Things to Do in Taoyuan in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Taoyuan
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Cool, comfortable temperatures averaging 16°C (61°F) make this the absolute best month for outdoor activities - you can actually walk around during midday without melting, which is rare for Taiwan. Locals call this the sweet spot before spring humidity kicks in.
- Minimal rainfall with only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) expected means you'll rarely deal with the torrential downpours that define summer months. Those 10 rainy days are typically brief morning drizzles that clear by noon, not day-ruining storms.
- Post-New Year pricing drops significantly after January 5th - hotels in downtown Taoyuan run 30-40% cheaper than December peak rates, while still offering pleasant weather. You're essentially getting high-season conditions at shoulder-season prices.
- Chinese New Year preparations create fascinating cultural experiences throughout the month - traditional markets overflow with decorations, specialty foods appear that you won't find other times of year, and the energy in temples noticeably intensifies as locals prepare for the biggest holiday.
Considerations
- January weather in northern Taiwan is genuinely unpredictable - that 70% humidity combined with variable conditions means you might get three sunny days followed by two overcast and drizzly ones. Pack layers because morning temperatures at 13°C (55°F) feel surprisingly cold in the dampness, even though it sounds mild on paper.
- If Chinese New Year falls in January 2026 (it's actually January 29th), the final week becomes chaotic - transportation books solid, many restaurants close for 3-5 days, and locals flood tourist sites. Prices spike 50-100% during the actual holiday week, completely erasing the usual January savings.
- Mountain areas like Lalashan can drop to 5-8°C (41-46°F) with occasional frost, which catches tropical-climate travelers off guard. The temperature difference between coastal Taoyuan and highland areas is more dramatic in January than any other month.
Best Activities in January
Daxi Old Street Cultural Walking
January's cool weather makes this the ideal month to explore Daxi's historic baroque-style streets without the summer sweat factor. The 2 km (1.2 miles) of pedestrian lanes feel genuinely comfortable at 16-19°C (61-66°F), and the lower humidity means better photo conditions - those ornate building facades really pop in the crisp air. Local traditional snack vendors are out in full force preparing for New Year, so you'll find seasonal specialties like niangao (sticky rice cake) and turnip cakes that aren't as prominent other months. The area gets moderately busy on weekends but nothing like spring cherry blossom season.
Lalashan Forest Reserve Hiking
The giant cypress trees in this 1,500-2,000 m (4,920-6,560 ft) elevation reserve are spectacular in January when crisp, clear days offer visibility you won't get during humid summer months. Temperatures up there hover around 8-12°C (46-54°F) - properly cold by Taiwan standards - which means fewer crowds and that magical mountain stillness. The trails stay dry since January rainfall is minimal, making the wooden walkways safer than during monsoon season. Worth noting that this is actually peak season for seeing Taiwan's endemic birds, which are more active in cooler weather.
Shimen Reservoir Cycling Routes
The 16 km (10 miles) of lakeside cycling paths around Taiwan's third-largest reservoir are genuinely perfect in January - cool enough that you won't overheat on the moderate hills, but warm enough that you don't need heavy layers. The reservoir sits at full capacity after autumn rains, so the scenery is at its most photogenic. Local cyclists consider January through March the prime season here, which means better bike rental availability and more food stalls open along the route. The occasional drizzly day actually creates atmospheric mist over the water that's worth experiencing.
Taoyuan Night Market Food Circuits
January's cooler evenings make night market exploration actually pleasant - you're not standing in 30°C (86°F) heat next to frying stalls. The major markets like Zhongli Night Market and Taoyuan Tourism Night Market hit their stride around 6pm when temperatures drop to 14-16°C (57-61°F). Pre-New Year energy means vendors bring out seasonal specialties and the crowds have that festive buzz without summer's oppressive heat. The lower humidity also means fried foods stay crispier longer, which sounds minor but actually matters when you're eating your way through five stalls.
Xiao Wulai Waterfall and Skywalk
The 50 m (164 ft) waterfall flows strong in January from winter rainfall, and the glass-bottomed skywalk extending 11 m (36 ft) over the gorge offers views without summer's haze. At 400 m (1,312 ft) elevation, temperatures run 2-3°C (4-5°F) cooler than the city, so that 13-17°C (55-63°F) range feels properly brisk. The surrounding forest trails stay comfortably walkable - the 2 km (1.2 miles) loop takes about 90 minutes without overheating. Weekday visits in January see maybe 30-40% of the summer crowds, making the skywalk experience less rushed.
Taoyuan Arts and Cultural District
January's variable weather makes this indoor-outdoor cultural complex particularly smart - you can duck into the Taoyuan Arts Center, Taoyuan City Library, or exhibition spaces when those brief drizzles hit, then explore the surrounding plazas and public art when it clears. The complex opened in 2023 and stays relatively undiscovered by international visitors, giving it that authentic local vibe. January typically sees rotating exhibitions tied to upcoming New Year themes, and the weekend craft markets feature traditional artisans preparing holiday goods.
January Events & Festivals
Taoyuan Lantern Festival Preparations
Throughout January, you'll see the massive setup for Taiwan Lantern Festival if Taoyuan is hosting (the host city rotates annually, so verify for 2026). Even in non-host years, districts prepare their own lantern displays starting mid-January. The behind-the-scenes construction of giant lantern installations is fascinating to witness - artisans work in public spaces, and you can watch traditional techniques that date back centuries. Local temples also begin hanging preliminary decorations that get more elaborate as New Year approaches.
Chinese New Year Market Season
The final two weeks of January transform traditional markets across Taoyuan into absolute sensory overload - vendors sell New Year specialties like preserved meats, dried seafood, decorative plants, and lucky charms that you won't find in February. Nanmen Market and Zhongli Market become particularly intense with locals stocking up. The energy and variety peak around January 22-28, right before the actual holiday. This isn't a formal event but rather a cultural phenomenon worth experiencing if you want to see how locals actually prepare for their biggest celebration.