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Taipei gets 100-130 rainy days a year – rain in any month is possible, but the rainy season concentrates in two distinct windows: the plum rain (May-June) and the typhoon season (July-October). Understanding when Taipei rainy season actually hits, which months are driest, and how to plan around the weather makes the difference between a soggy trip and a smooth one. This 2026 guide of Taipei rainy season covers the month-by-month rain patterns, what to expect each time of year, and the best windows for outdoor-focused travel.
The Two Rainy Seasons in Taipei
Taipei has two distinct rainy seasons rather than one continuous wet period:
Plum Rain (May-June): Continuous monsoon-style rain. Almost daily rain over a 4-6 week window. Heaviest concentrated rain of the year.
Typhoon Season (July-October): Periodic intense storms. Most days clear or partly cloudy, but storms when they hit are severe. Peak typhoon impact August-September.
Between these, rain is less common but still possible. December-April are the drier months with occasional cold-front rain.
Month-by-Month Rain Guide
January
Rainy days: 5-8 per month.
Rain type: Cold-front drizzle. Light, intermittent.
Average rainfall: 60-90 mm.
Temperature: 14-18 °C daily average.
One of the driest months. Cool temperatures plus light rain feel like mild European autumn. Good for travel. See our Taipei in January guide.
February
Rainy days: 6-9 per month.
Rain type: Cold-front rain. Plum-rain start in late February some years.
Average rainfall: 80-130 mm.
Temperature: 16-20 °C daily average.
Cherry blossom month – photos benefit from occasional rainy day petal-fall. Mild weather despite occasional rain.
March
Rainy days: 8-12 per month.
Rain type: Spring rain, sometimes light, sometimes heavy.
Average rainfall: 100-180 mm.
Temperature: 18-22 °C daily average.
Cherry blossom peak season. More rainy days than January-February but rain is generally light. Manageable for travel.
April
Rainy days: 9-13 per month.
Rain type: Spring rain. Heavier than March.
Average rainfall: 130-220 mm.
Temperature: 22-25 °C daily average.
Calla lily peak. More rain than March but temperatures mild. Still good for outdoor activities between rain.
May
Rainy days: 12-15 per month.
Rain type: Plum rain begins. Continuous monsoon-style rain over multi-day periods.
Average rainfall: 200-280 mm.
Temperature: 25-28 °C daily average.
Start of plum rain season. Multi-day rain stretches become common. Outdoor activities less reliable. Hydrangea season at Yangmingshan starting.
June
Rainy days: 13-17 per month.
Rain type: Plum rain peak. Continuous monsoon rain. Late June starts typhoon season.
Average rainfall: 250-330 mm.
Temperature: 28-30 °C daily average.
Wettest month of the year. Plum rain combined with starting typhoon season. Plan indoor activities. Dragon Boat Festival in mid-June. See our Taipei Typhoon Season guide.
July
Rainy days: 10-15 per month.
Rain type: Afternoon thunderstorms + typhoon weather.
Average rainfall: 200-290 mm.
Temperature: 29-32 °C daily average.
Peak summer heat plus rain. Afternoon thunderstorms most days. Typhoon risk increasing. See our Taipei in July guide.
August
Rainy days: 10-14 per month.
Rain type: Peak typhoon season. Less daily drizzle, more intense storms.
Average rainfall: 250-360 mm.
Temperature: 28-31 °C daily average.
Hottest month with most intense typhoons. 2-3 typhoons typically affect Taipei. Plan indoor flexibility. Outdoor activities risky.
September
Rainy days: 9-13 per month.
Rain type: Typhoon season continues. Some Northeast monsoon influence.
Average rainfall: 200-300 mm.
Temperature: 27-30 °C daily average.
Peak typhoon impacts. Highest typhoon counts (typically 2-3 affecting Taipei). Severe storms possible.
October
Rainy days: 7-12 per month.
Rain type: Tapering typhoon season + early Northeast monsoon.
Average rainfall: 150-250 mm.
Temperature: 24-27 °C daily average.
Typhoon season ending. Some east coast effect (more rain on east coast than west). Cherry blossom equivalent in October is starting silver grass season. Pride Taipei.
November
Rainy days: 6-10 per month.
Rain type: Light Northeast monsoon. Generally mild rain.
Average rainfall: 90-160 mm.
Temperature: 21-24 °C daily average.
One of the better months. Less rain than summer, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds. Excellent for travel.
