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Japan Weather in May

Kamo River
Kamo Riverbank, Kyoto
May is the last month of spring in Japan, when many flowers are still in full bloom. It gets warmer and warmer, as the temperature wanders between 15°C (59°F) and 23°C (73.4°F) averagely. There are more rainfalls throughout the country; the further south you go, the more rainfall there are. The south of Japan, especially Okinawa islands, ushers in the hot summer and the rainy season in May. The rainy season will move to the north regions later.

The hottest cities in Japan in May:
Naha: 24℃ (75.2℉), Kagoshima: 21℃ (69.8℉), Osaka: 21℃ (69.8℉)
The coolest cities in Japan in May:
Wakkanai: 8℃ (46.4℉), Kushiro: 9℃ (48.2℉), Sapporo: 13℃ (55.4℉), Asahikawa: 13℃ (55.4℉)  

Averages for Japan Weather in May

High Temperature
23°C (73.4°F)
Low Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Rainfall
140 mm (5.5 in)
Sunrise
04:27 ~ 04:50
Sunset
18:28 ~ 18:51



May Temperatures in Japan


What to Wear
As May is a transition from spring to summer in Japan, you can wear a shirt plus a jacket for the weather. In particular, a shirt or T-shirt is enough in most places during late days. In early May, you can take a jacket or thin overcoat in case. If you are in the south where the rainy season has come, an umbrella or raincoat is necessary.
 
May Travel Guide – Where to Go & Tips
Tourism Rate: 

Senso-ji Temple - Sanja Matsuri Festival in May
Senso-ji: A Scene of Sanja Matsuri

Early May is the last chance to admire cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan. Even though the famous cherry blossoms are past, other flowers are also enchanting to see. The vast stretch of wisteria can be appreciated in Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi, Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, etc.

Read more about Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Cultural experience is also welcomed in May as some traditional festivals are held. Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo and Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto are the grandest ones to touch Japanese culture. You will see the festival parades in their traditional costume and interesting rituals to pray for blessings.

The mountainous area and the weather in May is prefect for hiking. Nakasendo trail attracts the most adventurers between Magome in Gifu and Tsumago in Nagano, to explore the old post route on the roof of Japan. Kumano Kodo is an old pilgrimage trail of world heritage site through the mountains in Kii Peninsula, southern Kansai region. With old shrines and temples, it’s popular for the wild enchantment and religious charm.


May Weather of Major Cities in Japan
May
Temperature Sunrise / Sunset Humidity
(%)
High Low
Aomori
17°C / 62.6°F 10°C / 50°F 04:19 / 18:48 69
Asahikawa
17°C / 62.6°F 9°C / 48.2°F 04:03 / 18:39 62
Fukuoka
24°C / 75.2°F
16°C / 60.8°F
05:17 / 19:12
68
Hiroshima
23°C / 73.4°F
16°C / 60.8°F
05:07 / 19:06
64
Kagoshima
26°C / 78.8°F
17°C / 62.6°F
05:22 / 19:07
68
Kanazawa
22°C / 71.6°F 13°C / 55.4°F 04:46 / 18:55 64
Kochi
23°C / 73.4°F
16°C / 60.8°F
05:06 / 19:00
71
Kyoto
24°C / 75.2°F
15°C / 59°F
04:54 / 18:53
63
Nagoya
23°C / 73.4°F 15°C / 59°F 04:48 / 18:49 66
Naha
26°C / 78.8°F
22°C / 71.6°F
05:43 / 19:09
79
Nara 24°C / 75.2°F
15°C / 59°F
04:53 / 18:52
63
Niigata
20°C / 68°F 14°C / 57.2°F 04:34 / 18:47 71
Osaka
24°C / 75.2°F 18°C / 64.4°F 04:55 / 18:54 55
Sapporo
18°C / 64.4°F 8°C / 46.4°F 04:12 / 18:51 65
Sendai
19°C / 66.2°F 12°C / 53.6°F 04:25 / 18:42 74
Tokyo
22°C / 71.6°F 17°C / 62.6°F 04:36 / 18:39 68