Japanese Weather

Updated

Weather in Japan

Visiting Japan can be rather enjoyable no matter the season you travel. While the country is an island, many international travelers are unsure of what to expect when in Japan. Below is a brief introduction to the four seasons the country experiences and to help you plan your travel in Japan.

Winter (December - February)

Winter  (December - February)

The temperature rarely drops below 0°C in the plains along the Pacific coast during wintertime. It is also quite dry and very often sunny. Central Japan and Northern Japan are highly reputed regions for winter sports. Southern Japan is comparatively mild and pleasant in winter.

Clothing: overcoats, sweaters, etc.

Spring (March - May)

Spring (March - May)

The plum blossom is a good sign that the cold winter will soon end and spring is just around the corner, followed by the cherry blossoms and Japanese flowers in bloom along the Tokyo area between the end of March and the beginning of April to bring this beautiful season to a climax. Splendid views of mountains, fields and gardens all blanketed in gentle pink abound in this season.

Clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.

Summer (June - August)

Summer (June - August)

The Japanese summer begins in June with a three to four week rainy season. This is an important time for farmers to plant rice. It becomes seriously hot and humid from July onward and many Japanese people enjoy bathing in the sea and relaxing at cool resorts in mountainous areas. Summer is when many interesting festivals and other events are held all over the country.

Clothing: light clothes (cardigans and other similar kinds are handy, since indoors are mostly air-conditioned.)

Autumn (September - November)

Autumn (September - November)

Autumn always brings such freshness with a light breeze and cool temperature after the hot and humid summer. All forests are dyed in glorious autumn colors. Chrysanthemums create beautiful displays with their abundance of flowers to enchant visitors to parks and gardens. Autumn is also the season for many exhibitions, music concerts and sports tournaments in Japan.

Clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.

Average Temperature & Precipitation in Major Cities

Average Temperature & Precipitation in Major Cities

Winter (Jan) Spring (Apr)
T(F) T(C) P(mm) T(F) T(C) P(mm)
Sapporo 26.4 -4.1 110.7 44.1 6.7 60.9
Sendai 34.7 1.5 33.1 50.2 10.1 98.1
Tokyo 42.4 5.8 48.6 57.9 14.1 130.3
Nagoya 39.7 4.3 43.2 57.4 14.1 143.3
Osaka 42.4 5.8 43.7 58.6 14.8 121.1
Fukuoka 43.5 6.4 72.1 58.6 14.8 125.2
Naha 61.9 16.6 114.5 70.3 21.3 180.7
Summer (Jul) Autumn (Oct)
T(F) T(C) P(mm) T(F) T(C) P(mm)
Sapporo 68.9 20.5 67.2 52.3 11.3 124.1
Sendai 71.8 22.1 159.7 58.6 14.8 99.2
Tokyo 77.7 25.4 161.5 64.8 18.2 163.1
Nagoya 78.8 26.0 218.0 63.7 17.6 116.9
Osaka 81.0 27.2 155.4 65.7 18.7 109.3
Fukuoka 80.4 26.9 266.4 65.7 18.7 80.9
Naha 83.3 28.5 176.1 76.8 24.9 162.9
Key: "T" stands for temperature in (F) Fahrenheit and (C) Celsius.

Spring, Year-Round Tours & Private Vacation Packages

Related Tour

Essence of Spring Tour

Highlights of Japan | Hiroshima

Private Tokyo & Kyoto Japan Tour with Hiroshima

Japanese Weather | Related Travel Pages

Snow Monkey

Snow Monkey

This is the only place in the world that you can see monkeys soaking in hot springs

Cherry Blossoms - Sakura

Cherry Blossoms - Sakura

Japanese Cherry Blossoms; the National Flower of Japan

Japanese Festivals

Japanese Festivals

Japan's Traditional Festivals - Takayama Festival, Gion Festival

Koyo Autumn Leaves Viewing

Koyo Autumn Leaves Viewing

Gorgeous autumn leaves and mild weather make autumn a great time to visit Japan.

Japanese Winter Activities

Japanese Winter Activities

Snowboading, Skiing and Snow Monkey

Spring Quilt Market

Spring Quilt Market

Market based on the popular Tokyo International Quilt Festival

Summer Matsuri Games

Summer Matsuri Games

Japanese matsuri games are similar to carnival games.

Momiji Manju (JDT Recommends)

Momiji Manju (JDT Recommends)

Maple leaf shaped manju with red bean paste filling

Need Assistance? Call: USA/Canada 1-800-285-2726 Australia (02) 8006 4411 Contact Us Brochure