Summer in Taipei means hot, humid days and plenty of sudden rain showers. Honestly, it’s one of the most distinctive times to visit the city.
Expect average daytime highs between 85°F and 92°F, and nights that barely cool off—usually hovering around 75°F to 80°F. The combination of heat, humidity, and those surprise downpours shapes how people live and how travelers get around. If you know what’s coming, you can plan a lot better.
June usually kicks off with heavier rainfall, then July and August bring slightly drier, but still sticky, conditions. The sky stays cloudy most days, but when the sun breaks through, Taipei’s vibrant streets and mountain views really pop.
This mix of weather can be both a headache and a chance to see a different side of the city.
Once you get a feel for Taipei’s summer climate, you can plan your outdoor time, sightseeing, and even day trips with a bit more confidence.
It helps to pack light, breathable clothes and to time your outings around those afternoon showers. Knowing the patterns really lets you make the most of your trip to Taiwan’s capital.
Overview of Summer in Taipei
Taipei’s summer means hot, humid, and often wet weather, with rain showers and high dew points. Days and nights both stay warm, and the city’s subtropical climate shapes every summer experience.
Summer Months and Duration
Summer in Taipei usually runs from June through August, though the warmth sometimes stretches into early September.
During these months, you’ll see daily highs around 85–92°F (29–33°C) and nighttime lows near 75–80°F (24–27°C).
July is the hottest, with average highs close to 92°F (33°C). Nights stay muggy, so there’s not much relief from the heat. Even after dark, temperatures often remain above 77°F (25°C).
Rain falls often, especially in June—the chance of a wet day can reach 60%. By August, rain tapers off a bit, but showers still pop up. Average monthly rainfall is 7–8 inches, with June getting the most.
Daylight changes as summer rolls on. In late June, sunrise comes around 5:00 AM and sunset is near 6:45 PM, so you get over 13 hours of light. By late August, daylight drops to about 12 hours, 40 minutes.
Taipei’s Subtropical Climate
Taipei has a humid subtropical climate, so summers are hot, damp, and usually cloudy. Humidity starts high—about 93% in early June—and creeps up to nearly 100% by mid-July.
Clouds stick around too. In June, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy more than three-quarters of the time. By late August, there’s a little less cloud cover, but clear skies are still rare compared to autumn or winter.
Winds shift as the season goes on. Early June brings breezes from the east, but by mid-summer, the south wind takes over, blowing in warm, moist air. Average wind speeds tick up from about 8.6 mph in June to nearly 10 mph in August.
Nearby seas play a role as well. Water temperatures rise from about 79°F (26°C) in June to 82–83°F (28°C) in August. This warm ocean air adds to the sticky feeling you notice all season.
Average Summer Temperatures
Taipei’s summer means hot days, warm nights, and plenty of humidity. Temperatures climb from June through August, and even at night, it’s hard to escape the warmth.
Typical Highs and Lows
During summer, high temperatures usually range from 85°F to 92°F (29°C to 33°C). Early June starts off around 85°F, and by mid-July, you’ll see highs near 92°F.
Nights don’t cool off much—lows usually sit between 75°F and 80°F (24°C to 27°C). Even after dark, the air feels heavy and humid, so it’s rare to get a cool, crisp evening.
The hottest part of the day usually hits in early afternoon. Mornings and evenings are a bit easier, but honestly, the difference isn’t huge.
Taipei summers feel long and intense, partly because the temperature doesn’t swing much from day to night.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
June starts the hot season, with highs around 85°F (29°C) and lows near 75°F (24°C). Rain is frequent, which can make things feel even warmer.
By July, the heat peaks. Highs average about 92°F (33°C), and lows are close to 80°F (27°C). Humidity is at its highest, so the heat index often feels several degrees worse than the actual temperature.
In August, it’s still hot, but things ease just a little. Highs average around 90°F (32°C), and nights stay warm at about 79°F (26°C). Rain chances drop compared to June, but the air stays muggy.
The changes month to month are subtle, but July usually feels like the toughest stretch if you’re sensitive to heat.
Heat Waves and Extremes
Taipei gets its fair share of summer heat waves. On the worst days, temperatures can climb above 95°F (35°C), though they rarely go past 96°F (36°C). July is usually when you’ll see the highest daily averages.
Humidity makes even short heat waves feel brutal. A day at 94°F with high humidity can feel like 105°F. Outdoor activities get uncomfortable fast unless you find shade, take breaks, or stay hydrated.
Extreme lows almost never happen in summer. Nighttime rarely drops below 70°F (21°C). The lack of nighttime cooling adds to that feeling of constant heat, especially in the city, where concrete traps warmth.
