Categories: cultureSightseeing

Annual Weather in Japan

Seasonal Feel and General Weather Throughout the Year

Japan has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring is from March to May, summer is from June to August, autumn is from September to November, and winter is from December to February.

Japan also has a rainy season called “tsuyu.” Except for Hokkaido, it is a period when it frequently rains throughout Japan. The start and end times vary by region, but it lasts for about a month.

In an average year, it lasts from mid-May to mid-June in Okinawa, from early June to mid-July around Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo, and from mid-June to late July around Sendai.

During the rainy season, there are many rainy days, so if you are traveling to Japan during this time, it is recommended to have an umbrella or other rain gear.

Temperature Differences and Regions with Heavy Snowfall in Japan

Regions with Temperature Differences within Japan

There are no places in Japan where the temperature is completely different depending on the location. When compared to Tokyo, there are two areas that are warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

These are Hokkaido and Okinawa. Hokkaido, being in the north, is relatively cool in summer. However, winter is extremely cold there.

Okinawa, on the other hand, is relatively warm in winter. In summer, it does not get extremely hot compared to Tokyo or Osaka. It is said that Okinawa is less likely to experience extreme heat days due to the cooling sea breezes.

Regions with Snowfall

In Japan, about half of the country experiences snowfall. Among these areas, regions with significant snowfall include Hokkaido, Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, Akita Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, Yamagata Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Shiga Prefecture. Snowfall in winter can be more intense than expected in these snow country regions, so be cautious when traveling.

Climate of Major Cities from January to December 2023

January

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo -1.1°C(30.02°F) -7.4°C(18.68°F) 72mm 29
Sendai 5.9°C(42.62°F) -1.3°C(29.66°F) 10mm 17
Tokyo 10.2°C(50.36°F) 1.8°C(35.24°F) 16mm 1
Osaka 10.3°C(50.54°F) 3.1°C(37.58°F) 46mm 5
Kyoto 9.5°C(49.1°F) 1.6°C(34.88°F) 39mm 13
Hiroshima 10.6°C(51.08°F) 2°C(35.6°F) 46mm 7
Matsuyama 10.9°C(51.62°F) 2.8°C(37.04°F) 63mm 6
Fukuoka 10.7°C(51.26°F) 3.9°C(39.02°F) 97mm 6
Naha 20.3°C(68.54°F) 14.9°C(58.82°F) 55mm 0

During the New Year’s holiday season, many stores are closed from around January 3rd to 4th. While there are many sunny days, late January is typically the coldest period of the year. If you are heading to snowy regions, make sure to prepare for the cold.

The leaves on trees in the mountains and along the roads will have fallen, so it might be difficult to see fresh greenery. This is an excellent season for winter sports. In terms of food, it is a great time for enjoying hot pot and oden.

February

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 0.7°C(33.26°F) -6.6°C(20.12°F) 104mm 27
Sendai 7.5°C(45.5°F) -1°C(30.2°F) 32mm 16
Tokyo 12.1°C(53.78°F) 3°C(37.4°F) 41mm 1
Osaka 11°C(51.8°F) 3.7°C(38.66°F) 34mm 6
Kyoto 10.5°C(50.9°F) 2.4°C(36.32°F) 36mm 14
Hiroshima 11.6°C(52.88°F) 3.1°C(37.58°F) 62mm 3
Matsuyama 12.3°C(54.14°F) 3.4°C(38.12°F) 49mm 2
Fukuoka 13.1°C(55.58°F) 5.5°C(41.9°F) 60mm 1
Naha 21.6°C(70.88°F) 16.8°C(62.24°F) 78mm 0

There are no major holidays in February. The first half of the month is typically the coldest time of the year, but temperatures gradually warm up towards the end of the month. While there are many sunny days, it may be difficult to see fresh greenery as the leaves on trees in the mountains and along the roads have fallen.

This is an excellent season for winter sports, just like January. In terms of food, it is a great time for enjoying hot pot and oden.

March

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 9.3°C(48.74°F) 1°C(33.8°F) 36mm 11
Sendai 14.7°C(58.46°F) 4.4°C(39.92°F) 61mm 2
Tokyo 17.9°C(64.22°F) 8.6°C(47.48°F) 145mm 0
Osaka 18.3°C(64.94°F) 8.3°C(46.94°F) 76mm 0
Kyoto 18.7°C(65.66°F) 6.7°C(44.06°F) 92mm 1
Hiroshima 17.9°C(64.22°F) 8°C(46.4°F) 65mm 0
Matsuyama 17.9°C(64.22°F) 8°C(46.4°F) 76mm 0
Fukuoka 18.4°C(65.12°F) 9.6°C(49.28°F) 90mm 0
Naha 23°C(73.4°F) 17.6°C(63.68°F) 82mm 0

It is the time when spring begins and temperatures start to warm up. Plants start to bloom, and trees gradually begin to sprout new leaves. By the end of the month, some areas will see cherry blossoms in full bloom. However, please be cautious as there can still be cold mornings and nights.

