Many times we want to travel to Asian countries from the West but we do not know how are their temperatures, or in this case the climate in Japan, because in this article I teach you all the secrets of the temperature in Japan and its climate, as well as how to dress.
JAPAN’S TEMPERATURE | Climate in Japan
Japan is a country of changing climate and temperature issues as they change from month to month drastically. The 4 seasons contain seasons of scorching heat, rain, typhoons and intense cold. To travel, we will need to know the average temperatures in Japan, to prepare our suitcase and itinerary.
Remember that the climate and temperatures change in the same month depending on where you are in Japan: North, South, East and West Japan.
CLIMATE IN JAPAN: SPRING (HARU 春)
Spring in Japan, the time of flowering and the Hanami (花見) festival, is one of the months with the best climate in Japan. It includes March, April and May. High temperatures range from 60,8ºF to 68ºF and low temperatures from 44,6ºF to 60,8ºF.
MARCH (三月 SANGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
This is the time when winter is behind us, with plum and cherry blossoms gradually blooming all over the country. March is still rather cold, with the occasional warm day, the water in Japan is still at a rather low temperature, except for the islands (Okinawa) where the sea warms up quickly, although you will still need a wetsuit for water activities.
How to dress in March in Japan:
The climate in Japan is a bit cool in these months: Wear a medium jacket with lining and a T-shirt underneath or a thin sweater with a jacket. If you girls want to wear a skirt or dress, it is a good idea to wear thick tights, keeping your feet warm as well.
March Temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 26,6ºF avg. 33,8ºF max. 39,2ºF | 75mm | 150h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 41ºF avg. 48,2ºF max. 57,2ºF | 120mm | 160h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 42,8ºF avg. 50ºF max. 59ºF | 110mm | 150h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 60,8ºF avg. 64,4ºF max. 73,4ºF | 160mm | 110h/month |
APRIL (四月 SHIGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
The pleasant climate in Japan is the month of the absolute blooming of all flowers, and it is the most beautiful time to take pictures. Everything is full of color, take a look at this example of the Shibasakura festival on mount fuji.
The beaches of the Okinawan islands start to open, the temperatures there are more than pleasant this season, but there may be some rain.
How to dress in April in Japan:
The mornings and evenings will still be a bit chilly, so it is advisable to bring a jacket or hooded sweatshirt. In the afternoon the weather warms up, but you will still need something thin with long sleeves, or if you are a little warm, a short sleeve t-shirt with jeans or sport pants. But remember to take a thin coat with you for when it cools down.
April temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 39,2ºF avg. 44,6ºF max. 51,8ºF | 55mm | 170h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 48,2ºF avg. 57,2ºF max. 66,2ºF | 125mm | 170h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 51,8ºF avg. 59ºF max. 68ºF | 120mm | 180h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 66,2ºF avg. 69,8ºF max. 75,2ºF | 165mm | 120h/month |
MAY (五月 GOGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
The best time for the climate in Japan, but it is also usually the most expensive time because at the beginning of the month, the golden week (Golden week) begins for the Japanese, everything will be crowded because you will find not only tourists but millions of Japanese traveling, so you will feel more overwhelmed and hot, although it is the month of the most pleasant and sunny temperature of the year. After Golden week, there will still be festivals / matsuris. Let’s remember that at this time typhoons begin, although they do so with a weak intensity. Now begins the rainy season in the area of Okinawa islands.
This is the time when wisteria blooms, take a look at the best places.
How to dress in May in Japan:
May is usually hot, but not as hot as other months, this one will be nice and moderate, you can wear pants and short sleeve shirts. If you are a woman, dress and skirt, I still recommend tights if you go out in the morning or you are going to stay until the evening, as it cools down a little. Wear a light cardigan or a thin jacket or sweater for mornings and evenings.
The climate in Japan, if you travel to the Okinawa islands, it is best to carry a light raincoat in your bag as the rainy and typhoon season begins in the area.
May temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 46,4ºF avg. 55,4ºF max. 62,6ºF | 50mm | 200h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 57,2ºF avg. 64,4ºF max. 73,4ºF | 140mm | 165h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 60,8ºF avg. 66,2ºF max. 75,2ºF | 145mm | 195h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 71,6ºF avg. 75,2ºF max. 80,6ºF | 235mm | 145h/month |
SUMMER CLIMATE (NATSU 夏) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
It is the time of heat and humidity and it begins the rainy season, which fills the rice fields with water (wonderful pictures you can take if you get close to them, you will be left with a beautiful green landscape with rice fields full of water). In summer is where there are more matsuri festivals, where you can enjoy hundreds of fireworks and wear Japanese kimono called yukata that is used for these events. Temperatures are always around 86°F, so you will be hot.
JUNE (六月 ROKUGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
All regions of Japan, except Hokkaido, begin the rainy season. The climate is humid (caused by the cold air from the north meeting the warm air from the south to start the summer). The climate in Tokyo will still be crowded, as they are very used to the rain, it is one of the rainiest cities on earth, so the with an umbrella usually transparent.