December
Rainy days: 5-8 per month.
Rain type: Light Northeast monsoon drizzle. Cool weather.
Average rainfall: 70-110 mm.
Temperature: 16-19 °C daily average.
One of the driest months. Cool comfortable weather. Christmas events. NYE fireworks. See our Taipei in December guide.
What “Plum Rain” Actually Is
“Plum rain” (梅雨 mei yu) is a specific weather pattern affecting East Asia in May-June:
Persistent monsoon front parked over Taiwan, Japan, and parts of China.
Continuous rain over 4-6 weeks (May-June).
Different from typhoon storms – this is steady, drizzly, sometimes heavy but rarely violent.
Limits outdoor activities for multi-day stretches.
The name comes from when this rainy season occurs – during the plum (and now bayberry) fruit ripening period.
Plum rain affects mood and outdoor plans more than tourists expect. Indoor activities essential during this season.
Typhoon Season Specifics
See our dedicated Taipei Typhoon Season guide for full details. Quick summary:
Risk period: May 1 to November 30. Peak August-September.
Typical year impact: 3-5 typhoons affect Taiwan annually. 1-3 produce significant Taipei impact. 1 typically causes a full “typhoon day” shutdown.
Forecasting: Modern weather services give 3-7 days warning.
Tourist impact: Closes outdoor attractions, may cancel flights, may close transit briefly.
Plan flexibility into trips during typhoon season. Travel insurance with weather coverage essential.
Best Months to Visit Taipei
Ranking months by overall travel desirability factoring rain plus temperature plus other factors:
1. October-November (Best Overall): Cool, dry, low crowds. The best month.
2. December-January: Cool, mostly dry. Christmas/NYE atmosphere. Strong second choice.
3. February-March: Mild weather. Cherry blossoms. Some rain but manageable.
4. April: Mild temperatures. Calla lilies. Some rain.
5. November (alternate consideration): Often even drier than October but slightly cooler.
Avoid (if possible):
May-June (Plum Rain): Wettest months. Multi-day rain stretches.
July-September (Typhoon Peak): Hot, humid, typhoon risk.
Late January (Chinese New Year): Crowds and reduced services if New Year falls then.
Rain by Region in Greater Taipei
Rain isn’t uniform across Greater Taipei:
Central Taipei (Da’an, Xinyi, Zhongshan)
Standard rain pattern. About 100-130 rainy days per year.
Yangmingshan and Higher Altitudes
More rain than central Taipei. Often cloudy when central Taipei is sunny. Higher rain frequency at 800m+ altitude.
Beitou
Similar to Yangmingshan. Hot spring district gets more rain than central Taipei but slightly less than Yangmingshan.
Tamsui and Northern Coast
Slightly more rain than central Taipei. Coastal weather variations.
Northeast Coast (Keelung, Yehliu)
Notoriously wet. Keelung averages 200+ rain days per year – among the wettest places in Taiwan.
South Suburbs (Wenshan, Maokong)
Similar to central Taipei. Maokong’s higher altitude can see fog when central is clear.
When planning, consider that rain in central Taipei often means heavier rain in surrounding mountains and lighter rain on the coast (or vice versa). Yangmingshan especially affected.
Rain Equipment Essentials
Compact umbrella. NT$200-500 at any convenience store. Pack one.
Rain jacket or shell. Especially for typhoon season hiking or longer outdoor activities.
Waterproof shoes or sneakers. Avoid open-toe shoes during rainy months.
Quick-dry clothing. Cotton stays wet; synthetic dries faster.
Plastic bags for wet items. Keep electronics and clothes dry.
Stroller rain cover. If traveling with kids.
Phone in waterproof case or bag. Some smartphones are water-resistant but bag protection reliable.
Hat or hood. Keeps glasses clear.
Most rain gear available at convenience stores for affordable prices if you forgot.
How Locals Cope With Rainy Season
Local strategies for the rainy months:
Always carry an umbrella. Even on sunny days. Weather changes fast.
Plan around forecasts. CWA Taiwan weather app + Weather Underground. Plan outdoor activities for confirmed dry windows.
Use underground mall networks. Cross central Taipei dry.
Adapt indoor activities. Movies, KTV, hot springs, museums all work for rainy days.
Cafe culture in rain. Spend hours at a boutique cafe when raining outside.
Schedule for fall. Many locals time domestic travel for October-November.
