Nikko Weather in April

 Season: Spring
 Key Points: 
1. Nikko enjoys pleasant weather in April, with relatively warm temperatures. 
2. Rainfall or snowfall occurs sometimes, but you can still have fun with proper clothes and rain gear. 
3. April is one of the best months to visit Nikko: apart from favorable weather and less crowds, stunning sakura view truly defines the charm of Nikko in April. 

Sakura Blossom in April

Warm Spring Feelings

Nikko’s April weather truly tells the arrival of spring season, with the average temperature ranging from 3-13°C (37-55°F). The lowest temperature generally remains above freezing. 

However, the temperature gap between day and night is significant. Days with highs exceeding 10°C (50°F) become more frequent, occasionally even surpassing 20°C (68°F). On the other hand, temperatures drop sharply after sunset, occasionally falling to around 1 degree Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit). Thus, be sure to adjust your clothes timely. 

The higher-elevation mountain areas of Oku-Nikko have lower temperatures by 4-5 degrees Celsius (40-41 degrees Fahrenheit), and temperatures drop further during rain or snow. Plus, you may see snow cover on the mountain. If you plan to explore these areas, don’t forget to prepare winter gadgets to keep warm. 

Futaransan Shrine

Moderate Rain or Snow

Nikko enjoys moderate precipitation in April, with the average precipitation of 129 mm over 16 days. Although April officially marks the start of spring, snowfall remains possible early in the month. As temperatures rise, expect rain or sleet. The highest daily precipitation reaches around 77mm, while most days see light and brief showers or snowfall.  

It’s always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and plan accordingly. If you are about to encounter a full day of rain or snow, cozy up at a hot spring while enjoying the scenery, or book indoor activities to have some fun.

Nikko Futaransan Shrine

Humidity 

Nikko’s air in April is quite pleasant, not too dry or too humid, with the average humidity level of 70 %. Therefore, it’s totally ok to enjoy your outdoor activities without feeling any uncomfortable. 

Sunshine Hours & Daytime Hours 

Sunshine Hours: about 6 hours
Sunrise: 4:49-5:27
Sunset: 18:03-18:29
Daytime Hours: 12 hours 36 minutes - 13 hours 40 minutes

Daylight hours in April increase rapidly, reaching at least 12.5 hours. This means visitors have plenty of time for sightseeing. Given that Nikko’s attractions spread out and you may heavily rely on buses and walking, the longer daylight allows for a more leisurely exploration. However, it's best to plan your travel based on bus schedules; if you miss one bus, then you might have to wait a long time for the next one. Note: Japanese buses usually run on extremely punctual schedules.

Sunshine hours remain around 6 hours per day on average, but the maximum UV index climbs to 7. Therefore, wearing a hat and sunglasses is essential, especially around noon. 

Bus Station in Nikko

Is Nikko Worth Visiting in April? 

Definitely! April is one of the best times to visit Nikko. 

Firstly, Nikko’s April climate is not cold anymore during the daytime hours and occasional rainfall or snowfall has a limited impact on your travel. Secondly, due to gradually increasing temperatures, Nikko will welcome its sakura blossom season in April. You can appreciate the stunning flower view throughout the month, longer than most of Japan’s other places. The beautiful flowers also add more charm to those historical sites like Toshogu Shrine and Futaransan Shrine. Lastly, although Nikko in April receives more tourists due to sakura blossoms, it still sees much fewer compared with those big cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. Thus, you can have a less crowded sakura viewing experience. 

Calm Travel Atmosphere

What You Need to Pack in April 

 Top Clothing: Consider a hoodie paired with a light jacket to spend your daylight hours in Nikko. For night and if you plan to explore the mountain area, it’s best to change the overcoat to a wind-breaker. 

 Bottom Clothing: Jeans or sweatpants are usually ok for your daily visit. Girls can also wear a skirt and tights to look stylish. 

 Footwear: Stick to comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes. It’s a good idea for girls to wear long boots to go with skirts. 

 Accessories: 
Don’t underestimate the sun: pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. 
Winter items are essential in the suburb: gloves, scarves and a warm hat. 
Always prepare for the occasional rain or snow: rain gear. Sometimes, a raincoat is more practical than an umbrella. 

Seasonal Highlight: Sakura Blossoms 

One of the most attractive events if you traveling to Nikko in April of 2026 must be admiring the beautiful sakura blossom scenery. Due to Nikko's large area and significant elevation differences, you can enjoy beautiful sakura blossoms throughout the entire month. If you miss Tokyo's cherry blossoms, don't be disappointed, as Nikko awaits you.

Recommended sakura blossom viewing spots include:

UNESCO World Heritage sites - Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple and Futaransan Shrine, are popular choices for sakura blossom viewing. The peak bloom occurs from early to mid-April. The best photography spot is Rinnoji Temple, famous for its nearly-500-year-old sakura trees and historic Japanese architecture. But they tend to be crowded with tourists. 

Popular Sakura View Spots

If you prefer a more peaceful experience, try below ones: 

Nikko Dainichi Bridge: In April, the area is not only surrounded by mountains and water, but also blanketed in pink blossoms. 

Nikko Daiyagawa Park: It boasts a diverse array of sakura blossom varieties, each blooming at different times and displaying different colors. No matter when you visit it in April, you'll always find some sakura in bloom.

Nikko Weather by Month