Japan Weather in May

May is the last month of spring in Japan, and brings pleasant weather to Japan: most parts of the country are quite warm by this time, while Hokkaido remains cool and comfortable overall. Except for Okinawa, which enters its rainy season this month, other regions enjoy ample sunshine with not very frequent rain.

How Warm Is Japan in May? 

This month, even in Hokkaido – Japan’s coldest region - spring outfits suffice for most daytime hours. In early month, daytime temperatures hover around 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit). As long as the sun rises, you won’t feel cold at all. From mid-month onward, Hokkaido’s daytime temperatures rise to 15-20°C (59-68°F), occasionally reaching around 25°C (77°F), and you will feel neither cold nor hot, but very comfortable. However, note that this represents only the general trend. In May, Hokkaido’s temperatures still fluctuate dramatically. Daily highs can drop from above 20°C (68°F) to around 10°C (50°F) and then quickly rebound. Therefore, it’s wise to check the weather forecast before heading out in the morning to decide what to wear.

Warm Japan in May

Cities in central Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, enjoy warm weather throughout the month: daily highs hover around 20-25°C (68-77°F), occasionally nearing 30°C (86°F), while daily lows remain at 15-20°C (59-68°F). Relatively big temperature differences between day and night exist, so it’s advisable to dress warmly if you plan to head out very early.

Southern cities like Okinawa experience early summer-like climate conditions in May. Daily lows generally stay above 20°C (68°F), while the highs typically exceed 25°C (77°F). Under sunlight, you might feel warm or even slightly hot. However, on cloudy, rainy, or windy days, the perceived temperature is lower.

How Much Rain Does Japan Get in May?

In May, Japan experiences significant regional variations in precipitation, with southern areas receiving more rainfall than the north.

Southern regions like Okinawa and Kagoshima enter the rainy season around early to mid-May, bringing exceptionally high rainfall. Taking Okinawa as an example, the average monthly precipitation reaches 232 mm, with 12 rainy days. Once the rainy season begins, these cities experience persistent rainfall, ranging from light showers to heavy downpours, which can significantly impact outdoor activities. Moreover, the high precipitation makes the air humid.

Cities in central regions like Tokyo have not yet entered the rainy season. Their rainfall is moderate and generally does not exceed 200 mm on average. Rainy days are less frequent, and you can still encounter many sunny moments. 

May in Hokkaido, however, is one of the driest months of the year. Taking Sapporo as an example, May sees only an average of 56 mm of precipitation and 8 rainy days. So, if you visit Hokkaido during this time, you can enjoy the sunshine and outdoor scenery most of the time.

See Also: Rainy Season in Japan

Daylight Hours/Sunshine Hours

May is one of the months with the longest daylight hours in Japan. From the southern regions like Okinawa, to the central areas such as Tokyo, and then to the northern regions like Hokkaido, the daytime spans approximately 13-13.5 hours, 13.5-14.5 hours, and 14-15 hours, respectively. So you can totally slow down and have a relaxing trip. Except for those in the southern region, sunrise occurs before 05:00 in most other cities, meaning that those who want to spot the beautiful sunrise need to get up quite early.

In Okinawa, due to higher precipitation, sunshine hours are relatively short, averaging around 4-5 hours daily. Other regions generally see sunshine hours of about 6 hours per day on average. Additionally, except for the higher-latitude region of Hokkaido, sun protection is recommended in any other city you visit: this month, their UV index reaches around 9-11.

Is May too Late for Cherry Blossoms?

Visiting Japan in May to see cherry blossoms is indeed a bit late, as many regions experience peak blooming in March and April. However, don’t worry, you can still see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido. In cooler Hokkaido, cherry blossoms typically begin blooming in late April and reach their peak viewing period in late April and early May. Cities like Hakodate, Otaru, and Sapporo are also recommended destinations with seas of pink flowers.

Read more about Cherry Blossom Season in Japan 

Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido

“Golden Week” - Rush Holiday in Japan

Golden Week is a major consecutive holiday period occurring annually from late April to early May. In 2026, it will begin on April 29th and last until around May 6th. This marks one of Japan’s three peak travel seasons throughout the year. During this time, large numbers of domestic tourists embark on trips and flood into popular travel destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Hotel prices in these cities skyrocket, and rooms become hard to obtain. Well-known attractions, theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, and some restaurants will even see long lines.

After this period, Japan will be quiet with not many tourists at all.

Is May A Good Month to Visit Japan?

Overall, May is an excellent time to visit Japan. First, temperatures across most of the country are mild and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Second, the long daylight hours provide ample time to explore various attractions. Third, the natural scenery is vibrant, with lush greenery everywhere. Additionally, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in Hokkaido and wisteria flowers in Tokyo and Kyoto. Fourth, several lively festivals occur in May, offering you chances to experience Japanese culture. For instance, during Tokyo’s Sanja Matsuri from May 15th to 17th in 2026, you can see processions of people in traditional attire and admire traditional dances, and during Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri Festivals on May 15th, 2025, processions of people dressed in court costumes will be the highlight.

However, you are advised to avoid:
1. Visiting Okinawa during the latter half of May, that is, its rainy season.
2. Visiting during “Golden Week” in early May.

Lush Scenery of Japan in May

What Should I Wear to Japan in May?

Clothes: For cities in central and southern Japan, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Okinawa, you can wear T-shirts plus thin long pants or long skirts most of the time. Thin jackets and long-sleeved shirts can be matched together in the early morning and late night to keep warm. Also remember to prepare a warm hoodie jacket in case of a sudden temperature drop. If you plan to visit Hokkaido, however, you are recommended to wear hoodies plus long skirts, or long-sleeved T-shirts and thin jeans plus shirts during the daytime, and put on windbreakers or trench coats during the nighttime. 

Shoes: With the warm or cool overall climate of Japan, you can pack sneakers or casual shoes for most places. For convenience’s sake, water shoes or sandals are also advised to bring when visiting Okinawa.

Others: You need to bring umbrellas in May with increasing rainfall, especially if you plan to go to southern Japan, which is experiencing the rainy season this month. Besides, sun protection items like sunglasses, sunhats, and sunscreen are also necessary for destinations except for Hokkaido.

Tips for Visiting Japan in May

Tips for Traveling during “Golden Week”

As mentioned above, if possible, you are recommended to avoid visiting Japan during this period. However, if you have decided to schedule your trip for this period, the following tips may help you get a better travel experience:

1. Book both hotels and flight tickets as early as possible. The earlier you book, the more options you will have and the less you will spend, though their prices will still be higher than usual.
2. With sunrise coming so early this month, get up and start your daily trip early. Arriving at attractions right when they open will likely let you avoid large crowds and enjoy a relatively quiet trip.

Other Tips

1. If you visit Okinawa during the rainy season, be sure to plan some alternative activities for rainy days in advance, such as shopping or visiting indoor attractions.
2. In May, the snow cap on Mount Fuji begins to melt. By the end of the month, only a small patch of snow may remain. Therefore, the first half of May is likely a better time to visit the Mount.

May Weather of Major Cities in Japan