The climate in Japan and the temperatures at this time are moderate.
How to dress in June in Japan:
The rainy season (Tsuyu (梅雨) is starting, it will be very humid and hot this month. Remember to always carry with you a light raincoat in your backpack (one that can also withstand water), and if you can or want to carry some spare shoes in your backpack. You can wear short sleeves, but remember to protect yourself from the rain. If you are in Hokkaido, there is no rainy season so the humidity is lower, and you will not need to carry a raincoat. The Tohoku area also has lower humidity and more comfortable temperatures than Tokyo.
June temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 55,4ºF avg. 62,6ºF max. 69,8ºF | 45mm | 190h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 64,4ºF avg. 69,8ºF max. 78,8ºF | 160mm | 125h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 68ºF avg. 73,4ºF max. 80,6ºF | 255mm | 150h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 77ºF avg. 80,6ºF max. 84,2ºF | 250mm | 155h/month |
JULY (七月 SHICHIGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
Here begins the real summer for Japan, temperatures start to be high as soon as we say goodbye to the rainy season around the middle of the month, more or less when the school vacations begin.
The beaches open, and the matsuri / festival season begins in Japan.
How to dress in July in Japan:
Temperatures are high and humid, so we advise short sleeves, shirts, skirts, dresses and shorts. Do not wear tights if you are a woman at this time or you may regret it, believe me, you will end up sweaty and very hot. Try to avoid dark colors, remember the sunscreen and if you want or can wear a cap or hat to protect you from the sun. You will often see Japanese women with a light paper umbrella to protect themselves from the sun.
July temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 62,6ºF avg. 68ºF max. 77ºF | 80mm | 160h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 69,8ºF avg. 77ºF max. 84,2ºF | 155mm | 145h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 75,2ºF avg. 80,6ºF max. 87,8ºF | 275mm | 165h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 80,6ºF avg. 84,2ºF max. 89,6ºF | 140mm | 240h/month |
AUGUST (八月 HACHIGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
The climate in Japan in August is one of the hottest and most humid months of the year, around 91,4°F, but some days easily exceed 95ºF and the humidity rises almost to the maximum, you may feel very oppressive so it will be more difficult to walk, it is not a good idea to do hiking trails or routes that involve extra effort in the sun. Remember to carry hydration in your backpack and some snacks. Kyoto and Osaka are even hotter, and can get very hot and sweltering.
The best thing about August is that every week there are fireworks, concerts, events and festivals in full swing.
The worst thing about August is that the typhoon season is at its peak, especially areas such as Shikoku, Okinawa and Kyushu, as they are the southernmost areas, are exposed to strong and aggressive typhoons.
How to dress in August in Japan:
Ventilated and light clothing, as light as possible. Sunscreen and protect yourself from the sun in the afternoon hours.
August temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 64,4ºF avg. 71,6ºF max. 78,8ºF | 130mm | 125h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 73,4ºF avg. 78,8ºF max. 89,6ºF | 165mm | 165h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 77ºF avg. 82,4ºF max. 91,4ºF | 170mm | 200h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 78,8ºF avg. 84,2ºF max. 89,6ºF | 290mm | 210h/month |
AUTUMN CLIMATE (AKI 秋) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
In Japan they call autumn, (Shokuyoku no Aki (食欲ン秋)’, which means appetizing autumn, as many vegetables, rice, mushrooms, seasonal fruits and fish, become seasonal dishes and local specialties impressive to the palate.
SEPTEMBER (九月 KUGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
Mild and pleasant climate, but with long periods of rain, driven by typhoons as in August. September is the rainiest and darkest month in Tokyo with only about 120 hours of daylight. The end of the month marks the beginning of momiji, the change of color of the leaves of the trees, everything is filled with vibrant colors, shades of reds, yellows, oranges, browns … a wonder for the eyes.
How to dress in September in Japan:
Short sleeves, dress or skirt, but wearing a thin sweater and a raincoat just in case. At the end of the month temperatures start to drop, so you should wear long pants but a thicker jacket for the mornings and evenings.
September temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 57,2ºF avg. 64,4ºF max. 73,4ºF | 140mm | 155h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 66,2ºF avg. 73,4ºF max. 80,6ºF | 205mm | 120h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 71,6ºF avg. 75,2ºF max. 82,4ºF | 170mm | 160h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 77ºF avg. 82,4ºF max. 87,8ºF | 260mm | 180h/month |
OCTOBER (十月 JUGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
It is one of the best months to travel to Japan, weather-wise. Temperatures are somewhat mild but warm, but there is not so much humidity in the atmosphere.
This is the best month to see the momiji, as the scenery is at its most splendorous.
How to dress in October in Japan:
A mild month in terms of temperature, long pants, long skirt, tops (with sweater for morning and evening). You can wear a short sleeve t-shirt if you are a boy and long or short pants depending on how you stand the temperatures. If you are a woman with tights and skirt and a top or t-shirt, you will be perfect, but remember the sweater or jacket.
October temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 46,4ºF avg. 53,6ºF max. 60,8ºF | 105mm | 150h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 57,2ºF avg. 62,6ºF max. 69,8ºF | 195mm | 135h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 59ºF avg. 66,2ºF max. 75,2ºF | 70mm | 180h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 73,4ºF avg. 77ºF max. 82,4ºF | 155mm | 170h/month |
NOVEMBER (十一月 JUICHIGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
Colder days compared to October, and the climate in this month changes drastically in the same day, therefore, we advise you to be well prepared with warm clothes.
How to dress in November in Japan:
Jacket or sweater is a must, there will be days when you will need a scarf and a coat as it cools down too quickly.
November temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 35,6ºF avg. 41ºF max. 46,4ºF | 105mm | 100h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 46,4ºF avg. 53,6ºF max. 60,8ºF | 95mm | 150h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 50ºF avg. 57,2ºF max. 64,4ºF | 80mm | 180h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 68ºF avg. 73,4ºF max. 77ºF | 110mm | 125h/month |
WINTER CLIMATE (FUYU 冬) | CLIMATE IN JAPAN
Christmas lights, snow festivals, skiing activities, a truly wintry cold, but with a white blanket landscape second to none. The days are short, but there is usually little rain, but you will see precipitation in the form of snow along the coast (Hokkaido and Tohoku) where the winds that cause a Siberian cold in other parts of the country, will make for sunny days and little rain in the Pacific coast region.
DECEMBER (十二月 JUNIGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
The month of the Christmas lights!!!! It is beautiful to see, but the climate is dry and quite cold, but with sunny days as well, despite the cold. Enjoy skiing activities with proper clothing, as they will open ski resorts this month (from central to northern). Remember that the south and west of Japan have almost no snow and the climate is pleasant and mild this season. If you don’t like snow sports, it’s time to get into an onsen (温泉) and enjoy yourself like a Japanese, drinking sake in nabe (鍋), hot pot.
How to dress in December in Japan:
Many layers, A thin one (Decathlon type, which keep the body heat), a very thick sweater, coat, scarf and gloves. Add a hat if you like them, because it is cold, although it is more at the end of the month when the freezing cold starts in Japan. The wind blows strongly so you will be cold.
December temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 24,8ºF avg. 30,2ºF max. 37,4ºF | 110mm | 85h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 37,4ºF avg. 44,6ºF max. 51,8ºF | 50mm | 175h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 42,8ºF avg. 48,2ºF max. 55,4ºF | 55mm | 120h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 53,6ºF avg. 64,4ºF max. 71,6ºF | 105mm | 120h/month |
JANUARY (一月 ICHIGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
It is a very cold month, Christmas lights are still visible in many places, and there are snow festivals. The climate is dry, but still very cold. Rain is scarce this season except for a day or two.
How to dress in January in Japan:
Month we usually see the temperature below zero on many occasions, therefore, warm pants and warm technical shirt (what I do is put thick tights or a technical winter pants Decathlon underneath), the boys technical pants will come in handy and keep you warm. The essential scarf, mittens or gloves, and possibly a wool hat, will keep your head warm. Remember to bring a good coat.
January temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 19,4ºF avg. 24,8ºF max. 32ºF | 110mm | 95h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 33,8ºF avg. 41ºF max. 48,2ºF | 50mm | 180h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 39,2ºF avg. 44,6ºF max. 50ºF | 65mm | 100h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 59ºF avg. 62,6ºF max. 66,2ºF | 110mm | 95h/month |
FEBRUARY (二月 NIGATSU) CLIMATE IN JAPAN
The climate in Japan, especially in January and February is when there is more snow, so winter sports will be better at this time because of the centimeters of snow available. The Japanese Alps, at this time there are a lot of matsuri / Japanese festivals. There are also festivals in other areas such as Yokote.
How to dress in February in Japan:
Just like in January, sweater, long pants, coat, gloves and scarf, the temperature does not change too much, but many Japanese say that the wind chill is lower than the temperatures themselves.
February temperatures in Japan:
| LOCATIONS | TEMPERATURES | RAINFALL | HOURS OF SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPORO (northern Japan) | min. 19,4ºF avg. 26,6ºF max. 33,8ºF | 95mm | 105h/month |
| TOKYO (east Japan) | min. 35,6ºF avg. 42,8ºF max. 50ºF | 55mm | 165h/month |
| FUKUOKA (western Japan) | min. 39,2ºF avg. 44,6ºF max. 51,8ºF | 70mm | 120h/month |
| NAHA (southern Japan) | min. 59ºF avg. 62,6ºF max. 68ºF | 125mm | 90h/month |
WHEN IT IS BEST TO TRAVEL TO JAPAN: CLIMATE IN JAPAN
Many of us try to answer this big question, but the truth is, the answer really depends on what you want to do, if you want to have snow, winter, if you want to see the Hanami, spring, if you want to see the rice fields of Tokyo full of water, the month of June for being the month of rains, if you want to see momiji, autumn, it all depends on you, and your activities.
We can help you to organize everything including the activities, ask us by email or leave your comment in the post, we will reply as soon as possible.
