How to Survive Taiwan’s Summer Heat
Summers in Taiwan are hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). The high humidity makes it feel even hotter, and sudden afternoon showers are common.
If you’re in Taipei, the heat feels even more stifling because the city sits in a basin (盆地), surrounded by mountains that trap heat and humidity.
But if summer is the only season you can make time to visit, don’t worry—I’ve been in the same situation for years and have learned a few tricks to make it manageable.
I was born and raised in Taiwan and moved overseas years ago as a teenager. As a student, summer was the only time I could return to my hometown for an extended visit.
Later, after I started working and had more flexibility, I was able to visit during other seasons.
But now, with a school-age son, summer is once again the only time we can travel to Taiwan.
Through all these years, I’ve learned how to survive the sweltering heat while still enjoying my time here. If you’re planning a summer trip to Taiwan, here are my best tips to stay cool.
Tips to Stay Cool in Taiwan’s Summer
Use an Umbrella for Shade
It may feel strange to you, but in Taiwan, using an umbrella on a sunny day is completely normal. While a hat keeps your hands free, an umbrella offers better coverage and provides more shade, helping you stay much cooler.
Give it a try—you’ll quickly notice the difference!
Take Breaks in Convenience Stores
You’re never far from a convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK Mart) in Taiwan—there’s practically one on every corner!
That means you don’t need to worry about carrying too much water because cold drinks are always within reach. Or, if you just need a break from the heat, step inside and enjoy the free air conditioning.
While you are in the convenience store, don’t forget to try their interesting seasonal soft-serve flavors. From classic matcha to unexpected ones like taro, honeydew, or brown sugar boba, there’s always something worth trying.
Take Advantage Of The MRT Underground Streets
If you are near Taipei Main Station, Zhongshan Shopping District (中山商圈）, or Zhongxiao Shopping District (忠孝商圈）, be sure to use the extensive underground streets in these areas.
For example, from my mom’s place near Shuanglian Station, I often walk through Zhongshan Underground Street, which connects to Taipei Underground Street, to reach nearby destinations. It’s a fun and convenient way to escape the heat while still getting some exercise.
The underground shopping streets are more than just passageways—they’re lined with shops, cafés, bookstores, and even arcade games and gachapon machines (扭蛋機）.
Use Personal Fans & Cooling Accessories
Small handheld fans or neck fans are popular in Taiwan. They can be a lifesaver when you’re out and about. Another option is an ice scarf, which stays cool for hours after being soaked in water.
Wear Cooling Clothing (涼感衣）
Every summer in Taiwan, I see ads for cooling clothes (涼感衣）everywhere—on bus stops, MRT trains, and TV commercials. It’s a reminder of just how popular these clothes are among locals trying to beat the heat.
Taiwan is a leader in garment innovation. Local brands like ATUNAS (歐都納), Flexwarm (飛樂思), and Coolcore Taiwan (台灣酷涼纖維) are known for their cooling apparel, designed to make hot and humid days more bearable.
These clothes use moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics to create a cooling sensation when they come into contact with sweat. Some even claim to lower body temperature by 1.7°C to 2°C (around 3–3.5°F).
Take Taxis Or Uber
Walking long distances in the heat can be exhausting, so consider taking a taxi or Uber instead. Taipei has a reliable taxi system, and Uber is also widely available.
Taxis in Taipei are bright yellow and easy to hail on the street, at taxi stands, or via apps like Uber and 55688. The metered fare starts at NT$85 for the first 1.25 km, then NT$5 per 200 meters, with a NT$20 night surcharge (11 PM–6 AM). Most taxis accept cash, and some take EasyCard, credit cards, or mobile payments, but it’s not guaranteed. For digital payments, Uber or 55688 are the more reliable options.
I personally prefer Uber because it lets me see the fare and route in advance.
Eat Taiwanese Summer Treats
One of the best ways to beat the heat is by indulging in Taiwan’s refreshing summer desserts. Some must-try options include:
Shaved ice (剉冰) – You can customize it with a variety of toppings, including fresh fruit (especially mango or strawberry), beans, boba, taro, and condensed milk.