Mountain alternatives. When central Taipei is rainy, sometimes Yangmingshan or coast is different. Check before traveling.
Just go outside anyway. Light rain doesn’t stop most activities. Embrace getting slightly wet rather than canceling.
Plum Rain Season Strategies
If you must visit during plum rain (May-June):
Plan an indoor-heavy itinerary. Museums, malls, hot springs, KTV. See our Taipei Rainy Day Activities guide.
Accept that you’ll get wet. Multi-day rain stretches make full dry days unlikely.
Build flexibility. Be willing to change plans last-minute.
Use the underground mall networks. Connected indoor walking.
Day trips strategically. Some destinations (Yangmingshan, Yehliu) are essentially unusable in heavy rain. Skip these days; do indoor activities.
Hot springs are perfect. Cool rainy weather makes hot springs feel ideal.
Travel insurance. Cover any weather-related cancellations or disruptions.
Lower prices. Hotels are cheaper during plum rain (20-30% off peak). Use savings for indoor activities.
Typhoon Season Strategies
If visiting during typhoon season (July-October):
See our dedicated Taipei Typhoon Season guide for full details.
Quick summary:
Check forecasts 3-7 days ahead.
Don’t book non-refundable outdoor activities.
Have indoor backup plans for typhoon days.
Hotels and travel insurance with weather coverage.
Most days are clear or partly cloudy; storms are intermittent.
Single typhoon may close attractions for 1-3 days, then resume normal weather.
What’s Worth Doing in Different Rain Levels
Light Rain (Drizzle)
Outdoor activities mostly fine. Use an umbrella. Yangmingshan accessible. Night markets accessible. Walking ok.
Moderate Rain
Some outdoor activities limited. Hiking less appealing. Night markets thinner. Walking with umbrella. Plan indoor activities for parts of the day.
Heavy Rain
Indoor activities only. Outdoor attractions closed or thin. MRT works fine but walking transitions get wet.
Typhoon Day
Everything closed. Stay at hotel. Order food delivery. See our typhoon guide.
Travel Calendar by Weather
If You Want Outdoor Focus
Target October, November, March, or April. Cherry blossoms or autumn weather. Manageable rain. Reasonable temperatures.
If You Want Indoor Focus (Museums, Cafes, Shopping)
Most months work. Hot springs season (December-February) particularly good. May-June plum rain forces indoor anyway.
If You Want Cool Weather
December-February. Cool temperatures. Manageable rain. Christmas atmosphere.
If You Want Hot Weather
June-September. Warm to hot. More rain. Mango shaved ice season.
If You Want Cherry Blossoms
February-March. Some rain but excellent flower viewing. See our Cherry Blossoms Taipei guide.
If You Want Pride
Late October. Excellent weather, Pride parade, fewer outdoor weather concerns.
If You Want Lunar New Year
Late January to mid-February (varies year). Mild weather but business closures.
If You Want NYE Fireworks
Late December. Cool weather, clear visibility, Christmas atmosphere.
What to Pack for Each Season
Dry Season (December-April)
Layered clothing (sweater, light jacket). Compact umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes. Sun protection (UV strong year-round). Light rain gear.
Plum Rain (May-June)
Quick-dry clothing. Compact umbrella + rain jacket. Waterproof shoes. Multiple shirt changes. Patience.
Typhoon Season (July-October)
Light cotton clothing for heat. Heavy rain gear for storms. Indoor activities backup. Sunscreen for hot sunny periods.
Autumn (October-November)
Layered clothing for variable temperatures. Light jacket. Compact umbrella. Comfortable for outdoor activities.
Rain Apps for Taipei
Useful apps for tracking Taipei weather:
Central Weather Administration (CWA) Taiwan: Official Taiwan weather service. English version available. Most accurate for typhoons.
Windy.com: Visual forecasting. Multiple model overlays. Good for predicting rain over hours.
Weather Underground: Crowd-sourced weather. Hyperlocal forecasts.
Apple/Google Weather: Standard built-in apps. Good for daily summaries.
Yangmingshan webcam: The visitor center cam shows real-time conditions if planning a mountain visit.
Check forecasts the night before and morning of outdoor plans.
Specific Activities by Rain Likelihood
High Rain Risk (Plan Indoor Backup)
Yangmingshan hiking.
Beach activities.
Maokong Gondola (closes in strong wind/rain).
Yehliu Geopark.
Tamsui ferry rides.
Outdoor festivals.
Pingxi lantern release.
