Takayama Weather in May

Season: Spring
Overview: warm daytime, shivery nights
Takayama goes with a warm climate throughout May. Even it is raining, the average temperature is no lower than 14 degrees Celsius (57.2 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day. On hottest days, the temperature in the afternoon can reach 27-28℃ (80.6-82.4℉) there, while to the last days of May, it may be over 30℃ (86℉). Meanwhile, it is pretty cool after nightfall in Takayama in May, as it is not more than 10℃ (50℉) at most of days. At the coolest day, perhaps with a heavy rain, the night temperature can drop to 0-2℃ (32-35.6℉).

You can expect light rains or showers on 9-11 days averagely in Takayama in May. It is a good time to go to Takayama for the mild weather, as the rainy season hasn’t come yet. However, it tends to rain continuously towards the end of May.

Takayama in May

Averages of Takayama Weather in May

Temperature: 9~22℃ (48.2-71.6℉)
Precipitation: 137mm
Rainy Days: 9-11 days
Sunrise: 04:36-04:59
Sunset: 18:38-19:03
Daylight hours: 14h 1min
Sunshine hours: 9h 2min

Is There Still Cherry Blossoms in Takayama in May?

Cherry Blossoms Takayama

You could see cherry blossoms in the first days of May, either the scene of “sakura fubuki” or late cherry blossom varieties. For Japanese, “sakura fubuki” is also very beautiful, which means cherry blossoms fall just like snowing when the wind blows, as if there is a petal storm of cherry blossoms. It’s quite clear that the viewing period of cherry blossoms is almost over soon.

Some late cherry blossoms can still be seen in Takayama in early May. Shirakawa-go is the best place to chase for cherry blossoms in the Golden Week around Takayama. Also in Shokawasakura Park by Miboro Lake, the 500-year-old Shokawa sakura trees are also in the last few days of blossoms in early May.

Golden Week in Early May

Golden Week, lasting from Apr. 29th to May 5th or longer, is the peak time of travelling all over Japan. You have to struggle in crowds and queue in a long line for everything at a significantly higher price. As for in Takayama, the situation is much better, friendly to tourists who want a peaceful tour in Japan, with less visitors than in Tokyo, Kyoto, etc. Even so, there are more visitors than usual in Takayama, and you would also expense more.

What to Wear in Takayama in May?

At the beginning of May, you need a long shirt or hoodie, a thin jacket, and casual pants when travelling to Takayama. If you stay outdoors after sunset, a thicker overcoat or down vest is necessary, and you may also change to thicker pants. The same for cooler rainy days, and an umbrella or rain coat should be taken additionally. To late May, a T-shirt or dress is proper in the daytime, but never forget to add a coat if you go out or return to the hotel late.

If you’re going to hike in the Japan Alps there, thick long-sleeve clothes are needed due to cooler weather at the higher altitude. Hiking shoes, alpenstock, and more emergency supplies should be taken, especially when you plan to hike for days.

Specially, you can try kimono – Japanese traditional clothes in Takayama City, which is a nice experience to stroll and take photos in the historic town.

What to Do in Takayama in May?

Travel Recommendation:

After cherry blossom season and Golden Week, the most time of May is perfect for travelling because of the pleasant climate.

1. Wander on Sanmachi Suji

Shops on Sanmachi Suji

The ancient streets, especially the Sanmachi Suji Street, are the most-visited historic district in Takayama. The old streets and houses are well-preserved, so that you can witness the traditional residences and shops with latticed doors & windows, as if traveling through time to this Japan town in Edo Age (1603-1868 AD). You would meet many visitors dressed in kimono on Sanmachi Suji Street, whether they are Japanese or not.

2. Kamikochi - Hiking into North Japan Alps

As the bus service to Kamikochi resume running since the second half of April, North Japan Alps becomes accessible easily after a five-month-long “hibernation”. It is exciting to be pioneers for a hiking adventure there in the year. There is still residual snow on the summits in May, but verdant plants display the vitality of spring. It’s really delightful to see the scenery of mountains with scattered snow, green woods and clear lakes & river water when trekking along the valley.