Nikko Weather in February
Season: Winter Overview: 1. Nikko in February has a cold climate, with strong winds, making winter clothing necessary.
2. Due to relatively low precipitation, occasional snowfalls or rainfalls won’t affect your travel plans significantly.
3. It’s the off season, offering a peaceful and cost-effective travel experience.
Cold Temperatures
Nikko’s weather in February remains cold, with average temperatures ranging from -6°C to 2°C (21-36°F). Sunny days are common, and around midday sometimes, it can reach 13°C (55°F), making visitors feel quite comfortable. However, temperatures drop quickly after sunset, with lows even dipping to about -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).On snowy or rainy days, the cold is much harsher, and it’s not unusual for the temperature to stay below freezing all day. In the mountains, the chill is intensified by strong winds: February’s average wind speed reaches 22.7 km/h (14 mph). Therefore, packing proper windproof outerwear is essential.
Visitors in Warm Clothes
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Mainly Snow and Rare Rain
Nikko in February is still relatively dry, with an average of 60 mm of precipitation spreading across about 7 days. Snowfall can vary greatly, from just a light dusting to heavy snow: records from recent years show daily snowfall ranging from only 1 mm to as much as 28 mm. Besides, there are also occasional rainfalls here in February.In the mountains, where temperatures are lower, snow tends to linger. Areas like Yumoto Onsen often have scenic snow cover, though it’s not as deep as Hokkaido’s heavy snow zone. This means transportation and hiking trails remain accessible, offering visitors a picturesque winter landscape without major disruptions. In the city center, snow rarely accumulates.
Lingering Snow
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Humidity
Nikko enjoys crisp air in February, with the average humidity level of 66 %. If you are from a humid area, you might need a mask to protect your nose and mouth from Nikko’s cold and dry air.Sunshine Hours & Daytime Hours
Sunshine Hours: about 6 hoursSunrise: 6:14-6:43
Sunset: 17:06-17:34
Daytime Hours: 10 hours 23 minutes - 11 hours 21 minutes
Daylight hours are less than 12 hours, but fortunately, the sunshine hours are relatively ample. Also considering the bus service becomes less frequent after 16:00, it’s a good idea to prioritize key attractions, such as the Kegon Falls and Toshogu Shrine. Besides, to avoid wasting time, plan each stop of your itinerary meticulously.
Additionally, once the dark falls, there are very few lights along the sidewalks, making your return trip a bit dangerous. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to book a hotel near attractions - it’s safer and more convenient, and allows for a less rushed travel schedule.
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Nikko Street View in February
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Is Nikko Worth Visiting in February?
Yes, February is a good month to visit Nikko.Although Nikko’s climate in January is a bit chilly, abundant sunshine hours make up some for the disadvantages. Considerable accumulated snowfall allows visitors to immerse themselves in a wonderful snowy world while soaking in hot springs. Moreover, February in Nikko is the low travel season, meaning you can enjoy a peaceful and budget-friendly travel experience.
What to Wear in February
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Upper Clothing: You need to wear a warm winter outfit: thermal underwear, a sweater and a windproof thick jacket. Bottom Clothing: Thick jeans or hiking pants paired with a thermal base layer are usually enough for your daily outing. Shoes: Warm non-slip sneakers or snow boots with good grip is suitable for snowy conditions. Accessories: Warm hats, gloves, and scarves are practical to protect you from cold weather.
Lip balm and hand cream will enhance your comfort.
Travel Recommendations and Advice:
1. Kamakura Festival will last through February 2026, so you can appreciate the stunning light show after 17:00 in Yunishigawa Onsen.2. Due to relatively short daylight time and scattered attractions in Nikko, you are highly recommended to follow this travel route to make good use of the day: In the morning, you can drop by at Shinkyo, the God Bridge, and then visit Toshogu Shrine, the Kegon Falls and British and Italian Embassy Villas Memorial Park. At about 17:00, stroll around Lake Chuzenji and enjoy the colorful sunset view, but don’t hang around too long and return too late.
3. It’s always a good idea to check the forecast and prepare proper clothing.
4. In winter, many attractions in Nikko will shorten their operating hours. For example, Chuzenji Temple is open from 8:30 to 15:30. So it’s necessary to confirm it in advance before planning your trip.
5. Although February is the off-season, hotels in prime locations are still hard to book. So it's advisable to book in advance.
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