Riverside YouBike riding.
Rain-Resistant Activities
MRT-based city exploration.
Mall walking.
Museums.
Cafe hopping.
Hot springs.
KTV.
Restaurants.
Cinema.
Indoor markets (some).
Night markets (heavier in rain but still accessible).
Rain-Improved Activities
Hot springs (feel BETTER in rain).
Cafe sitting (cozy atmosphere).
Photography (atmospheric).
Museum visits (less crowded).
Indoor markets (fuller atmosphere).
Climate Change Considerations
Recent trends affecting Taipei rainy seasons:
More intense rain events. When it rains, more rain falls in shorter periods.
Stronger typhoons. Climate change is making typhoons more intense even if frequency stays similar.
Plum rain variability. Some years have longer plum rain; some shorter.
October-November still reliable. Best months continue to be the safest bet for travel.
August-September unpredictable. Typhoon impacts harder to predict.
Plan with flexibility, travel insurance, and indoor backups regardless of season.
Knowing the rain is coming is one thing; being dressed for it is another. The single most common mistake visitors make is bringing a waterproof jacket, which in 80% humidity keeps the sweat in rather than the rain out. Our season-by-season Taipei packing list explains what locals actually carry, and why quick-dry fabric matters more here than anywhere else you have travelled.
Related Taipei guides
- Taipei in Spring: Weather, What to Wear & Events
- Taipei in Summer: Heat, Typhoons & Survival Tips
- Taipei in Autumn: The Best Weather of the Year
- Taipei in Winter: Is It Cold? What to Pack
- Taipei Travel Guide : The Complete Planning Resource
- Taipei in September: Late Typhoons & Mid-Autumn Festival
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Taipei rainy season?
Two distinct rainy seasons: Plum rain (May-June) is continuous monsoon-style rain; Typhoon season (July-October) is periodic intense storms. December-April are the drier months with occasional cold-front rain.
What is the wettest month in Taipei?
June is typically the wettest month (250-330 mm rainfall). May and August are close seconds. The combination of plum rain and beginning typhoon season makes June the heaviest rain month.
When is the driest time to visit Taipei?
December-January (70-110 mm rainfall) are the driest months. November-February overall are the drier season. October-November combination of mild weather plus low rain make these the best months.
Is May good for visiting Taipei?
May has the plum rain beginning. 12-15 rainy days expected. Calla lilies and hydrangeas in bloom. Manageable for travel with indoor backup plans, but not ideal for outdoor-focused trips.
What is plum rain in Taipei?
Plum rain (mei yu) is the East Asian monsoon pattern affecting Taiwan in May-June. Continuous monsoon-style rain over a 4-6 week window. Persistent, sometimes heavy, sometimes light – but very rarely a fully dry day during the peak weeks.
Is July rainy in Taipei?
Yes. Afternoon thunderstorms most days plus increasing typhoon risk. 10-15 rainy days expected. Plus hot temperatures (29-32 °C). One of the more challenging months for tourist visits.
What is the best month to visit Taipei?
October-November is the consensus best month – cool temperatures, low rain, fewer crowds, Pride parade. December-January is the alternative dry season with cooler weather plus Christmas atmosphere. November may be slightly better than October for least rain.
Are typhoons common in Taipei?
Yes during peak season (August-September). Typically 1-3 typhoons significantly affect Taipei each year. Most disrupt travel for 1-3 days. See our Taipei Typhoon Season guide for full details.
What should I pack for Taipei rainy season?
Compact umbrella, light rain jacket, waterproof shoes or sneakers, quick-dry clothing, plastic bags for wet items, sun protection (UV stays strong). Specifically avoid: open-toe shoes, heavy cotton-only clothing, anything that takes days to dry.
Can I visit Taipei in the rainy season?
Yes, with adjustments. Plan indoor-heavy itineraries (museums, malls, hot springs, KTV). Build flexibility for outdoor activities. Have travel insurance with weather coverage. Hotels are cheaper during plum rain. The city remains functional and most attractions stay open.
The Bottom Line
Taipei rainy season is best understood as two distinct windows: plum rain (May-June, continuous monsoon) and typhoon season (July-October, periodic intense storms). The driest months are December-January. The best months overall are October-November. Pack a compact umbrella year-round, build indoor activities into any itinerary, and check forecasts before outdoor plans. With this knowledge, you can plan a Taipei trip for almost any month with reasonable expectations of weather impact.
