Expat Topics
Best Time to Move to Taiwan (2026)
Seasonal planning guide — weather, visa timing, rental markets & expert tips
Last updated: March 2026
The best time to move to Taiwan is October – December. Subtropical. Taipei: humid (15°C winter, 35°C summer, heavy rain). Taichung: drier, milder. South: tropical. Typhoon risk June–October. Avoid moving during June – September (typhoon season + extreme humidity) if possible.
October – December
June – September (typhoon season + extreme humidity)
Taiwan Climate Overview
Subtropical. Taipei: humid (15°C winter, 35°C summer, heavy rain). Taichung: drier, milder. South: tropical. Typhoon risk June–October.
Season-by-Season Guide
Autumn (Oct–Dec)
18–28°C
- Best time to arrive — comfortable, dry, beautiful
- Typhoon season ending in November
- Good time for Gold Card visa applications
Winter (Jan–Mar)
12–20°C
- Taipei: damp and chilly (12–18°C) but not harsh
- Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb) — biggest cultural event
- Rents slightly lower in winter months
Spring (Apr–May)
20–28°C
- Pleasant but plum rain season starts in May
- Cherry blossoms in Yangmingshan
- Good time for apartment hunting before summer rush
Summer (Jun–Sep)
27–36°C
- Extreme heat + humidity + typhoons — worst time to move
- July–August: schools out, some rental turnover
- Night markets and mango season are highlights
Visa & Immigration
Gold Card: open work permit for skilled professionals, processes in 30–90 days, valid 1–3 years. No employer needed. Taiwan is extremely welcoming to tech talent. Tourist: 90 days visa-free for most nationalities.
Rental Market
Taipei (Da'an) 1-bed: NT$18,000–30,000 (€500–850). Taichung: NT$10,000–18,000. Tainan: NT$8,000–14,000. Furnished apartments common. 591.com.tw for listings.
Taiwan Relocation Timeline
Research Taiwan visa options and residency pathways. Consult an immigration lawyer. Start gathering documents (apostilles, translations, police clearances).
Submit your Taiwan visa application. Arrange international health insurance. Open a multi-currency bank account (Wise, Revolut). Start learning the local language.
Book temporary accommodation in Taiwan for your first 2–4 weeks. Arrange international shipping if needed. Downsize and sell belongings. Get apostilles on remaining documents.
Book flights to Taiwan. Set up mail forwarding. Cancel local subscriptions and memberships. Download offline maps and translation apps.
Get a local SIM card. Open a local bank account. Register with local authorities. Explore neighborhoods before signing a long-term lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to move to Taiwan?
The best months to move to Taiwan are October – December. Subtropical. Taipei: humid (15°C winter, 35°C summer, heavy rain). Taichung: drier, milder. South: tropical. Typhoon risk June–October.
What visa do I need for Taiwan?
Gold Card: open work permit for skilled professionals, processes in 30–90 days, valid 1–3 years. No employer needed. Taiwan is extremely welcoming to tech talent. Tourist: 90 days visa-free for most nationalities.
How much does rent cost in Taiwan?
Taipei (Da'an) 1-bed: NT$18,000–30,000 (€500–850). Taichung: NT$10,000–18,000. Tainan: NT$8,000–14,000. Furnished apartments common. 591.com.tw for listings.
When should I avoid moving to Taiwan?
Try to avoid moving during June – September (typhoon season + extreme humidity). This is typically the most challenging period due to weather extremes, peak pricing, or administrative slowdowns.