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Climate

Overlying both tropic and subtropic zones, Taiwan has a tropical climate in the southern and western flatlands and a subtropical climate in the north and mountainous regions. Its location also subjects it to annual typhoons which pass through between July and October. Most of these cause little more than strong winds and heavy rains over the island.

Taiwan's climate does not have four distinct seasons but rather two: a hot season lasting from May till October and a cold season from December to March. The island remains excessively humid throughout the year and receives abundant rainfall, with the east (uplands) receiving more than the west (lowlands). Except in the northern region, where rainfall is more even, mean annual rainfall in other parts of the island range from 2,500 to 5,000 mm (100 to 200 inches).

Temperature falls with an increase in altitude: snow falls on the summits of the Central Range in the cold season while lowland Taiwan remains frost-free.

The most pleasant times of the year for travel in Taiwan are March through May and September through November, especially in Taipei.