Nikko Weather

Nikko experiences a temperate humid climate with four distinct seasons: summers from June to August are cool and rainy; winters from December to February are cold and a bit rainy. Spring – March to May, and autumn – September to November, are two best seasons to visit Nikko, with favorable climate and stunning seasonal natural views. 

Temperatures

Here are a few key features of Nikko’s temperature patterns:
1. Lower Temperatures than Tokyo: Thanks to its higher elevation, Nikko’s temperatures are lower than other areas of Kanto in Japan. For instance, while Tokyo’s average yearly temperature ranges from 4-30°C (39-86°F), Nikko’s typically is around -7-26°C (19-70°F). 
2. Wide Seasonal Range: In August, the hottest month, temperatures have rarely exceeded 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) in recent years. In January, the coldest period, the temperature often plunges below freezing, with the lowest temperature of -14°C (7°F). 
3. Huge Day-Night Contrast: The day-night temperature gap is striking. Take winter as an example, it’s common for night temperature to dip below 0°C (32°F), but you would feel surprisingly brisk when days are sunny. 
4. Significant Altitudinal Temperature Differences: Temperatures in the mountains are generally 5-10°C (41-50°F) lower than in central Nikko, so visitors heading into higher areas should prepare for a sharper chill.

Precipitation

Nikko receives an annual precipitation of 1,600mm – 2,100mm (63-83 inches). June and July are considered as the rainy season. But Nikko still receives abundant rainfall from August to September. December to March is the snow season, when there are considerable snowfall, making it perfect for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. You need to notice that localized torrential rains are prone to happen in the mountainous areas, like Oku-Nikko, which might interrupt your outdoor activity. 

Nikko is sometimes attacked by typhoons from May to October, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Thus, remember to check the forecast frequently. 

Humidity 

Nikko’s humidity level ranges from 65 % to 87 %, showing an obvious seasonal feature: summer is quite humid, over 85 % humidity level; winter is dry, maintaining around 66 %. Spring and autumn enjoys a comfortable humidity level: about 70 %. 

Which Month is Best to Visit Nikko? 

The best times to visit Nikko are late March to May in spring, and late September to November in autumn. In spring, Nikko’s weather becomes warm and dry, perfect for outdoor sightseeing and hiking. Apart from that, Nikko’s sakura blossom lasts from late March to early May, over one month for viewing, which is a paradise for sakura lovers. With stunning fall leaves, and cool and less rainy climate in Nikko, late September to early November is another “golden” time to visit Nikko. 

 

Nikko Climate - Seasons & Travel Recommendations 

Spring: March to May 

 Average Temperatures: -3-18°C (27-64°F)
 Average Precipitation: 83mm - 147mm and 14 - 19 days per month

 Weather Overview: Nikko’s temperature climbs to a warm level in March, but mornings and evenings can still be chilly, especially in the highlands, where there are a few snowfalls. By April and May, the weather becomes warmer, and the rainfall is moderate - not a problem for your outdoor activity. 

 Clothes Guidance: In March, consider sweaters, padded jackets, warm trousers, and even gloves and scarves for your outings. By April, a hoodie paired a jacket with jeans, or a skirt and tights will keep you comfortable. In May, long-sleeve shirts with a thin outer layer work well for the day, though you’ll still need a thicker outer layer like a jacket for cooler mornings and nights. Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes are best for long walking. 

 Travel Highlight: 
Due to Nikko’s different elevation, from late March through early May, you can chase the sakura blossoms across the region. Must-see spots include:
1. Nikko Daiyagawa Park during the whole sakura season: It features 56 varieties of cherry blossoms, making you feel like walking through a living encyclopedia of sakura.
2. Rinnoji Temple from early to mid-April: There are nearly 500-year-old sakura trees, standing alongside the historic temple. 
3. Lake Chuzenji in early May: The final call for sakura viewing in Nikko, so don’t miss it!

Sakura Blossom

Summer: June to August 

 Average Temperatures: 13-26°C (55-79°F)
 Average Precipitation: 221mm - 318mm and 22-24 days per month

 Weather Overview: The summer temperature is the highest throughout the year, but it’s still pleasantly cooler. The averages highs are usually below 28°C(82°F) in recent years, making Nikko a refreshing escape from intensive heat in Japan. Temperature gap between day and night is considerable, so it is even cooler when night falls. Rainfall is abundant. But they are often quick and brief showers, leaving behind fresh air and brilliant greenery. 

 Clothes Guidance: Stick to T-shirts or light long-sleeve shirts for daytime, paired with a light jacket or thin knitwear for mornings and evenings. Shorts, sweatpants or jeans are all practical. Choose comfortable and non-slip hiking shoes, especially on rainy days. A compact umbrella, sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are necessary accessories. 

 Travel Highlights: 
1. Waterfall Touring: Plenty of summer rain feeds Nikko’s waterfalls, making them more spectacular than ever. The six-waterfall circuit – featuring Kegon Falls and Ryuzu Falls – is a must. 
2. Summer Festivals: Mt. Nantai Climbing Festival, Ryuo Festival and various Firework Festivals are worth a visit in summer. 
3. Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Located in the mountain area, Toshogu Shrine, Nikko-san Rinnoji Temple, and Nikko Futaransan Shrine are perfect places to appreciate historical architectures without feeing any heat. 

Powerful Falls

Rinnoji Temple

Autumn: September to November

 Average Temperatures: 1-22°C (34-72°F)
 Average Precipitation: 86mm - 285mm and 11-22 days per month

 Weather Overview: September still remains the heat of late summer; October brings crisp air and marks peak foliage time; by November, winter’s chill is already on the horizon, with early frost and occasional snow in higher areas. Rainfall drops off overall. 

 Clothes Guidance: Early autumn needs long-sleeve shirts and light jacket, with thin trousers. In October, sweaters paired with jackets and jeans are perfect. By November, you’ll need heavier coats, lined trousers, and accessories like gloves and hats to keep warm. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for outdoor exploration.

 Travel Highlight: 
Nikko’s fall foliage is legendary, with the appreciation season stretching from late September to early November thanks to its varied altitudes. 
Late September to Early October: Grasslands in Odashirogahara and Senjogahara Marshland turn red first. 
Early to Mid-October: Leaves around Ryuzu Waterfall and Yuno Lake are at their most colorful time of the year.
Mid-October to Early November: Irohazaka Winding Road, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls offer a breathtaking final show of Nikko’s autumn scenery.

Lake in Autumn

Winter: December to February

 Average Temperatures: -7-6°C (20-43°F)
 Average Precipitation: 41mm - 60mm and 7 snowy /rainy days per month

 Weather Overview: Winter in Nikko is cold and crisp, with strong winds. Daytime temperatures in town hover near freezing, but once the sun sets, it quickly drops below zero. The snow falls frequently. In higher elevations, the cold rivals that of Hokkaido, with icy roads and white winter landscapes.

 Clothes Guidance: Wear thick thermal underwear plus sweaters under a thick down jacket, with fleece-lined hiking pants. Accessories like scarves, gloves, thick socks, and a warm hat are essential, and insulated hiking boots or snow boots with good grip will keep you safe on icy paths. 

 Travel Highlights: 
The Kinugawa Onsen area in winter is especially popular: steaming bath pools overlook snowy valleys. After the sunset, participate in the Kamakura Festival in Yunishigawa Onsen, where approximately 800 small snow caves are illuminated by candlelight. 97-meter-drop Kegon Falls transforms into a giant frozen white curtain in January and February, which is one of Nikko’s most breathtaking winter spectacles. 

Frozen Waterfall

Rest in the Hot Spring Hotel