Thinking about a trip to Taipei in the fall? You’ll catch the city at its most comfortable. Days usually feel warm, then cool down into mild evenings, and there’s less rain and humidity than in the sweaty summer months. This shift makes autumn a tempting time to wander crowded markets or head for the hills just outside town.
As fall rolls on, temperatures drop a bit each week. Rain starts to back off, and the skies open up. You’ll notice daylight disappears faster, breezes pick up, and that sticky summer feeling finally fades. These changes really shape your time in Taipei, whether you’re checking out temples or hiking close to the city.
It helps to get a sense of these patterns before you go. Knowing what to expect—from temperature swings to rainfall and wind—means you’ll get more out of your days outdoors.
Overview of Fall Weather in Taipei
Fall in Taipei really feels like a break from the hot, humid summer. You’ll see shorter days, less cloud cover, and a steady drop in both temperature and humidity. That’s why so many people say it’s the best time to visit.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
During fall, Taipei’s daily highs start around 90°F (32°C) in early September and slide down to about 72°F (22°C) by late November. Nights cool off too, from the upper 70s °F (25°C) to the low 60s °F (16°C).
Rain doesn’t stick around as much. September can bring over 7 inches (180 mm) in a month, but by November, you’ll see closer to 3 inches (75 mm). Rainy days drop from nearly half the time in September to less than a third by November.
Humidity drops too. Early September clings to you, but by November, you’ll finally get a break from the muggy air. Winds pick up little by little, averaging 10–15 mph by late fall, mostly from the east.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Fall just feels better than summer—cooler, drier, and way less stifling. Summer highs stick above 85°F (29°C) with humidity that makes you want to hide inside. Fall air is easier to breathe and dew points drop. Plus, you dodge the heavy downpours and typhoons that summer brings.
Winter in Taipei is cooler but not what most would call cold. January highs sit around 60–65°F (16–18°C), which is a step down from fall. Winter also brings more clouds, so you’ll see fewer sunny days than in late October or November.
Spring warms up but also gets wetter than late fall. By April, highs climb back into the 70s °F (low 20s °C), but rain starts up again as weather fronts pass through. Fall stands out as the most balanced—warm but not steamy, and with less rain.
Geographic and Climatic Influences
Taipei sits in a basin, ringed by mountains, and that really shapes its weather. The city’s spot in northern Taiwan means it gets more rain than the south or center, especially in the summer monsoon. By fall, winds shift and carry less moisture from the southwest, leading to drier conditions.
The Pacific Ocean isn’t far off and plays its part. Sea temperatures drop from the low 80s °F (28°C) in early fall down to the low 70s °F (23°C) by November. This cools off the city and helps lower humidity.
Taipei sits just about 30 feet (9 m) above sea level, so you won’t get big swings between day and night temperatures. Instead, you’ll feel the biggest changes as rain tapers off, daylight shrinks, and winds pick up with the season.
Temperature Trends and Variations
During fall, Taipei’s temperatures drop steadily as summer heat gives way to something milder. You’ll spot clear shifts in both daytime highs and nighttime lows, and the shorter days only help drive that cooling trend.
Average High and Low Temperatures
At fall’s start, daily highs hover near 32 °C (90 °F). By the end, they’re closer to 22 °C (72 °F). Nighttime lows fall from about 26 °C (79 °F) in September to around 17 °C (63 °F) by November.
So, early fall still feels hot and sticky, but late fall is definitely cooler and more pleasant. Daytime highs rarely go above 34 °C (93 °F) or below 18 °C (64 °F), so you get a pretty steady range. Nights cool off faster, so mornings and evenings can feel extra fresh.
That 10 °C drop in highs and 8 °C drop in lows over the season really marks fall as a time of change in Taipei.
Daily and Monthly Temperature Changes
The difference between day and night isn’t huge, especially early on—usually 6–8 °C. By November, nights cool more quickly, so the gap widens a bit. That means evenings feel cooler, even if the days still seem mild.
Take a look at the monthly averages:
- September: Highs ~31–32 °C, lows ~25–26 °C
- October: Highs ~26–28 °C, lows ~21–22 °C
- November: Highs ~22–23 °C, lows ~17–18 °C
You’ll feel the change in just a few weeks. September still has that tropical vibe, but by November, you probably want a light sweater at night.
As fall winds down, shorter days and earlier sunsets help temperatures drop faster after dark.
Notable Temperature Extremes
Taipei’s fall weather usually stays pretty steady, but sometimes you’ll get a surprise. Highs can spike to 34 °C (93 °F) in early September if summer heat lingers. On cooler nights late in the season, lows might dip to 14 °C (57 °F).
These swings don’t happen often, but if you’re sensitive to temperature changes, it’s worth knowing. Freezing temps almost never happen in Taipei, so fall stays mild compared to similar cities.
The biggest shift is from steamy, warm September to the cooler, drier end of November. It’s a gradual change, but you’ll definitely notice it, so pack for both leftover heat and the first hints of winter.
Rainfall Patterns and Precipitation
Rain in Taipei during fall is steady and, honestly, sometimes heavier than you might expect. You’ll see a move from the wet late summer into a cooler but still damp early winter. Precipitation is just part of the deal.
Average Rainfall During Fall
From September to November, Taipei picks up a big chunk of its annual 2,100+ mm of rain. September is usually the wettest fall month, with close to 360 mm, thanks to leftover typhoons.
