Things to Do in Tainan in December

December Weather in Tainan

24°C (75°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect cycling weather - temperatures stay between 16-24°C (61-75°F) making 2-3 hour temple tours comfortable without the exhausting summer heat
Night market season peaks in December with cooler evenings bringing out the best vendors - food stays fresh longer and crowds are manageable from 7-10pm
Traditional winter festivals like the Confucius Temple ceremonies happen throughout December, offering authentic cultural experiences without tourist crowds
Hotel rates drop 40-50% from November highs while weather remains excellent - book 2-3 weeks ahead for best selection at off-peak prices

Considerations

Brief afternoon showers occur 10 days per month, typically lasting 20-30 minutes but can disrupt outdoor temple visits between 2-4pm
Popular riverside restaurants close early (by 9pm) during cooler months, limiting late-night dining options compared to summer
Morning fog can reduce visibility for photography until 9am, affecting golden hour shots at historic sites

Best Activities in December

Historic District Cycling Tours

December's cooler mornings (16-20°C/61-68°F) make cycling between temples comfortable. The reduced humidity means less perspiration during 3-4 hour rides covering 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) of historic streets. Local cyclists emerge in December after avoiding summer heat, creating a more authentic atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes for ฿150-300 per day from shops near train stations. Self-guided routes work well in December weather - start at 8am to avoid afternoon showers. Reference booking widget below for guided cultural cycling tours with English-speaking guides.

Traditional Night Market Food Adventures

December evenings (18-22°C/64-72°F) are ideal for night market exploration. Food vendors use December's cooler weather to prepare more complex dishes that spoil quickly in summer heat. Crowds peak between 7-9pm but remain manageable compared to festival seasons.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for night markets. Bring ฿500-800 for full food experience. Food tours typically cost ฿1,200-2,000 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Check booking section below for current food tour options with local guides.

Ancient Temple Walking Meditation Routes

December's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in summer) and mild temperatures create perfect conditions for contemplative temple visits. Morning fog adds mystical atmosphere to Confucius Temple and other historic sites. Many temples hold special winter ceremonies throughout December.

Booking Tip: Most temples free entry, open 6am-9pm. Private cultural guides cost ฿2,000-3,500 for half-day temple tours. Book cultural experiences 5-7 days ahead for English-speaking guides. See current temple tour options in booking widget below.

Anping District Sunset Harbor Walks

December sunsets (around 5:30pm) coincide perfectly with comfortable walking temperatures. Harbor breezes keep conditions pleasant for 2-3 hour waterfront explorations. Local fishing activity increases in December's favorable weather, offering authentic maritime culture experiences.

Booking Tip: Walking routes are self-guided and free. Waterfront seafood restaurants cost ฿600-1,200 per meal. Harbor boat tours (when available) typically ฿400-800 per person. Check booking section for current harbor tour availability.

Traditional Craft Workshop Experiences

December's mild weather encourages artisans to work with open workshops, creating perfect conditions for pottery, traditional weaving, and calligraphy classes. Many workshops offer special winter programs taking advantage of stable humidity for clay and paper crafts.

Booking Tip: Workshops typically cost ฿800-2,500 depending on craft and duration. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as class sizes limited to 6-8 people. Materials included in most prices. See booking widget for current craft workshop availability.

Jiufen and Northern Coast Day Trips

December weather makes the 3-hour journey to Taiwan's northern attractions comfortable. Clear days offer excellent mountain and coastline views that are often obscured by summer heat haze. December has the year's most stable weather for long-distance sightseeing.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ฿2,800-4,500 per person including transport and guide. Book 7-14 days ahead for guaranteed English-speaking guides. Tours typically run 8am-7pm. Check booking section below for current northern Taiwan day trip options.

December Events & Festivals

Multiple dates throughout December

Confucius Temple Winter Ceremonies

Traditional ceremonies honoring Confucian scholars with music, incense, and ritual offerings. Local students participate in cultural performances showcasing traditional dress and classical music. These intimate gatherings offer authentic cultural immersion without tourist crowds.

Late December (around December 21st)

Traditional Winter Solstice Festival

Local families prepare tangyuan (sweet rice balls) and gather for family meals. Many temples offer public tangyuan preparation workshops and community dinners. This is Taiwan's most authentic family-oriented celebration.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light cotton long-sleeve shirts - December mornings start at 16°C (61°F) but afternoons reach 24°C (75°F), requiring layering options

Compact umbrella - 10 rainy days with brief 20-30 minute showers, often occurring between 2-4pm during temple visiting hours

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - temple courtyards can be slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily exploring historic districts

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in December, and temple courtyards offer little shade during midday visits

Light cardigan or thin jacket - evenings drop to 16°C (61°F) making night market exploration chilly without layers

Breathable cotton pants - humidity stays at 70% making synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during 3-4 hour cycling or walking tours

Small daypack - for carrying layers, water, and rain protection during temple hopping and market visits

Portable phone charger - December weather encourages longer outdoor exploration, draining batteries faster with photography and navigation

Insider Knowledge

Local families visit temples early (6-8am) in December to avoid afternoon showers - join them for authentic experiences and better photo opportunities without crowds

December is 'comfort food season' in Tainan - vendors prepare heartier traditional dishes like beef soup and pork rice that aren't available in hot months

Book accommodations in historic districts rather than modern areas - December weather makes walking between sites pleasant, and you'll save ฿200-400 daily on transportation

Many temple festivals and ceremonies happen spontaneously in December - ask accommodation staff to check local social media for authentic events happening during your stay

Avoid These Mistakes

Overpacking warm clothes - tourists bring winter coats for 16°C (61°F) lows, then carry heavy jackets all day in 24°C (75°F) afternoon heat

Scheduling too many indoor activities - December weather is Tainan's best for outdoor exploration, yet tourists book museums and shopping centers

Eating only at tourist restaurants - December's cooler evenings are perfect for street food and local night markets that many visitors skip