What’s the climate like in Japan?
The current climate of Japan features average monthly temperatures ranging from highs of 30°C during the day to lows of 6°C. The average yearly temperature is around 19°C. At night, temperatures in the colder months average around -3°C and in the warmer months around 21°C.
The highest temperature recorded in Japan in recent years was 37°C in August 2015. The lowest daytime temperature recorded was -5°C in January 2023.
On average, Japan gets 1373 mm of precipitation each year. Of this, about 44 cm is snowfall. For comparison, UK gets 701 mm of precipitation each year.
The typhoon season in Japan runs from June to November.
The climate of Japan is based on weather data from Tokyo. Other spots, like Kyōto, Osaka or Hokkaido, might have different weather. You can check out all destinations in Japan for a full picture of the climate.
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Best time to visit Japan?
The best time to visit Japan for pleasant to warm weather is April through August and October. There might be some rain during this period, but the temperatures are just right for exploring Japan.
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Climate Table of Japan
The climate table of Japan shows the average temperatures, precipitation, snow, and UV index per month. The table gives an overview of the average day and night temperatures in degrees Celsius, the total amount of precipitation in millimetres, the total snowfall in centimetres, and the UV index for each month. Precipitation is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail.
Click on the month name to see more weather details, like daily averages, temperatures, and precipitation for the past years in that month.
- Average yearly temperature: 19°C
- Highest temperature: 30°C in August
- Lowest temperature: 6°C in January
- Precipitation*: 1373 mm per year, averaging 114 mm per month
- Snowfall: 44 cm per year
- Driest months: 45 mm in January, 48 mm in December and 52 mm in November
- Wettest months: 232 mm in September, 190 mm in July and 184 mm in October
*Precipitation is measured as a combination of rain, snow, and hail
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Average Temperature per Month in Japan
This graph shows the average maximum temperatures per month in Japan. The temperatures are shown in degrees Celsius and the average is calculated based on the recorded temperatures per month from past years.
Average Precipitation per Month in Japan
This graph shows how much precipitation Japan gets on average per month. Precipitation is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail. This makes it easy to compare how much has fallen, regardless of the form of precipitation. The amount of precipitation is measured in millimetres and the average is calculated based on the recorded precipitation per month from past years.
Average Snowfall per Month in Japan
This graph shows how much snow Japan gets on average per month. The amount of snowfall is measured in centimetres and the average is calculated based on the recorded snowfall per month from past years.
Average UV Index per Month in Japan
This graph shows the average UV index per month in Japan. The UV index indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and ranges from 0 to a maximum of 11.
Yearly Temperature in Japan
This graph shows the average yearly temperature in Japan. The yearly temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius, is the average of all twelve monthly temperatures summed up for that year.
Total Yearly Precipitation in Japan
This chart shows the total yearly precipitation in Japan over the past few years. The total yearly precipitation, measured in millimetres, is the sum of all the rain that fell in the twelve months of that year.
Total Yearly Snowfall in Japan
This chart shows the total yearly snowfall in Japan over the past few years. The total yearly snowfall, measured in centimetres, is the sum of all the snow that fell in the twelve months of that year.
More Climate Info About Japan
Japan has a unique climate due to its location between subtropical and temperate zones. The country has all four seasons and a wide variety of temperatures and meteorological conditions.
Over all, Japan has something for everyone, from the splendour of the cherry blossom in spring to the vibrant and colourful autumn foliage. There is no bad time to visit Japan, whether you want to explore its diverse culture or admire its natural beauty.
Variations by region
Japan is a long and thin country with different climates. Kyushu, Japan's southernmost island, has a subtropical climate with moderate winters and hot, humid summers. In contrast, the northern island of Hokkaido has a more temperate climate, with fresher winters and cool summers.
Spring in Japan
As the country recovers from the cold of winter, spring in Japan is a season of renewal and growth. Spring temperatures range on average from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, while it can still be cold in some areas of the country.
The cherry blossom season, which usually lasts from late March to early April, is a popular time to visit Japan, as the country is awash with beautiful pink and white flowers.
Summer time in Japan
Summer in Japan is hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Tsuyu, or the rainy season, usually lasts from June to mid-July and brings torrential rain and thunderstorms to many regions of the country. Summer is a popular time to visit Japan, despite the rain, as there are numerous outdoor festivals and activities to enjoy.
Japan in autumn
Autumn is a beautiful season in Japan, when the leaves change colour and temperatures begin to drop. Autumn temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, making it a pleasant time to explore the country.
Autumn foliage season is a beautiful season in Japan. The autumn foliage season often reaches its peak in mid-November, when trees turn red, orange and yellow in various regions of the country.
Japan in winter
Winter in Japan is chilly, with average temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius across the country. On the northern island of Hokkaido, temperatures are considerably lower, and snow is common. Due to the low temperatures and snowfall, Japan offers a variety of winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding and hot springs.
Weather experiences in Japan
The weather in Japan is rated an average of 3,3 out of 5 stars by 4 visitors. Have you been to Japan? Share your weather experience to help other visitors.
Write your own review 
The days ranged from wonderfully sunny and warm and humid to rainy and stormy due to typhoon season. The air temperature remained at 20 degrees Celsius. Wearable, but you have to be able to withstand hot and humid weather.— This text is automatically translated to English
One day you might enjoy a pleasant temperature of 15°C, the next you need to have an umbrella handy. The weather was rarely ideal, sometimes sunny, often rainy. Because of the weather, November is not the best time to visit Japan.— This text is automatically translated to English
Lots of snow in the north and quite cold weather in the south. The problem is when you have travel plans. The skiing conditions are excellent, but can be uncomfortable for non-skiers.— This text is automatically translated to English
Cool, clear, blue skies alternated with lovely sunshine during the day and light snow in the evening. The temperature dropped considerably and a warm coat was required. No crowds, perfect!— This text is automatically translated to English
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Average Weather in Japan by Month
Click on a month below to see detailed weather info for Japan. Based on historical weather data, you can see the average temperature, precipitation, wind, and UV index for each day of the month.
