Climate in Japan

Seasons and Weather in Japan

What is the climate of Japan? Since Japan stretches approximately 20 degrees of latitude, from 25 degN to 45 degN, and approximately 23 degrees of longitude, from 122 degE to 145 degE, the climate varies widely from one region to region. (See Japan maps.) Basically, Japan has four distinct seasons. Spring months are March, April, and May. Summer months are June, July, and August. Autumn months are September, October, and November. Winter months are December, January, and February. Summer is hot and humid in general. During the winter, it snows a lot on the Sea of Japan side, and it is dry on the Pacific Ocean side.

The weather averages are good indicators of what to expect any month. Please refer to average temperatures and precipitations in Japanese cities. If you are not familiar with the Celsius scale, please see converting between temperature scales.

Japan's rainy season lasts about 40 days during the months of June and July. Also, August to October is the typhoon season in Japan. It's important to check the weather often during the typhoon season. Japan Information Network indicates that Japan has an unusually high amount of rainfall, averaging 1,700-1,800 millimeters per year.

Good times to travel in Japan might be early/mid-April, mid/late-May, October, or early November. The temperatures are mild, and there is not too much rain at that time. You can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in April and colorful autumn foliages in late October to November.
When to Go to Japan

Before you go to Japan, please check the weather you might expect for your destination. Be prepared and have fun!

Earthquakes in Japan
Volcanoes in Japan