Hualien in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Hualien

27°C (81°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

23 mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak whale watching season - November offers the best chances to spot humpback whales migrating south along Taiwan's east coast, with visibility rates above 85%
Comfortable temperatures for hiking - daytime highs of 27°C (81°F) make Taroko Gorge trails manageable without the scorching summer heat that reaches 35°C+ (95°F+)
Clear mountain views - lower humidity and fewer typhoons mean crystal-clear visibility of the Central Mountain Range and coastal cliffs from viewpoints
Aboriginal harvest festivals - Indigenous communities celebrate post-harvest with traditional performances, local foods, and cultural exchanges that tourists can join

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall - while total precipitation is low, sudden mountain showers can close hiking trails for 2-3 hours without warning
Crowded weekends - Taiwanese domestic tourists flock to Hualien during comfortable November weather, making popular spots like Qingshui Cliffs extremely busy Saturday-Sunday
Higher accommodation prices - shoulder season rates are 20-30% higher than January-February, with weekend premiums reaching 40% above weekday rates

Best Activities in November

Taroko Gorge Hiking Trails

November's mild temperatures and stable weather create perfect conditions for exploring Taroko's marble canyon trails. The Shakadang and Swallow Grotto paths are comfortable in 27°C (81°F) heat, while higher elevation trails like Zhuilu Old Road benefit from clear mountain air and minimal afternoon cloud cover. Morning starts (7-9am) offer the best lighting and coolest temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book permits for restricted trails like Zhuilu 14-30 days ahead through the National Park website. Guided geological tours typically cost NT$1,500-2,800 per person. Check current trail conditions in the booking section below before arrival.

Pacific Whale Watching Tours

November marks peak humpback whale migration season along Hualien's coast. Calmer seas and excellent visibility make this the year's best month for marine wildlife spotting. Tours depart from Hualien Harbor with success rates above 85% - significantly higher than summer months when rough seas limit departures.

Booking Tip: Morning departures (8-10am) offer calmest conditions and best wildlife activity. Tours cost NT$1,800-2,500 per adult with 3-4 hour duration. Book 7-10 days ahead as boats fill quickly during peak migration. See current availability in the booking section below.

East Rift Valley Cycling Routes

Perfect cycling weather with comfortable temperatures and minimal rain allows for full-day rides through Taiwan's scenic valley. November's clear skies provide impressive views of both coastal and mountain ranges. The 30 km (18.6 mile) route from Guangfu to Ruisui is particularly beautiful with golden rice fields post-harvest.

Booking Tip: Electric bike rentals cost NT$800-1,200 per day from shops near Hualien Station. Book guided valley tours 5-7 days ahead, typically NT$2,200-3,500 including lunch and transfers. Best riding hours are 9am-4pm to avoid morning mist and evening mountain winds.

Indigenous Cultural Village Visits

November harvest season brings authentic cultural experiences to Amis and Truku villages around Hualien. Post-harvest celebrations include traditional cooking demonstrations, handicraft workshops, and ceremonial performances. Cooler weather makes outdoor cultural activities more comfortable for extended participation.

Booking Tip: Cultural village tours cost NT$1,500-2,800 per person including traditional meals. Book through indigenous tourism cooperatives 10-14 days ahead as real feels have limited daily capacity. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Qingshui Cliffs Sunrise Photography

November offers the year's most reliable sunrise viewing conditions at Taiwan's most dramatic coastal cliffs. Clear morning skies occur 80% of days, while summer months are often cloudy. The 6:30am sunrise provides perfect lighting for the 800m (2,625 ft) marble cliffs rising directly from the Pacific.

Booking Tip: Photography tours with professional guides cost NT$2,000-3,200 per person including transportation from Hualien City. Self-drive options require starting by 5:30am for best parking spots. Book sunrise tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators listed in the booking section below.

Hot Spring Resort Day Passes

Cooler November evenings make outdoor hot spring soaking ideal after day activities. Mountain springs around Antong and Ruisui maintain 40-45°C (104-113°F) temperatures year-round, but November's 19°C (66°F) nighttime lows create perfect contrast for therapeutic soaking without summer's oppressive heat.

Booking Tip: Day passes to quality hot spring resorts cost NT$600-1,200 per person. Evening sessions (4-8pm) are most popular and require advance booking on weekends. Rural springs offer lower prices but check water quality certifications. Current resort options available in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Amis Harvest Festival (Ilisin)

Taiwan's largest indigenous tribe celebrates the post-harvest season with traditional dancing, singing competitions, and ceremonial rituals. Visitors can participate in cultural workshops, taste traditional delicacies like bamboo tube rice and wild boar, and purchase authentic handicrafts directly from artisans.

Throughout November

Hualien International Stone Sculpture Festival

Artists from across Asia create permanent marble sculptures using local Taroko marble. The month-long festival includes live carving demonstrations, artist workshops, and exhibitions of completed works along the Hualien waterfront. Free public access with evening illumination of completed sculptures.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - sudden mountain showers occur on 10 days but last only 20-30 minutes, waterproof protection essential for trail hiking

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in November, coastal reflection increases exposure by 15-20% during whale watching tours

Hiking boots with ankle support - marble trails in Taroko can be slippery when wet, elevation changes up to 500m (1,640 ft) on popular routes

Moisture-wicking base layers - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable, synthetic or merino wool better for all-day outdoor activities

Insulated water bottle - temperature swings from 27°C (81°F) midday to 19°C (66°F) evening, hot drinks appreciated after sunset

Power bank and waterproof phone case - remote mountain areas have limited charging options, phone protection essential for trail photography

Cash in small bills - rural villages and local vendors often don't accept cards, ATMs scarce outside Hualien City center

Comfortable walking sandals - for hot spring facilities and beach access, quick-dry materials best for coastal humidity

Light fleece or pullover - evening temperatures drop significantly in mountain areas, indoor restaurants often over-air-conditioned

Insect repellent - mosquitoes active in valley areas especially after brief rain showers, DEET-based formulas most effective

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations Sunday-Thursday for 30-40% savings - Taiwanese tourists concentrate weekend visits, creating huge price differences between weekday and weekend rates in November

Start Taroko hiking trails before 8am to avoid tour bus crowds - most organized tours arrive 10am-2pm, early morning offers nearly empty trails and better wildlife spotting opportunities

Purchase Taiwan Railway Taroko Express tickets exactly 14 days before travel - popular November timing means seats sell out quickly, advance booking essential for scenic coastal route

Visit local morning markets (5-9am) for authentic breakfast experiences - vendors offer fresh fruit, traditional pastries, and coffee for under NT$150, far better value than hotel breakfast buffets

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating mountain weather changes - trails can be sunny and 25°C (77°F) at entrance, then foggy and 15°C (59°F) at higher elevations within 1 hour of hiking

Not booking whale watching tours in advance - November's peak migration season means popular morning tours sell out 7-10 days ahead, leaving only afternoon slots with rougher seas

Driving mountain roads without experience - Taroko's narrow roads and sudden weather changes challenge unfamiliar drivers, organized tours safer and often more economical for first-time visitors