Taiwan Spring Cycling Guide: Best Routes and Climate Analysis for March–May

Spring in Taiwan (March–May) is considered by many riders to be the best cycling season—with moderate temperatures and ample sunshine, it’s the golden period for tackling long-distance routes and participating in events. This article provides a complete guide to spring cycling in Taiwan.

Taiwan Spring Climate Characteristics

Overall Climate Overview

Month	Average Temperature (Taipei)	Rainfall	Cycling Suitability
March	17–22°C	Pre-plum rain, occasional overcast and drizzle	★★★★☆
April	20–25°C	Qingming rains, occasional heavy showers	★★★★☆
May	24–29°C	Plum rain season begins (earlier in the south, later in the north)	★★★☆☆

Regional Differences

Northern Taiwan (Taipei, Keelung, Yilan):

• March–April still affected by the northeast monsoon, with occasional chilly overcast and rain
• Less plum rain before May, making this the best cycling window
• Mountain areas (Yangmingshan, Beiyi) have morning fog—watch visibility

Central Taiwan (Taichung, Nantou):

• Spring offers some of the best cycling weather in all of Taiwan
• Comfortable temperatures (18–28°C) with little rainfall
• Wuling and Hehuanshan are at their most scenic in spring (though high mountains still carry a risk of snow)

Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Pingtung):

• Already quite hot in spring (25–32°C)
• Plum rain typically begins from late April to early May
• Recommended to start early (5–6 AM) to avoid the strongest sunlight hours

Eastern Taiwan (Hualien, Taitung):

• March–April is the best season in the east (stable climate, little rain)
• The Pacific high-pressure system brings clear weather
• The Rift Valley route (Provincial Highway 9) is a must-ride in spring

Recommended Routes: Northern Taiwan

Route 1: North Coast One-Day Loop

Distance: Approximately 130–150 km
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,500 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Months: March–April (avoid the occasional northern rains in May)

Route: Taipei → Tamsui → Sanzhi → Jinshan → Keelung → Taipei (return via Nangang direction)

Spring highlights:

• The North Coast shoreline is picturesque in spring
• Spring flowers in full bloom near Yehliu Geopark
• Comfortable sea breeze (though sometimes strong—watch for headwind sections)

Refueling suggestions:

• Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf: replenish water and food
• Jinshan town center: convenience store supplies
• Keelung city center: full resupply point

Route 2: Yangmingshan Full Assault

Distance: Approximately 80–100 km (depending on route combinations)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,000–3,000 m (depending on route)
Difficulty: High
Best Months: March (Zhuzihu calla lily season, Qingtiangang), April (azalea season)

Spring features:

• Late March to mid-April: calla lilies in full bloom at Zhuzihu (crowded on weekends—recommend going on weekdays)
• April: the grasslands of Qingtiangang are lush and green
• Mountain views along the Yangjin Highway are clearest in spring

Recommended Routes: Central Taiwan

Route 3: Sun Moon Lake Loop + Yuchi Township

Distance: Approximately 60–120 km (extendable)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000–1,500 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Months: March–May

Spring features:

• March–April: Sun Moon Lake’s surface is crystal clear with enchanting reflections
• Yuchi Township is a black tea production area; spring tea-picking season offers scenic tea plantation views
• Cool temperatures make this the most comfortable time of year for riding

Route 4: Wuling (Full Climb Challenge)

Distance: Approximately 117 km (starting from Puli)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,300 m
Difficulty: Very high
Best Months: April–May (mountain roads reopen after snow melts, but high elevations remain cool)

Spring precautions:

• Early March may still have snow or ice (check road conditions before departing)
• Large temperature swings between day and night (summit may be below 10°C, foothills above 25°C)
• Pack a windproof jacket

Recommended Routes: Southern Taiwan

Route 5: Pingtung to Taitung Coastal Ride (South Link Highway)

Distance: Approximately 150 km
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 m (South Link mountain section)
Difficulty: Moderate to high
Best Months: March (southern Taiwan not yet hot, before plum rains)

Spring features:

• Mango orchards in Fangshan blooming (March)
• Indigenous spring festivals in the Daren and Dawu areas
• Spring in Taitung County is the quietest, least crowded time of year

Recommended Routes: Eastern Taiwan

Route 6: Huadong Rift Valley (Provincial Highway 9)

Distance: Approximately 180 km (full section from Hualien to Taitung)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 m
Difficulty: Moderate (no major climbs, but long distance)
Best Months: March–April

Reasons this is a spring must-ride:

• Late March to mid-April: daylily and rapeseed flowers in full bloom across the valley
• The farmland scenery of Fuli and Chishang is at its most verdant in spring
• Rapeseed flower fields in Guanshan (peak in early March)
• Stable climate with little rainfall

Provincial Highway 9 riding tips:

• Traffic volume on Highway 9 is relatively heavy—stay alert
• Some sections can be replaced with County Road 193 (an alternative, quieter road)
• Combine with the Huadong cycling route sections

Spring Cycling Precautions

Dealing with the Plum Rain Season

After the plum rains begin in May (earlier in the south):

• Check the day’s weather forecast before departing (Central Weather Bureau app)
• Pack a waterproof jacket (sudden mountain showers are possible)
• Know the shelter points along your route (gas stations, convenience stores, pavilions)
• Riding in rain: braking distance increases and roads become slippery (especially downhill corners)

Pollen Allergies

Pollen counts are high in Taiwan during spring; riders with allergies should note:

• On high-pollen days (dry, sunny weather), consider wearing a mask
• Rinse your eyes and nasal passages after riding

Sun Protection

UV intensity begins to increase after April:

• Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen all over your body
• Taiwan’s spring UV is stronger than it feels—don’t assume you can skip sunscreen on cloudy days

Spring Event Calendar

Taiwan hosts several major cycling events in spring (based on past schedules; these vary by year):

• Tour de Taiwan (April–May): a professional race; you can watch from the roadside
• County/City King of the Mountain Series: frequently held in spring
• Keelung Islet & Keelung Cycling Race: usually March–April
• Spring Wave Carnival Cycling Ride: in the Pingtung and Kenting area

Conclusion

Spring in Taiwan is a blessing for cyclists—the weather, scenery, and road conditions in March–April are all at their best. Seize the golden window before the plum rains, plan that route you’ve always wanted to challenge, and springtime Taiwan awaits your exploration.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Winter Cycling Southbound: Chasing Southern Taiwan’s Good Weather from December to April
• Weather Strategies for Cycling Trips in Taiwan: Best Riding Climates and Precautions by Month
• The Best Season for a Taiwan Round-Island Tour: Choosing Between Spring/Autumn Climate and Typhoon Season
• Cycling’s Seasonal Rituals: Riding Culture and Featured Events Across Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter