Travel inTaiwan in Rainy Days

Taiwan is a beautiful island, but like many places in the Pacific, it experiences its share of tropical weather. Let's break down what you need to know about Taiwan's rainy and typhoon seasons, and how they might affect your travel plans.

When Does it Rain in Taiwan?

Taiwan generally has a subtropical climate, which means rain can occur throughout the year. However, there are distinct patterns:

• Northern Taiwan (like Taipei): Tends to experience more continuous drizzle and cooler temperatures from January to March due to the northeastern monsoon.
• Southwest Monsoon (May to September): This is when a significant amount of rainfall comes to the island, particularly the central and southern parts, often bringing heavy afternoon thunderstorms.
• Plum Monsoon (Late Spring, May-June): A distinct period within the rainy season, characterized by prolonged and often heavy rainfall.
• Typhoon Season (June to October): This period also sees a high volume of rain, especially when a typhoon is approaching or directly hitting the island.
• Driest Months: Generally, October to December are considered the most pleasant months to visit, with lower humidity and less rain, especially in the south.

So, while you might encounter rain any time, the heaviest rainfall is typically from May to September.

Taiwan's Typhoon Season

Taiwan's typhoon season generally runs from May into October, with the peak season typically spanning July to September. During this time, warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific create an ideal environment for typhoons to develop and strengthen.

How Many Typhoons in 2024 and When?

The year 2024 was quite notable for Taiwan's typhoon activity. According to the Central Weather Administration (CWA), three typhoons made direct landfall in Taiwan in 2024, which was the most since 2008. What was particularly unusual was that two of these landfalls occurred in October, a historical first for the month.

While specific names and exact dates can vary and forecasts are constantly updated, some of the most violent typhoons that impacted or were near Taiwan in 2024 included:

• Gaemi: July 19-25, 2024 (Category 4, impacted Taiwan and Fukien)
• Yagi: September 1-7, 2024 (Category 4, did not make direct landfall but passed southwest of Hengchun)
• Trami: October 20-29, 2024 (Tropical Storm, affected Taiwan)
• Kong Rey: October 25 to November 1, 2024 (Category 4, affected Taiwan)
• Usagi: November 11-16, 2024 (Category 4, affected Taiwan and Kaohsiung)

It's important to note that even typhoons that don't make direct landfall can bring significant rainfall and strong winds.

The Impact of Typhoons on Tourism in Taiwan

Typhoons can definitely have a significant impact on travel to Taiwan, but it's not always a reason to avoid visiting during these months. Here's a balanced view:

Disadvantages:

• Travel Disruptions: The most common impact is the cancellation of flights, trains, and ferries. Airports, seaports, and highways can experience temporary shutdowns.
• Closure of Attractions: Outdoor attractions, especially those in mountainous or coastal areas, might be temporarily closed for safety reasons due to heavy rain, strong winds, or potential landslides.
• Safety Concerns: Strong winds can damage buildings, uproot trees, and knock down power lines. Flooding and landslides are also risks, particularly in eastern Taiwan (Hualien and Taitung) and mountainous regions.
• Limited Activities: If your plans involve hiking, beach visits, or island hopping, these might need to be adjusted or canceled.

Advantages (Believe it or not!):

• Fewer Crowds: A major benefit of traveling during typhoon season can be fewer tourists. This often means shorter lines at popular attractions, more hotel availability, and potentially lower accommodation prices.
• Robust Response Systems: Taiwan has well-developed systems for typhoon forecasting, infrastructure, and emergency response, which helps mitigate risks.
• Flexibility is Key: If you do plan to visit during typhoon season, staying flexible is crucial. Consider booking accommodations with free cancellation policies and have alternative indoor activities in mind.

In essence, while typhoons bring challenges, Taiwan is well-prepared, and a vigilant traveler can still have a rewarding experience by keeping a close eye on weather reports and being adaptable with their itinerary.