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Taiwan Weather & Climate in January: Averages & Quick Snapshot
- High Temperature: 19°C to 21°C (66°F to 70°F)
- Low Temperature: 13°C to 15°C (55°F to 59°F)
- Rainfall: 75 mm - 120 mm (3 to 4.7 inches)
- Rainy Days: 9-12 days
- Humidity: 77-80%
- Wind Speed: 2-3 m/s (about 7.2 to 10.8 kph or 4.5 to 6.7 mph)
When to Go to Taiwan: Best & Worst Time for Weather, Crowds & Cost
Why January Feels Different Around the Island
It's a bit strange. The north and south of the island feel totally different.
There's a winter wind called the northeast monsoon. This wind blows over the ocean. It picks up a lot of moisture. Then, it hits the north of Taiwan. So, cities like Taipei get more clouds and light rain. It feels cool and damp there.
But Taiwan has huge mountains right down the middle. They are called the Central Mountain Range. These mountains work like a giant wall. They block that damp, cool wind. For a more in-depth look, read our complete Guide to the Taiwan Mountains.
Because of this, the south stays dry and sunny. So when you go to cities like Kaohsiung, it feels much warmer and more pleasant.
January in Taipei and Northern Taiwan (New Taipei & the Coast): Cool and Damp
Taipei and the north are cool and damp in January. The temperature usually stays between 14-19°C (57-66°F), but the humidity can make it feel colder than it is.
The sky is often grey, and you can expect light, drizzly rain. It's perfect weather for exploring indoor spots like museums and cafes, or enjoying a warm hot pot dinner.
Clothing: You will need a jacket, and a waterproof one is a great idea. Wear it over layers like a sweater or long-sleeve shirt. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are a must.
January in Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Kenting): Warm, Sunny, and Very Dry
Now, for the best news. If you want sunshine in January, go south! Southern Taiwan is completely different from Taipei at this time of year. It feels like a perfect, mild spring day.
The weather is warm, sunny, and very dry. In cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan, the average temperature is a comfortable 17-24°C (about 63-75°F). You will see a lot of blue sky and very little rain. It is fantastic weather for walking around, exploring temples, and eating outside.
Even further south in Kenting, it will be pleasant, but the ocean water is still too cold for most people to swim. The wind can also be quite strong there.
Clothing: You can wear t-shirts and light pants during the day. However, it does get a little cool in the evening, so always bring a light jacket or a hoodie with you. You won't need a heavy winter coat here.
January in Central Taiwan & The Mountains (Taichung and Alishan): Sunny & Pleasant
Central Taiwan, especially the city of Taichung, has some of the most comfortable weather in January. Think of it as the perfect middle ground between the cool north and the warm south.
It is often sunny and pleasant, with temperatures around 13-22°C (55-72°F). It's great weather for exploring the city. You'll find it has much less rain than Taipei.
But, if you go up into the mountains like Alishan, everything changes. This is very important: it is cold up there.
During the day, the temperature in Alishan might be 5-14°C (41-57°F). But at night and for the famous sunrise, it can drop near freezing, to around 0°C (32°F). The skies are often clear, but it is a true winter environment.
Clothing: For Taichung, a light jacket or hoodie is perfect. For Alishan, you must bring a warm winter coat, a hat, and gloves. You need to dress for real cold, especially if you plan to wake up for the sunrise.
January in Eastern Taiwan (Hualien, Taitung): Pleasant and Mild
Eastern Taiwan is a beautiful mix of mountains and ocean, and its weather in January is also a mix.
In cities like Hualien and Taitung, the weather is often pleasant and mild. Temperatures are usually between 16-21°C (61-70°F). It's generally comfortable, but you can expect some rain.
Because the mountains are so close to the sea, clouds can get trapped. This means you might get some light rain, especially in Hualien and around Taroko Gorge. It won't be as grey or as damp as Taipei, but it's not as consistently sunny as the south.
Clothing: Layers are your best friend here. A t-shirt with a light jacket or fleece is a good idea. Because there's a chance of rain, a waterproof jacket is very useful, especially if you plan to visit Taroko Gorge. Long pants are best for the evenings.
Events & 5 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan in January
Winter activities are the highlights of January in Taiwan. The south is perfect for warm sunshine, while the north is ideal for relaxing in hot springs. You can also go up to the mountains to see the first flowers of the year.
After the first week of January, you are likely to enjoy lower prices on hotels and see fewer crowds at popular spots.
Here are the 5 best places to visit in Taiwan in January.
1. Taipei: Experience the Chinese New Year Buzz & Museums
The cool weather (around 14-19°C or 57-66°F) is actually a blessing for a city trip. You can walk around for hours without sweating.
More importantly, if Chinese New Year falls in late January (Chinese New Year in 2026 is in mid-February), the city has an amazing festive energy that is exciting to experience.
Experience the Chinese New Year buzz: Go to Dihua Street. In the weeks before the holiday, it transforms into a huge, bustling market. It’s packed with people buying red lanterns, mountains of candy, and traditional snacks. The atmosphere is electric and a fantastic cultural experience.
Explore world-class museums: A cool or rainy day is the perfect excuse to spend hours inside the incredible National Palace Museum, which holds one of the best collections of Chinese art in the world.
20 Must Do in Taipei: Top Things to Do & Non-Touristy Spots
2. Beitou: To Relax in Natural Hot Springs
The cold weather makes soaking in a hot spring feel absolutely incredible. January is the peak season for hot springs, and it's a classic Taiwanese winter activity that helps you relax and warm up. Beitou is a hot spring town that is very easy to reach using the Taipei Metro.
