Destinations ・ Penghu ・ Updated 2026

Is Penghu actually better in winter than in summer? Enjoying the off-season

At a famous mackerel restaurant on Wenkang breakfast street, a sign at the door says "No pets or strollers." With a group of elderly people, women, kids and a stroller, we timidly asked the owner if he could watch the stroller for us. He laughed and said: "No problem, just push it in! In summer when it's busy maybe not, but now it's fine."

In winter, whichever restaurant you walk into in Penghu, the owner is delighted to see you. Even the famous A-Hua restaurant has no queue and no grumpy faces, and the owner patiently explains the no-menu catch of the day and suggests what to order. The "no reservations available, slow service, grumpy owner" you read about online feels like the same restaurant in a parallel universe.

Off-season vs peak-season Penghu

This slow-paced, VIP-like pampering is what a holiday should really feel like. For the iTour team, who travel every day, the best holiday is finding a beautiful, comfortable place and doing things that make you feel good. In winter Penghu that really comes true: no crowds, no queues, owners with time to chat, and hotel staff looking after you as their only VIP, preparing your room in advance and serving room service quickly.

How to dodge the northeast monsoon

Penghu's biggest, and only, downside in winter is that the northeast monsoon is very strong (one guest weighing about 100 kg said after getting back to Taiwan that "the wind nearly blew me into the sea"; an exaggeration, but the wind really is strong).

The trick is "don't fight it": lie comfortably on a lounger by the hotel pool, with the building behind you blocking the monsoon, leaving only the warm winter sun and a gentle breeze; change into your swimsuit, soak in the spa pool, scroll your phone and watch the boats come and go in the harbor. With no other guests at the pool, it feels like you've booked it all to yourself.

Wander around and eat seafood by day, play games, board games and have drinks at the hotel at night: this level of service and efficiency, for about half the usual price.

Quicker from Taipei than getting to Taichung

Winter in Penghu means more sunny days, less air pollution, and fewer traffic jams and queues. You can book flights and go, with airports all over Taiwan from south to north flying there. From Taipei, take off at 9 and you're driving your rental car by 10: quicker than taking the high-speed rail to Taichung. Three days two nights at Penghu's best hotel, with flight and hotel kept under NT$7,000 (depending on dates and flights): two people can just decide and go, cheaper than Kenting and with less travel time than getting to Taichung.

Off-season Penghu: FAQ

Are Penghu's attractions all closed in winter?

Some water activities (snorkeling, the marine ranch) do stop, but the culture, villages, lighthouses, tunnels and food are all there year-round, and nobody is competing with you for them.

Can you actually enjoy it with that much wind?

You can still visit outdoor sights; just wear a windproof jacket. Plan more indoor or sheltered spots, and treat "sunbathing by the pool / spa" as a proper part of the itinerary.

Is off-season Penghu good for a company employee trip?

Very. The same budget gets you better hotels, restaurants you can actually book, a real "we have the place to ourselves" feeling, and you can hold events at the hotel at night.

See corporate & employee travel

Further reading: Why visit Matsu in winter

This post is adapted from an iTour Pixnet article (originally written in winter 2022). Prices are for reference at that time; actual prices are subject to airline and hotel announcements.