April

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 13.5°C(56.3°F) 5.5°C(41.9°F) 61mm 2
Sendai 18.7°C(65.66°F) 8.3°C(46.94°F) 48mm 1
Tokyo 21.7°C(71.06°F) 11.9°C(53.42°F) 90mm 0
Osaka 20.9°C(69.62°F) 11.6°C(52.88°F) 197mm 0
Kyoto 21.1°C(69.98°F) 10.3°C(50.54°F) 208mm 0
Hiroshima 20.5°C(68.9°F) 11.2°C(52.16°F) 247mm 0
Matsuyama 20.8°C(69.44°F) 11.1°C(51.98°F) 228mm 0
Fukuoka 21°C(69.8°F) 12.8°C(55.04°F) 182mm 0
Naha 25.4°C(77.72°F) 20.3°C(68.54°F) 221mm 0

It is a time of warm and comfortable weather. From the end of April to around May 6th, there is the Golden Week, which is a major holiday period. During this time, domestic travel demand increases.

If you are planning to travel around the end of the month, expect congestion, so it may be wise to schedule your trip with some flexibility.

May

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 19.2°C(66.56°F) 9.4°C(48.92°F) 22mm 0
Sendai 21.8°C(71.24°F) 12°C(53.6°F) 125mm 0
Tokyo 24°C(75.2°F) 14.6°C(58.28°F) 159mm 0
Osaka 24.9°C(76.82°F) 15.9°C(60.62°F) 232mm 0
Kyoto 25.6°C(78.08°F) 14.9°C(58.82°F) 253mm 0
Hiroshima 24.6°C(76.28°F) 15.9°C(60.62°F) 255mm 0
Matsuyama 24.9°C(76.82°F) 15.4°C(59.72°F) 261mm 0
Fukuoka 24.5°C(76.1°F) 16.6°C(61.88°F) 246mm 0
Naha 26.8°C(80.24°F) 22.3°C(72.14°F) 101mm 0

It is a time of warm and comfortable weather. From May 1st to around May 5th, it is the Golden Week, a major holiday period, which leads to increased domestic travel demand. Trees are lush with leaves, and the mountains become beautiful during this time. Around mid-May, Okinawa Prefecture enters its rainy season.

June

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 24.2°C(75.56°F) 15.2°C(59.36°F) 134mm 0
Sendai 25.7°C(78.26°F) 18.2°C(64.76°F) 173mm 0
Tokyo 27.6°C(81.68°F) 19.6°C(67.28°F) 347mm 0
Osaka 27.8°C(82.04°F) 20.4°C(68.72°F) 262mm 0
Kyoto 28.2°C(82.76°F) 19.8°C(67.64°F) 228mm 0
Hiroshima 27.1°C(80.78°F) 20.2°C(68.36°F) 219mm 0
Matsuyama 27.1°C(80.78°F) 19.9°C(67.82°F) 275mm 0
Fukuoka 28.3°C(82.94°F) 21.5°C(70.7°F) 169mm 0
Naha 29.7°C(85.46°F) 25.7°C(78.26°F) 401mm 0

The rainy season begins in various regions of Japan. In areas like Fukuoka, Osaka, and around Tokyo, it typically lasts from early June to mid-July, while in the Sendai area, it lasts from mid-June to late July.

However, Hokkaido is not affected by the rainy season, so it remains relatively comfortable.

July

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 27.8°C(82.04°F) 20.7°C(69.26°F) 62mm 0
Sendai 31°C(87.8°F) 23.1°C(73.58°F) 155mm 0
Tokyo 33.9°C(93.02°F) 24.7°C(76.46°F) 30mm 0
Osaka 33.7°C(92.66°F) 25.6°C(78.08°F) 101mm 0
Kyoto 34.5°C(94.1°F) 25°C(77°F) 75mm 0
Hiroshima 31.5°C(88.7°F) 25°C(77°F) 308mm 0
Matsuyama 32.4°C(90.32°F) 24.5°C(76.1°F) 274mm 0
Fukuoka 32.9°C(91.22°F) 25.8°C(78.44°F) 537mm 0
Naha 32.8°C(91.04°F) 27.4°C(81.32°F) 92mm 0

The rainy season continues until mid to late July, but it finally ends, and temperatures rise sharply. After the rainy season, the humidity and temperatures are high, so it’s important to stay well-hydrated. Students have summer vacation from around July 20th to the end of August, which leads to an increase in student travelers.

August

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 30.9°C(87.62°F) 23.7°C(74.66°F) 70mm 0
Sendai 33.2°C(91.76°F) 25.6°C(78.08°F) 30mm 0
Tokyo 34.3°C(93.74°F) 26.1°C(78.98°F) 133mm 0
Osaka 35.2°C(95.36°F) 26.8°C(80.24°F) 164mm 0
Kyoto 35.5°C(95.9°F) 26.7°C(80.06°F) 196mm 0
Hiroshima 34.3°C(93.74°F) 26.9°C(80.42°F) 49mm 0
Matsuyama 33.6°C(92.48°F) 25.6°C(78.08°F) 77mm 0
Fukuoka 33.9°C(93.02°F) 26.9°C(80.42°F) 164mm 0
Naha 31.4°C(88.52°F) 26.6°C(79.88°F) 739mm 0

It is the hottest season in Japan. There are many sunny days. From around August 10th to 15th, there is a major holiday called Obon, which leads to increased domestic travel demand. This is also a season with many summer festivals and fireworks displays, ranging from large to small, held in various locations.

