Colorful autumn season and Mountain Fuji, Japan

Weather in Japan

Travel guide

The weather in Japan is full of variety, offering something different in each region and every season. Snowy mountain towns, sunlit coastlines, and vibrant cities with ever-changing skies are some of Japan's highlights throughout the seasons. Spring and autumn are perfect for sightseeing, with warm days and mild evenings, perfect for catching an eyeful of the cherry blossoms in April and tawny maple leaves in November, while summer weather in Japan brings humidity and high heat, ideal for outdoor experiences and sightseeing. The rainy season starting in June marks the start of Japan's winter, where you’ll find snow in Japan’s northern and central regions, with crisp, clear days further south. Whether you're chasing spring sunshine, autumn colours, or crisp winter days, Japan’s climate unlocks the best of every season.

|View of Osaka Castle at autumn in Japan

Weather in Osaka

Osaka's humid subtropical climate with hot summers and pleasant, dry winters makes exploring the outdoors pleasant and inviting all year round. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms in the city’s parks. Summer can be hot and humid and also marks festival season, with vibrant street life and evening breezes. Winter in Osaka is fairly dry and brings occasional snow.

Experience the weather in Osaka on our Classic Japan tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 9–12 °C
Average Lows: 2–4 °C
Rain: 4-6 days per month

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 14–25 °C
Average Lows: 5–15 °C
Rain: 8–9 days per month

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 28-33°C
Average Lows: 20–25 °C
Rain: 8–11 days per month

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 17–29 °C
Average Lows: 9–21 °C
Rain: 6–10 days per month
View of Japan style Kyoto Park, Japan

Weather in Kyoto

Kyoto’s weather is seasonal and scenic—hot summers, cold winters, and two stunning shoulder seasons. Spring sees the city filled with blossoms, while autumn brings vivid leaves to its gardens and temples. Summers are humid and can be intense, so early morning sightseeing is best. Winters are chilly, and while snow is rare, it is possible to have a rare sighting of it. With its changing landscapes and cultural events, Kyoto offers something special in every season.

Experience the weather in Kyoto on our Splendours of Japan tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 9–11 °C
Average Lows: 1–3 °C
Rain: 6–7 days per month

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 14–25 °C
Average Lows: 4–14 °C
Rain: 8–9 days per month

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 28–33 °C
Average Lows: 19–24 °C
Rain: 8–12 days per month

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 17–29 °C
Average Lows: 8–20 °C
Rain: 5–10 days per month
Memorial Cenotaph Hiroshima in Japan

Weather in Hiroshima

Hiroshima has a mild climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are especially comfortable, perfect for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. Summer is warm and humid, ideal for river walks and shaded gardens. Winters are generally cool and dry with little snow, making it a good spot for year-round travel. Its location near the Seto Inland Sea helps keep the weather pleasant.

Experience the weather in Hiroshima on our Classic Japan tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 9–12 °C
Average Lows: 1–3 °C
Rain: 4–6 days per month

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 14–24 °C
Average Lows: 4–14 °C
Rain: 8–9 days per month

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 27–32 °C
Average Lows: 19–24 °C
Rain: 7–11 days per month

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 17–28 °C
Average Lows: 8–20 °C
Rain: 5–9 days per month
Traditional and historical Japanese Village Ogimachi Shirakawa in Japan

Weather in Takayama

Takayama experiences dramatic seasonal changes, with snowy winters and warm, fresh summers. Spring and autumn are perfect for strolling through the old town or visiting the morning markets. Winter brings deep snow and crisp mountain air—ideal for onsens and scenic views. Summer is warm but cooler than the cities, making it a lovely break from the heat. Takayama’s alpine weather adds a distinct charm to each season.

Experience the weather in Takayama on our Splendours of Japan tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 3–6 °C
Average Lows: –6 to –3 °C
Rain: 12–14 days per month

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 10–23 °C
Average Lows: –2 to 9 °C
Rain: 9–12 days per month

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 26–31 °C
Average Lows: 15–20 °C
Rain: 11–14 days per month

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 13–26 °C
Average Lows: 2–15 °C
Rain: 9–12 days per month
Cherry Blossom Higashiyama Teahouse Old House Street in Kanazawa, Japan

Weather in Kanazawa

Kanazawa has a coastal climate with plenty of rainfall, especially in late autumn and winter. Spring is a lovely time to explore Kenrokuen Garden as it blooms. Summers are warm and humid, perfect for walking through shaded districts. Winter often brings heavy snow, turning the city’s traditional streets into a postcard scene. Kanazawa’s weather is part of its appeal—unexpected, lush, and dramatic.

