Taiwan in January experiences winter at its coldest, with temperatures usually dropping between Christmas and early January (except when cold waves hit—be sure to check real-time weather updates). The northern region gets particularly chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C, sometimes even below 7°C. While this might not seem freezing compared to other countries, the combination of winter rain and humidity makes it feel much colder than the actual temperature. Plus, the monsoon winds in the north can be biting, especially in coastal areas like Tamsui and Keelung or high-altitude spots like Yangmingshan and Elephant Mountain.
Down south, it’s a different story. In cities like Kaohsiung, winter temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C, rarely dropping below 15°C. The climate is dry and comfortably warm, making it feel more like spring—or even summer—if you’re coming from colder places like Northern Europe, Russia, or Iceland. Unlike the damp chill of the north, the south stays pleasantly cool unless a cold front arrives. If you’re heading to southern Taiwan, packing light layers—long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a slightly thicker jacket for cooler evenings—should be enough. If you tend to feel warm easily, short sleeves might even work during the day.
January also marks the lead-up to the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar—Lunar New Year! Although the festival usually falls in February, preparations start early, and the festive spirit is already in full swing. This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture, as shopping malls and markets buzz with excitement. You’ll find seasonal treats like spring couplets, mandarin oranges, and traditional New Year pastries.
And of course, there’s the highlight for kids—red envelopes! In Chinese tradition, red envelopes filled with “lucky money” symbolize good fortune and blessings for children. If you’re traveling with family, this could be a great way for the little ones to experience a fun Lunar New Year tradition (though technically, red envelopes are usually given on New Year’s Eve or the first day of the Lunar New Year).
So, what’s there to do in Taiwan in January? Let’s dive in!
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Explore Taiwan’s Night Markets & Savor Winter-Exclusive Treats
Night markets are a huge part of Taiwanese culture, offering different seasonal specialties all year round. But there’s something extra comforting about visiting a night market in January, when the winter-exclusive dishes are at their best—warm, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Classics like Herbal Pork Rib Soup (Yao Dun Pai Gu) and lamb hot pot (Yang Rou Lu) are perfect for beating the winter chill. The rich, gingery broth of ginger duck warms you from the inside out, while the deeply flavorful lamb hot pot, loaded with tender meat and fresh ingredients, keeps you coming back for more. These dishes aren’t just food—they’re an essential part of the Taiwanese winter experience.
If you want to try these must-eat winter delicacies, head to some of Taiwan’s most famous night markets. Shilin Night Market in Taipei, one of the biggest in the city, is packed with food stalls, including steaming bowls of ginger duck and lamb hot pot. Fengjia Night Market in Taichung is best known for its creative street food, but come winter, you’ll also find plenty of local hot dishes to warm you up. Down south, Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung is a street food paradise loved by locals, serving up all kinds of piping-hot comfort food—perfect for sharing with friends and family on a chilly evening.
Nothing beats the feeling of walking through a lively night market in the crisp winter air, grabbing a steaming bowl of your favorite dish, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. It’s not just about staying warm—it’s about experiencing Taiwan’s food culture at its finest!
More information for Taiwan Night Market: The Ultimate Guide to Taiwan Night Markets: What to Eat and 10 Best Markets to Visit
Chasing Plum Blossoms in Taiwan: Where to Find These Winter Beauties
In Chinese culture, plum blossoms symbolize resilience and elegance—blooming proudly in the coldest months, untouched by winter’s harshness. They embody perseverance, purity, and hope, inspiring poets and artists for centuries. There’s even a famous saying: “Without enduring the bitter cold, how can one enjoy the fragrance of plum blossoms?(不经一番寒彻骨，焉得梅花扑鼻香？)”—a reminder that challenges and hardships often lead to the most rewarding experiences. Just like these delicate flowers, only by braving the chill do they release their most captivating scent.
