Hualien in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Hualien

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 15-24°C (59-75°F) temperatures - ideal for Taroko Gorge trails without summer's oppressive heat and humidity
Clear mountain visibility on most days - December has the year's best conditions for spotting whales from coastal viewpoints and seeing the Central Mountain Range
Minimal typhoon risk and stable weather patterns - only light rain showers lasting 15-20 minutes, unlike summer's torrential downpours
Hot spring season peaks in December - the cool air makes soaking in 38-42°C (100-108°F) natural springs absolutely perfect

Considerations

Shorter daylight hours with sunset at 5:15 PM - limits afternoon outdoor activities and coastal sunset viewing compared to summer's 7 PM sunsets
Ocean temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) making swimming less comfortable - locals avoid beach activities this month
Northeast monsoon brings occasional strong winds up to 40 km/h (25 mph) affecting coastal road cycling and outdoor dining

Best Activities in December

Taroko Gorge Hiking Trails

December offers perfect hiking conditions with cool, dry weather ideal for the Shakadang Trail and Zhuilu Old Trail. Morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) warm to comfortable 24°C (75°F) by midday. Clear skies provide excellent marble cliff photography and the Liwu River runs crystal blue. Avoid summer's 35°C+ (95°F+) heat and humidity that makes these trails grueling.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours for restricted trails like Zhuilu 7-10 days ahead (typically NT$2,800-3,500). Free trails like Shakadang require no booking but start early by 8 AM for best lighting. Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Coastal Hot Springs Soaking

December's cool air creates the perfect contrast for hot spring bathing. Outdoor springs in Ruisui and Antong are most enjoyable when air temperature is 15-20°C (59-68°F) while you soak in 40°C (104°F) mineral water. Summer makes hot springs unbearably hot and humid.

Booking Tip: Public hot springs cost NT$200-400 for day use. Private resort access ranges NT$800-1,500. No advance booking needed for public springs, but arrive before 3 PM for best experience before evening crowds.

East Coast Scenic Railway

The train journey from Hualien to Taitung showcases Taiwan's dramatic coastline with December's clear skies providing unobstructed Pacific Ocean views. Cool weather makes the 2.5-hour journey comfortable, and you'll spot migrating whales offshore during December peak season.

Booking Tip: Book Taiwan Railways tickets 14 days ahead for window seats (NT$300-450). Morning departures at 8:20 AM or 10:15 AM offer best lighting for coastal photography. Reserve through official TRA system or see current tour options below.

Indigenous Cultural Village Tours

December coincides with harvest festivals in local Amis and Taroko villages. Cool weather makes outdoor cultural performances and traditional cooking demonstrations comfortable. This is peak season for experiencing authentic indigenous culture before tourist season intensifies.

Booking Tip: Cultural village tours typically cost NT$1,200-2,000 including traditional meals. Book 5-7 days ahead through certified cultural guides. Some villages require advance permission - check current available tours in booking section.

Whale Watching Expeditions

December marks peak whale migration season with humpback and sperm whales passing Hualien's coast. Calmer seas and clear visibility make this the year's best whale watching month. Success rates reach 85% compared to summer's 60% due to better weather conditions.

Booking Tip: Whale watching tours cost NT$2,500-3,800 for 3-hour trips. Morning departures (8 AM-11 AM) have highest success rates. Boats operate daily unless winds exceed 35 km/h (22 mph). Book 3-5 days ahead during peak season.

Night Market Food Tours

December's cool evenings make exploring Hualien's night markets comfortable without summer's sweltering heat. Dongdamen this destination and Zhiqiang this destination offer seasonal specialties like hot taro balls and steamed pork buns that are perfect in cool weather.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration costs NT$300-500 per person for full meal. Guided food tours range NT$1,500-2,200 including 8-10 tastings. Markets open 6 PM-1 AM with peak crowds 7-9 PM. No advance booking needed for independent visits.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Hualien Indigenous Harvest Festival

Local Taroko and Amis tribes celebrate the harvest with traditional dancing, singing, and feast preparation. Visitors can participate in mochi making and learn traditional weaving techniques. This authentic cultural experience happens in several villages around Hualien.

Late December

Christmas and New Year Celebrations at Farglory Ocean Park

Taiwan's largest theme park decorates extensively for the holiday season with light displays and special performances. The cooler December weather makes outdoor attractions more enjoyable than summer visits.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight hiking boots - trails can be slippery with 30 mm (1.2 inches) of December rainfall, and you'll walk 5-15 km (3-9 miles) daily

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 15°C (59°F) but warm to 24°C (75°F) by afternoon, requiring easy adjustments

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and mountain reflection intensifies exposure during hiking

Light rain jacket - December showers are brief but sudden, lasting 15-20 minutes with little warning

Quick-dry swimwear - essential for hot springs and some hiking trails pass swimming holes

Comfortable walking shoes for night markets - you'll spend 2-3 hours on your feet on concrete surfaces

Power bank - cooler weather drains phone batteries 20-30% faster, and you'll use GPS extensively

Reusable water bottle - tap water is safe and you'll need 2-3 liters (0.5-0.8 gallons) daily for hiking

Light fleece or sweater - evening temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) making outdoor dining chilly

Waterproof phone case - protect devices during hot springs visits and unexpected rain showers

Insider Knowledge

Visit Taroko Gorge trails between 8-10 AM when marble formations catch the best light and temperatures are coolest - locals avoid midday hiking even in December

December is mochi season - local shops make fresh versions with seasonal flavors like purple sweet potato and taro that aren't available year-round

Book accommodations near the train station in December - many coastal hotels close or reduce services during the cooler season when beach activities decline

Use the Hualien Bus Day Pass (NT$100) in December - services run more frequently than summer and you'll avoid walking in occasional rain showers

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - many first-time visitors underestimate how cool December evenings get at 15°C (59°F) and end up buying overpriced clothing

Skipping hot springs thinking it's too cold - December is actually peak hot springs season when the temperature contrast feels most refreshing

Booking ocean activities - December's 22°C (72°F) water temperature and potential strong winds make surfing and swimming uncomfortable compared to land-based activities