Weather in Japan: The Ultimate 12-Month Guide

With four distinct seasons all year round, Japan offers just about anything for everyone.

People go to Japan for lots of reasons, from business trips to sightseeing. But regardless of your reason for coming to Japan, weather can have a major impact.

If you're visiting Japan to sample its craft brews and festivals, you might be OK visiting in the winter.

But if you want to witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom? Then you'll want to visit Japan when they're at their peak in spring.

Knowing what the weather in Japan is critical. So in this guide we'll tell you about the weather in Japan year round — use it to make sure you make the most of your trip to Japan!

Weather in Japan in January

In Japan, January is considered the coldest month of the year. That means temperatures plunging below freezing in Honshu (Japan's main island — this is where Tokyo and Kyoto are located). Or at least reaching single digits (the 30s/40s Fahrenheit). It's also quite dry in January on the main island (except for parts of the western coast).

Northern Japan (especially Hokkaido) can get very cold in January. Expect cold winds and heavy snowfall, making January the most reliable month for winter sports. Snowfall may be scarce in early December, and temperatures may be rising in late February in some areas. Here are a few things you can do in Japan despite the cold weather:

• Onsen (Hot Springs)
• Japanese New Year
• Snowboarding
• Hatsumode (Shrine Visits)

Weather in Japan in February

February is the final month of winter in Japan. The conventional lunar calendar declares February 3 to be the first day of spring but the weather in Japan does not reflect this.

February can still be quite cold and snowy — especially in Northern Japan.

Because of the cold and snow, February isn't the best month for most outdoor activities in Japan, but general sightseeing around towns or cities should be fine, and there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy. The best thing to do during this month is to attend the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido and the Winter Illuminations around the country.

Weather in Japan in March

During March, the weather in Japan begins to warm up. The total amount of rain during the month falls, but the number of rainy days rises.

It's still a good idea to take warm clothes if you're traveling in March because the mornings and evenings can be just as cold as they are in the winter. You can check out your city’s exact wealth through weathernews.jp.

Since you can experience two seasons during March, here are a few activities you can do during that time:

• Strawberry Picking
• Cherry Blossoms Viewing
• Omizutori
• Inabe Plum Festival

Just be sure to bring a jacket for when the sun goes down.

Weather in Japan in April

April is the third sunniest month of the year in Japan, with average temperatures of 14°C (57°F) and highs of up to 19°C (66°F) in Tokyo.

April is widely seen as one of the best months to visit Japan in terms of weather. The climate is moderate, and cherry blossom season is usually in full-swing — at least in some parts of the country. It is still usually still quite cold in the north however, especially Hokkaido.

April weather in Japan is a great time to enjoy warm weather before the rainy season begins, making it the best time to relax. You can watch the Miyako Odori in Kyoto during this month.

Just one thing to be aware of: April is also one of the busiest times for tourism, so there will likely be crowds.

Weather in Japan in May

May is the last month of the spring season, and it is known for its pleasant weather. There may be occasional rain, but it's generally still mild and pleasant. The weather in Japan in May is ideal for individuals who want to spend their time participating in outdoor activities.

Even Japan's northern areas finally start to warm up in May, and this can be a great time to experience Spring in Hokkaido.

If you're not a lover of rainy days, May is likely to be your final chance to visit Japan before the rainy season begins. Highs in the 70s are expected, with an average temperature in the mid-60s. You'll want to bring a jacket, but for the rest of the month.

Weather in Japan in June

Japan's rainy season begins in June. The rain during this time can be heavy, but it doesn't rain every day. The clear days are ideal for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. June is still an excellent season to travel if you don't mind a little rain, as the rain and heat aren't too bad.

Also, Hokkaido is one area of Japan that doesn't experience a rainy season. It can get cool there at night, but the temperature is usually around 13°C (55°F) to 20°C (68°F).

In June, temperatures and humidity rise slightly, but it's still not too severe. The average temperature is in the 70s on honshu (the main island), with a wide variety between lows and highs. There are a lot of relatively short days on average, and numerous activities are still available.

Weather in Japan in July

In Japan, July is the hottest month, with high humidity levels. The average temperature in Japan is 26°C (78°F), with 154 mm of rain on average (6 inches). When traveling in July, it is recommended that you bring an umbrella or raincoat with you at all times.

