When is the best time to go to Japan?
Overall, there is no specific time to visit Japan, because of the fact that the climate varies from one island to the next. Those who want to spend time on the main Honshu island may prefer the spring season, in order to enjoy better weather as well as a warm and pleasant temperature during the daytime. Furthermore, it presents an opportunity to discover the temples and historical places of Japan, all while admiring the flourishing cherry blossoms. This season is highly prized by both the Japanese residents as well as the tourists, who arrive in large masses in order to take advantage of this wonderful sight. If one enjoys mingling with crowds of tourists from around the world, do not hesitate to book tickets well in advance!
The summer season is less popular by reason of the general heat and humidity covering the whole of the atmosphere. On the contrary, it is perfect to visit the island of Hokkaido during this summer period, as it remains favorable for sightseeing.
This country also has superb ski resorts, such as the Sapporo and the Nagano. Deciding to visit Japan throughout the winter season can prove to be a rather interesting experience. Moreover, you also have the opportunity to soak up the serenity of this beautiful country, full of charm.
So, when is the best time to go to Japan? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- In September, the weather is at least tolerable in Japan
- The best months to go to Tokyo are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November
- On average, the warmest months in Tokyo are July, August and September, and the coldest months are January and February
- The rainiest months in this city are June and October
- The cities with the best climate are Tokyo, Kamakura, Yokohama, Asahi and Kimitsu, with good weather at least 8 months a year
- The best months for swimming in Tokyo are July, August, September and October
For information about the climate and the weather city by city in Japan for a specific month, click on the corresponding line below:
| Month | Average temp. | Rainfall | Our opinion | View Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -8°C to 21°C | 111mm | very bad to tolerable* | Japan in january |
| February | -7°C to 22°C | 128mm | very bad to tolerable* | Japan in february |
| March | -4°C to 23°C | 146mm | very bad to good* | Japan in march |
| April | 4°C to 25°C | 151mm | very bad to good* | Japan in april |
| May | 9°C to 28°C | 152mm | bad to good* | Japan in may |
| June | 13°C to 31°C | 237mm | very bad to good* | Japan in june |
| July | 18°C to 32°C | 240mm | bad to good* | Japan in july |
| August | 20°C to 32°C | 192mm | bad to good* | Japan in august |
| September | 17°C to 31°C | 205mm | tolerable to good* | Japan in september |
| October | 9°C to 29°C | 166mm | very bad to perfect* | Japan in october |
| November | 2°C to 26°C | 134mm | very bad to good* | Japan in november |
| December | -5°C to 23°C | 146mm | very bad to tolerable* | Japan in december |
When to go to Japan by city
Best time to go to Tokyo
The best months to go to Tokyo are april, may, june, july, august, september, october and november.
Best time to go to Kobe
The best months to go to Kobe are april, may, june, july, october and november.
Best time to go to Kyoto
The best months to go to Kyoto are april, may, august, september and october.
Best time to go to Osaka
The best months to go to Osaka are april, may, june, july, august, september and october.
Best time to go to Sapporo (Hokkaido)
The best months to go to Sapporo (Hokkaido) are june and august.
Climate and Weather in Japan
Best time to go to Tokyo
The best months to go to Tokyo are april, may, june, july, august, september, october and november.
Best time to go to Kobe
The best months to go to Kobe are april, may, june, july, october and november.
Best time to go to Kyoto
The best months to go to Kyoto are april, may, august, september and october.
Best time to go to Osaka
The best months to go to Osaka are april, may, june, july, august, september and october.
Best time to go to Sapporo (Hokkaido)
The best months to go to Sapporo (Hokkaido) are june and august.
In general, Japan who is neighbor to both China and Russia, has a temperate climate that is rather pleasant. However, this archipelago of many islands observes dramatic weather changes, whether one is located in the far north or the far south of Japan. This is particularly due to the country's many latitudes - the “country of the Rising Sun” knows a wide variety of climates. Overall however, the climate of Japan is rather quite damp and humid, due to its many rainfalls.
The Northern Climate of Japan
Northern Japan, near Russia and the Asian continent, certainly experience hot summers but above all, their winters are particularly long and cold. This part of the country, particularly towards Sapporo on the Hokkaido Island is subject to very heavy snowfall during the winter. Throughout this period of time, northern Japan experiences weather with high a pressure zone, due to its proximity with Siberia. This in turn causes a flow of cold air and freezing temperatures, especially throughout the mountainous ranges of the country.
The Climate of Central Japan
Central Japan, which lies at the heart of the Honshu island is known for its hot and humid climate, namely due to the influences of the Asian continent as well as the presence of major ocean currents. In Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, summers and winters are rather short but temperatures remain relatively pleasant following the example of their chinese neighbor, Hong Kong. The spring is also rather nice and is often defined as the opportunity to admire the numberful flourishing cherry blossoms, a rare and unique moment in Japan.
The Climate of Southwestern Japan
When looking towards Hiroshima Fukuoka in southwestern Japan, the climate is hot and humid, just as the center of the archipelago however this part of the country is accustomed to much milder summers and winters. Southern Japan during the summer is generally rainy due to the presence of tropical air, coming straight in from the Pacific Ocean or from the countries of Southeast Asia. Thus, this causes many summer rainfalls and the wet season lasts about a month, starting in early June. About 80% of annual precipitation falls during the summer here! This period is also the greater typhoon season. In fact, Japan is devastated by at least five or six typhoons every year between the months August and September, causing very serious damage.
Temperatures and rainfall in Japan
On these 3 graphs, we present the evolution of temperatures of Japan and month-by-month rainfall for the cities of Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo (Hokkaido), as well as the month-by-month sea temperature for coastal cities..
Where to go in Japan?
This table allows you to see the maximum temperature for each city and our opinion on the weather month by month (see colour legend below the table).
Legend:
Map of Japan
Hover over cities for information about the weather.
cities in Japan (Hover over the icons for more information on the weather)About Japan
What can I do in Japan?
Beaches / swimming
Nature and countryside
Culture and heritage
Sports
Family travel
Crafts / shopping
Gastronomy
Nightlife
Is this weather information for Japan reliable?
Climate data for Japan has been gathered every day since January 2009. The analysis of these meteorological data for Japan allows us to determine the average for each month in Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo (Hokkaido), Naha (Okinawa), Aomori, Fukuoka, and 92 other cities.
So yes: this data is reliable except in cases of temporary climate disruption in the region.
