Shirakawa-go Weather in February
Season: Winter What’s the weather like in February? 1. It is cold in Shirakawa-go, and the temperature varies greatly within several days.
2. It snows a lot for 17 days, when heavy snow occurs frequently.
3. February 21 - 23 may receive the most tourists over the month.
Cold Temperatures
Judging from its average temperature of -5 - 3℃ (23 - 37.4℉), February remains cold in Shirakawa-go. To be specific, the daily maximum is usually in the range of 2 - 10℃ (35.6 - 50℉), and the daily minimum declines to -5 - 0℃ (23 - 32℉), sometimes reaching as low as -8℃ (17.6℉). Moreover, temperature fluctuates significantly: during the second half of the month in 2025, it dropped by 9 degrees Celsius (48.2 degrees Fahrenheit) over just 3 days. Please remove or add your clothes based on the weather forecast before heading out each day.Snow a Lot
In February, the village receives 185mm (7.2 in) average precipitation, accumulating from around 3 rainy days and 17 snowy days. The rainfall lasts for half a day at most, sometimes turning into sleet and finally beginning to snow. It snows frequently and heavily, possibly falling all day in several days of the month. In case of severe snow, making roads wet and slippery, Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck and Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck are closed, let alone the shuttle service.
Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours
As the sunrise and sunset at 6:24 - 6:56 and 17:18 - 17:48 respectively, the average daylight hours are approximately 10 - 11 hours per day. Due to short duration of daytime, you are advised to go outside early, or plan your schedule wisely and make the most of time. Snowy and cloudy conditions dominate the whole month, so the sun averagely shrines for less than 5 hours each day.Though most days have low UV rays, snow can reflect 95% sunlight. Perhaps you feel fine at the time when staring at it for a long time, but your eyes become uncomfortable after 6 - 7 hours. Thus, sunglasses are the must-haves, if you plan to play in the snow in Shirakawa-go in February 2026.
Travel Highlight: Snowy Scenery
Every year, Shirakawa-go hosts grand winter lighting events, and the last one occurs in early February, lasting from 17:30 to 19:30. When the warm yellow light casts on its unique houses, the night scene gives you an unforgettable experience.Standing on the above two observation decks, a stunning panorama of the snow-covered village is right before your eyes. Besides, local café Bunka Kissa Kyoshu is also a good destination: you sip a cup of hot coffee on a window-side seat, while admiring the Shoromon Gate of Myozenji Temple against a snow-white backdrop.
Packing list in Shirakawa in February
Clothes: Wear clothes of different thicknesses to adjust the climate of Shirakawa-go in February. Enough heating is provided indoors, so thin sweaters or hoodies are suitable. But if you head out, add a 3-in-1 jacket with a detachable down liner. For the lower part, thick snow pants are highly recommended. Shoes: Considering the village is relatively small and popular attractions can be reached on foot, choose comfortable shoes for walking such as hiking shoes and lined sneakers. Also, ones should be waterproof, otherwise your socks may be soaked after walking through the snow-accumulated ground. Non-slippery shoe covers are necessary on snowy days. Others: 1. Woolen beanies, earmuffs, facial masks and scarves are important accessories against the chill.
2. When it snows in large flakes, your clothes get wet easily, so bring a can of water-resistant spray. Don’t forget to pack raingear.
Travel Suggestions for Shirakawa-go in February
1. Shirakawa-go sees more tourists in February, especially on February 21 - 23 because of Emperor’s Birthday, resulting in higher travel spending and more crowded scenic spots. Plus, the number of restaurants here is limited, so you always have to line up for a long period. Thus, some tips are as follows: firstly, book hotels and airline tickets in advance, perhaps saving some money; secondly, reach the observation desk by foot, since it just takes naerly 20 minutes, if the shuttle queue is too long; thirdly, reserve a restaurant early or prepare some ready-to-eat food like bread and rice balls.
2. If your companions include children and elderly people, whose physical condition may not allow them to walk a lot in the cold outdoors, you’re advised to go for Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum. Open-air as it is, relocated and restored Gassho-style houses, shrines and halls of temples are situated in close proximity. If you get hungry, there are some restaurants, and you can pick one, then savoring a bowl of soba (buckwheat noodles), one of local specialties.
