Home › When to Visit › March
Taoyuan - Things to Do in Taoyuan in March

Things to Do in Taoyuan in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Taoyuan

22 High Temp
14 Low Temp
0.2 inches Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Comfortable daytime temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make March ideal for exploring Taoyuan's outdoor attractions without the summer heat - you can comfortably walk through Daxi Old Street or hike Hutoushan without overheating, though mornings around 14°C (57°F) require light layers
  • Low rainfall with only 5 mm (0.2 inches) across the month means outdoor plans rarely get disrupted - those 10 rainy days tend to bring brief showers rather than all-day downpours, and locals actually consider this one of the drier months before the May plum rains arrive
  • Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs run 20-30% lower than peak summer months, and you'll find better availability at hotels near the airport and HSR station - particularly valuable if you're using Taoyuan as a base for day trips to Taipei or northern Taiwan
  • Cherry blossom season overlaps with early March in nearby mountain areas like Lalashan, giving you access to Taiwan's most photogenic natural spectacle within 90 minutes of the city center, and the variable weather actually creates those dramatic misty mountain photos everyone wants

Considerations

  • Variable weather conditions mean you genuinely can't predict day-to-day - that 70% humidity combined with temperatures swinging between 14-22°C (57-72°F) means layering becomes essential, and you might need both a sweater in the morning and short sleeves by afternoon on the same day
  • March sits in an awkward transition period where it's too cool for beach activities on the north coast but not quite perfect hiking weather in higher elevations - you'll find yourself checking forecasts more than usual and building flexibility into your plans
  • Limited major festivals or events compared to February's Lantern Festival or April's Tomb Sweeping activities - Taoyuan doesn't have signature March events that would justify planning a trip specifically around cultural experiences during this month

Investigate Other Months

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
View Year-Round Climate Guide →

Best Activities in March

Daxi Old Street Cultural Walking

March weather is actually perfect for exploring this historic district about 30 km (18.6 miles) southwest of central Taoyuan - the 22°C (72°F) highs mean you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours wandering the baroque-style shophouses without the oppressive summer heat. The variable conditions create beautiful lighting for photography, especially late afternoon when clouds diffuse the harsh sun. Weekday mornings see mostly local retirees, while weekends bring Taipei day-trippers but never overwhelming crowds. The humidity brings out the wood scent from the old buildings in a way you don't notice in drier months.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for street exploration - just show up. Budget 400-600 TWD for snacks, traditional crafts, and the famous dried tofu. If you want a guided heritage tour, local cultural centers offer walks for 300-500 TWD per person, bookable 2-3 days ahead through tourist information centers. See current tour options in the booking section below for organized cultural experiences.

Lalashan Cherry Blossom Viewing

Early to mid-March catches the tail end of cherry blossom season in this mountain area 60 km (37 miles) from Taoyuan - elevation sits around 1,600 m (5,249 ft) so temperatures drop to 10-15°C (50-59°F) even when the city is warmer. The variable March weather actually enhances the experience with morning mist creating ethereal conditions around the pink blooms. Weekends get crowded with tour buses from Taipei, but weekday visits feel almost private. The season is fickle though - warm spells can end blooming early, so check local reports within 3-4 days of your planned visit.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically cost 1,800-2,500 TWD including transport from Taoyuan or Taipei, lunch, and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead during peak bloom weeks in early March, or just 2-3 days ahead for late March when crowds thin. Independent travelers can take buses from Taoyuan Bus Station but transfers are complicated - tours make sense here. See current mountain tour options in the booking section below.

Shimen Reservoir Cycling Routes

The 20 km (12.4 mile) lakeside path becomes genuinely pleasant in March after the cool winter months - you'll cycle in comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F) conditions during morning and late afternoon hours. The reservoir sits 15 km (9.3 miles) south of Taoyuan and those 10 rainy days rarely affect full-day plans since showers tend to be brief. March also marks lower water-sport season so the paths feel less congested than summer weekends. The variable cloud cover actually helps with the UV index of 8 - direct sun for 3-4 hours of cycling would be punishing, but March's conditions provide natural breaks.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cluster around the dam area at 100-200 TWD for 4 hours or 250-350 TWD for full day. No advance booking needed for basic bikes, but electric-assist bikes can sell out on weekends - call ahead if you want those. Guided cycling tours with cultural stops run 1,200-1,800 TWD and should be booked 5-7 days ahead. Check booking section below for current cycling tour options.

Taoyuan Night Market Food Exploration

March evenings around 18-22°C (64-72°F) hit the sweet spot for outdoor eating - warm enough to sit comfortably at plastic tables but not so hot that you're sweating over your stinky tofu. Zhongli and Taoyuan night markets operate year-round but March brings seasonal items like spring bamboo shoots and fresh loquats from nearby farms. The 70% humidity actually helps certain foods - steamed buns and dumplings stay softer longer. Locals pack these markets Thursday through Sunday regardless of weather, and those brief rain showers just send everyone under the covered sections for 20 minutes.

Booking Tip: No booking needed - just show up after 6pm with cash. Budget 300-500 TWD per person for a full tasting tour of 6-8 items. Food tours through night markets cost 800-1,200 TWD and include cultural context plus guaranteed good stalls - worth it if you're overwhelmed by choices. Book food tours 3-5 days ahead. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Xiao Wulai Waterfall Hiking

This 30 km (18.6 mile) drive into the mountains gives you proper hiking without committing to full-day expeditions - trails range from easy 1 km (0.6 mile) walks to 5 km (3.1 mile) moderate climbs. March conditions work well here because humidity keeps the forest feeling lush and the 50 m (164 ft) waterfall flowing strong from winter rains. The glass-bottom skywalk becomes less crowded in March shoulder season, and morning temperatures around 14°C (57°F) feel perfect for uphill sections. That said, the variable weather means trails can get slippery - proper footwear matters more in March than summer.

