September is a moderate tourism season in Taiwan. It’s hot, with a risk of heatstroke in the afternoons. It’s also peak typhoon season, so heavy rain and travel disruptions are possible. If a typhoon hits, expect a day or two of delays. On stormy days, indoor activities are your best bet.
For sea lovers, it’s a good time to explore Taiwan. The weather is hot, the sea is warm, and it's a great time for beaches, night markets, and dolphin watching.
Most years, you can also experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in September, which is a public holiday.
Weather Averages in September:
- Temperature range: 25–32°C (77–89°F)
- Total rain: 24 cm (9 inches)
- Rainy days: 10
- Humidity: 77%
- Sunshine hours/day: 6 hours
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- September Climate Comparison
- The Best Things to Do in Taiwan in September
- Typhoon Season Tips
- What to Wear in September
- Recommended Tours for Taiwan in September
September Climate Comparison (Averages) for Taiwan’s Top Tourism Areas
September in Taiwan is hot and humid, with regional differences. The north (Taipei) is prone to typhoons, though temperatures cool by month’s end. The south (Tainan) stays very hot, with sweltering humidity. The east (Hualien) sees the most rain and is the first to be hit by typhoons. The west (Taiwan Strait) is drier than the east, with high humidity and strong sun, especially in the Penghu Islands. Expect limited shade and a risk of heatstroke.
Taiwan city/area | Daily High | Daily Low | Rain |
---|---|---|---|
Taipei (NORTH) | 32°C (90°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 34 cm (13 in) |
Tainan (SOUTH) | 33°C (91°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 17 cm (7 in) |
Hualien (EAST) | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 33 cm (13 in) |
Penghu Islands (WEST) | 31°C (88°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 cm (4 in) |
The Best Things to Do in Taiwan in September
1. See the Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations
In September, one of the biggest Chinese public holidays of the year, Mid-Autumn Festival usually occurs (it’s October 6 in 2025 but September 25 in 2026). It is a harvest and full moon festival. Like Thanksgiving, food and family reunion are the highlight. Most businesses and schools close for the public holiday.
Mooncakes are one of the favorite foods, they’re like thick cookies or small cakes. There are a variety of kinds of mooncakes. A favorite kind is like small fruitcakes made with nuts. They will be on sale in the run up to Mid-Autumn 2025. Unlike in an American Thanksgiving, Taiwanese families are likely to go out in the warm evening to see the full moon and have some barbecue.

Taiwanese like playing with fireworks and watching fireworks shows. In the big cities, you can usually watch a Mid-Autumn firework show in September if the weather permits. They decorate with lit lanterns, too.
2. Enjoy Taiwan’s Best Beaches
In September, Taiwan's best beaches and beach resorts are still basking in heat and bright sunshine. The Penghu islands has some of the best beaches.
The seas are warm for swimming in too. The seas at the best beach areas have temperatures over 29°C (84°F). In September, the seas will likely be comfortable for elderly people and young children during the afternoons. In September, the high 80% humidity makes the high temperature feel like 42°C (108°F) during the day. Be careful about heatstroke.
3. Go to the Night Markets
The Mid-Autumn Festival makes night markets even more exciting, with festive foods, gifts, fireworks, and pleasant weather. Every city has night markets where you can try street food and shop for souvenirs.
September days are hot, but evenings cool down—perfect for exploring night markets. In Tainan, rainfall drops sharply from August, making nights even more enjoyable. The Garden Night Market is a must-visit.
In Taipei, top night markets like Shilin and Ningxia Night Market get busier around the festival. If you're visiting the famous skyscraper Taipei 101 Tower, stop by Tonghua Night Market which is just nearby.

4. Watch Dolphins and Whales
September is the end of the dolphin watching season in the sea off Hualien. For seeing dolphins, Hualien is one of the best places in Asia and perhaps the whole world. You could go out in boat tours that last about 2 or 3 hours to see dolphins and whales.
In September, Hualien is still quite hot during the day while the cooling wind on a boat or by the seaside reduces the wet-bulb heat effect.
Jici Beach, about 30 minutes south of Hualien, is a sandy beach enjoyed by many for swimming and sunbathing.
Hualien gets 5 hours of direct sunshine daily on average. If you are out in the sunshine, especially if you are out in a boat, it is important to cover your skin and wear a sunhat. This helps you avoid heatstroke and sunburn in the afternoons.
We recommend our 4-Day Scenic Tour To Yilan and Hualien. Hualien is one of the best destinations for September. It has the best dolphin-watching location. Taroko Gorge is only 30 minutes away by vehicle.
5.Attend the Taipei Jazz Festival
The Taipei Jazz Festival is a popular event bringing jazz musicians from east and west together at various venues in August and September. They play at places such as the Riverside Red House Theater Performance Hall in Gongguan and Da’an Park.
Typhoon Season Tips
A September typhoon is common. Businesses and schools might close. Check the weather reports because when they arrive, there will be a lot of weather alerts and safety tips.
In the event of a typhoon: Stay safe in your hotel or good shelter and rebook transportation (or let China Highlights do it). The storm should pass in a day or two. You could go to the big city museums such as the National Palace Museum in Taipei during stormy weather.
What to Wear in September
Bring rain protection and summer clothing. In September, you should still cover your skin with light and breathable clothing. There is still high UV radiation.
Wear a sunhat and drink plenty of liquids. It will help to prevent heatstroke. Try to stay out of direct sunshine.
Here is a packing list for a few essentials in Taiwan:
- Sneakers, running shoes, or sandals. Some people say Crocs are suited for the wet and humid weather.
- Beach sandals
- Poncho or umbrella
- T-shirts and shorts or thin cotton blouses.
- Thin long-sleeved cotton shirts and trousers or long skirts
- Sun hat
- Swimwear
- Polarized glasses for the glare
Recommended Tours for Taiwan in September
The 1-Day Private Taipei City Tour with Michelin Star Lunch is a great option for an expertly-arranged day tour with meals. This is good during a layover at the Taipei International Airport or when visiting the city. Your guide would meet you at the airport with comfortable private transportation. Or check out other itineraries:
- 7-Day Classic Taiwan Tour— Visit Taiwan's most scenic places, such as Jiufen Gold Rush Town, Sun Moon Lake, Puli Town, and Alishan.
- More Taiwan Tour Packages
You can specify the tour details, such as the kind of restaurant, the vehicle, and the attractions to visit. We will make the best of Taiwan's weather, highlights, and what you specify. Let us know your tour goals and interests by contacting us to inquire about a tour.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Taiwan
January | February | March | April |
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May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
For a summary, see The Best Times to Visit Taiwan.