Best Time to Visit Japan

Here’s what to expect during each season in Japan.

Spring in Japan — March to May

From March to May, spring in Japan sees the snow melt, and the countryside bursts into life. The frigid sub-zero temperatures of winter fade, while the sticky heat of summer is still a long time away.

Japan’s bright pink cherry blossoms bloom in late March and remain vivid until May, making it the best time of the year to visit Japan.

Average temperatures	4°C (40F) to 18°C (60F)
Average rainfall	66 mm
Is spring a good time to visit Japan?	Yes. Pleasant weather and blooming cherry blossoms make spring the most popular season to visit.

Highlights:

• Indulging in sakura (cherry blossom-spotting) with the locals in a lush municipal park.
• Admiring the dazzling parades and floats of the Takayama Matsuri festival (April).

Travel tips:

• Book early and expect to pay a premium for accommodation near top sakura destinations.
• Avoid the first week of May, as millions of domestic travelers leave home for Golden Week.

Seasonal guide:
Japan in March
Japan in April
Japan in May

Summer in Japan — June to August

Hot, humid conditions and high rainfall make summer a challenging time to visit Japan. The heaviest rains subside by around the middle of July, but sweaty weather persists until the end of the season. The northern island of Hokkaido has a more pleasant summertime climate, perfect for travelers seeking to beat the heat.

Fewer international tourists arrive during summer, though July is a popular month for domestic tourists.

Average temperatures	21°C (70F) to 32°C (90F)
Average rainfall	150 mm to 400 mm
Is summer a good time to visit Japan?	Generally no. High rainfall and hot, sweaty weather make summers rather unpleasant in Japan.

Highlights:

• Scale the post-worthy Mount Fuji during the peak climbing season in July.
• Witness an array of action-packed festivals, such as Kyoto Matsuri and the Obon Festival.

Travel tips:

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Pack an umbrella or raincoat.

Seasonal guide:
Japan in June
Japan in July
Japan in August

Fall in Japan — September to November

Fall runs from September to November in Japan, when crisp, clear blue skies hover overhead as the summer monsoons fade. However, expect hot and humid weather to remain until early October.

The trees adopt an ochre-hued tinge in Hokkaido in late September. This fall foliage transformation sweeps over the mainland and southern islands during the next few weeks. Northern ski resorts like Niseko open in the last week of November.

Average temperatures	10°C (50F) to 21°C (70F)
Average rainfall	120 mm to 200 mm
Is fall a good time to visit Japan?	Yes. Mild weather and stunning fall foliage make this an excellent season to visit.

Highlights:

• Admire the vibrant golden hues of Japan’s famous fall foliage in parks and woodlands.
• Enjoy pleasant mild weather throughout the country once the heat subsides in early October.

Travel tips:

• November is the best time for leaf-peeping in mainland Japan.

Seasonal guide:
Japan in September
Japan in October
Japan in November

Winter in Japan — December to February

December is quiet for travel at the start of the month but gets busy towards the end when school holidays begin. The cooler months of January and February see fewer tourists outside the snow resorts.

The ski season kicks into gear in mid to late December when massive powder dumps fall. Though it varies between resorts, January and February typically offer the best conditions.

Average temperatures	-1°C (30F) to 7°C (45F)
Average precipitation	approximately 22 mm
Is winter a good time to visit Japan?	Yes. But only if you don’t mind the cold or plan to ski.

Highlights:

• Hit adrenaline-pumping powder runs at a world-class Hokkaido ski resort.
• Bathe in a bubbling outdoor onsen (natural hot spring) surrounded by snow.

Travel tips:

• Opt for winter clothes like snow boots and warm jackets.

Seasonal guide:
Japan in December
Japan in January
Japan in February

Need more in-depth information to plan your upcoming Japan trip? Read our Japan travel guide. We also cover additional topics like how many days to spend in Japan and offer fully customizable Japan tours.