Things to Do in Taoyuan in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Taoyuan
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Pleasant temperatures between 19-24°C (66-75°F) make this the most comfortable month for outdoor exploration without the summer heat that drives locals indoors by noon
- Minimal rainfall with only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) total means you can confidently plan outdoor activities - those 10 rainy days typically bring brief 15-20 minute drizzles rather than day-ruining downpours
- Lower humidity at 70% compared to summer's oppressive 85%+ makes walking around night markets and temples actually enjoyable rather than exhausting
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 20-30% compared to peak winter months while crowds at major attractions remain manageable - you'll actually get decent photos at Daxi Old Street without fighting through tour groups
Considerations
- Variable weather conditions mean you need to pack layers - mornings can start at 19°C (66°F) requiring a light jacket, then climb to 24°C (75°F) by afternoon, which catches unprepared travelers off guard
- UV index of 8 is deceptively high given the mild temperatures - locals know to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours but tourists often skip it because it doesn't feel that hot, leading to uncomfortable burns
- November sits in an awkward transitional period where some businesses adjust their hours or close for maintenance before the December-February rush, particularly smaller family-run operations in Daxi and Longtan districts
Best Activities in November
Shimen Reservoir Cycling Routes
November weather is actually perfect for the 15 km (9.3 mile) loop around Shimen Reservoir - temperatures stay comfortable even during midday rides, and the reduced rainfall means the lakeside paths are dry and safe. The reservoir sits at about 245 m (804 ft) elevation, so you get cooler breezes than downtown Taoyuan. Locals pack this area on weekends in November specifically because it's one of the few months you can ride without either freezing or melting. The variable cloud cover in November also creates dramatic lighting for photography, particularly in early morning around 7-8am when mist rises off the water.
Daxi Old Street Walking Tours
The historic Baroque facades along Daxi's old street are best experienced in November when temperatures allow for leisurely 2-3 hour walks without heat exhaustion. This former logging town gets packed during summer holidays and Chinese New Year, but November brings a more relaxed pace where you can actually browse the traditional tofu shops and woodcraft stores without being swept along by crowds. The 70% humidity is still noticeable but far more tolerable than the 85%+ you'd face in summer months. Late afternoon around 4-5pm offers the best light for photographing the red brick architecture.
Taoyuan Night Market Food Tours
November evenings at 19°C (66°F) create ideal conditions for the 2-3 hour eating marathon that proper night market exploration requires. The cooler temperatures mean food vendors can operate more comfortably and food stays fresher longer compared to sweltering summer months. Zhongli Night Market and Taoyuan Tourism Night Market both hit peak energy around 7-9pm in November. The variable weather occasionally brings light evening drizzles, but most market areas have covered sections. This is when locals come out in force because the weather finally cooperates.
Lala Mountain Forest Hikes
At 1,600-2,000 m (5,249-6,562 ft) elevation, Lala Mountain offers November temperatures around 12-16°C (54-61°F) - significantly cooler than lowland Taoyuan. This is actually one of the best months for the giant cypress trails because you avoid both summer afternoon thunderstorms and winter's occasional frost. The variable weather in November creates dramatic cloud formations that roll through the forest, though it also means visibility can change quickly. The ancient cypress grove walk takes 2-3 hours at a comfortable pace. Pack layers because that 800+ m elevation gain from Taoyuan means a genuine temperature drop.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Viewing Areas
November's clearer skies and lower humidity create surprisingly good conditions for aviation photography at the southern runway viewing area. This might sound niche, but Taoyuan Airport handles 200+ daily movements and the spotting culture here is serious - you'll find dedicated locals with radio scanners tracking arrivals. The 19-24°C (66-75°F) temperatures mean you can comfortably spend 2-3 hours watching operations. The variable cloud conditions in November actually create interesting backdrops for photos, particularly during the golden hour around 5-6pm. Free activity that showcases a different side of Taoyuan.
Xiao Wulai Waterfall and Skywalk
The 50 m (164 ft) waterfall flows strongest in November after autumn rains replenish the water volume, making this a better time to visit than the drier winter months ahead. The glass-bottom skywalk extends 11 m (36 ft) over the gorge and November's moderate temperatures mean you won't be dealing with the condensation issues that plague the glass in humid summer months. The 70% humidity is still present but manageable for the 1-2 hour visit. The variable cloud cover creates dramatic lighting in the gorge, though it can also obscure mountain views. Located about 45 minutes from central Taoyuan.
November Events & Festivals
Taoyuan Hakka Yimin Festival
This cultural celebration honors Hakka heritage with traditional performances, food stalls featuring Hakka specialties like lei cha and ban tiao, and temple ceremonies. The festival rotates between different Hakka communities in Taoyuan, with the main events typically concentrated over a weekend. You'll see traditional lion dances, Hakka opera performances, and food competitions. Worth experiencing if you want to understand the Hakka influence that shapes much of Taoyuan's culture - about 70% of the population has Hakka heritage. The November timing coincides with harvest season, so agricultural displays feature prominently.
Taoyuan Arts Festival
A month-long celebration of performing and visual arts that brings international and local artists to venues across the city. Recent years have featured contemporary dance, experimental theater, and multimedia installations. The festival uses both traditional venues and unexpected spaces like renovated factories and outdoor parks. November's comfortable weather allows for the outdoor performances and installations that make this festival distinctive. Not as internationally famous as festivals in Taipei or Kaohsiung, but the more intimate scale means better access to performances and artists.