Sweet tofu pudding (豆花, douhua) – A soft, silky dessert served either hot or cold with syrup and your choice of toppings. Below shows the menu from my favorite place (小南門豆花）:
Aiyu jelly (愛玉, aiyu) – A refreshing, citrusy jelly often served with lemon.
Soft serve ice cream from convenience stores – 7-Eleven and FamilyMart frequently offer unique and seasonal flavors worth trying.
Enjoy Locally Grown Fruits
Taiwan is known as a “Fruit Kingdom”(水果王國) because of its rich variety of fresh, high-quality fruits. Summer is the best time to enjoy many of Taiwan’s most delicious fruits, which are not only refreshing but also a great way to stay cool in the heat.
Some of the best include: mangos (芒果), dragon fruit (火龍果), wax apples (蓮霧), lychees (荔枝), longans (龍眼), pineapples (鳳梨), passion fruit (百香果), watermelons (西瓜), cantaloupes (哈密瓜), starfruit (楊桃), and guavas (芭樂).
Personally, I love mangos, dragon fruit (火龍果), and wax apples (蓮霧). One summer, my mom bought a box of Aiwen mangos (愛文芒果), a famous variety grown in southern Taiwan. They were so sweet and juicy that I couldn’t resist eating one after every meal. In just two weeks, I gained 2 kg!
You can find these fruits at local fruit shops or supermarkets, where they are usually fresh and reasonably priced. Night markets also have fruit stalls, but prices there tend to be much higher. If you want the best value, visiting a neighborhood fruit shop is the way to go.
Indoor Options to Escape the Summer Heat
There are plenty of ways to stay cool without hiding in your hotel. From shopping malls and underground streets to museums and cafés, the city has no shortage of air-conditioned spots to escape the heat.
Here are some great indoor options to check out.
Shopping Malls & Department Stores
Spend a day at Xinyi Shopping District (信義商圈), where you’ll find some of Taipei’s best malls. From high-end shopping at Taipei 101 to local favorites like Shin Kong Mitsukoshi and Breeze Center, there’s plenty to explore.
It’s not just about shopping—there are tons of food and snack options, plus movie theaters if you need a break. For families, many malls have indoor play areas to keep kids entertained. With everything in one place, shopping malls are an easy and comfortable way to escape the summer heat.
Museums
Taipei’s museums are a great way to escape the heat while learning something new. If you’re into history, art, or science, check out The National Palace Museum, MOCA Taipei, or Taipei Fine Arts Museum.
For something a little different, the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan features tiny, detailed recreations of famous landmarks and historical scenes. Suho Paper Museum is another hidden gem, where you can learn about the art of papermaking and try making your own.
See an Exhibition
Beyond museums, Huashan 1914 Creative Park (華山1914) and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (松山文創園區) are great places to check out rotating art exhibitions, design showcases, and pop-up events. Both were once factory sites and have since been transformed into cultural hubs.
Even if you’re not visiting for a specific exhibition, these spaces have cafés, boutique shops, and plenty of spots to sit and soak in the creative atmosphere.
Whether you’re into contemporary art, photography, or design, there’s always something interesting going on—and since much of it is indoors, it’s a great way to stay cool while exploring Taipei’s art scene.
Visit A Wet Market (Surprise!)
Wet markets might seem hot and crowded, but some modern ones, like Nanmen Market, are now indoors and air-conditioned. They’re a great place to wander comfortably while checking out fresh produce, local snacks, and unique ingredients.
More than just a food market, it’s also a glimpse into daily life in Taipei—watching locals shop for groceries, chat with vendors, and pick out the freshest cuts of meat or seafood gives you a real sense of how people live here.
Final Thoughts
Summer in Taipei can be tough, but please don’t let it ruin your mood during your visit!
I’ve spent years figuring out how to handle Taipei’s sweltering summers, and while it’s not always easy, it’s definitely manageable.
With the right tricks—staying in the shade, taking advantage of underground streets, cooling accessories, and refreshing treats—you can still enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Hopefully, these tips help you make the most of your trip without melting in the process!