For travelers interested in Chinese traditions, plum blossom viewing is a timeless and poetic experience. Ready to see these stunning blooms in full glory? Here are some of Taiwan’s best spots to enjoy them:
1. Wuling Farm, Taichung
📅 Best time to visit: Early to mid-January
🌸 Blossoms: White plum, Red plum
Official Website
Known for its breathtaking cherry blossoms in spring, Wuling Farm is also a hidden gem for plum blossoms. Every January, white and red plum flowers bloom across the mountainous landscape, creating a dreamy winter wonderland. Strolling along the tea plantation trails, you’ll be surrounded by misty mountains and delicate blossoms—just like stepping into a traditional Chinese painting.
Beyond the flowers, Wuling Farm is famous for its high-mountain fruits and farm-fresh products. Take a break and enjoy crisp, sweet apples or locally made dried fruit as a delicious souvenir. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Formosan sambar deer or mountain birds wandering through the plum orchards, adding a magical touch to your trip.
2. Xinyi Township, Nantou
📅 Best time to visit: Early to mid-January
🌸 Blossoms: White plum (with occasional red plum trees)
Xinyi Township is Taiwan’s largest plum-growing region and a must-visit destination for plum blossom lovers. Every January, tens of thousands of white plum trees blanket the hillsides and valleys, creating a breathtaking snowy-white landscape. When the mountain breeze sweeps through, the air fills with a light, refreshing floral scent—pure bliss for nature lovers and photographers alike.
One of the best spots to visit is the Dream Works of the Plums（梅子梦工厂）, where you can not only admire the stunning plum groves but also try your hand at making traditional Taiwanese plum products like preserved plums and plum wine. While you’re here, don’t miss out on the local specialty—plum chicken—a sweet and tangy dish that perfectly complements the floral adventure.
3. Meiling, Tainan
📅 Best time to visit: Mid to late January
🌸 Blossoms: White plum
Meiling in Tainan is a rare plum blossom hotspot in southern Taiwan, offering a completely different vibe compared to the mountainous regions up north. By mid-January, the hillsides along the winding mountain roads burst into full bloom, creating breathtaking plum blossom terraces that resemble fields of snow. If you’re an early riser, you might even be rewarded with a stunning sea of clouds drifting over the hills, making the landscape even more surreal and picturesque.
As you wander along the plum blossom trails, take a moment to stop by a cozy mountainside café for a cup of locally brewed plum tea or handcrafted coffee, enjoying the panoramic views of the flower-covered hills. If you’re looking for more fun, combine your trip with a visit to nearby orchards for fruit-picking or a farm stay experience. During peak bloom, Meiling also hosts small cultural events where you can enjoy traditional performances surrounded by the sweet scent of plum blossoms—truly an unforgettable way to soak in southern Taiwan’s charm.
Experience Taiwan’s Festive Buzz at Pre-Lunar New Year Street Markets
Every January, as Lunar New Year approaches (usually in February), Taiwan’s bustling New Year’s goods markets(年货市场) come to life, offering the perfect way to soak in the holiday spirit. The most famous of them all? Dihua Street in Taipei—a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
Starting in late January and running until mid-February (about two to three weeks before the New Year), this vibrant street transforms into a massive open-air market filled with traditional Taiwanese treats, dried goods, candies, cured meats, and festive decorations. The lively crowds, the rich aroma of New Year delicacies, and the cheerful atmosphere make it a feast for the senses.
