Things to Do in Taoyuan in January

January Weather in Taoyuan

24°C (75°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect cycling weather - cool mornings at 14°C (57°F) ideal for exploring bike trails around Cihu Mausoleum and Daxi Old Street without overheating
Cherry blossom season begins late January at Yangmingshan and nearby mountain areas, with fewer crowds than February peak bloom
Lunar New Year atmosphere builds through January with traditional markets, temple preparations, and local festivals creating authentic cultural experiences
Clear skies 75% of January days provide excellent visibility for Taipei 101 views and mountain photography from elevated areas like Tiger Head Mountain

Considerations

Accommodation prices increase 40-60% during final week of January due to approaching Lunar New Year, with many local restaurants closing 3-5 days before the holiday
Morning temperatures of 14°C (57°F) require layering - too cold for shorts but too warm for heavy jackets, making packing decisions tricky
Many small local eateries and traditional shops close for 1-2 weeks starting late January for New Year preparations, limiting authentic dining options

Best Activities in January

Daxi Old Street Cultural Tours

January's cool weather makes walking the historic streets comfortable, and this is peak season for traditional New Year goods shopping. Local artisans demonstrate wood carving and traditional crafts in preparation for Lunar New Year. Morning temperatures of 14°C (57°F) are perfect for the 2km (1.2 mile) walking route.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours 5-7 days ahead, typically ฿800-1,200 per person. Look for tours that include traditional craft workshops. Many tours include New Year market visits in late January. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Yangmingshan Cherry Blossom Viewing

Late January marks the beginning of cherry blossom season with Kawazu cherry trees blooming first. Cool temperatures and low humidity make hiking comfortable, and you'll beat the February crowds by 3-4 weeks. The 45mm (1.8 inches) of rainfall keeps blossoms fresh.

Booking Tip: Join guided blossom tours starting late January, typically ฿1,500-2,200 including transport from Taoyuan. Book 10-14 days ahead as local tours fill up quickly. Tours run 6-8 hours with multiple viewing spots. Check current blossom tour availability in booking section below.

Traditional Night Market Food Tours

January features special New Year foods like nian gao (sticky rice cake) and tang yuan (sweet rice balls) only available this time of year. Cool evening temperatures make market walking pleasant, and vendors stay open later preparing for holiday rush.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically ฿1,200-1,800 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book through licensed guides who know seasonal specialties. Late January tours focus on New Year foods and traditions. Find current food tour options in booking section below.

Cihu Memorial Sculpture Garden Cycling

Cool January mornings are ideal for cycling the 8km (5 mile) route around Cihu area. The outdoor sculpture garden and lake views are stunning in clear January weather, and you'll avoid summer heat and humidity. Plum blossoms bloom along cycling paths in late January.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals available for ฿300-500 per day. Guided cycling tours cost ฿1,000-1,600 including bike and helmet. Book morning tours to enjoy cool temperatures before afternoon warmth. Reserve 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours. See current cycling tour options in booking section below.

Shimen Reservoir Lakeside Activities

January's mild weather and clear skies provide perfect conditions for reservoir activities. Water levels are optimal after December rains, and the surrounding mountains offer clear views for photography. Cool temperatures make lakeside walking and boat tours comfortable.

Booking Tip: Boat tours operate daily, typically ฿600-900 per person for 1-2 hour trips. Lakeside cycling rentals ฿200-400 per day. Book boat tours same day or 1-2 days ahead. Weather rarely affects January operations. Check current lake tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Temple New Year Preparations

January offers unique access to temple preparations for Lunar New Year, with special ceremonies, decoration installations, and traditional performances. Cool weather makes temple hopping comfortable, and you'll witness authentic cultural practices rarely seen by tourists.

Booking Tip: Cultural temple tours typically ฿800-1,400 per person including multiple temples and ceremony explanations. Book with certified cultural guides who can explain religious significance. Tours run 4-6 hours. Reserve 7-10 days ahead for January availability. Find current temple tour options in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum New Year Festival

Traditional craft demonstrations, wood carving workshops, and New Year decoration making. Local artisans teach traditional techniques and visitors can create their own wooden New Year decorations. Features traditional music and local food vendors.

Late January

Taoyuan Plum Blossom Festival

Celebration of plum blossom blooming season with guided walks, photography workshops, and traditional tea ceremonies among the blossoms. Features local cultural performances and seasonal food stalls selling winter specialties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layers for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings - mornings at 14°C (57°F) require long sleeves, afternoons at 24°C (75°F) need just t-shirts

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - January's 8 rainy days bring short showers lasting 30-45 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - temple steps and old street cobblestones can be slippery when wet

Light scarf or neck warmer for early morning activities and mountain areas where temperatures drop 3-5°C (5-9°F)

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially during midday outdoor activities

Small backpack or day pack for carrying layers as temperatures change throughout the day

Portable phone charger - you'll take many photos in clear January weather and during cherry blossom season

Cash in small bills - traditional markets and local vendors prefer cash, especially during New Year preparations

Light cotton or merino base layers that breathe in 75% humidity while keeping you warm in cool mornings

Thin gloves for early morning cycling or mountain activities - optional but useful for 6-8am start times

Insider Knowledge

Local families start New Year shopping in early January, so traditional markets like Zhongli Night Market have the best selection of seasonal foods and decorations before mid-month crowds arrive

Temple donation boxes become extremely busy late January - visit temples for photography and cultural observation in early-mid January for better access and fewer crowds

Many locals take vacation days in the final week of January to prepare for Lunar New Year, making trains and buses less crowded for tourist activities during weekdays

Cherry blossom viewing is best between 7-9am when morning mist creates dramatic photography conditions and temperatures are coolest for hiking uphill to viewing spots

Avoid These Mistakes

Not checking restaurant hours late January - many family-run establishments close 3-7 days before Lunar New Year, leaving tourists with limited dining options

Underpacking warm clothes for morning activities - 14°C (57°F) feels much colder when cycling or hiking at 7am with wind chill

Booking accommodations too close to Lunar New Year without checking checkout policies - many hotels have extended stay requirements during the holiday period