For a cheap and social experience, visit the public Millennium Hot Spring, where you'll bathe with locals. For more privacy and comfort, book a private room for a few hours at one of the many hot spring hotels.
Walk up to Thermal Valley (also called Hell Valley). It’s a stunning crater lake with steaming, turquoise water. You can see where the hot spring water comes from.
Visit the beautiful Beitou Hot Spring Museum. It's a historic building that was once a public bathhouse, and it tells the story of the area's hot spring culture.
3. Alishan: For the One of the Most Beautiful Views of Alishan
The "sea of clouds" phenomenon, where clouds fill the valleys below you, is often at its most beautiful during the stable weather of winter.
Alishan is also one of the first places in Taiwan where you can see cherry blossoms. A few trees often start to bloom in late January, giving you a beautiful preview of spring against a winter backdrop.
Spend the day walking on the beautiful trails through the forest. You will see giant, ancient cypress trees that are thousands of years old.
Alishan Taiwan Map: Day Trip, Train, Trail Map of Alishan (2025)
4. Taitung (East Rift Valley): To See Golden Flower Fields
This is a special, seasonal event. In January, the rice paddies in the East Rift Valley are not used for rice. Instead, farmers plant rapeseed, and the entire valley explodes into a stunning sea of bright, golden-yellow flowers.
The best way to see the flowers is to cycle. The town of Chishang is famous for its network of cycling paths that go directly through the fields. You can ride down the famous Mr. Brown Avenue, a road that is famous for having no telephone poles.
5. Tainan: For History, Food, and Sunshine
The number one reason is the weather. While Taipei is cool and damp, Tainan is comfortably warm and almost always sunny. The dry, pleasant air is perfect for a full day of exploring without getting too hot or tired. It’s the ideal escape from winter.
Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city, so it's all about history and food. The great January weather means you can truly enjoy its outdoor sights. The best way to see Tainan is to rent a scooter. Drive through the historic Anping District to see the old fort and the famous Anping Tree House.
And Tainan is also famous for its food. The mild weather is great for walking between food stalls. Be sure to try local specialties like beef soup (for breakfast!), coffin bread, and danzai noodles. Taste your way through the island on the Taiwan Food Tour by Asia Odyssey Travel.
15 Tainan Things to Do & See [With Tainan Itinerary Guide]
What to Wear in Taiwan in January (Your Packing List)
For northern areas like Taipei, you should pack for cool, damp weather. Layering is key, so bring sweaters or fleece jackets to wear over t-shirts. A waterproof outer jacket is also essential.
The main exception is southern Taiwan. For cities like Tainan and Kaohsiung, autumn clothing is fine. You will be comfortable with t-shirts and a light jacket for the evenings.
However, if you plan to visit the high mountains like Alishan, you must bring heavy winter clothing. A warm coat, hat, and gloves are necessary as temperatures can be near freezing.
Summery: Is January a Good Month to Visit Taiwan? (Pros and Cons)
So, what's the final verdict on Taiwan in January? If you're looking for a great deal and a comfortable trip, this is your month.
January is the off-season. This means you can find excellent prices on flights and hotels. You get to see a beautiful island without spending a lot of money. The crowds are also much smaller, so you can enjoy famous spots without feeling rushed.
The weather is a huge plus. It's cool and comfortable, perfect for walking around cities like Tainan or hiking in the mountains. You can explore all day without the intense heat and humidity of the summer. And the cool air makes it the absolute best time to soak in Taiwan's famous hot springs.
However, it's not perfect for everyone. You need to be realistic. This is not a beach vacation; the ocean is too cold for swimming. And you will need to pack a jacket, especially for the cooler, damper weather in Taipei.
FAQs about Taiwan in January
Q1: Does it snow in Taiwan in January?
It's very rare, but yes, it can! You will never see snow in the big cities like Taipei. But if you go high up into the mountains, like on Hehuanshan (Joy Mountain), you have a pretty good chance of seeing some. It makes the mountains look beautiful, but you need to be ready for very cold weather up there. For a more in-depth look, read our complete Guide to the Taiwan Mountains.
Q2: Is January a good month for surfing?
Yes, it can be a great month, especially if you have some experience! The winter winds create bigger and more consistent waves on the east coast. The water will be cool, so you will definitely need to wear a wetsuit. If you are a beginner, you can still find places to learn, but the waves might be a little strong.
Q3: What is the coldest city in Taiwan in January?
Taipei and the other cities in the north are the coldest. The temperature in Taipei can feel pretty chilly because it's often damp and windy. It can feel colder than the actual temperature number suggests. The south of Taiwan is much warmer and sunnier.
Q4: How much rain does Taipei get in January?
Here's some good news! January is one of the driest months of the year in Taipei. It doesn't get a lot of heavy rain. The catch is that the sky can be grey and cloudy, and sometimes you get a light, misty drizzle that seems to last all day. So, while it's not very wet, it might not be very sunny either.
Q5: Do I need a winter coat for Taiwan in January?
For Taipei and the north, yes, you should bring a coat. It doesn't need to be a huge, heavy arctic coat, but a good jacket that can block the wind and light rain is a perfect choice. The best advice is to dress in layers.
You can wear a t-shirt, a sweater, and then your jacket. That way, you can take something off if you get warm. If you are only visiting the sunny south, you can probably get by with just a light jacket or a hoodie.
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