Kaohsiung Weather in January

January weather

January is one of Kaohsiung's easiest months for being outdoors. Days reach about 25°C, with mild evenings around 19°C. Rain is limited, and the air feels less sticky than in the hotter months. You can spend a comfortable day walking around Lotus Pond or exploring the shaded paths at Shoushan.

There's enough sun for Cijin's waterfront, but don't expect a full day of bright beach weather. Cloud can roll in, and the sea may feel cool. If you're hoping to swim or lounge on the sand, summer is a better bet. January is much better for sightseeing, cycling or taking the ferry across to Cijin for seafood.

Holidays and crowds

January 1 is a public holiday in Taiwan, so expect more local visitors around popular sights. Lunar New Year sometimes falls in January, though it can also land in February. If it does, travel gets busier and some family-run places may close for a few days.

If you hate crowds, visit Pier-2 Art Center on a weekday. January is part of Kaohsiung's popular December-to-March travel season, so it's not the cheapest time to come. Prices and visitor numbers are generally lower in the hot, wetter summer months. The trade-off is that January's comfortable weather makes long days out far more pleasant.

A local tip

Travelling with kids? Take the ferry from Gushan to Cijin, then rent bikes near the landing point. The ride makes it easy to reach Cijin Lighthouse and the old fort without a long walk. Go for lunch at a seafood restaurant along the island's main street; the area is known for fresh catch and grilled squid. Keep some time for the return ferry, especially around the New Year holiday, when locals also head across.