Nikko Weather in May
Season: Spring Key Points: 1. Nikko in May has a pleasant temperature: warm in the daylight hours. But early mornings and evenings can be a bit cool.
2. Rainfalls are frequent, but they are mostly showers, which rarely impact your travel plans significantly.
3. Early May is the last chance to view the sakura blossom in Nikko - can’t be missed.
Chuzenji Temple
|
Mild Climate with Big Temperature Gap
Nikko in May enjoys a mild climate, showing a spring-to-summer transition, with the average temperatures ranging from 8-18°C (46-64°F). But Nikko’s weather can be surprisingly changeable:On sunny days, it is warm and comfortable, sometimes you even feel the sense of summer with the highest temperature reaching 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). By contrast, early mornings and evenings often drop close to 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit), so a jacket is essential. If you encounter an overcast or rainy day, you would feel much colder, with the daytime temperature stuck below 10°C (50°F).
Elevation also leads to a big temperature difference here: in Oku-Nikko, the higher-altitude mountain region in Nikko, the chilly feeling lingers longer, and the average temperature hovers between 5-15°C (41-59°F) in May. If you plan to travel to the mountains, pack an extra warm jacket to stay comfortable.
Mild Temperatures
|
More Rainy Days
May in Nikko is a wetter month, with around 147 mm of rainfall spreading across an average of 19 days. That said, rain rarely lasts all day long; instead, it is more often brief showers. Therefore, rainy days have limited impact on the travel plans. Additionally, walking through the misty forests after rain can be an atmospheric way to enjoy the lush greenery.If you check the forecast in advance, saying tomorrow will be a day of continuous rain, indoor spots such as the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park are ideal, where traditional Japanese architecture takes on an even more elegant layer in rain. After that, soak in one of the nearby hot springs, making for a perfect rainy-day Nikko tour.
|
|
|
Humidity Rising
Due to increasing rainfall in May, Nikko has a relatively humid environment, with the average humidity level of 71 %. When it’s raining, the real-time humidity level can climb to nearly 100 %. Therefore, it’s best to wear a quick-dry inner layer to keep you fresh and comfortable.Sunshine Hours & Daytime Hours
Sunshine Hours: about 6 hoursSunrise: 4:24-4:47
Sunset: 18:29-18:54
Daytime Hours: 13 hours 42 minutes - 14 hours 30 minutes
Despite the frequent showers, May still provides generous sunshine hours, ideal for exploring outdoor attractions. Do note that sunrise comes very early, at around 4:30 a.m., which can be challenging for travelers hoping to catch it. Instead, it’s more recommended to plan for a sunset excursion: the Akechidaira Observatory and the shores of Lake Chuzenji are two of the best spots to watch the sunset behind the mountains.
The long daylight length gives visitors plenty of time to explore Nikko, rich in scenic spots, at a leisurely pace. However, don’t underestimate the sun: UV levels can peak as high as 9 on clear days, so good sunscreen and a hat are must-pack items.
Sunset Lake View
|
Is Nikko Worth Visiting in May 2026?
|
Toshogu Shrine in the Morning
|
Nikko’s climate in May is suitable for light hiking, with mild temperatures and just brief showers. Sakura blossom in early May also makes Nikko worth visiting. Besides, there are some traditional events, like Nikko Toshogu Shrine's annual Spring Festival, which is a great opportunity to experience local Japanese culture.
Note: Early May coincides with the Golden Week Holiday, one of the major public holidays in Japan, which fuels the domestic travel rush in Japan. But Nikko, as a niche travel destination, receives much fewer tourists than Tokyo or Osaka. Nevertheless, for visitors who prefer a calmer visit, it’s advisable to avoid this period or start your journey earlier or later.
What to Pack to Visit Nikko in May
|
|
Upper Clothing: Light long-sleeve shirts paired with a thin jacket are suitable for your daily tour in Nikko. In cooler mornings and at nights, especially in the mountain area, you need a wind-proof jacket. Bottom Clothing: It’s ok to wear sweatpants or jeans. Girls can try a long dress layered upon thermal leggings: stylish and comfortable. Footwear: You won’t go wrong with comfortable sneakers, better be non-slip to stay safe on rainy days. Accessories: Sun protection items for sunny periods: sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses.
Frequent showers mean rain gear is necessary: a rain coat is more practical when hiking in the mountain.
Be mindful of wildlife: bears are occasionally spotted in Nikko’s mountain areas. So pack a bear bell and avoid hiking alone.
Top Things to Do in Nikko in May
1. Admire the Last Sakura Blossoms
Early May offers the final chance to see sakura blossoms in Nikko. One of the most unique ways to enjoy them is rowing across Lake Chuzenji, where the pink blossoms paint the surrounding mountains and reflect in the water, which is a refreshing contrast to the typical park strolls and photo spots. Other excellent locations for late-season sakura include Nikko National Park, Nikko Daiyagawa Park, and the Nikko Botanical Garden.|
Boat Tour to View Sakura
|
2. Experience the Nikko Toshogu Shrine Spring Festival
Every May, the Nikko Toshogu Shrine Spring Festival, is held at Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, a cultural theme park recreating life from the Edo period. Highlights of the festival include samurai parades in Japanese traditional costumes and the exciting performance of horseback archery.|
Toshogu Shrine
|
