Best Time to Visit Nagasaki

What’s the Best Time to Visit Nagasaki?

The best time to visit Nagasaki is from late March to May in spring, and from September to November in autumn.

From late March to May, the weather is warm overall, neither too hot nor too cold; and the duration of daylight also becomes relatively longer, ranging at approximately 12-13 hours on average per day, which provides you with enough time for daytime sightseeing. In addition, spring scenery during this time is quite charming. The best time for cherry blossoms in Nagasaki is late March to early April, when places like the Glover Garden and the Tateyama Park are just decorated by cherry flowers in full bloom. Pink and red azaleas are ready to decorate the Mount Inasa in late April and show their full beauty in early May. In late May, you can also admire colorful hydrangeas in the Kofukuji Temple and along the streets surrounding the Meganebashi Bridge.

Admiring Cherry Blossoms in Spring

In autumn months, the climate is also mild overall, though it is a bit hot in daytime of September and a little cold in late November. Besides, in late November, you can enjoy splendid autumn leaves in places such as the Suwa Shrine, the Peace Park, and the Dejimamachi. However, since Nagasaki is located near the sea, you need to keep a close eye on the weather forecast in September and October, as during this period, typhoons may occur for a few times. But you don’t need to worry too much because in most of the time, you are caressed by moderate and gentle breeze.

Beautiful Seaside Scenery in Autumn

Best Times to Visit Nagasaki for Cultural Experiences

Do you want to experience the lively atmosphere or the diverse customs and cultural traditions during your 2025 trip of Nagasaki? Here are different marvelous festivals with a variety of celebration activities you might be interested in:

1. From late January to early February, there is the grand Lantern Festival held in Nagasaki. During the night, you can see thousands of lanterns lighting up the streets of many places like Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Meganebashi Bridge and Central Park. Besides, various performances like the dragon dance, lion dance, Mazu parade, and acrobatics are all surprising.

Festive Nagasaki in Early February

2. If you want to witness a magnificent summer fireworks display, then don’t miss the Nagasaki Port Festival, which is held every last Saturday

Fireworks in Nagasaki Port Festival

and Sunday of July. Whether you are at the Nagasaki Seaside Park or the Glover Garden, you will be impressed by the lively festive atmosphere and people’s happiness when breathtaking fireworks burst into the night sky.

3. Obon Festival is one of the most significant festivals held in Japan on the 15th of August every year. In Nagasaki, people make unique boats which carry the “spirits and souls” of their deceased family members to parade through the city from dusk till midnight. There are also sounds of bells, slogans and firecrackers filled the air of Nagasaki City, intensifying the cultural atmosphere to its peak.

4. From October 7 to 9, the people of Nagasaki hold the vibrant Nagasaki Kunchi, a traditional festival featuring sacred worship activities at the Suwa Shrine. During this period, you can witness various folk performances from both the East and the West, such as Japanese folk dance, the dragon dance originating from China, and Dutch comedy shows.

As a friendly reminder, you need to take into account the traffic congestion and crowds if you plan to travel in Nagasaki during these festivals. For a smooth trip, it is necessary to book the flight/train tickets and hotels in advance.

Unfavorable Times to Visit Nagasaki: June to August & Late April to Early May

In consideration of the unfavorable and potentially hazardous weather conditions, travel experience and expense, you’d better not travel in Nagasaki from June to August and during the Golden Week of Japan from late April to early May.

Nagasaki is in the rainy season from early June to mid-July when the precipitation is rather frequent than usual, while July and August are the hottest time of the entire year, with the highest temperature ever recorded up to 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). What’s worse, July and August are the typhoon season as well, which may pose a huge influence on traveling. It is also worth mentioning that July and August are the summer vacation months, so many people are available to visit Nagasaki, which may lead to crowdedness at the tourist attractions.

Dejimamachi Washed by Rainshower

During the Golden Week, one of the longest public holidays in Japan, there may be a large number of tourists visiting Nagasaki, which inevitably causes the prices of air tickets and hotels to rise a lot. You may bother with the increased difficulty of making reservations as well.  

Cheapest Time to Visit Nagasaki: December to Early March

December to early March is the cheapest time for traveling in Nagasaki since tourists decrease a lot. Therefore, you can enjoy more favorable prices of transportation and accommodation while hiding away from the crowds.

Nevertheless, every coin has two sides. If you choose to travel during this time, there are some disadvantages. Due to the cold climate and shorter daylight, outdoor activities are greatly restricted. Besides, the natural scenery is not as fascinating as that of other time.

Diversified Food in Shinchi Chinatown