September

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 25.5°C(77.9°F) 17.9°C(64.22°F) 146mm 0
Sendai 29.1°C(84.38°F) 22.3°C(72.14°F) 272mm 0
Tokyo 31.2°C(88.16°F) 23.6°C(74.48°F) 229mm 0
Osaka 32.5°C(90.5°F) 24.8°C(76.64°F) 44mm 0
Kyoto 32.7°C(90.86°F) 24°C(75.2°F) 70mm 0
Hiroshima 31.4°C(88.52°F) 24°C(75.2°F) 115mm 0
Matsuyama 32.3°C(90.14°F) 23.8°C(74.84°F) 8mm 0
Fukuoka 30.7°C(87.26°F) 24.1°C(75.38°F) 105mm 0
Naha 31.8°C(89.24°F) 26.4°C(79.52°F) 205mm 0

In early September, the heat lingers, but by the end of the month, it starts to ease. September is the season for typhoons, so be sure to check the weather forecasts carefully. Around late September, the autumn foliage begins.

There is a major holiday period called Silver Week in September, but it varies from year to year. Silver Week typically includes Respect for the Aged Day on the third Monday of September and the Autumn Equinox on the 22nd or 23rd, which can create a long holiday if it aligns with the weekend.

October

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 17.9°C(64.22°F) 9.3°C(48.74°F) 89mm 0
Sendai 21.6°C(70.88°F) 12.3°C(54.14°F) 47mm 0
Tokyo 23.7°C(74.66°F) 14.7°C(58.46°F) 147mm 0
Osaka 24°C(75.2°F) 15.6°C(60.08°F) 78mm 0
Kyoto 23.7°C(74.66°F) 14.1°C(57.38°F) 61mm 0
Hiroshima 24.4°C(75.92°F) 14.5°C(58.1°F) 9mm 0
Matsuyama 24.8°C(76.64°F) 14.9°C(58.82°F) 8mm 0
Fukuoka 24.3°C(75.74°F) 16.1°C(60.98°F) 23mm 0
Naha 28.8°C(83.84°F) 23.7°C(74.66°F) 81mm 0

The weather is comfortable in October. However, typhoons can still occur, so be sure to check weather forecasts regularly. It is the season for autumn foliage. Check if there are any autumn leaf viewing spots in the area you plan to visit. In mountainous regions, the foliage season typically runs from early October to mid-November, while in flat areas, it usually extends from late October to early December.

November

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 10.3°C(50.54°F) 2.9°C(37.22°F) 127mm 12
Sendai 16.2°C(61.16°F) 7.2°C(44.96°F) 45mm 2
Tokyo 19.2°C(66.56°F) 10.3°C(50.54°F) 42mm 0
Osaka 18.9°C(66.02°F) 10.5°C(50.9°F) 93mm 0
Kyoto 18.4°C(65.12°F) 9°C(48.2°F) 63mm 0
Hiroshima 19°C(66.2°F) 9.7°C(49.46°F) 33mm 0
Matsuyama 19.4°C(66.92°F) 10.5°C(50.9°F) 47mm 0
Fukuoka 19.5°C(67.1°F) 11.2°C(52.16°F) 52mm 1
Naha 25.2°C(77.36°F) 20.1°C(68.18°F) 57mm 0

It becomes slightly chilly in November, but the weather remains comfortable. It is the season for autumn foliage. Check if there are any leaf-viewing spots in the area you plan to visit. In mountainous regions, the foliage season typically runs from early October to mid-November, while in flat areas, it usually extends from late October to early December.

December

City Average High Temperatures Average Low Temperatures Total Precipitation Snow Days
Sapporo 2.2°C(35.96°F) -3.7°C(25.34°F) 47mm 26
Sendai 10.3°C(50.54°F) 2°C(35.6°F) 50mm 5
Tokyo 14.3°C(57.74°F) 5.2°C(41.36°F) 20mm 0
Osaka 13.6°C(56.48°F) 5.6°C(42.08°F) 20mm 1
Kyoto 13.1°C(55.58°F) 4.3°C(39.74°F) 26mm 0
Hiroshima 12.8°C(55.04°F) 4.7°C(40.46°F) 56mm 4
Matsuyama 13.6°C(56.48°F) 5.6°C(42.08°F) 37mm 2
Fukuoka 13.5°C(56.3°F) 6.8°C(44.24°F) 45mm 5
Naha 22.2°C(71.96°F) 17.2°C(62.96°F) 183mm 0

Winter arrives, bringing cold weather. In snowy regions, snow falls frequently. Many stores begin their year-end holidays around December 30th.

NakamuraTsuyoshi

This website uses cookies.