Experience the weather in Kanazawa on our Splendours of Japan tour.

Winter

December - February

Average Highs: 7–10 °C
Average Lows: 0–3 °C
Rain: 20–24 days per month

Spring

March - May

Average Highs: 11–22 °C
Average Lows: 2–12 °C
Rain: 9–16 days per month

Summer

June - August

Average Highs: 25–31 °C
Average Lows: 17–23 °C
Rain: 9–13 days per month

Autumn

September - November

Average Highs: 16–27 °C
Average Lows: 7–19 °C
Rain: 12–17 days per month

Our Japan tours

A woman wearing a kimono and holding an umbrella in Japan
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4.4

Classic Japan

11 Days

1 Country

6 Locations

A tale of four iconic cities and two former capitals—your epic journey through Japan blends old and new, with soul-stirring visits to ancient centres and modern cities.

The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.

From

US$ 7,450

Unedited Feefo reviews

Trafalgar is rated 4.6 / 5 based on 130,000+ verified reviews

"Magical!"

“Amazing experience!! Great blend of well known sites and those off the beaten track that offer authentic cultural experiences... Excellent accommodations and variety of meals offering a taste of Japan and chance to partake in different cooking experiences! The festival in Japan’s alpine region was magical...”

"Well worth it"

"Great Trip, Excellent Organisation, Quality hotels and Informative. We had a patient and great tour guide. She helped us with the insights of the country and helped us enjoy the wonderful experiences. This tour was a great introduction to an amazing country and with its people , food and culture. Well worth it.”

- Mark, Classic Japan

"Trip of a lifetime"

“This was a the trip of a lifetime! This tour took us to parts of the country and even the cities that I doubt we would have been able to do ourselves. The itinerary provides a very good overview of many of Japan's great cities and historical sites... If you are in need of a tour that will give you a good sampling of all that Japan has to offer, you would be hard pressed to find a better option than this one.”

"Good sampling of Japan"

"It gave us a good sampling of Japan, from the people, the culture and food (absolutely delicious!), to its comprehensive mass transportation (we traveled on the Shinkansen-bullet train several times!). We had an exceptional tour director that spoke impeccable English as he worked in the US for several years in his career in banking."

- Phyllis, Classic Japan

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best months to visit Japan are March to May and October to November. The weather during the months of spring and autumn offers the most comfortable temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and catching the cherry blossoms and fall leaves - two iconic highlights of Japan's beauty.

Japan’s average temperature varies by season and region. In spring and autumn, it’s usually between 10°C and 21°C. Summer can reach over 29°C, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Winters are colder, around 2°C to 10°C, and much lower in snowy regions.

August is usually the hottest month in Japan. Daytime temperatures in cities often reach 32°C or more, with high humidity.

January is the month with the coldest temperature in Japan, especially in northern and inland areas. Temperatures can drop below 0°C in places like Hokkaido and Takayama. In southern cities like Hiroshima, it stays milder. Snow in Japan is common in winter, especially in the Japanese Alps, making it a popular time for scenic coach tours and warm regional cuisine.

The rainy season in Japan, called “tsuyu”, usually runs from early June to mid-July. It mostly affects central and southern regions. Steady showers, warm temperatures, and lush green landscapes are expected, making it ideal for coach travel and sightseeing with layered, waterproof clothing.

December has the least rainfall in Japan, especially in places like Tokyo and Kyoto. If you’re after dry days and winter scenery without too much cold, travelling to Japan in December is a good option.

June is often the wettest month in Japan due to the rainy season. Central regions like Kyoto and Osaka see steady showers, though rain is intermittent throughout the day.

Yes, it does snow in Japan—especially in the north and mountainous regions like the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido. Coastal areas and southern cities get less, but you might still see flurries in places like Takayama or Kanazawa. On average, Japan sees snowfall on about 50 to 60 days per year

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