Japan Weather

• Climatic Zone(s): Temperate zone (marine climate, Seto Inland Sea Climate, inland climate), subtropical zone, sub-frigid zone 
• Climatic Features: The climate in Japan is deeply influenced by terrains in different regions; most places of Japan are in the temperate monsoon climate, Japan Sea and Pacific Ocean bring much rainfall to the country

  Cherry Blossoms in Spring

• Hottest Month: August 24-31°C (75.2-87.8°F)
• Coldest Month: January 2-9°C (36-48°F)
• How is the weather in Japan?
  With a large latitude span, Japan has the complex climates. The northernmost region is in the sub-frigid zone, severely cold in winter with large amount of snowfall. Besides, it’s always warm in southern island areas.
  
  The central Japan, the vast majority of places in the country, usually embraces four distractive seasons, torrid in summer and cold in winter. The coast facing Japan Sea (northwest side) has more precipitation in winter with the monsoon from Siberia; separated by the mountain range in the central region, the eastern coast receives more rainfall in summer, with the southeast monsoon from the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, be notice of the local weather forecast if you travel to Pacific coast of Japan in summer and autumn, otherwise you may face a typhoon there.
  
  In the central mountain area called as Japanese Alps, there is less precipitation compared with that in coastal areas. It is popular as a summer resort in Japan, but the temperature drops fast as night falls.
  
  As for the coast of Seto Inland Sea, you would find it is wonderful for a holiday, because of less rainfall and more sunny days. However, you have to cope with the heat there especially in summer.

  Fascinating Lake Ashi in Autumn

  
  
• Best Time to Visit: March to early May & October to early December
  It’s recommended to travel to Japan during the period from March to early May, for the weather couldn’t be better in such a mildly warm spring. Also, you can enjoy the remarkable scenes of cherry blossoms, which would bloom during the time, on and off around the islands.
  
  October to early December is also a great time, when the cool autumn comes. Japanese like to see colorful fall foliage very much, if you’re also interested, you can join in the locals.
  
  Then again, the downside is, it’s too popular. A high price level, of air travel, hotels and more there. If you’re going to take a budget and uncrowded holiday, it’s not suggested to go to Japan during these months. Golden Week (late April – early May), Bon-Odori Festival (mid-August), and New Year holiday (late December – early January) may not be a good time, for heavy traffic, crowds of people and higher price as well.
  If you have decided to visit Japan in 2025, then you may like our Japan Tours 2025 & 2026 with Private & Group Packages.

• Peak Season
• Slack Season

See Weather for Cities in Japan:

• Tokyo 
• Kyoto
• Osaka
• Nara 
• Hokkaido 
• Nagoya 
• Hiroshima 
• Fukuoka 
• Nagano
  
• Hakone

Japan Seasons - Temperature & Clothing Guide

Monthly Weather of Japan - Temperature & Rainfall

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The rainy season will last for one month or one and a half months in Japan, generally from May to July. Rainy season begins in southern islands of Japan in early May or mid-May; the farther north you go, the later the rainy season comes. To the northeast of Honshu, rainy season comes in the early or middle June. As for Hokkaido, it is relatively an exception in Japan with no rainy season.

Kyoto in the Rain

You needn’t be disappointed, since it would not rain every day. In the meantime, Japan offers a lot of things to do on rainy days. In June, hydrangeas in full bloom is the most beautiful during the season around Japan. On a rainy day, museums, aquariums and more indoor attractions/activities like a Kabuki performance or a culture experience with geisha are great.

Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Cherry blossoms are blooming in the southern regions first. The farther south, the earlier the cherry blossom season. In the south of Kyushu, cherry trees put forth the blossoms in mid-late March; to south of Hokkaido and the northernmost of Honshu, it begins until late April. For the most popular travel destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto, the best viewing time is late March to early April. Cherry blossoms around Mt. Fuji flower late somewhat, the full-bloom stage doesn’t start until early April. To know the specific date of cherry blossoms, you can watch the cherry blossom forecast of Japan launched in every spring.

It’s advised to make your plan in advance, so as to adjust your schedule in accordance with the real-time flowering phase. At the same time, it’s the most popular time. Each spot of cherry blossoms is crowded with tourists, and hotels would be booked up quickly.