This month's weather in Japan is ideal for alpine trekking on Mt. Fuji or resting at the beach in Japan's southernmost prefecture.

Weather in Japan in August

Throughout August, travelers may expect sunny skies, plenty of sunshine, and a few showers.

But it can get extremely hot — especially given the high humidity. Typical temperatures in Tokyo are 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (85.7°F), but it can feel much hotter than this.

Japan's August weather can be difficult for some due to the rising temperatures on the islands and mainland as the heatwave continues. But we wouldn't rule it out for travel, because the correct schedule can still work well during the summer season.

In August, be prepared for the hot weather in Japan. Here are a few activities you can enjoy during the hot weather:

• Summer Hiking
• Beaches
• Tokushima Awa Odori Festival
• Nebuta Summer Festival

Weather in Japan in September

As September ushers in autumn, the weather in Japan becomes more relaxed and drier by the end of the month, and peak-season visitors begin to fade. September is an excellent month to travel because there are lower costs and fewer crowds.

But the weather is still warm in most of the country.

September is a great time to experience both summer and the beginning of fall. You can enjoy the hot weather on the southern beaches, but in Northern Hokkaido, you may enjoy the fall colors and cooler weather.

Weather in Japan in October

In October, the weather in Japan continues to be warm in most regions, but the summer's extreme humidity and heavy rainfall have decreased. Higher elevations and northern latitudes see the first appearance of autumn foliage.

In most places in Japan, the weather is warm but not oppressively so in October. So it can be another great month to visit.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Average October highs in Honshu and Kyushu's major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka) stay in the low 70s F (low 20s C), but evening lows dip to the high 50s (about 15° C), necessitating the use of a sweater.

Weather in Japan in November

November delivers crisp air, bright skies, and brilliant autumn foliage to most of Japan, making it one of the most enjoyable months to travel.

Although the weather does turn chilly with time, particularly in the mornings and evenings, a hot spring excursion is a quick solution for any cold spells you may experience.

The average temperature is in the low teens °C (mid-to low-fifties °F), and there is significantly less precipitation. In November, daylight diminishes, and the wind picks up. If you're visiting Japan in November, be prepared for the cold.

Weather in Japan in December

**Japan is cold and dry in December, with a temperature of 6°C (43°F) and 80 mm of rainfall (3 in). **While temperatures in the northern prefecture may drop below freezing in December, regions like Okinawa remain calm and pleasant in the country’s south.

In Japan, the shoulder season begins in the early half of December. Due to the Christmas and New Year vacations, it does become congested towards the end of December.

It is recommended to book your trip three months in advance, as flights and hotels fill up quickly around the holidays.

Weather in Tokyo

Summers in Tokyo are short, humid, muggy, rainy, and mainly cloudy, while winters are frigid and mostly clear. The temperature ranges typically from 2°C (36°F) to 31°C (87°F) throughout the year, with temperatures rarely falling below 0°C (32°F) or rising over 34°C (93°F).

March to April and October to November are the best months to visit Tokyo. The weather is virtually perfect, without any of the summer's torrential rains or scorching temperatures. The weather is ideal for sightseeing, recreational sports, parks, and gardens.

Weather in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is mainly perceived as snow country, but it does have summer weather during July. You can get by fantastic in just a t-shirt, as most of the time, a lot of sunlight can be expected during the day.

Average temperatures lie around 21°C (69°F). The temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) to 25°C (77°F). It gets pretty hot during the day but gets cold from the evening, so a cardigan or jacket will come in handy.

But in winter (especially December to February), make no mistake: it's cold. And most areas get significant snowfall as well.

Weather in Osaka

Summers in Osaka are short, hot, unpleasant, and often cloudy. Winters are cold and mostly clear, but showers are possible throughout most of the year. The temperature normally ranges from 1°FC (34°F) to 33°FC (91°F) throughout the year, with temperatures rarely falling below -2°C (29°F) or rising over 36°C (96°F).

Conclusion

Japan is a beautiful country that is filled with a mix of almost everything, from its rich cultures and traditions to its unique tech industry. While Japan is a highly modern country, there are numerous possibilities to connect with its fascinating traditional culture.

However, as complex as Japan is, so is its weather. As such, it's essential to know and plan your trip to avoid any complications. You will never run out of things to do when visiting Japan, from discovering the rich food scene to meandering around the breathtaking temples.