Japan, with its four distinct seasons, offers a unique travel experience every month of the year. However, choosing the best time to visit the Japanese Archipelago can be complex. Between cherry blossoms, traditional festivals and typhoons, each month has its peculiarities. This article will guide you month by month, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each period to help you plan your ideal trip.

January and February

  • Benefits:Less world, more attractive prices, spectacular snowy landscapes, especially in the Japanese Alps, Nagano.
    Many winter festivals, such as the Snow FestivalSapporo.
  • Disadvantages:Very cold temperatures, some attractions can be closed.

Climate Printanier in Japan

Spring in Japan brings a gradual rise in temperatures, with variations depending on the region.

  • Kanto (Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, etc.): By the end of March, temperatures become pleasant, reaching 19 °C in April. The sunny days alternate with rainy periods.
  • Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, etc.): The spring climate is mild, with temperatures often above 20 °C. March and April remain windy and rainy, while May is more stable and appreciated by the inhabitants.
  • Tohoku / Shinetsu / Hokuriku: Winter persists in March and April, with a real warming in May. Aomori reaches 14 °C in April, but the evenings remain cool.
  • Hokkaido: Snow gradually disappears in April, except at altitude. Sapporo reaches an average maximum temperature of 11 °C, with snowfall still possible.
  • Kyushu: The spring is mild and sunny, with temperatures often exceeding 20 °C. Fukuoka averaged 15 °C in April.
  • Okinawa: The tropical climate resumes in March. In April, Naha reached 24 °C, with a rainy season usually beginning in May.

March

  • Benefits:Cherry trees begin to bloom in some areas, the temperatures are mild.
  • Disadvantages:High season, prices rise, tourist places are crowded.

April

  • Benefits:The flowering of cherry trees (sakura) reaches its peak, the atmosphere is festive.
  • Disadvantages:High season, highly recommended advance bookings, transport can be saturated.

May

  • Benefits:The temperatures are pleasant, the nature is green, many festivals take place.
  • Disadvantages:Golden Week, a period of national holidays, leads to an increase in prices and crowds.

Summer climate in Japan

Summer in Japan is marked by intense heat and high humidity, with variations depending on the region.

  • Kanto (Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, etc.): Stuffed, especially in the city. June is the wettest month, but the rainfall then decreases. Temperatures reached 29 °C in July, with heavy humidity.
  • Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, etc.): Season of heavy rains and intense heat, often exceeding 30 °C in July. Humidity accentuates the feeling of heat.
  • Tohoku / Shinetsu / Hokuriku: Late rainy season, but more bearable temperatures. Sendai posted an average of 20 °C in July.
  • Hokkaido: Spared by the rainy season, Hokkaido enjoys a sunny and pleasant summer, with still cool nights. Sapporo posted 20 °C in July.
  • Kyushu: Very wet summer, with record rainfall, especially in Kumamoto (404 mm in June). Temperatures frequently exceed 30 °C.
  • Okinawa: First region affected by the rainy season, with overwhelming heat and humidity. Naha receives 256 mm of rain in August and often exceeds 30 °C.

June

  • Benefits:Rains are less frequent, temperatures are warm, this is a good time for outdoor activities.
  • Disadvantages:Mosquitoes can be numerous, heat can be suffocating in some areas.

July and August

  • Benefits:The days are long, many summer festivals take place. Start of the official season to climb Mount Fuji.
  • Disadvantages:High tourist season, high heat and humidity, risk of typhoons.

Autumn climate in Japan

Autumn in Japan varies by region, marking a gradual transition to cold.

  • Kanto (Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, etc.): Heat persists in September and October before cooling in November. Precipitation is abundant in September and October, but then decreases. Autumn foliage reached its peak in late November.
  • Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, etc.)Similar conditions in Kanto, with slightly higher temperatures in September. The maples have their finest colours between late November and early December.
  • Tohoku / Shinetsu / Hokuriku: Autumn is brief, with a sharp fall in temperatures as early as October. In November, nights descend below 5°C and snow appears in Aomori.
  • Hokkaido: Autumn starts in mid-September, followed quickly by winter in November. Temperatures drop rapidly and strong winds are common. September is the rainyest month.
  • Kyushu: September remains warm before a refreshment in October. Autumn is particularly pleasant, with beautiful foliage and little rain.
  • Okinawa: Temperatures remain high, ideal for the beach. However, the absence of temperate climate means that autumn foliage is non-existent.

September

  • Benefits:The temperatures are pleasant, the crowds decrease, the leaves begin to change color.
  • Disadvantages:Typhoons can still occur.

October

  • Benefits:The autumn colours are beautiful, the temperatures are mild, this is an excellent time for hiking.
  • Disadvantages:Koyo, a change of colour, can also attract crowds. The fall leaf season is short and may vary from region to region.

November

  • Benefits:The autumn landscapes are always beautiful, the temperatures are cool but pleasant.
  • Disadvantages:Days are shortening, some attractions close earlier.

Winter climate in Japan

The winter in Japan varies considerably by region.

  • Kanto (Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, etc.): Cold but rarely cold winter, with dry, sunny days and little precipitation. The dry air offers a clear view of Mount Fuji. Average January temperature: 6 °C.
  • Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, etc.)Similar conditions to Kanto, with a little more humidity but less precipitation.
  • Tohoku / Shinetsu / Hokuriku: Severe winter, with heavy snowfall and often negative temperatures, especially at night. Sendai and Aomori showed about 1 °C in January.
  • Hokkaido: The coldest place in Japan, with temperatures often below zero and icy roads. Sapporo has mean minimums of -6.9 °C and maximums of -0.6 °C in January.
  • Kyushu: Mild winter with temperatures reaching 10°C in January, facilitating movement despite higher humidity.
  • Okinawa: Almost no winter, with an average temperature of 17 °C in February. Moisture and precipitation are more pronounced, but conditions remain pleasant.

December

  • Benefits:Festive atmosphere, Christmas lights, Christmas markets.
  • Disadvantages:Temperatures can be cold, some areas are snowy. For Christmas and New Year periods, prices can rise quickly.

The choice of month to visit Japan will depend on your personal preferences and the activities you want to practice. If you prefer snowy landscapes and low prices, winter is ideal. Cherry blossom lovers will choose for March or April. For those who want to enjoy the green nature and festivals, summer and early autumn are to be preferred.

Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.

Pour une dose de Japon au quotidien, suivez-nous sur Threads


Discover more from Evasions Rebelles - Travel Planner Japon

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

You might also enjoy:

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Evasions Rebelles - Travel Planner Japon

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading