WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Taïwan

Location

Climate

Seasons in Taiwan: weather and climate

Taiwan's climate is humid subtropical in the north and tropical in the south. The weather therefore varies according to region and season. There are two main seasons:

• The dry season From November to April, with cool temperatures and little rainfall.
• The rainy season From May to October, marked by increased rainfall and higher temperatures.

Nevertheless, the weather remains generally pleasant throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C in winter to 30°C in summer.

Ideal time to travel

The best time to go to Taiwan depends on the activities you want to do and the regions you want to visit. Here are a few tips to help you decide:

• To discover northern TaiwanThe best time to visit is between November and April. Temperatures are pleasant and rainfall less frequent than in the rainy season.
• If you plan to visit the south of the islandThe best time to visit is between December and March, when temperatures are milder and rain less abundant.
• For hiking enthusiastsApril to June and September to November are the best months to visit, thanks to a mild climate and lush vegetation.

However, even during the dry season, don't forget to bring an umbrella, as rainfall can be unpredictable.

Major cultural events in Taiwan

Taiwan is an island rich in traditions and cultural events. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Chinese New Year (January or February)

This festival, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the start of the Lunar New Year. The festivities last several days and include parades, fireworks, traditional dances and much more. It's an opportunity to discover Taiwanese customs and gastronomy.

Lantern Festival (February or March)

The Lantern Festival, held on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, brings the Chinese New Year celebrations to a close. Thousands of colorful lanterns light up the streets, and night parades enliven the cities. Don't miss the dragon and lion dance performances, as well as the fireworks.

Dragon Boat Festival (June)

This event celebrates the memory of the poet and minister Qu Yuan. Dragon boat races are organized all over the country, attracting large crowds. Participants compete fiercely for victory. You can also enjoy tastings of zongzi, a traditional dish of glutinous rice and various ingredients wrapped in a bamboo leaf.

Public holidays in Taiwan

Here is the list of official public holidays in Taiwan:

1. January 1: New Year's Day
2. February: Chinese New Year (date varies)
3. February 28: Day of Peace and Friendship between Peoples
4. April 4: Ancestors' Day
5. May 1: Labour Day
6. June 19: Teachers' Day (Confucius' birthday)
7. October 10: Foundation Day of the Republic of China
8. December 25: Christmas

High and low tourist season in Taiwan

Last but not least, it's important to take tourist crowds into account when planning your trip. There are two main periods:

• High season The dry season runs from November to April. Temperatures are pleasant and rainfall less frequent, making this a good time for sightseeing. However, prices of accommodation and air tickets tend to rise.
• Low season Rainy season: May to October, during the rainy season. Rainfall is heaviest and typhoons can occur between June and October. Nevertheless, hotel and flight rates are generally more attractive during this period.

Increased immigration to Taiwan

In recent years, Taiwan has seen a significant increase in the number of immigrants, mainly from neighboring countries. According to official statisticsIn recent years, the number of immigrants from Hong Kong has risen dramatically. This trend is explained by the search for a better life and a less restrictive political environment than that of mainland China. At the same time, Taiwan continues to welcome large numbers of immigrants from China. However, current political tensions between the two countries make it difficult to know how many Chinese actually choose to settle in Taiwan for an extended period.

Most popular visas in Taiwan

The most popular visa categories in Taiwan are :

• Work visas Taiwan: These visas are issued to people wishing to work in Taiwan. Taiwanese employers generally appreciate the cultural diversity and professional skills that foreign workers bring to their companies.
• Student visas Taiwan: Many international students choose to pursue their higher education in Taiwan, particularly in science and technology. Taiwanese universities offer advanced study programs and scholarships to attract top talent from around the world.
• Contractor visas Taiwan also offers a special visa for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to set up or invest in a business on the island. This type of visa is designed to encourage innovation and economic growth in Taiwan.

International tourism in Taiwan: figures and trends

Tourism is a key sector of the Taiwanese economy, and the country welcomes a growing number of international visitors every year. According to recent statistics, over 11 million tourists came to Taiwan in 2019, an increase of 6.1 % on the previous year.

Main tourist countries of origin

International tourists visiting Taiwan mainly come from the following countries:

• China Despite political tensions, mainland Chinese continue to account for the lion's share of Taiwan's tourism market.
• Japan The Japan is Taiwan's second-largest market in terms of international visitors, with nearly 2 million Japanese tourists in 2019.
• South Korea The South Korea is another important tourist market for Taiwan. South Korean travelers appreciate not only the geographical proximity between the two countries, but also their similar culture and gastronomy.

Other important markets include the United States, Australia and Southeast Asian countries such as China.Indonesiathe Philippines and Thailand.

Economic impact of international tourism

The tourism sector has a considerable impact on the Taiwanese economy. In 2018, tourism revenues reached US$14.8 billion, representing growth of 4.1 % over the previous year. This represents around 2.6 % of Taiwan's GDP. However, it should be noted that the economic impact of tourism is not limited to the direct income generated by spending by international visitors. The tourism industry also creates numerous jobs in areas such as hotels, restaurants, transport and tour guide services.