If you’re visiting during a hot spell, plan to be indoors during midday. Early mornings or evenings work best for outdoor sightseeing.
Humidity and Rainfall Patterns
In Taipei, summer brings serious humidity, frequent rain, and a chance of severe weather. The air feels sticky, heavy showers are common, and typhoons sometimes roll in to shake things up.
Humidity Levels in Summer
Humidity in Taipei during summer usually hangs between 75% and 80%. This much moisture makes the heat feel even stronger than the thermometer suggests. Even at 32–34°C (90–93°F), the air can feel way hotter.
Mornings start damp, and nights don’t really cool off. Most homes and hotels use air conditioning and dehumidifiers, and you’ll probably rely on them to stay comfortable.
Outdoor activities are doable, but the humidity can wear you down if you’re not used to it. Light clothes and steady hydration help you cope with the sticky air.
Average Rainfall and Rainy Days
Rain is a huge part of Taipei’s summer. From June to August, monthly totals often hit 300–350 mm, with July and August getting a bit less than June. September can still bring over 350 mm, so it’s one of the wettest months.
Rain usually falls in short, heavy bursts, not all-day storms. Expect 13–15 rainy days each month during summer. It’s smart to carry an umbrella or light rain jacket, since showers can show up without warning.
All this rain keeps the city green but sometimes causes flooding in low-lying spots. The drainage system handles most storms, but localized street flooding isn’t rare after a big downpour.
Thunderstorms and Typhoons
Afternoon thunderstorms are common, fueled by the heat and humidity. These storms bring intense lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain that can mess up outdoor plans.
Taipei also deals with typhoons, especially from July through September. Typhoons can bring extreme rainfall, winds over 100 km/h, and travel delays. Not every summer brings a direct hit, but if you’re visiting during peak season, keep an eye on advisories.
Hotels, transit, and local authorities know how to handle these events. As a traveler, you can stay safer by checking forecasts and changing your plans if warnings pop up.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
High heat, strong humidity, and frequent rain showers really shape how you spend time outside in Taipei during summer. If you plan around the temperature and rain, you can still enjoy the city’s sights and stay comfortable.
Best Time of Day for Exploring
Daytime highs often reach 30–37°C (86–99°F) with humidity over 75%. Midday, especially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is the toughest time to be outside—the sun and heat index peak then.
Early mornings and late afternoons feel a bit better. Temperatures drop slightly, and the air is less oppressive. These times are great for checking out night markets, hiking Elephant Mountain, or heading to Yangmingshan National Park.
Afternoon and evening rain showers are pretty common, especially in July and August. Carrying an umbrella lets you keep exploring when a sudden storm passes through.
If you want to dodge both the heat and the crowds, try sunrise hikes or evening walks. Taipei’s public transport makes it easy to change plans if the weather turns.
Staying Comfortable Outdoors
What you wear and how much water you drink really matter in summer. Go for light, breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen help protect you from strong UV rays.
Keep a reusable water bottle handy. You’ll get dehydrated faster in the humidity, so refill often at public stations. Cold drinks and shaved ice, which you’ll find all over the city, are a lifesaver.
Rain gear is just as important. A compact umbrella or light rain jacket keeps you dry during sudden downpours. Quick-drying shoes or sandals are practical, since streets can flood briefly after heavy rain.
With the right gear and a flexible schedule, you can enjoy summer in Taipei without letting the weather ruin your plans.
Popular Summer Destinations and Experiences
Taipei’s summer weather might be hot and humid, but the city’s natural escapes offer cooler air and rewarding outdoor adventures. From shaded mountain trails to tea-covered hillsides, you can find places that balance the heat with great scenery.
Yangmingshan National Park in Summer
Yangmingshan National Park sits just north of Taipei and is famous for its volcanic landscape, hot springs, and lush greenery. In summer, temperatures at higher elevations often feel a few degrees cooler than downtown. This makes it a favorite when you need a break from the city’s heat.
The park has all kinds of trails, from short paved paths to longer hikes through forests and grasslands. Xiaoyoukeng is a standout spot, where you can see fumaroles and catch the sulfur smell from volcanic vents. If you like open views, the Qingtiangang grassland offers wide plateaus with breezes that help cut the humidity.
Rain showers are frequent in summer, so packing an umbrella or lightweight raincoat is smart. Public buses connect Taipei to the park, so you don’t need a car. Early mornings or late afternoons are the most comfortable times to visit.
Elephant Mountain Hiking
Elephant Mountain, or Xiangshan, is one of Taipei’s easiest hiking spots to reach. The trail starts near Xiangshan MRT Station and takes about 20–30 minutes to hit the main viewing platform. The climb isn’t long, but the steps are steep and the summer heat can make it feel tougher than you’d expect.
