another popular activity during Mid-Autumn Festival is gazing at the moon. The best spots for this in Taipei are Danshui Fishing Wharf and Da'an Park. In Taichung, we think Wuling Farm is a good choice.

2. Visit the Taipei Hakka Yimin Festival

Every October, Taiwan's Hakka population celebrate the Hakka Yimin Festival. As part of the festival, there are art performances, a parade, and ceremonies. It is worth visiting this festival in order to learn more about Taiwan's Hakka people's culture.

One of the biggest ceremonies involves "giving away rice on poles". Rice is offered up to honor Hakka people of long ago who died to protect the land that they called home.

Celebrations are held at some Yimin temples as well as at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. Dates and locations for 2025 will be confirmed closer to the month of October.

3. Enjoy Beautiful Fall Foliage at Taipingshan

Between October and December, Taiwan has beautiful fall foliage on display. Trees' leaves generally turn color starting at the end of September. Specific dates might vary depending on local weather conditions. In October, the north of Taiwan is more likely to have beautiful scenes, with the rest of the island turning a little later.

We suggest visiting Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, 2½ hours from Taipei, which has a range of foliage. The park's central stairway is full of deep-red maple leaves.

Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area

For purple-leaved trees, you should see Taipingshan's Forest Trail, and yellow beech leaves can be found on Taiwan Beech Trail. If you want to walk a scenic trail with more evergreen views, we also recommend Jianqing Huaigu Trail. All are at Taipingshan.

4. Hike or Bike at Shihmen Reservoir

Shihmen Reservoir is found behind a dam on the Dahan River, on the edge of the northwestern mountain chain of Taiwan island, 1½ hours from Taipei. It's a great spot for biking, hiking, and enjoying the views. Due to the S-shaped road's elevation above the dam, its views of the canyons are unique.

Shihmen Dam and Shihmen Reservoir

There is also the chance to take a boat ride to see Luzhi Bay and Shixui Bay Waterfall. From there you can also enjoy the beautiful October leaves as they change color into fall.

We do recommend bringing plenty of water, since temperatures are still warm in October in this area, and checking ahead for rain.

Festivals and Events that may Impact Your Trip

As mentioned above, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on October 6 in 2025 and September 25 in 2026. While bigger museums tend to be open, the smaller attractions could be closed.

On October 10, every year, Taiwan also celebrates National Day. This is also a public holiday, and you will generally find stores and restaurants shut. Your hotel can help you ring ahead to check whether where you want to go is open.

What to Wear in October

We suggest dressing to stay cool in October. Items from your summer wardrobe, like skirts, dresses, shorts, and t-shirts are most comfortable. Loose-fitting pieces, items made of natural fabrics, and light-colored clothing help in the heat.

Apart from that it's worth packing a hand-held fan to beat the heat. Other items worth considering are a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen. If you're visiting the east or west coasts, bring a rain poncho and umbrella in case of storms or typhoons.

Recommended Tours for Taiwan in October

For those looking to visit Taiwan, learn more about our most popular Taiwan tours. October is a great time of year for the north in particular. These are some of our trips that are suited to this time of the year:

• Classic Taiwan: 7-Day Classic Taiwan Tour
• One-Day Private Yangmingshan Volcano & Beitou Hot Spring Tour
• One-Day Private Jiufen Gold Rush Town and Keeling Harbor Night Market
• One-Day Private Taipei City Tour with Michelin Star Lunch

China Highlights can also put together a custom tour for you. To get started, contact us to begin a tour inquiry. If you share a bit more about your needs and wishes, our experts can tailor an itinerary especially for you.

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Taiwan

For a summary, see The Best Times to Visit Taiwan.