Things to Do in Taoyuan in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Taoyuan
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration - 15-19°C (59-66°F) means you can actually walk around Daxi Old Street or cycle the riverside paths without overheating, unlike the brutal summer months when locals avoid midday entirely
- Minimal rainfall with quick recovery - those 10 rainy days typically bring brief showers averaging just 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) total for the month, so you might get caught for 15-20 minutes but rarely lose a whole day to weather
- Lower tourist volumes at major sites - December falls outside Taiwan's peak domestic travel periods (summer vacation and Lunar New Year), so you'll find shorter lines at Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum and easier reservations at popular restaurants in Zhongli Night Market
- Clear mountain visibility for day trips - the cooler, drier air means you'll actually see the surrounding mountains from places like Hutoushan Park, which tend to disappear into haze during warmer months, making it ideal for photography and hiking the 500 m (1,640 ft) elevation trails
Considerations
- Cooler evenings require layering strategy - that 15°C (59°F) low feels surprisingly chilly when combined with 70% humidity and wind, especially at outdoor night markets after 8pm, so you'll need more than just a t-shirt despite the mild daytime temps
- Limited beach weather if you're combining coastal trips - while Taoyuan itself is pleasant, nearby coastal areas like Guanyin or竹圍 feel genuinely cold for swimming or water activities in December, which might disappoint travelers expecting year-round beach access
- Unpredictable drizzle patterns disrupt planning - those 10 rainy days are scattered randomly throughout the month rather than following predictable afternoon patterns, so you might wake up to grey skies on the day you planned outdoor activities with no real way to anticipate it
Best Activities in December
Daxi Old Street Heritage Walking
December's cooler temps make this the ideal month for exploring Daxi's baroque-style shophouses and traditional craft workshops without the oppressive heat. The 15-19°C (59-66°F) range means you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours wandering the historic district, popping into wood carving studios and temple courtyards. The lower humidity also means better photo conditions - those ornate facades really pop under December's clearer skies. Weekday mornings (9-11am) are quietest, with tour groups typically arriving after lunch.
Shimen Reservoir Cycling Routes
The 17 km (10.6 miles) lakeside cycling path is genuinely pleasant in December - you'll avoid the summer heat and the occasional light drizzle actually makes the forested sections more atmospheric. The reservoir's water levels tend to be stable this time of year, and visibility across the lake is excellent on clear days. Most cyclists complete the full loop in 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace, with multiple rest stops offering lake views. Rental shops cluster near the main entrance and stay open 8am-6pm.
Taoyuan Night Market Food Tours
December evenings at Zhongli or Zhongping night markets are actually more comfortable than summer - you'll still get that warm, humid food stall atmosphere but without the sweat-dripping-into-your-noodles experience. The cooler weather means locals linger longer, creating better energy after 7pm. This is prime season for hot pot ingredients and warming soups that vendors emphasize in winter menus. Budget NT$300-500 for a serious eating session hitting 6-8 stalls.
Hutoushan Environmental Park Hiking
The 500 m (1,640 ft) elevation trails are perfect in December's 15-19°C (59-66°F) temps - you'll actually enjoy the climb to the observation deck without overheating. December's lower humidity means clearer views across the Taoyuan plateau and toward Taipei 101 on exceptionally clear days. The forested sections stay comfortable even during midday, and you'll encounter more local hikers than tourists. Allow 2-3 hours for the main loop trail.
Taoyuan Arts and Cultural Center Events
December typically brings the winter performance season, with the cultural center hosting concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions in climate-controlled comfort - perfect for those occasional rainy evenings. The programming tends toward year-end celebrations and holiday-themed performances. Shows usually run 90-120 minutes with English subtitles for major productions. This gives you a window into contemporary Taiwanese arts that most international visitors miss.
Lala Mountain Day Trips
December brings occasional frost to this 1,600 m (5,249 ft) mountain area about 90 minutes from Taoyuan, creating a completely different climate experience with temps around 8-12°C (46-54°F). The ancient cypress forest trails are less crowded than autumn peak season, and you might catch morning mist creating atmospheric conditions through the giant trees. Worth noting that weather can shift quickly at this elevation, so morning departures work best.
December Events & Festivals
Taoyuan Year-End Shopping Festival
Major shopping districts around Taoyuan Station and Zhongli typically run promotional events throughout December, with extended hours, street performances, and discount campaigns as retailers clear inventory before Lunar New Year. Not a formal festival with set programming, but the commercial energy ramps up noticeably. Evening hours (6-9pm) see the most activity with food vendors and live music in pedestrian zones.
Winter Solstice Temple Celebrations
Around December 21st, local temples hold traditional winter solstice observances with tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) offerings and family gatherings. Temples like Jingguo Temple and Daxi Puji Temple see increased activity with locals making offerings. Worth experiencing if you're interested in everyday Taiwanese folk religion rather than tourist-oriented festivals - very local, very authentic, minimal English but welcoming atmosphere.