Japan Weather Guide
Japan experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences. From cherry blossoms in spring to powder snow in winter, timing your visit can make all the difference.
Japan's Four Seasons
Spring (March - May)
Cherry blossom season! Mild temperatures (10-20°C), occasional rain. The most popular time to visit Japan.
Summer (June - August)
Hot and humid (25-35°C). Rainy season (tsuyu) in June-July. Festival season with fireworks and matsuri.
Autumn (September - November)
Beautiful fall foliage (koyo). Comfortable temperatures (15-25°C). Less crowded than spring.
Winter (December - February)
Cold (0-10°C) with heavy snow in northern Japan. Perfect for skiing, onsen, and winter illuminations.
Monthly Weather Overview
| Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2-10°C | Low | Skiing, winter illuminations |
| Feb | 2-11°C | Low | Skiing, plum blossoms |
| Mar | 5-14°C | Med | Early cherry blossoms (south) |
| Apr | 10-19°C | Med | Cherry blossoms (peak) |
| May | 15-23°C | Med | Pleasant weather, Golden Week |
| Jun | 19-26°C | High | Hydrangeas, rainy season starts |
| Jul | 23-30°C | High | Summer festivals, Mt. Fuji climbing |
| Aug | 24-31°C | Med | Festivals, fireworks, Obon |
| Sep | 20-27°C | High | Fewer crowds, typhoon season |
| Oct | 14-22°C | Med | Autumn foliage begins |
| Nov | 8-17°C | Low | Peak autumn foliage |
| Dec | 3-12°C | Low | Winter illuminations, skiing |
Typhoon Season
Typhoon season in Japan runs from June to October, with peak activity in August and September. While typhoons rarely cause serious issues for travelers, they can disrupt transportation and outdoor plans.
What to Expect
- Shinkansen and flights may be delayed or cancelled during severe weather
- Outdoor attractions may temporarily close
- Southern regions (Okinawa, Kyushu) are most affected
- Most typhoons pass through within 1-2 days
Tips for Typhoon Season
- Check weather forecasts daily and have backup indoor activities planned
- Travel insurance with trip interruption coverage is recommended
- Download the NHK World app for English weather alerts
- JR trains will resume quickly after storms pass
Destination Weather Tips
Tokyo
Hot and humid summers (30-35°C), mild winters (2-10°C). Best visited in spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October-November) for pleasant weather.
Kyoto
Similar to Tokyo but slightly more extreme. Famous for autumn foliage (mid-November to early December). Summers can be oppressively hot and humid.
Hokkaido
Cold winters with heavy snowfall -- perfect for skiing at Niseko and Furano. Cool summers (20-25°C) make it a great escape from mainland heat. No rainy season.
Okinawa
Subtropical climate with warm weather year-round (15-30°C). Best for beach activities from April to October. Rainy season in May-June. Typhoons most common July-September.