Booking Tip: Entry to the scenic area costs 50 TWD, no advance booking needed. Guided nature walks cost 600-1,000 TWD per person for 3-4 hour experiences including transport from Taoyuan, best booked 5-7 days ahead through visitor centers. Independent visitors should check trail conditions the morning of your visit - occasional closures happen after heavy rain. See current nature tour options in the booking section below.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Viewing Areas

Sounds odd but aviation enthusiasts actually make pilgrimages here - the southern runway viewing area offers unobstructed views of takeoffs and landings from one of Asia's busiest airports. March's variable weather creates dramatic backdrops with cloud formations, and the comfortable 22°C (72°F) daytime temps mean you can spend 2-3 hours plane-spotting without roasting. The UV index of 8 requires sun protection during midday, but morning and late afternoon sessions feel pleasant. Local photographers gather here weekends with serious camera equipment, and there's something genuinely mesmerizing about watching the international departures.

Booking Tip: Completely free and no booking needed - just drive or taxi to the southern cargo area viewing zone. Bring your own snacks and drinks as facilities are minimal. If you want a deeper dive into aviation, the airport offers behind-scenes tours for 500-800 TWD but these need 14-21 days advance booking and have minimum group sizes. The viewing area works better for casual visitors. Check booking section below for any current airport experience tours.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Taoyuan Lantern Festival Tail End

If you arrive in the first few days of March, you might catch the final weekend of lantern displays depending on when Lunar New Year falls - 2026 lunar calendar puts this in late February but installations often stay up through the first March weekend. The main displays near Taoyuan Arts Center feature interactive light shows and traditional lantern competitions. Worth checking current dates as you plan since this varies year to year.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable windbreaker - those 10 rainy days bring brief 15-30 minute showers rather than all-day rain, and you'll want something that stuffs into a daypack without bulk in 70% humidity
Layering pieces like a cotton long-sleeve shirt or thin fleece - mornings at 14°C (57°F) feel genuinely cool, especially if you're heading to mountain areas where it drops another 5-8°C (9-14°F), but by afternoon you'll strip down to t-shirts
Comfortable walking shoes with actual tread - that combination of humidity and brief rain makes sidewalks and temple steps surprisingly slippery, and you'll be doing more walking than you think between attractions
SPF 50+ sunscreen for face and neck - UV index of 8 means you'll burn during midday outdoor activities even on cloudy days, and the variable conditions trick people into thinking they're protected when they're not
Small umbrella that fits in your bag - locals always carry one in March and you'll look like a tourist standing in the rain waiting for it to pass, plus it doubles as sun protection during clear spells
Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester or heavy fabrics in 70% humidity because you'll feel clammy even at moderate 22°C (72°F) temperatures, especially in crowded night markets or temples
Light scarf or bandana - useful for temple visits where shoulder covering is appreciated, also protects your neck from sun during cycling or hiking, and provides a clean surface for sitting at outdoor food stalls
Portable battery pack - you'll be using your phone constantly for navigation, translation, and photos in variable weather conditions, and many older buildings in Taoyuan don't have convenient charging spots
Cash in small denominations - night markets and smaller attractions don't take cards reliably, and having 100 TWD and 50 TWD notes makes transactions smoother when buying snacks or paying entry fees
Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated in 70% humidity matters more than you'd expect, and Taiwan's convenience stores offer cheap refills every few blocks rather than buying new plastic bottles constantly

Insider Knowledge

Taoyuan locals use the city primarily as a transit hub, so the actual interesting areas require deliberate travel - don't expect to walk out of your hotel near the HSR station and find vibrant neighborhoods. The cultural sites like Daxi sit 30-45 minutes away by bus or taxi, and planning your days around 2-3 clustered activities makes more sense than trying to cover the whole area
March weather forecasts in northern Taiwan tend to be accurate only 24-48 hours out because of the variable conditions - locals check weather apps each morning rather than planning outfits days ahead. Build flexibility into your schedule and have both outdoor and indoor options ready for each day rather than committing to mountain hikes a week in advance
The Taoyuan Metro Airport Line opened relatively recently and most tourists use it to rush through to Taipei, but getting off at A18 or A19 stations puts you near actual Taoyuan neighborhoods where lunch costs 100-150 TWD instead of 250-350 TWD in tourist zones. The local breakfast shops around these stations serve traditional Taiwanese morning food that hotel buffets try to replicate poorly
Those 10 rainy days in March cluster around weather pattern shifts rather than spreading evenly through the month - if you see 2-3 rainy days forecast in a row, that's typically a front passing through, followed by 4-5 clear days. Locals know to schedule outdoor activities right after a front passes when air quality improves and visibility extends to the mountains

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation near the airport assuming it's convenient for sightseeing - the airport area is essentially an industrial zone surrounded by highways, and you'll spend 45-60 minutes commuting to anything interesting. Stay near Taoyuan Train Station or Zhongli if you want walkable neighborhoods, or just use Taoyuan as a day-trip base from Taipei
Underdressing for morning activities because the forecast shows 22°C (72°F) highs - that's the afternoon temperature, and 8am starts at 14-16°C (57-61°F) which feels genuinely cold in humid conditions. Tourists show up for morning cherry blossom tours in shorts and t-shirts then spend the first hour miserable until it warms up
Assuming brief rain showers mean you should stay indoors - locals just continue their plans with umbrellas because waiting out the weather in March means potentially losing half your day. Those 15-30 minute showers pass quickly, and covered walkways at most attractions let you keep moving anyway

Explore Activities in Taoyuan

Continue Planning Your Trip

February

Travel guide for February

April

Travel guide for April

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Taoyuan

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.