Wakayama Weather in February
Season: WinterWhat is the weather like in Wakayama in February: cold but not severely; low precipitation
Relatively Cold
Average Temperature: 4-11℃ (39-52℉)In February, the overall climate of Wakayama is relatively chilly. Day temperatures are roughly in the range of 10-15℃ (50-59℉). Because of its diverse terrain, the nighttime temperature in the north and south is a little bit different: in the north, the night temperatures are around 0-5℃ (32-41℉), 2-3 degrees Celsius (36-37 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than that of the south. It tends to be windy in some coastal areas like Shirahama, making your feels-like temperature lower, so don’t forget to throw on a scarf and warm hat for your trip there.
Though February falls in winter, southern Wakayama catches a glimpse of early spring - blooming plum flowers, whose best admiring time is the middle of the month.
Low Precipitation
Average Precipitation: 74 mm (2.9 in)Average Wet Days: 15 days
During this month, daily rainfall rarely tops 10 mm, meaning it’s mainly light rain and moderate showers are occasional, which won’t mess up your travel much. It may snow in some years in mountainous areas. Take 2025 as an example: there were 4 days of snowfall, which occurred suddenly after sunny weather, but lasted a very short period and the snow didn’t linger long.
Both Daylight and Sunshine Hours Increase
Sunrise time is advanced from 6:55 to 6:28, while sunset time is postponed from 17:29 to 17:55. Correspondingly, daylight hours are extended from 10 hours 33 minutes to 11 hours 27 minutes. For tourists who feel it difficult getting up early to see the sunrise during your stay in February 2026, watching the sunset is also a good choice. Do check the exact sunset time in advance and plan your travel schedule accordingly. It’s advised to arrive at the spot half an hour earlier to catch the golden twilight.For sunshine hours, the north region receives 6.5 hours on average per day, while the south has 7.5 hours. Under bright sunshine, natural landscapes and historic architectures look more stunning.
Daily Outfits for Wakayama in February
Clothes: You are advised to wear a sweater or thick hoodie and a down jacket or 3-in-1 jacket with a fleece liner. Males should stick to warm sweatpants, while females can wear long woolen dresses, paired with thick leggings underneath. Footwear: As Wakayama boasts a myriad of cultural relics and natural wonders, you may walk a lot to explore them. So, comfortable hiking shoes can’t be more suitable.
Others: Don’t forget to bring along a compact umbrella or light raincoat. If you decide to choose the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi as the hiking route, you’d better bring an alpenstock as some trails are muggy.
Seasonal Highlights for Wakayama in February
Plum Blossoms
Minabe-bairin Ume Grove has been well-known for “the breathtaking sight of thousands of plum trees and a rich aroma drifting for miles around”. In mid-February, blooming plum flowers adorn the whole hillside, drawing numerous admirers to feast their eyes. Another must-visit site is Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, whose paths flanked by plum trees form lovely flower tunnels, extremely ideal for photography at dawn or dusk.
Oto Matsuri Festival
The Oto matsuri Festival, one of the oldest celebrations in Japan, falls on February 6, when roughly 2,000 men clad in white clothes run down 538 steep stone steps from the top of the Mt. Kamikura, while holding flaming torches. More particularly, this festival is male-only, and female travelers can only see the grandeur from both sides of the mountainside.
Hot Spring
Wakayama is a paradise for onsen lovers, as it’s blessed with distinctive hot springs. The highly recommended ones are Shirahama Onsen, hailed as one of Japan’s three longest-standing onsens, as well as Ryujin Onsen, famous for its skin-moisturizing property. Besides, whether you plan to hike the Kumano Kodo or admire plum blossoms at Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, you can also enjoy a hot spring in their nearby onsen areas.
Travel Suggestions for Wakayama in February
1. Wakayama in February is worth a visit: apart from the above-mentioned activities and natural vistas, low visitor flow is another perk for those seeking a peaceful and quiet place to unwind.
2. Two useful hiking tips are as follow: Firstly, except for some wide-open areas, the winds in the mountains are not strong in February. Secondly, it’s unnecessary to carry much water, as there are lots of villages along the way where you can replenish it.
3. In February, the low season, many restaurants in suburban areas may be closed, so if you’re going to stay overnight here, opt for a hotel with catering service.
