Things to Do in Taichung in December

December Weather in Taichung

24°C (75°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

30 mm (1.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with comfortable 15-24°C (59-75°F) range - ideal for exploring Dakeng Trail System without summer's brutal heat
Clear mountain visibility on dry days means stunning views from Gaomei Wetlands and Rainbow Village photography spots
Local winter specialties peak in December - hot pot season, warm soy milk vendors, and seasonal persimmon treats at traditional markets
Lowest accommodation prices of the year as December falls between autumn foliage season and Chinese New Year rush - book hotels 40-60% cheaper than peak months

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns - 10 rainy days spread randomly throughout month can disrupt outdoor market visits and hiking plans
Morning fog reduces visibility at mountain viewpoints until 10-11am, limiting early sunrise photography opportunities
Some rooftop bars and outdoor night markets have reduced hours due to cooler evening temperatures dropping to 15°C (59°F)

Best Activities in December

Dakeng Trail System Hiking

December's mild temperatures make the numbered trail system (1-10) perfect for hiking without summer's oppressive heat. Trails 1-2 offer challenging bamboo ladder climbs, while 6-10 provide easier forest walks. Morning fog clears by 10am revealing panoramic city views.

Booking Tip: No booking required for trails, but guided eco-tours cost NT$800-1,200 per person. Best tackled 10am-4pm when visibility is clearest. Wear proper hiking boots for bamboo ladder sections.

Traditional Market Food Tours

December brings seasonal specialties like hot doujiang (soy milk), steamed buns, and winter melon soup. Cooler weather means longer market operating hours and fresher ingredients. Zhonghua Night Market and Fengjia Night Market are most comfortable to explore without summer heat.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours typically cost NT$1,500-2,500 including tastings. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours. Markets operate 5pm-1am but peak activity is 7-10pm in December.

Gaomei Wetlands Sunset Photography

December's clear skies and lower humidity create optimal conditions for sunset photography. Less haze means better shots of wind turbines against golden hour light. Comfortable walking temperatures for the 1.7km (1.1-mile) wooden walkway.

Booking Tip: Photography tours cost NT$2,000-3,200 including transportation. Independent visits require 45-minute bus journey from city center. Arrive 1 hour before sunset (around 4:30pm in December).

Rainbow Village Art Discovery

Cooler December weather makes exploring this colorful military dependents' village more comfortable. Perfect lighting conditions for photography without harsh summer glare. Less crowded than spring months when tour groups peak.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost NT$1,200-1,800 including English guide. Self-guided visits are free but guided tours provide historical context. Open 8am-6pm, best visited 10am-3pm for optimal lighting.

Central Taiwan Hot Springs Circuit

December's cooler evenings make hot spring soaking ideal. Guguan Hot Springs (1 hour drive) and Dakeng Hot Springs offer therapeutic benefits after hiking. Natural mineral pools are most enjoyable when air temperature is 15-20°C (59-68°F).

Booking Tip: Day trip packages cost NT$2,500-4,000 including transport and entrance fees. Individual hot spring entry fees range NT$300-800. Book midweek for better rates and fewer crowds.

Traditional Bicycle Cultural Routes

December's mild weather revives cycling culture - perfect for exploring historic districts and temple circuits. Comfortable temperatures for the 15km (9.3-mile) cultural heritage route connecting major temples and traditional markets.

Booking Tip: Guided cultural cycling tours cost NT$1,800-2,800 including bike rental and lunch. U-bike rental stations throughout city charge NT$10 per 30 minutes. Best cycling hours are 9am-5pm when temperatures are most comfortable.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Taichung Lantern Festival Preparation

December marks the beginning of lantern-making workshops and cultural activities preparing for the upcoming Lantern Festival. Local temples and cultural centers offer traditional craft sessions and preview displays.

December 21-22

Winter Solstice Traditional Food Festival

Local markets and restaurants celebrate dongzhi (winter solstice) around December 21st with tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and traditional winter warming foods. Street vendors and night markets feature seasonal specialties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with breathability - December's 10 rainy days bring short 20-30 minute afternoon showers, not all-day downpours

Layering pieces for 9°C (16°F) temperature swings - mornings start at 15°C (59°F), afternoons reach 24°C (75°F)

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - wet temple courtyards and market floors can be slippery during December's variable weather

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite cooler temperatures - UV index of 8 still causes burns, especially during clear-sky hiking

Light cotton long sleeves for temple visits - required coverage plus protection from morning coolness and UV exposure

Compact umbrella rather than poncho - easier to navigate crowded night markets during brief shower periods

Moisture-wicking base layers - 70% humidity means cotton feels damp, synthetic fabrics dry faster after rain or perspiration

Light evening jacket for night market browsing - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) after 8pm making outdoor dining chilly

Waterproof phone case for Gaomei Wetlands visits - coastal spray and sudden showers can damage electronics

Cash in small NT bills - traditional markets and food stalls rarely accept cards, especially during busy December evening hours

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Xitun District near Fengjia Night Market - 30% cheaper than West District but only 15 minutes to major attractions via MRT Green Line

Visit Dakeng trails on weekday mornings before 10am - locals avoid morning fog but trails are completely empty, giving you private mountain access

December is persimmon season - buy dried persimmons from traditional markets for NT$200-300 per box, a fraction of what tourists pay at branded shops

Many rooftop restaurants close outdoor seating by 6pm in December - call ahead or book indoor tables if you want dinner with views

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December evening temperature drops - many tourists wear summer clothes then freeze during night market visits after 7pm

Skipping morning activities due to fog - locals know fog clears by 10-11am revealing perfect conditions for mountain photography and hiking

Booking tours for rainy days - December's rain is unpredictable but brief, better to have flexible indoor backup plans than cancel outdoor activities entirely