Taiwan in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Taiwan in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei | 20° | 14° | 147 mm | moderate | Cool |
| New Taipei City | 20° | 14° | 138 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Taichung | 21° | 14° | 32 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Kaohsiung | 24° | 16° | 11 mm | high | Mild |
| Tainan | 23° | 15° | 23 mm | high | Mild |
| Taoyuan | 19° | 13° | 105 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Hsinchu | 20° | 13° | 56 mm | moderate | Cool |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Northern Taiwan (Taipei, Keelung, Yilan)
December reintroduces the damp chill of winter: persistent northeasterly winds and drizzle can make Taipei feel raw, especially in older buildings without central heating. Keelung’s harbor feels blustery and cloud cover is common, but indoor attractions and hot springs in Beitou and Wulai become welcome refuges. If you’re headed to higher ground like Yangmingshan, be ready for fog and icy patches on exposed trails.
Central Taiwan & West Coast (Taichung, Changhua, Sun Moon Lake)
December returns mild, with cooler mornings and mostly sunny days compared with the north; Taichung is often the sunniest major city in Taiwan at this time. Heater-free guesthouses can feel cool at night, so a warm layer helps, and the higher elevations near Alishan may begin to show frost or light snow in cold years. Weekends can be popular at hot-spring inns as locals escape the chill.
Southern Taiwan & Kenting (Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung, Kenting Peninsula)
December remains mild and dry compared with the north; daytime temperatures in Kaohsiung commonly hit the high teens to low 20s°C and nights are comfortable. Kenting is still swim-friendly on many days, and local seafood restaurants are lively without the summer crowds. This is a good season to tour cultural sites without heat stress; bring a light jacket for coastal breezes after sunset.
Eastern Taiwan & East Coast (Hualien, Taitung, Taroko Gorge, East Rift)
December becomes cooler and windier as the northeast monsoon returns, with Hualien’s coast feeling blustery and occasional damp days in the valleys. Taroko’s cliffs and waterfalls retain dramatic appeal but prepare for cooler conditions on exposed trails and cold water in rivers. Hot springs in the inland valleys (e.g., Ruisui) are especially inviting on colder days, and island ferry schedules are less predictable in rough seas.
High Mountains & Central Range (Alishan, Yushan, Hehuanshan, Cross-Island Highways)
December re-establishes winter conditions at the highest altitudes: expect snow at higher passes, icy trails and very cold nights-trail closure notices are common after heavy snow events. Alishan and other accessible mountain areas may see early morning frost and occasional dustings that brighten the sunrise experience for photographers. If you plan a winter ascent, travel with experienced guides and avalanche-aware gear where appropriate.