By October, rainfall drops to around 190–200 mm, but showers still pop up often. November falls further to about 110–120 mm, so things calm down a bit.
Early fall is wetter, late fall dries out. Bring rain gear for September and October, but by November, you’ll probably get by with just a light jacket.
Monthly Rainfall Distribution
Here’s how rainfall changes through the season:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rain Character |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~360 mm | Heavy, typhoon-influenced |
| October | ~190–200 mm | Moderate, frequent showers |
| November | ~110–120 mm | Lighter, scattered rain |
September’s rain often comes in big bursts from tropical storms. October’s showers are usually shorter but still show up often. By November, rain is lighter, though gray skies can hang around.
This drop in rain makes late fall better for sightseeing. Early fall? Be ready to change your plans if a storm rolls through.
Frequency of Wet Days
It’s not just about how much rain falls, but how often. On average:
- September: about 15–16 wet days
- October: around 12–13 wet days
- November: about 10–11 wet days
Rain usually comes in short bursts, not all-day downpours. Even on wet days, you can often sneak in some time outside.
Since rain spreads out over so many days, carrying a small umbrella or rain jacket just makes sense. That’s life in Taipei’s humid subtropical climate—it shapes how you get around in the fall.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Fall in Taipei means the air stays damp, but it’s not as overwhelming as summer. You’ll still feel the moisture, which affects how comfortable you are outdoors and how fast you cool off.
Relative Humidity Averages
Relative humidity in fall usually runs between 70% and 80%. September starts off high, around 82%, then dips a bit to about 78–79% in October and November.
So, even as it cools down, the air still feels pretty moist. You might notice clothes dry slowly, and rooms without good airflow get sticky.
Check out the monthly averages:
| Month | Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| September | ~82% |
| October | ~79% |
| November | ~78% |
That’s Taipei’s subtropical climate for you—humidity just never drops all the way off. Even when it’s cooler, you’ll feel a bit of dampness.
Humidity Fluctuations Throughout Fall
Humidity doesn’t stay the same every day. Early September can feel just as muggy as summer, especially after it rains. By late October, with less rain, the air finally feels easier to take.
In November, humidity keeps easing up but rarely goes below 70%. It’s a slow, steady change, not a sudden drop. That makes walking or hiking outside way more comfortable than in the heavy summer air.
Mornings and evenings tend to feel stickier than afternoons. Cooler nights let moisture hang around, while the afternoon sun dries things out a bit. That’s just how fall works in Taipei.
Wind Conditions in Autumn
Winds in Taipei during fall usually stay moderate, but you’ll notice them pick up as the season goes on. Some months feel breezier, especially when weather systems roll through, but it rarely gets wild.
Average Wind Speed
Early fall brings light winds, averaging about 4 mph. By October and November, winds speed up to around 8–9 mph. This shift comes as Taipei moves from muggy summer air to drier, cooler air from the north.
October and November stand out as the windier months. Short gusts can kick up when weather fronts pass, and while it’s not usually disruptive, it can make evenings feel a little chillier.
If you’re out at night, a light jacket is a good idea. The breeze also helps lower humidity, so the city feels more comfortable compared to summer.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In autumn, the northeast monsoon takes over in Taipei. Winds shift from summer’s lighter southerly and easterly breezes to a more steady northeasterly flow. That’s a big reason the air feels fresher and less muggy.
From October through November, those northeasterly winds dominate. They bring in cooler air from the continent, often clearing the skies and dropping temperatures a bit. Sometimes, though, you’ll still get rain if moist Pacific air mixes in.
If you’re planning to be outside, keep in mind that wind direction can change how it feels. Northeasterly winds can make open spots along rivers or in the hills feel chillier, while city streets might stay calmer. It’s something you’ll notice as you move between Taipei’s neighborhoods.
Other Notable Fall Weather Factors
During fall in Taipei, skies clear up, daylight hours get shorter, and the sun sits lower in the sky. These shifts change how much sunshine you get each day and when the sun rises or sets.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Cloud cover drops off pretty fast as fall goes on. In early September, you’ll see overcast or mostly cloudy skies about two-thirds of the time (68%), but by late November, that number falls to around 44%. Late October usually gives you the best chance to catch blue skies.
Sunshine hours pick up compared to the soggy summer. Taipei still sees its share of cloudy stretches, but with less rain and humidity, you’ll notice more steady daylight. By late October, skies are clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy over half the time.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, mornings and afternoons feel brighter and less muggy. Fall really does make sightseeing, snapping photos, or just hanging out outside a lot more pleasant since you’re less likely to get rained out or stuck under thick clouds.
Daylight Duration and Sun Position
Daylight hours get shorter as fall moves along. In early September, you’ll see about 12 hours and 38 minutes of daylight. By late November, that drops to just 10 hours and 43 minutes.
Sunrise creeps later each morning. It starts at 5:34 AM in early September, but by the end of November, you’re looking at 6:21 AM.
Sunset comes earlier, too, shifting from 6:12 PM in September to 5:03 PM by the time November wraps up.
As the season goes on, the sun hangs lower in the sky, so shadows stretch out sooner than you might expect. This shift changes how the light feels outside, and afternoons seem to disappear faster.
If you like to walk or sightsee, you might want to head out earlier to catch the best daylight.