  See Also: Japan Cherry Blossom Date Forecast 2025

North Japan

• Major Destinations: Hokkaido & Aomori, Akita, etc. in the north of Tohoku (northeast Honshu)
• Weather Review: It is cooler in the northern region of Japan, especially in Hokkaido. In winter, it becomes bitterly cold with heavy snows, reaching -12~-5℃ (10.4-23℉) in Asahikawa in January. Its spring comes later as the snow begins to melt since late March or early April. In a similar way, the autumn is relatively earlier, as you have the opportunity to admire red leaves since late September to early November. Moreover, it’s also somewhat cooler in summer.
• Travel Recommendation: For the cooler weather, the north is the best place to enjoy the beauty of winter. Snow landscapes, ice sculptures, snow festivals, winter sports such as skiing, traditional onsen baths, etc. are all fascinating. Ryuhyo - drift ice sightseeing in Abashiri is a special experience in winter. However, the condition of roads is not promising, which would bring travelers some difficulties especially in the east of Hokkaido.
  
  The cherry blossom season there is very short in late April & early May. When other areas are trapped in insufferable heat in summer, the northern Japan is still cooler. The flower fields of lavenders, sunflowers and more other flowers in Furano and Biei will take you into a beautiful dreamlike world. Hiking through Shiretoko Five Lakes in Shiretoko National Park is also wondrous to explore the unique landscapes as well as flora and fauna at local.

Winter in the North of Japan

Central Japan

On the whole, the central Japan is torrid in summer and cold in winter, with pleasant spring and autumn. The region will be caught by typhoons and the rainy season. Specifically, there are some little differences among areas.

● Pacific Coast: the eastern coast of Honshu, the east side of mountain ridges; southern Shikoku and most areas of Kyushu

• Major Destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, etc.
• Weather Review: As it’s highly affected by summer monsoon from the Pacific Ocean, you’ll witness the heavier rains during the rainy season, and be likely to meet more typhoons in a year. Comparatively, the snowfall is less than the west coast in winter. As you can imagine, it is very humid there. In the capital Tokyo, the humidity can reach up to 76%, with a rainfall of 1,590mm every year.

● Japan Alps: the mountainous region in the middle, at the highest altitude in Japan

• Major Destinations: Nagano, Takayama, Nakasendo Way
• Weather Review: Shrouded in the inland climate, it is relatively dryer than the coasts for less precipitation during the year. You can also feel a larger temperature variation between day and night. In the hottest August, the temperature would drop 10 degrees centigrade or so at night. It is relatively cooler in summer, good to be away from oppressive heat; but intensely cold in winter.

  Mountianous Japan Alps

● Japan Sea Coast: the western coast of Honshu, the west side of mountain ridges, facing the Japan Sea

• Major Destinations: Kanazawa, Niigata
• Weather Review: Japan Sea coast is ruled by winter monsoon from Siberia. However, the northwestern wind brings water vapors through Japan Sea, which lead to heavy rainfall – usually snowfall in winter. Summer monsoon can rarely reach there, so you have to bear the high temperature with less rains. In Kanazawa, the highest temperature could reach 32°C (89.6°F) in August, while it ushers in the most precipitation of 341mm averagely in December.

  Kanazawa - Japan Sea Coast

  Seto Inland Sea Scenery

● Coast of Seto Inland Sea: southwest of Honshu, northern Shikoku, northeast of Kyushu

• Major Destinations: Hiroshima, Okayama, Takamatsu, Matsuyama
• Weather Review: Seto Inland Sea is a low-lying region surrounded by mountains and hills, so the monsoons, no matter which direction they come from, are kept out relatively. The fine weather is accessible at most time. Rainfall is concentrated in the rainy season and during a typhoon, while much less rain would occur in other months. If you go there in summer, you will face the searing passion from the sun.

Travel Recommendation: Cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn are well-known for visitors to Japan. Historical sites like the Osaka Castle, onsen bathing in Hakone, modern cityscapes, and grand locally seasonal festivals like Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, are all visit-worthy. Outdoor pursuits, such as hiking in mountains and cycling along Seto Inland Sea coast, would also be enjoying.

South Japan

• Major Destinations: Okinawa islands; Kagoshima in Kyushu
• Weather Review: In subtropical zone, it is warmer in the south of Japan than other regions, with high humidity up to a highest average of 84% in June. Generally, it’s warm and humid all year around. It doesn’t mean that there are no four seasons, but the seasons are not divided so clear. Travelers can hardly see a snow there in winter. In the transition areas of the southernmost of Honshu and the northern Kyushu, it would be a little cooler in winter.

  Have Fun in Okinawa

• Travel Recommendation: The coasts and dotted islands are best for tourists to enjoy beach fun as well as island safari. This makes summer, especially the summer vacation in July and August, the peak season to go to the seaside. But it should be noted that you may suffer a typhoon there in summer and autumn. Fresh seafood like groupers and lobsters, and more local specialties can also be enjoyed on your holiday.
  
  Even though winter is the slack season, it’s best time to spot humpback whales near Kerama Islands and the surrounding warm waters in January to March or even April. Furthermore, Okinawa is the place of viewing cherry blossoms earliest all over Japan, which are in full bloom around mid-February.