Weather in Matsu

Planning your visit to Matsu? Familiarise yourself with the most up-to-date weather information, detailed forecasts, and climate charts in this section to ensure your journey is comfortable.

The climate of the Matsu archipelago can be described as subtropical maritime, with a noticeable oceanic influence that smooths out sharp temperature fluctuations. The weather here changes depending on the season but remains quite mild: there are no severe frosts in winter, and the summer heat is often tempered by sea breezes. The average temperature changes gradually from a cool 11°C in the winter months to a hot 28°C at the height of summer.

Summer in Matsu, lasting from June to September, is the warmest time of the year, when the air consistently warms up above 25°C. Winter (December–February) brings noticeable coolness, and travellers will definitely need a jacket, as the temperature hovers around 11–13°C. Spring and autumn serve as comfortable transitional periods when the weather becomes most pleasant for long walks and exploring natural attractions.

A distinctive feature of the local climate is the consistently high probability of precipitation throughout the year. Although the total volume of falling moisture may be small, the number of rainy days is high—averaging from 10 to 16 days each month. This indicates frequent cloudiness, fog, or fine drizzle characteristic of island weather, so tourists are advised to always carry a raincoat or umbrella.

The temperature regime on the Matsu archipelago is characterised by noticeable seasonality, typical of a subtropical maritime climate. The coldest months of the year are January and February, when the average air temperature holds at around 11°C. Winter here is mild, without frost: even at night, the thermometer rarely drops below 9-10°C. However, it is worth noting that due to sea winds, such weather can feel quite cool and chilly.

Summer brings real warmth and high humidity. The hottest month is July with an average temperature of 28°C. During this period, as well as in August, daytime highs reach 29°C. A remarkable feature of the Matsu climate is the very small amplitude of fluctuations between day and night temperatures—the difference is often only 2-3 degrees. This means that summer nights here are practically as warm and sultry as the days, with a temperature of about 26°C.

The transitional seasons delight with more moderate figures. In spring, the air gradually warms up from 14°C in March to a comfortable 21°C in May. Autumn arrives gently: September still retains summer warmth (averaging 26.5°C), allowing you to enjoy mild weather, and by November the air cools down to a fresh 18°C. Thanks to the influence of the ocean, the weather here is quite stable, without sharp temperature spikes during the day.

Matsu's climate is distinguished by high humidity and regular precipitation throughout the year, although its intensity is generally low. It is difficult to distinguish a sharp contrast between the dry season and the rainy season here, as overcast weather is characteristic of most months. Travellers should be prepared for frequent drizzle and fog, which create the archipelago's mystical atmosphere, so having waterproof clothing will be relevant at any time of the year.

The beginning of summer is considered the wettest period. In June, the maximum volume of precipitation (about 10 mm) and a high frequency of rainy days—approximately 16 days per month—are recorded. A similar frequency of precipitation is observed in March, August, and September, when it can rain literally every other day. Despite the regularity, such rains are rarely powerful downpours, more often presenting as light but frequent precipitation.

Relatively drier weather settles in during mid-summer and winter. July and December are the most favourable months in terms of the number of "dry" days: precipitation falls on average only 10 times a month. In winter, in January and December, the total volume of precipitation is minimal and amounts to only about 2 mm. Snow is practically never seen in this region, so even in the coolest months, precipitation falls exclusively in the form of rain.

The Matsu archipelago is characterised by a humid and windy climate, so when packing your suitcase, you should follow the principle of layering. In winter and early spring, when the temperature hovers around +11...+14°C, you will definitely need a warm windproof jacket, a fleece jumper, and a scarf. Due to frequent fogs and high humidity, the cold can feel sharper than the thermometer shows, so light thermal underwear will not be amiss, especially for long evening walks by the sea.

In summer, when the air warms up to +28°C, give preference to loose clothing made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. However, even in the hottest season, a fresh breeze often blows from the sea, so a light windbreaker or cardigan will come in handy after sunset. Do not forget about reliable sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream are mandatory, as UV radiation on the open islands is quite active.

Regardless of the time of year, pack comfortable and sturdy walking shoes in your luggage, as the terrain of the islands is hilly, and you will have to move around a lot on foot along nature trails. Given that the number of days with precipitation remains high throughout the year (on average 10–16 days a month), a compact umbrella or a high-quality raincoat will become your faithful companions. It is also useful to have a waterproof case for technology to protect your camera and phone from sea spray and sudden drizzle.