Why the east coast picks last
Dry winters, warm sea, and a valley that holds the heat.
The valley effect
The rift valley is sheltered from the northeast monsoon by the coastal range, so winters are drier and warmer than the west coast at the same latitude.
Warmer nights slow the accumulation of sugar less than you would think, and push ripening later rather than earlier.
The harvest does not end in Taiwan. It ends in Taitung.
What it means for a visit
March is the only month when the east is still picking while the west has finished, which makes it the best late-season trip on the island.
It is also the quietest: no festival crowds, no tour buses, and hotels that will negotiate.
Disclosure: this article contains no affiliate links. Prices and dates checked in October 2026. Our methodology.