But these markets aren’t just about shopping—they’re a glimpse into Taiwan’s Lunar New Year traditions. Streets are adorned with red lanterns, couplets, and lucky charms, creating a festive backdrop for cultural experiences. Walking through Dihua Street, you’ll see locals stocking up on must-have holiday foods while vendors showcase handcrafted ornaments and symbolic New Year trinkets. Some stalls even offer live demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, visiting a nianhuo market is the perfect way to experience the excitement of the upcoming Lunar New Year—complete with festive flavors, lively crowds, and a touch of Taiwanese culture. Here’s where to go:
Taipei
Dihua Street New Year Market
-Taiwan’s largest and most historic New Year market
-Huge variety of festive snacks, dried seafood (like scallops and abalone), tea, nuts, and sweets
-Unique modern twists on traditional New Year treats from creative local brands
📍 Location: Dihua Street, Datong District, Taipei
Shilin Night Market New Year Zone
-Combines traditional New Year shopping with iconic night market snacks
-Perfect for families—shop for festive goods while enjoying delicious street food
📍 Location: Jihe Road & Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
New Taipei City
Sanchong New Year Market
-Dense collection of stalls with affordable New Year goods
-Great spot for picking up cured meats, gift packs, and festive decorations
📍 Location: Chongxin Road & surrounding area, Sanchong District, New Taipei City
Dingxi New Year Market
-Compact but diverse market—ideal for MRT commuters
-High-quality snacks, dried goods, and festive gifts
📍 Location: Near Dingxi MRT Station, Yonghe District, New Taipei City
Taoyuan
Xingren Garden Night Market New Year Zone (Zhongli)
-Night market meets New Year shopping for an exciting, lively vibe
-Fresh ingredients, dried goods, and festive decorations all in one place
📍 Location: Xingren Night Market, Zhongli District, Taoyuan
Taoyuan Miaokou Night Market New Year Street
-Traditional temple fair atmosphere
-A great mix of New Year products and classic Taiwanese street food
📍 Location: Zhongzheng Road, Taoyuan District, Taoyuan
Taichung
Taichung Second Market New Year Street
-Famous for traditional Lunar New Year delicacies like sun cakes, pineapple cakes, and pork floss
-Includes festive decorations and handcrafted goods
📍 Location: Ziyou Road, Central District, Taichung
Fengjia Night Market New Year Zone
-Popular with young crowds—blends traditional New Year shopping with trendy gifts
-Great for creative and modern souvenirs
📍 Location: Fengjia Road & surrounding area, Xitun District, Taichung
Tainan
Hai’an Road New Year Market
-The go-to New Year market in southern Taiwan
-Famous for Tainan’s iconic snacks like shrimp crackers, beef jerky, and festive pastries
📍 Location: Hai’an Road & surrounding area, Central West District, Tainan
Tainan Garden Night Market New Year Zone
-Southern Taiwan’s largest night market with special New Year pop-up stalls
📍 Location: Section 3, Hai’an Road, North District, Tainan
Kaohsiung
Sanfeng Central Street New Year Market
-Kaohsiung’s biggest and most traditional New Year market
-Specializes in southern Taiwan’s dried seafood, cured meats, and affordable festive goodies
📍 Location: Sanfeng Central Street, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung
Ruifeng Night Market New Year Zone
-Convenient spot for picking up festive gifts in the middle of a bustling night market
📍 Location: Yucheng Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung
Other Cities
Yilan Dongmen Night Market New Year Zone
⭐ Specialties: Yilan pastries, ox tongue biscuits, smoked duck
Hualien Dongdamen Night Market New Year Zone
⭐ Specialties: Hualien’s unique indigenous flavors blended with New Year treats
Taitung Zhengqi Road New Year Market
⭐ Specialties: Aboriginal-inspired New Year delicacies and local farm products
Final Tips
Thinking of checking out a New Year market? Here are some handy tips! The busiest time is usually the two weeks leading up to Lunar New Year, with the peak right before New Year’s Eve. Since parking can be a nightmare, it’s best to take public transportation whenever possible. Also, make a shopping list beforehand—it’s easy to get caught up in the festive buzz and end up overspending on impulse buys!
If traditional New Year festivities aren’t your thing, don’t worry—there are plenty of other great activities in November and December that are just as enjoyable in January! The chilly weather makes it the perfect time for hot spring baths, scenic night views, and winter comfort food. Plus, while December still carries that Christmas vibe, January is when the Lunar New Year spirit really kicks in, making it a more immersive experience for visitors looking to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Oh, and one last thing—Taiwan can get pretty chilly in January, so don’t forget to bundle up and stay warm!
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