Traveling to Taiwan in December

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Are you wondering whether December in Taiwan is truly worth experiencing? This is the time when the island dresses itself in a romantic atmosphere, mild weather, and numerous colorful festivals that international tourists cannot miss. Amid the gentle winter scenery, brightly lit streets, and lively New Year events, Taiwan becomes the perfect destination for a winter trip. Let’s explore what traveling to Taiwan in December is like with iVISA.

Why Travel to Taiwan in December?

When is the ideal time to experience Taiwan? The answer is December. During this month, average temperatures range from 15 – 20°C, providing a comfortable yet slightly chilly winter atmosphere. Unlike many other cold destinations in Asia, Taiwan maintains a pleasant climate suitable for sightseeing, exploring, and enjoying festivals.

Major cities such as Taipei and New Taipei become even more dazzling with sparkling lights, bustling markets, and numerous New Year celebrations, creating spaces that are both lively and romantic. Thanks to the pleasant weather, reasonable costs, and convenient entry procedures, traveling to Taiwan in December has become a top choice for many Vietnamese tourists in recent years.

Opportunities to Experience Unique Festivals

Taiwan increasingly confirms its position as a top destination for international travelers, especially in winter. In 2024, the island welcomed over 7.85 million visitors, a 21% increase compared to the previous year. By the first half of 2025 alone, the number had surpassed 4.19 million, demonstrating Taiwan’s strong appeal during the year-end travel season.

One of the reasons traveling to Taiwan in December is attractive is the spectacular light and fireworks festivals, such as Christmasland in New Taipei featuring a stunning 3D-Mapping light show, or the Taipei 101 Countdown, regarded as one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in Asia.

In addition, locations like Alishan and Hehuanshan offer the rare experience of snowfall. Although the probability is only around 20%, the snowy landscapes and crisp winter air certainly create unforgettable memories. The combination of lively festivals, romantic nature, and unique experiences makes traveling to Taiwan in December both vibrant and enchanting, ensuring every moment is memorable.

Read more: What Items Are Prohibited from Bringing into Taiwan?

Advantages Compared to Summer and Culinary Experiences

Compared to the hot and humid summer, with temperatures averaging 30 – 35°C accompanied by sudden rain, December offers a pleasant experience with temperatures ranging from 15 – 20°C. This weather is ideal for traveling, sightseeing, and taking outdoor photos.

Moreover, travel costs in December are usually 15 – 20% lower than during the summer peak. Airfares, hotels, and tour packages become more affordable, allowing you to enjoy a full trip without overspending.

December is also the perfect time to enjoy Taiwan’s famous winter dishes. You can savor hot spicy hotpots, rich beef noodles, or grilled delicacies at bustling night markets. The combination of pleasant weather, reasonable costs, and delicious food makes traveling to Taiwan in December the perfect choice.

Taiwan’s December Weather by Region

Weather is always an important factor when planning a self-guided trip to Taiwan. If you plan to visit in December, what kind of clothing should you prepare? Below is a summary of temperatures and weather conditions by region provided by iVISA:

Region	Temperature (°C)	Notes
Taipei	14 – 20	Cold in early morning and evening; bring warm jackets and comfortable shoes
Alishan	4 – 10	Snow possible; wear thermal clothing and gloves
Kaohsiung	18 – 25	Warmer weather; suitable for those not used to the cold
Nantou – Hehuanshan	0 – 8	Temperature drops sharply at night; wear multiple layers

In December, temperatures vary significantly between day and night, especially in high mountain regions. Therefore, travelers should prepare warm clothing and non-slip shoes if planning to chase snow.

Additionally, the dry winter weather makes moisturizer, lip balm, and saline solution essential items. These are important tips for first-time visitors to Taiwan to prevent dry skin and chapped lips and to fully enjoy the trip.

Read more: What Do You Need for Traveling to Taiwan?

Taiwan Visa Procedures and Airfares in December for Vietnamese Travelers

When planning a trip to Taiwan in December, many tourists are concerned about visa procedures. One key thing to Taiwan is that Vietnamese citizens can apply for a Taiwan eVisa, making entry faster and more convenient.

The basic documents required for an eVisa include:

Passport valid for at least 6 months
Passport-sized photo
Round-trip flight information
Detailed travel itinerary
Financial statements

Air tickets to Taiwan in December are also easy to book in advance. You can consider airlines like Vietjet Air, China Airlines, or EVA Air, with round-trip prices ranging from 4 – 8 million VND. It is recommended to book tickets 30 – 45 days in advance to avoid price increases during the year-end peak season.

To minimize risks, save time, and ensure a 100% accurate visa application, contact iVISA for full A – Z support for your Taiwan tourist visa.

