Answered by Colin oswald from South Africa / taipei | Oct. 08, 2014 10:40
When people say it rains in taipei, that is not necessarily true. What does happen, though, is that there is a light drizzle that sporadically appears and lasts most of the day. This doesn't feel like rain, and you won't understand why all the locals are carrying umbrellas, but trust me, by the time you arrive at your destination, that 'drizzle' has seeped into every pore in your body. You don't really notice it while you are outdoors because the humidity keeps you sweating anyway. But by the time you get indoors, you realize that you are drenched right down to your unmentionables, your shoes are sopping and sqieaky and the AC in the building will ensure you hit freezing. My advice, always carry an extra pair of socks, wet wipes and have a change of shoes ready. A puddle usually renders them odorous and a source of embarrassment, as it is customary to take off shoes in most places, and this is when the socks start wafting. And carry an umbrella even if it looks sunny when u wake up. The weather is too unpredictable. It does get cold, but that is predominantly because the wet climbs into your bones with the ac's help. And unexplicably, you sweat all the time = more moisture between you and your clothes. Jeans are a good bet, and a jacket that protects you from the elements, which can duly be removed as you enter a store.
It can be cold, but with these tips to avoid rain you might find it pleasant. Expect half of your time here to be drenched in drizzle.
Hope this helps.