You've probably heard that Taiwan is a tropical paradise where it's summer all year long. Honestly, if you pack nothing but tank tops and flip-flops for a January trip to Taipei, you’re going to have a bad time.
The weather forecast for Taiwan right now is a bit of a trickster. As of mid-January 2026, we’re seeing a massive split between the north and the south that feels like two different countries. While people in Kaohsiung are basking in 27°C (80°F) sunshine, those of us in the north are currently dealing with "radiative cooling" and a damp chill that gets right into your bones.
The North-South Divide is Real
Taiwan is small, but its geography is aggressive.
The Central Mountain Range basically acts as a giant wall. In the winter, the northeast monsoon blows in from the ocean, hits the northern coast, and just sits there. This is why Taipei gets that famous "grey blanket" sky.
Current Snapshot: January 15, 2026
If you check the Central Weather Administration (CWA) today, you’ll see a "yellow" cold surge advisory for places like Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli.
- Taipei and the North: Highs around 23°C (73°F), but dropping fast to 12°C (54°F) at night.
- The South (Kaohsiung/Kenting): Highs hitting 28°C (82°F). It's basically beach weather.
- The Mountains (Alishan): It actually snowed here last week for the first time in seven years. If you're heading up for sunrise, it's hovering near 0°C (32°F).
Radiative cooling is the term the local forecasters are obsessed with right now. Basically, because the skies are clear in the west, all the heat from the ground escapes into space the second the sun goes down.
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The result?
A 15-degree temperature swing in a single day. You’ll be sweating in a sweater at 2 PM and shivering in a coat by 8 PM.
Why "15 Degrees" Feels Like Freezing
Here is something nobody talks about: Taiwan has zero insulation.
Back in the States or Europe, 13°C (55°F) is a brisk autumn day. In a Taipei apartment with tile floors, concrete walls, and no central heating, it feels like living inside a refrigerator.
Humidity is the culprit.
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When the air is 80% saturated, the cold "clings" to you. I’ve seen tourists from Canada complain they’ve never felt colder than during a wet January week in northern Taiwan. It’s a damp, heavy cold that makes a hot bowl of beef noodle soup feel like a medical necessity rather than a meal.
What’s Coming Next Week?
According to CWA forecaster Cheng Chieh-jen, the "stable" weather we're seeing right now isn't going to last.
A strong continental cold air mass is slated to barrel down on Tuesday, January 20th. This isn't just a "cool breeze." We’re looking at temperatures nationwide taking a dive. Even the sunny south will feel the bite.
Also, keep an eye on the Philippines. There’s a tropical depression (TD01) that might turn into Tropical Storm Nokaen. While it’s likely to stay east and not hit us directly, these systems often mess with the moisture levels. It could mean more rain for the windward side—Keelung and Yilan—over the next few days.
Winter Rain Patterns
Rain in Taiwan during January isn't usually the "tropical downpour" variety. It’s more of a persistent, fine mist.
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- Keelung/Yilan: Expect rain 19 days out of the month.
- Taichung: Almost bone-dry.
- Hualien: Unpredictable. Clouds get trapped against the cliffs.
The Best Way to Handle the Taiwan Weather Forecast
If you’re traveling here this month, "onion layering" is the only way to survive.
You need a windproof outer shell. Taiwan is windy, especially in the coastal areas and Hsinchu (the "Windy City"). A light Uniqlo-style down vest is the unofficial national uniform for a reason—it’s easy to shove in a bag when the sun comes out.
Don't ignore the UV index either. Even when it’s 18°C, the sun at this latitude is strong. I’ve seen plenty of people get sunburnt at Sun Moon Lake because they thought the "cool" air meant the sun wasn't biting.
Pro Tip: Download the "W-生活氣象" app (the official CWA app). It has the most accurate micro-climates. Google Weather often generalizes "Taiwan" based on Taipei, which is useless if you're actually in Tainan.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Check the "Windward" side: If you're going to Jiufen or Yilan, pack a real raincoat, not just a tiny umbrella. The wind will break a cheap umbrella in seconds.
- Book a Hot Spring: If the forecast shows a cold front (like the one coming next Tuesday), head to Beitou or Wulai. It’s the best way to reset your body temperature.
- Watch for Fog: If you’re driving south of Taoyuan in the early morning, the "radiative cooling" creates thick fog. Visibility can drop to near zero on the highland sections of the highway.
- Monitor the Tropical Depression: Even if it doesn't hit, it usually causes "large waves" on the east coast (Hualien/Taitung). Stay off the seawalls if the CWA issues a warning.
The weather here is a mood. It’s messy, localized, and changes every 40 kilometers. But if you respect the divide between the north and south, you’ll find that January is actually one of the best times to be here—just keep that extra layer handy.
Check the CWA website daily for the "Three-Day Forecast" which is updated every six hours. If you see a "Strong Continental Cold Air Mass" warning, that's your cue to find the nearest hot pot restaurant and stay there until the sun comes back out.