The climate of Penghu
Penghu,
Taiwan, finds its climate classification within the Köppen system as Cwa, signifying a humid subtropical climate with a dry winter. Located off the western coast of Taiwan, this archipelago experiences a wide range of temperatures and varied humidity levels throughout the year, with prominent seasonal variations.
Throughout the year, the temperature varies significantly, with average highs ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 32°C (89.6°F) and lows spanning from 12°C (53.6°F) to 25°C (77°F). The highest temperatures are observed in
July and
August, reaching up to 32°C (89.6°F), while the lowest temperatures exist in
January and
February, bottoming at 12°C (53.6°F). The amount daylight varies throughout the year from 10.9 hours to 13.6 hours per day, and the duration of sunshine varies relatively less, oscillating between 4 to 8 hours per day.
Humidity level effects are felt keenly due to the changes in rainfall across the year. The driest months,
December and January, observe scanty precipitation of 20mm (0.79") and 29mm (1.14") respectively, with rainfall days standing at 11 to 12 days. The wettest months come during the summer, specifically
June, July and August, when the rainfall skyrockets to over 300mm (11.81") per month, with rainfall days varying between 13 to 17 days.
The Sea Temperature, a pivotal factor for island weather, changes from 20°C (68°F) in the cooler months to 28°C (82.4°F) in the warmest months. The UV Index, a critical weather factor for skin health, fluctuates from as low as 6 in December to as high as 12 from
May to August, indicating very high to extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
The best time to visit Penghu
The most agreeable time to visit
Penghu comes around spring, specifically
April and
May, when the weather strikes a balance between temperature and rainfall. During these months, the average temperature hovers between 22°C (71.6°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) and the rainfall stays under 100mm (3.94"). The sea's temperature rises to a comfortable range of 23°C (73.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), allowing visitors to enjoy water-related activities. Daylight averages around 12 to 13 hours, and sunshine ranges from 5 to 6 hours per day, providing ample time for exploration.
The worst time to visit Penghu
The summer months from
June to
August pose challenges for visitors due to high temperature, excessive rainfall, and increased humidity. Average temperatures reach 31°C (87.8°F) with the peak going up to 32°C (89.6°F). These months observe the heaviest rainfall between 303mm (11.93") to 314mm (12.36") and number of rainy days increasing up to 17 days. The combined high heat and excessive moisture can lead to a somewhat uncomfortable experience.
Spring weather in Penghu
Spring arrives in
Penghu with temperatures moving from 14°C (57.2°F) at the end of winter to a pleasant 26°C (78.8°F) by the end of
May. Rainfall begins to increase during this period, starting from 56mm (2.2") in
February to 94mm (3.7") in
April. Notably, the increased daylight, ranging from 11.4 to 13.3 hours, and the enhanced sea temperature, from 20°C (68°F) going up to 26°C (78.8°F), lend to the overall comfort of this season.
Summer weather in Penghu
Summer in
Penghu brings in the heat, with average temperatures climbing to reach 32°C (89.6°F) in
July and
August. It's also the period with maximum rainfall, exceeding 300mm (11.81") in
June, July, and August. The daytime becomes longer averaging around 13.5 hours and sea temperatures reach up to 28°C (82.4°F), making this heat more palpable.
Autumn weather in Penghu
The onset of autumn sees a recession in rainfall, withdrawing from 137mm (5.39") in
September to 24mm (0.94") in
November. The temperature also recedes from the peak of 29°C (84.2°F) in September to a calmer 22°C (71.6°F) by the end of November. The length of daylight reduces slightly to around 11 hours per day and sea temperatures range between 28°C (82.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F).
Winter weather in Penghu
In winter,
Penghu is exposed to lower temperatures, falling from 22°C (71.6°F) in
December to 20°C (68°F) in
January and
February. Rainfall hits the minimum values, falling to 20mm (0.79") in December and remaining low at 29mm (1.14") in January. The length of daylight is the shortest in the year, reducing to about 10.7 hours in December and the sea temperatures hit the year's lowest at 22°C (71.6°F) in February.
Weather in January
January in
Penghu,
Taiwan experiences moderately cool temperatures, with cloud coverage being a frequent sight. Even though it gives way from the much colder
December, the island sees an average high of 20°C (68°F) and low of 12°C (53.6°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the cool trend from
January, although the days become a bit longer and the rainfall increases substantially. Consequently, the city endures an increase in rainfall, registering 56mm (2.2") over approximately 13 days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March signals a departure from the relatively cool february and steps into more comfortable temperatures. The most notable shift in March happens with rainfall, as the island receives around 73mm (2.87") of rain over 14 days. The daylight hours increase progressively, hinting the arrival of longer and warmer days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the commencement of rising temperatures in
Penghu,
Taiwan. The weather in April presents noticeable changes with an average recorded rainfall of 94mm (3.7") spread across 13 days. Additionally, longer daylight hours become more apparent, ensuring more time to appreciate the scenic beauty of the city.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Penghu makes a clear transition towards hotter weather as temperatures, rainfall and sea temperatures all rise. Meteorological data highlights an average rainfall of 163mm (6.42") dispersed over 16 days, marking a significant increase from
April.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June carries on the summer aura of
May, with the weather taking a decidedly tropical turn. As per weather statistics,
Penghu records its highest rainfall in June, amounting to a staggering 303mm (11.93") across 17 days. The UV index hits its peak during this month, prompting the need for adequate sun protection during outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The tropical climate persists in
July with high sea and air temperatures, although the island witnesses fewer rain days than in
June. July is the hottest month with average temperatures oscillating from 25°C (77°F) at the lowest to an intense 32°C (89.6°F) at the peak.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Continuing the thermal trend from
July,
August in
Penghu is characterized by sun-soaked days and equally warm sea temperatures. August matches July with the total rainfall reaching a high 314mm (12.36"), the most for any month in a year, spread over 15 days.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in the onset of autumn and brings noticeable changes in the overall climate. September sees a welcome decrease in rainfall as compared to the preceding months, measuring approximately 137mm (5.39") over 12 days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Penghu is typified by noticeably cooler temperatures, juxtaposing itself from the departing warmth in
September. October has a substantial drop in rainfall, the city receiving only 35mm (1.38") over 10 days. This month is graced by a comfortable sea temperature ideal for water-based outdoor fun.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The last month of the autumn,
November, is also a moderately hot month in
Penghu,
Taiwan, with temperature in the range of an average high of 26°C (78.8°F) and an average low of 18°C (64.4°F). November indicates a minor shift in the average high-temperature, from
October's moderately hot 29°C (84.2°F) to a still warm 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December rounds out the year with the coolest temperatures and least amount of rainfall, providing a crisp contrast to the island's typical climate. December receives the least rain throughout the year with a modest average of 20mm (0.79") over 11 days.
Weather in December »