Mount Fuji Weather in January

 Season: Winter
 What is the weather like in Mount Fuji in January?
Mount Fuji weather in January is very cold during the day, with the night temperatures basically below freezing point. In the higher mountain areas, it’s frosty, about an average of 10 degrees Celsius (degrees Fahrenheit) lower than that of the foothills. In terms of the precipitation, areas above the Mount Fuji’s 5th Station see heavy snowfall while areas below it mainly experience light rain and a few snowfalls.

How Cold Is Mount Fuji in January?

January is the coldest month in Mount Fuji, with the monthly average temperature ranging from -6 to 5℃ (21.2-41℉) around the foothills; while the maximum temperatures can occasionally reach 8℃ (46.4 ℉), the minimum temperatures can sometimes drop to below -8℃ (17.6 ℉). The higher mountain areas are bitterly cold: Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, the highest point climbers can reach this month, has an average temperature as low as -15 to -5°C (5-23°F).

Precipitation & Humidity

Precipitation is low throughout January, with an average monthly precipitation of 97 mm distributed over 12 days. Generally speaking, daily rainfall does not exceed 15mm, which means it may drizzle for a little while and turns clear afterwards. Snowfall may occur for a few days under the mountain. Above the Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, precipitation is in form of heavy snowfall. 

Due to Mount Fuji’s temperate maritime climate and the large amount of snow on the higher mountain, the humidity in the surrounding areas in January is not low, at 62%.

Daylength & Sunshine Hours

Sunrise time: 06: 47 – 06: 55
Sunset time: 16: 43 – 17: 12

The sun sets very early this month, and you can only enjoy an average of daylight for about 10 hours. Therefore, if you want to make most of your visit during the day, you’d better start your itinerary early.

However, the good news is that there is plenty of sunshine in January, lasting an average of about 6 hours a day, which provides tourists with good conditions for taking more delightful travel photos.

Is It Worth It to Visit Mount Fuji in January?

Yes, January is one of the best months to admire the snow-capped Mount Fuji due to the high visibility. Either from the Fuji Five Lakes region, such as Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, or from spots like the Chureito Pagoda in the Arakurayama Sengen Park, you can enjoy a full view of the creamier mountain. 

How to Stay Warm for a January Trip to Mount Fuji?

 Clothing
In the day when the sun is absent and wind blows, you can wear thermal inner layers like the wool sweater or thick hoodie with fur linings plus a down coat outside to keep out the cold. In the sunny day, the temperature is not severely cold, so it’s okay for you to wear a wool coat as the out layer instead. As for the bottom, it’s necessary to add a thermal underwear inside your thick sweatpants regardless of the weather.

 Shoes
Thick shoes like the snow boots are the best suppose you are going to stay under the mountain during your trip. Also, make sure your shoes are water-proof and anti-slip for there may be snow and ice on the ground. Besides, it would be nice to prepare several wool socks for extra warmth.

 Other Warming Measures
Considering that you may start your visit early in the morning, it is recommended that you wear a mask otherwise your face will freeze and your mouth and nose will inhale too much cold air， causing discomfort. Other accessories like the winter hat, wool scarf and gloves are essential in the cold month.

Travel Recommendations & Tips for Mount Fuji Trip in January

 In early January, there are light art exhibitions in scenic areas such as the Lake Yamanaka and Lake Kawaguchi where you can witness a unique winter night when the colorful lights are reflected against the snow-capped Mount Fuji in the distance. If you are lucky, you may watch the spectacular winter fireworks if you are going to visit the Lake Kawaguchi in the late month of 2026. 

 Lake Saiko offers you unique travel experience where there are numerous frost-covered trees sparkling like diamonds under the sunshine during the Lake Saiko Ice Festival that is usually held since late January. However, you’d better check the specific schedule of the Festival in advance since it takes place based on the weather conditions.  

The road to the 5th Station is generally open this month, but there is a possibility of road closures due to ice. Thus, for safety reasons, it is best to pay attention to the information about the environment conditions over there and avoid visiting when there are potential dangers.

Mount Fuji Weather by Month