The climate of Japan
The current climate in Japan features temperatures ranging from a high of 30°C to a low of 6°C throughout the year. 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.
Average temperatures and precipitation
This chart shows the average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures (in degrees Celsius) and average monthly rainfall (in millimeters) for Japan.
Temperature records
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.
Precipitation and snowfall
On average, Japan gets 1373 mm of precipitation each year. Of this, about 44 cm is snowfall. For comparison, New York gets 1142 mm of precipitation each year.
The typhoon season in Japan runs from June to November.
The climate in Japan is based on weather data from Tokyo. Other places, like Kyōto, Osaka or Hokkaido, might have different weather. You can check out all destinations in Japan to get the full picture of the climate.
Best time to visit Japan?
The best time to visit Japan for mild to warm weather is April up to August and October. You might get some rain, but the temperatures are just right to explore Japan.
Find affordable vacations to Japan
Climate Table of Japan
The climate table of Japan shows the average temperatures, rainfall, snow, and UV index per month. The table provides an overview of the average day and night temperatures in degrees Celsius, the total amount of rainfall in millimeters, the total snowfall in centimeters, and the UV index for each month. Rainfall is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temp. max (°C) | 6 | 11 | 12 | 17 | 23 | 25 | 28 | 30 | 27 | 20 | 14 | 11 |
Temp. min (°C) | -2 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 13 | 5 | 3 |
Precipitation | ||||||||||||
Precipitation (mm) | 45 | 69 | 83 | 89 | 85 | 148 | 190 | 148 | 232 | 184 | 52 | 48 |
Snow (cm) | 18 | 5,6 | 13 | 3,2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0,8 | 3,2 |
UV Index | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Click on the month name to see more weather details, like daily averages, temperatures, and precipitation for the past years in that month.
Popular destinations in Japan
Discover the climate of these popular destinations in Japan.
Temperature charts
These charts display the average temperatures in Japan. The temperatures are shown in degrees Celsius and are calculated based on data from the past 10 years.
Average Temperature per Month in Japan
Yearly Temperature in Japan
Precipitation charts
These charts show the average amount of precipitation in Japan. Precipitation is always measured as water, even when it falls as snow or hail. The amount of precipitation is displayed in millimeters, while snowfall is shown in centimeters.
Average Precipitation per Month in Japan
Total Yearly Precipitation in Japan
Average Snowfall per Month in Japan
Total Yearly Snowfall in Japan
UV index chart
This chart 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.
Average UV Index per Month in Japan
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.
The days ranged from wonderfully sunny and warm and humid to rainy and stormy due to typhoon season. The air temperature remained at twenty degrees Celsius. Wearable, but you must be able to withstand hot and humid weather.
One day you might enjoy a pleasant temperature of 15°C, the next day you should 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.
Lots of snow in the north and fairly cold weather in the south. The problem is when you have travel plans. Ski conditions are excellent, but can be uncomfortable for non-skiers.
Cool, clear, blue skies alternated with glorious sunshine during the day and light snow in the evening. The temperature dropped considerably and a warm coat was required. No crowds, perfect!
Have you been to Japan?
Share your weather experiences in Japan.
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.