map of Taiwan.ogf2

Main cities: Taipei

Currency: the new Taiwan dollar (TWD)

Climate: Taiwan may be a subtropical island, but it is one of those rare places that enjoys both snowy winters in the northern mountains and balmy temperatures year-round in the south. The climate in the mountains can be surprisingly chilly, even during the summer months of June to August. However, during the winter season from December through February, the peaks are often covered with snow. Winter is the dry season in the north of Taiwan including in Taipei, where daytime temperatures drop as low as 19°C. In the capital, temperatures reach a hot and humid average of 33°C during the sticky summer months, when rain appears almost daily. Summer is also typhoon season in Taiwan, particularly between June and October. Keep an eye on the daily weather if you travel during this time. In the southern part of Taiwan, the weather is reliably warm with sunny days most of the year. There is essentially no cold season in the south. The island’s weather is known for changing quickly, so always go out prepared with a raincoat or warm clothing when in the mountains.