At the top, you get one of the best views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. Sunsets draw crowds, but mornings are cooler and quieter. The trail is well-marked, and shaded spots along the way give you a little break from the sun.
Bring water, since you won’t find shops once you start climbing. Good shoes help, especially if the steps are wet from rain. Even though it’s a short hike, the combo of humidity and steep steps means you’ll want to pace yourself.
Maokong Tea Plantations
Maokong sits in the hills southeast of Taipei and has a reputation for its tea culture. You can hop on the Maokong Gondola to get there, and the ride gives you sweeping views of the city and the mountains.
Honestly, the gondola alone is worth trying, especially on a clear summer day when you can see for miles. Once you arrive, tea houses perch along the slopes, looking out over plantations where they grow Tieguanyin oolong and other local teas.
Most tea houses serve both hot and iced teas, so you can enjoy the flavors whether you want to cool off or just relax. You’ll also find traditional Taiwanese snacks, which go surprisingly well with the tea.
Walking paths wind between tea houses and scenic spots. Some trails slip into shady forests, which feel like a relief when the sun gets intense.
Afternoon showers pop up pretty often, so you’ll want to visit earlier in the day to dodge the rain.
Seasonal Packing and Travel Tips
Taipei’s summer can feel intense, with sticky humidity, blazing sun, and sudden rain. If you pack light, breathable clothes and practical gear, you’ll stay a lot more comfortable while wandering the city, checking out temples, or hitting night markets.
What to Wear in Taipei’s Summer
Daytime temperatures usually hit the upper 80s to low 90s °F (around 30–33 °C). Humidity makes heavy fabrics unbearable, so stick to lightweight, breathable materials like cotton, linen, or anything moisture-wicking.
Go for loose tops, shorts, and skirts that let air move around. Quick-dry dresses are a smart pick since they handle sweat and you can rinse and rewear them.
If you’d rather wear pants, pick thin, airy ones to avoid getting uncomfortable.
Pack at least one light cardigan or long-sleeve shirt for sun protection or when you duck into air-conditioned shops, which can feel freezing after the heat outside.
For shoes, you’ll want comfortable walking shoes or sandals with some grip since you’ll probably clock a lot of steps each day.
Throw in bike shorts to wear under skirts or dresses if you’re worried about thigh chafing on long, humid walks.
Essential Items for Rain and Heat
Summer in Taipei overlaps with the plum rain season, so sudden downpours happen a lot. Bring a compact umbrella or a foldable rain jacket. Many people go for jackets since they keep your hands free in busy places.
For shoes, pick something water-resistant or quick-drying. Sandals with good traction or lightweight sneakers that dry out fast are your best bet.
Avoid heavy shoes that stay wet all day.
The sun here can be brutal, so sun protection matters just as much as rain gear. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat or cap, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
A small stick or travel-size sunscreen is handy for reapplying while you’re out.
Carrying a light reusable bag is also a good idea. You can stash wet stuff, extra water, or snacks from convenience stores without making your bag heavy.
Rare Weather Events and Misconceptions
Taipei has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Extreme cold and snow almost never happen, but every now and then, rare events or myths about the weather get people talking.
Snow in Taipei: How Rare Is It?
Snow in Taipei is almost unheard of. The city sits low and stays pretty warm year-round.
Winter temperatures usually hover between 12°C and 16°C (54°F to 61°F), so it rarely gets close to freezing.
Still, every once in a while, a strong cold snap from the north drops temperatures enough for a quick flurry. The most memorable example happened in January 2016, when light snow and sleet actually fell in some parts of the city.
Before that, nobody had seen measurable snow in decades.
If you’re hoping to catch snow in Taiwan, you’ll need to head up to higher places like Yangmingshan National Park or the Central Mountain Range. Snow falls up there in winter, but in Taipei, it’s more of a quirky bit of history than something to expect.
Common Myths About Taipei’s Summer
People often think Taipei gets dry, desert-like heat in summer. Actually, summers are hot and humid here.
Average highs hover around 32°C (90°F), and humidity usually sits above 75%. That thick, sticky air makes everything feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Some folks assume rain will completely ruin outdoor plans. Sure, summer brings the rainy season, but most showers show up as quick, intense bursts.
Skies often clear up soon after, so you can just grab an umbrella or raincoat and keep moving around the city. It’s honestly not as bad as you might fear.
A lot of visitors brace for constant typhoons. Typhoons can hit Taipei between June and September, but they don’t show up every year.
The city’s solid infrastructure helps everyone deal with storms when they do roll in. If you’re ready for heat, humidity, and the occasional downpour, you’ll get a much better sense of what Taipei’s summer is really like.