Transportation and Top Places to Visit in Taiwan in December

When planning a December trip to Taiwan, besides choosing the right time and preparing a visa, transportation and itinerary planning are crucial for a complete experience. December offers a cool atmosphere, romantic scenery, and vibrant festivals, so you will want to make the most of each day to experience the island’s culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.

Domestic Transportation in Taiwan

Taiwan is famous for its modern public transport system, which is convenient for self-guided travelers. The THSR high-speed train is the fastest way to travel between major cities:

Route	Price (TWD)	Travel Time
Taipei – Taichung	700 – 800	40 min
Taipei – Kaohsiung	1300 – 1500	90 min

When staying in cities like Taipei or Kaohsiung, you can use an EasyCard to access MRT, buses, and even some convenience stores. This option is popular among tourists for its convenience and transparency.

Additionally, a 4G/5G SIM card helps you check Google Maps, public transport, and hourly weather forecasts. A 7-day SIM typically costs around 300,000 VND and can be booked in advance through travel platforms.

Top Must-Visit Locations in December

December brings a pleasant winter atmosphere and colorful festivals, making Taiwan an attractive destination. Visitors can enjoy the city lights while exploring rare snowy mountains. Notable destinations for a December itinerary include:

Destination	Region	Admission Fee
Christmasland	New Taipei	Free
Taipei 101 Countdown	Taipei	Free
Hehuanshan	Nantou	200 TWD
Alishan	Chiayi	200 – 300 TWD
Sun Moon Lake	Nantou	200 – 300 TWD
Shilin Night Market	Taipei	Varies by item

Taiwanese Cuisine in December

Food is always the soul of every journey, and when traveling to Taiwan in December, it becomes one of the experiences that leaves the deepest impression on visitors. The cool year-end weather makes it the perfect time to fully enjoy Taiwan’s diverse and flavorful cuisine.

The local food culture is best reflected in its vibrant night markets such as Shilin, Raohe, and Liuhe. The lively atmosphere, warm yellow lights, and irresistible aroma of street food make you feel as if you have stepped into a familiar scene from Meteor Garden or a Mandarin music video filmed in Taipei.

Signature Taiwanese Dishes You Must Try

Dish	Description
Mala Spicy Hotpot	A signature Taiwanese hotpot famous for its numbing spiciness from Sichuan peppercorns and rich, flavorful broth. Enjoying a steaming pot of Mala hotpot in the chilly December weather is truly heart-warming.
Taipei Beef Noodles	Considered an icon of Taiwanese cuisine, this dish features a slow-cooked broth, tender beef, and a deeply traditional flavor. A hot bowl of beef noodles on a cold day is an experience you cannot miss.
Taiwanese Pineapple Cake	A beloved specialty in Taiwan’s culinary culture, known for its buttery crust and naturally sweet-tart pineapple filling. It is not only delicious but also a thoughtful gift for family and friends.
Bubble Milk Tea	Taiwan is the birthplace of bubble tea. This drink stands out with its strong tea base, chewy fresh tapioca pearls, and unforgettable aroma. You can only experience its authentic flavor when drinking it directly in Taiwan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Taiwan in December

Does it snow in Taiwan in December?

Snow is not as common as in European countries but can appear in high mountain areas such as Hehuanshan or Alishan. The probability of snow in December is around 20 – 30%, depending on the year’s weather conditions. If you want to chase snow, monitor forecasts, and prepare thermal jackets, gloves, scarves, and non-slip shoes.

Is Taiwan very cold in December?

In December, average temperatures in Taipei range from 14 – 20°C, while high mountain areas like Hehuanshan drop to 0 – 8°C. The weather is cold and dry, especially in the early morning and evening. Travelers should wear layered clothing, scarves, gloves, and non-slip shoes to stay healthy.

Is traveling to Taiwan in December more expensive than other seasons?

Travel costs in December are slightly higher than the low season due to year-end festivals, Christmasland, and the Taipei 101 countdown attracting many visitors. However, a 5-day self-guided trip in December typically costs around 18 – 20 million VND per person. Booking flights 30 – 45 days in advance can still save a significant amount.

Where can you see snow from Taipei in December?

From Taipei, visitors can go to Hehuanshan or Alishan to experience snow:

Hehuanshan: Over 3,000m high, the most popular snow-chasing destination for international tourists.
Alishan: Famous for its beautiful natural scenery, especially sunrise and winter forest views. Snowfall or dense fog creates a poetic, mysterious, and peaceful atmosphere.

December is the best time to fully experience Taiwan’s winter. With the suggested destinations and itinerary above, you can make your trip complete and unforgettable. If you are planning a winter trip to Taiwan, prepare your documents early and contact iVISA for Taiwan tourist visa support. With iVISA, your journey to Taiwan will be smooth and hassle-free.

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