Nara Weather

In general, Nara has a mild climate and it’s in the humid temperate climate zone. But the weather difference between north and south of Nara is big. The annual mean temperature in its north area is 15°C (59°F) with the rainfall being 1,200-1,300mm. But in south area, the average temperature drops to 10°C (50°F) and the annual rainfall sharply increases to 5,000mm. The reason for such a big difference is because the north belongs to the basin area but the south is in mountainous area. The weather in Nara is similar like the weather in Philadelphia in America. It has four distinctive seasons with summer from June to August being torrid and winter from December to next February being chill. The plum rainy season in Nara is from June to July when the rainfall reaches the peak. After the plum rainy season, it enters the typhoon season which lasts from August to September when is not good time to pay a visit.

 

Spring (March – May)

Weather: Warm & Pleasant

Average temperature: 9-17°C (48.2-62.6°F)

The temperature in Nara in spring is in an increasing trend. In warm weather, the sakura is in full bloom and it is the highlight of a Nara trip in spring. However, the temperature difference in a day is large. Except for essential clothes like long-sleeve T-shirt or thin sweater, it’s also necessary to bring a trench coat to prevent getting cold. What’s more, the weather in spring is suitable to experience the kimono, traditional Japanese clothing. You can go to the kimono rental shops and rent one. You will definitely take some memorable pictures in kimono under the sakura trees.

Best Things to Do:

1. Appreciating the sakura in Nara especially in the Mount Yoshinoyama and Nara Park.
2. Viewing the wisteria flower in Manyo Botanical Garden in Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
3. Experiencing the traditional Japanese clothing, kimono.

• Read more: Cherry Blossom Season in Japan 

Todaiji Temple in Spring

Summer (June – August)

Weather: Hot &Rainy
Average temperature: 24-29°C (75.2-84.2°F)

The weather in summer in Nara is pretty hot and it rains a lot in the plum rainy season from June to July. After the rainy season, the weather is even hotter than before. As a result, August is the hottest month in Nara in the whole year. August is also the typhoon month. If you want to travel in Nara in this season, check the weather forecast and bring your umbrella. As for clothes to wear, light and breathable clothes like T-shirt and blouse are suitable. To prevent getting heatstroke or sunburn, parasol, sunhat and sun cream are necessary in summer.

Best Things to Do:

1. Enjoying the festive atmosphere in the activity Deer Gathering ‘Shikayose’ in Nara Park.
2. Appreciating the fireworks show in the Yoshinogawa on August 15th.

• Read more: Everything You Need to Know about Rainy Season in Japan 

Nara Park in Summer

Autumn (September – November)

Weather: Cool & Fresh
Average temperature: 10-20°C (50-68°F)

The autumn starts in September when the temperature and probability of typhoons is still high. But after September, the weather gradually cools down and it enters the best time to travel around and appreciate the red maple leaves. As a whole, the average rainfall is low in autumn but the humidity keeps within the most comfortable range for humans. If you want to travel in some suburban places or your trip is mainly in the morning or evening, it is strongly recommended you to take a thick woolen coat to keep warm. A pair of hiking shoes can’t be forgotten, either, for long walking.

Best Things to Do:

1. Watching the celebration of Uneme Festival in Uneme Shrine.
2. Appreciating the red leaves especially in Mountain Yoshinoyama and Todaiji Temple.
3. Admiring the treasures in special autumn exhibition in Nara National Museum.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Autumn

Winter (December – February)

Weather: Chill & Dry
Average temperature: 0-10°C (32-50°F)

The weather in winter in Nara is cold with the temperature hovering around 0-10°C (32-50°F) averagely. It doesn’t rain or snow much in this season so the weather is comparatively dry. Visitors should drink enough water and bring the lip pomade to keep moist. For clothes, padded overcoat and woolen overcoat are necessary. Considering most of the indoor places have central heating system so overcoat should be convenient to be taken off. The best thing to experience in winter is the hot spring bath. 

Best Things to Do:

1. In early December, visitors can still appreciate the red leaves in Nara Park.
2. Watching the Winter Deer Gathering ‘Shikayose’ in Nara Park in February.
3. Appreciating the plum blossom in Tsukigase Plum Grove in February.