Events > Autumn Guide
Taipei Autumn Guide
Hiking season, silver grass, fall colors, and the Mid-Autumn Festival—discover the best of September through November.
Autumn in Taipei: The Best Season Outdoors
Autumn (September to November) is widely considered the best season to visit Taipei. The oppressive summer humidity fades, typhoon season ends, and the city enjoys clear skies, mild temperatures, and dry conditions. It's the perfect time for outdoor activities.
The highlight is silver grass season on Yangmingshan. From late October to November, the mountain slopes turn into seas of silver-white grass that shimmer in the sunlight. The sight is uniquely Taiwanese and draws photographers from across the island.
Autumn is also hiking season. Trails that are too hot in summer become pleasant and accessible. From the iconic Elephant Mountain view to the volcanic landscapes of Yangmingshan, Taipei's hiking scene is at its peak. And of course, the Mid-Autumn Festival brings the citywide barbecue tradition that defines Taiwanese autumn culture.
Autumn Quick Facts
- Season: September – November
- Average Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
- Humidity: Dropping (60–75%)
- Rainfall: Low (typhoon season ends in September)
- Key Activities: Hiking, Mid-Autumn Festival, silver grass viewing, fall colors
Best Hiking Trails in Autumn
Autumn is the premier hiking season in Taipei. Here are the top trails, ranked by difficulty and scenery:
| Trail | Location | Difficulty | Distance | Time | Highlight | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yangmingshan Main Trail | Yangmingshan | Easy | 3.5 km | 1.5h | Volcanic landscape, fumaroles | Bus from Jiantan |
| Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) | Xinyi | Easy-Moderate | 1.5 km | 45 min | Iconic Taipei 101 view | MRT Xiangshan Station |
| Teapot Mountain Trail | Ruifang, New Taipei | Moderate | 4 km | 3h | Coastal views, unique rock formations | Train to Ruifang + bus |
| Jinmianshan Trail | Neihu | Moderate | 4 km | 2.5h | 360° city views, steep climb | MRT Donghu Station + bus |
| Caoling Historic Trail | Gongliao, New Taipei | Easy | 8 km | 3h | Old Qing dynasty trail, ocean views | TRA Fulong Station |
| Maokong Hiking Trails | Wenshan | Easy | 3-5 km | 1.5-2.5h | Tea plantations, gondola return | MRT Taipei Zoo + gondola |
Hiking Tip:
Elephant Mountain is the most accessible trail with the most iconic view. For a less crowded but equally rewarding hike, try Jinmianshan in Neihu—it offers a 360-degree panorama of the city and the mountains without the tourist crowds. Bring a headlamp if hiking for sunset views.
Fall Colors & Silver Grass
While Taipei doesn't have the dramatic maple forests of Japan or New England, autumn still brings beautiful seasonal changes. Here's where to see them:
| Spot | Location | Type | Peak | Best Spot | Crowd | Photo Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yangmingshan Silver Grass | Yangmingshan | Silver grass (Miscanthus) | Late October – November | Qingtiangang, Xiaoyoukeng | High | Backlit morning shots |
| Maple Leaves at Aowanda | Nantou (day trip) | Red maple | Late November – December | Aowanda National Forest | Moderate | Overcast days for saturated colors |
| Ginkgo at Fushoushan Farm | Taichung (day trip) | Golden ginkgo | Late October – November | Fushoushan Farm | Moderate | Early morning for soft light |
| Autumn Foliage at Alishan | Chiayi (day trip) | Red maple, yellow ginkgo | Late October – November | Alishan Forest Recreation Area | High | Combine with sunrise viewing |
| Downtown Tree-Lined Streets | Da'an, Zhongshan | Yellowing leaves | November | Dunhua South Road, Linsen North Road | Low | Street-level golden hour |
Autumn Seasonal Foods
Autumn brings a shift in Taipei's food scene. Here are the seasonal foods and where to find them:
| Season | Location | Dish | Where to Eat | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crab Season | Citywide | Hairy crab, stone crab | Addiction Aquatic Development, seafood markets | NT$800-2000 |
| Persimmon Season | Hsinchu (day trip) | Fresh persimmons, dried persimmon | Hsinchu farms, wet markets | NT$100-400 |
| Hot Pot Season Begins | Citywide | Mala hot pot, beef hot pot | Tripod King, Ding Wang, individual hot pot shops | NT$300-800 |
| Mooncake Season | Citywide | Traditional & modern mooncakes | Chia Te, Old Master Q, Ping An Bakery | NT$80-500 |
| Osmanthus Tea | Tea houses citywide | Fragrant osmanthus oolong | Maokong tea houses, Ten Ren tea shops | NT$150-400 |
Food Tip:
Addiction Aquatic Development is the best place for autumn crab. This 24-hour seafood market near Taipei City Hall offers live hairy crabs, stone crabs, and a huge variety of fresh seafood at prices far below most restaurants. Eat at the standing sushi bar or take away.
Autumn Travel Tips
Autumn is the best hiking season in Taipei. Yangmingshan trails are dry, cool, and offer the best visibility of the year.
Silver grass season (late October) is stunning but crowded on weekends. Go early on a weekday for the best experience.
Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October) is the biggest barbecue event of the year—riverside parks fill up fast.
October and November have the clearest skies of the year—perfect for photography and city views from Elephant Mountain.
Crab prices peak in October-November. Addiction Aquatic Development is the best place for fresh, affordable crab.
Temperatures drop quickly after sunset in autumn. Bring a light jacket for evening hikes and outdoor dining.
Explore More Taipei Events
Autumn is the best outdoor season in Taipei. Discover year-round festivals, seasonal activities, and cultural events throughout the year.