Things to Do in Taoyuan in December

December Weather in Taoyuan

21°C (70°F) High Temp

7°C (45°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with cool temperatures of 7-21°C (45-70°F) - ideal for Daxi Tea Plantation trails and Shimen Reservoir walks without overheating
Peak hot spring season - December's cool air creates the perfect contrast for soaking in natural thermal waters, with minimal crowds at weekday locations
Crystal clear skies on dry days offer spectacular views of Taipei 101 from elevated viewpoints, with visibility extending 30+ km (18+ miles)
Traditional winter festivals and temple celebrations are in full swing, including authentic fire ceremonies that locals attend but tourists rarely discover

Considerations

Significant temperature swings require layered clothing - mornings can be 7°C (45°F) while afternoons reach 21°C (70°F), catching unprepared visitors off guard
Light but persistent drizzle on 10+ days makes outdoor photography challenging and requires waterproof gear for electronics
Many rooftop bars and outdoor night markets have reduced hours or close early due to cooler evening temperatures dropping to single digits

Best Activities in December

Daxi Old Street and Tea Plantation Hiking

December's cool, crisp air transforms the usually sweltering tea plantation trails into comfortable 3-4 hour hikes. Morning temperatures of 7-10°C (45-50°F) are perfect for uphill climbs, while afternoon warmth of 18-21°C (64-70°F) makes tea tastings pleasant. Local tea farmers are harvesting winter oolong, offering authentic farm-to-cup experiences unavailable in warmer months.

Booking Tip: Book guided tea plantation tours 5-7 days ahead during December's harvest season. Prices typically range ฿1,800-2,800 for half-day experiences including transportation and tastings. Look for tours that include both historical Daxi walking and plantation hiking components.

Natural Hot Springs Circuit Tours

December is peak season for Taoyuan's lesser-known hot springs around Fuxing District. Cool 7°C (45°F) morning air creates dramatic steam effects and makes the 38-42°C (100-108°F) thermal waters incredibly therapeutic. Weekday visits have 70% fewer crowds than summer months, with authentic local bathing culture on full display.

Booking Tip: Reserve hot spring resort day passes 3-5 days ahead, typically ฿800-1,500 per person including basic meals. Private spring rentals run ฿2,000-4,000 for 2-hour slots. Choose morning sessions (9am-11am) for best temperatures and minimal crowds.

Shimen Reservoir Cycling and Photography Tours

Cool December weather eliminates the summer heat that makes reservoir cycling unbearable. Clear winter skies provide exceptional photography conditions with 25+ km (15+ miles) visibility toward Taipei skyline. The 15 km (9.3 miles) perimeter route becomes comfortable in 18-21°C (64-70°F) afternoon temperatures, with stunning golden hour lighting at 5pm.

Booking Tip: Rent e-bikes locally for ฿300-500 per day rather than booking expensive guided tours. Photography workshops focusing on winter reservoir landscapes typically cost ฿2,200-3,500 and book up 10-14 days ahead due to optimal lighting conditions.

Traditional Temple Festival Experiences

December marks several important local temple celebrations that tourists rarely witness. Cool evening temperatures make traditional fire ceremonies comfortable to attend, while morning temple visits at 6am showcase authentic daily worship practices in 7°C (45°F) crisp air. Local families participate in winter blessing rituals unavailable during tourist-heavy months.

Booking Tip: Cultural temple tours with local guides cost ฿1,200-2,000 for 3-4 hour experiences. Book through community cultural centers rather than commercial operators for authentic access to active ceremonies. Evening fire ceremonies require advance arrangement through temple committees.

Agricultural Farm Stay Experiences

Winter harvest season in December offers hands-on agricultural experiences impossible in other months. Cool morning temperatures of 7-12°C (45-54°F) make farm work comfortable, while afternoon activities at 18-21°C (64-70°F) include traditional food preservation techniques. Local farmers welcome visitors during slower tourist season with authentic cultural exchange opportunities.

Booking Tip: Farm stays typically cost ฿2,500-4,200 per night including meals and activities. Book directly with farming communities 2-3 weeks ahead, as December is harvest season with limited availability. Look for experiences including traditional food preparation and seasonal crop learning.

Aviation Museum and Airport Observation Tours

Cool, clear December weather provides exceptional aircraft spotting conditions with minimal heat haze affecting photography. The 3°C (37°F) UV index eliminates harsh summer glare that ruins airport observation experiences. Indoor museum sections become comfortable refuges during the 10 light rain days typical in December.

Booking Tip: Airport observation area access costs ฿200-400 per person with advance booking recommended on weekends. Aviation museum combination tickets run ฿600-900 including special exhibitions. Photography tours focusing on winter aviation conditions book 7-10 days ahead at ฿1,800-2,600.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Daxi Toyama Park Plum Blossom Festival

Early plum blossoms begin blooming in late December, creating photography opportunities and traditional flower viewing experiences. Local families gather for winter picnics among the blossoms, offering cultural immersion opportunities rarely seen by tourists.

Mid to Late December

Traditional Winter Solstice Temple Ceremonies

Local temples conduct special blessing ceremonies for the winter solstice around December 21st. These intimate community gatherings include traditional foods, ceremonial fires, and local family participation providing authentic cultural experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack thermal base layer for 7°C (45°F) mornings, light sweater for midday, and breathable t-shirt for 21°C (70°F) afternoon peaks

Waterproof phone case mandatory - 10 rainy days with light drizzle will damage electronics during outdoor photography and hiking activities

Comfortable hiking boots with good grip - tea plantation trails become slippery during December's frequent light rain, causing falls on steep sections

Compact umbrella rather than rain jacket - December's light drizzle is manageable with umbrella while maintaining temperature flexibility for changing conditions

SPF 30+ sunscreen still necessary - UV index of 3 combined with reflection off wet surfaces and high altitude locations can cause unexpected burns

Power bank rated for cold weather - December temperatures can drain phone batteries 40% faster during outdoor photography sessions

Quick-dry pants essential - moisture from morning dew and light rain takes hours to dry in 70% humidity conditions

Thermal socks for early morning activities - 7°C (45°F) temperatures make regular cotton socks uncomfortable during 6am temple visits and sunrise photography

Light wool or fleece jacket - perfect middle layer for temperature transitions between indoor hot springs and outdoor cool air

Waterproof daypack - essential for protecting cameras, snacks, and extra clothing during hiking and cycling activities in changeable weather

Insider Knowledge

Local tea farmers offer private tastings at 7am when morning mist creates magical atmosphere - ask at Daxi market stalls the day before for authentic experiences tourists never find

Taoyuan MRT offers special December heating in stations but not trains - dress for outdoor temperatures during 15-minute journeys between destinations

Hot spring facilities charge 30% less on weekday mornings in December due to low tourist demand - Monday through Thursday 9am-12pm offers best value and authentic local atmosphere

Traditional markets open earlier in December (5:30am vs summer 7am) as vendors adapt to comfortable cool temperatures - experience authentic local breakfast culture before tourist areas wake up

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for mild weather - tourists underestimate 7°C (45°F) morning temperatures and suffer during early temple visits and sunrise activities without proper layers

Booking outdoor activities for late afternoon - while temperatures peak at 21°C (70°F), light drizzle often begins around 4pm, ruining photography and hiking plans

Assuming hot springs will be crowded - December is actually low season for thermal facilities, but tourists book expensive weekend slots instead of peaceful weekday morning sessions