Japan has six different climatic regions . These include Hokkaido, the west coast of the Sea of Japan, the Central Highlands, the Seto Inland Sea, the Pacific region and the Ryukyu Islands. The climate is influenced by the rainy season Tsuyu , also known as the “plum rain “, in the summer months. During this time there is a lot of precipitation and the combination of high temperatures creates an unbearably high level of humidity in many areas for Europeans. Winds also play a major role in the climate in Japan. Cold winds from Siberia bring cold and snow to the north of Japan. While the winds coming from the Pacific in summer bring with them typhoons and monsoon rains.
To determine the best time to travel to Japan , I divide the Land of the Rising Sun into three sections: southern, central and northern Japan . Southern Japan consists of the Kyushu region and the southwestern islands such as the Ryukyu Islands. According to clothesbliss, the largest of the Ryukyu Islands is Okinawa. There is a subtropical climate in the south of Japan . Warm winters and hot summers await you here. Typhoons often hit the coasts of the country in the autumn months. In the mild winter between January and February, the temperature can drop below 20 degrees Celsius. You can see the first cherry blossoms here from mid-January. To central Japan one of the largest islands in Japan is Honshu. The climate there is very diverse. It extends from the north with a cool, temperate climate to the south with a humid, subtropical climate . Due to the seismic activity on the island, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are not uncommon and have already led to natural disasters. The island of Hokkaido belongs to northern Japan . Hokkaido has short warm summers and long winters. A lot of snow falls, especially in winter, which makes the region a popular ski area. In the following article I will show you when the best time to travel to Japan is. You can use climate diagrams for cities such as Naha, Tokyo and Sapporo to read examples of the climate for the respective region. Have fun!
Climate table for Sapporo (Northern Japan)
| Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. Temperature in ° C | -1 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 26 | 23 | 16 | 8 | 2 |
| Min. Temperature in ° C | -10 | -9 | -5 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 17 | 12 | 5 | -1 | -7 |
| Hours of sunshine per day | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Rainy days per month | 17 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 |
When is the best time to travel to northern Japan?
The best time to travel to Northern Japan can be divided into two parts – summer and winter. If you like warm, mild temperatures, you should travel to the north of Japan in the months of May, June, July, August and until mid-September. If you want to let off steam in winter sports, the best time to travel is in December, January, February and the beginning of March.
If you have decided on the summer months, you can expect temperatures of up to 26 degrees Celsius and seven hours of sunshine. During this time it is worthwhile to explore the diverse natural landscapes of the island. For example, you can explore the region around Lake Toya, which is located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Here you can watch the white clouds of smoke from the active volcano Mt. Usu. But the summer months are not only the best time to travel for hiking tours. Even in cities like Sapporo, the mild summer temperatures can be tolerated well.
The three-day Obon festival takes place in mid-August . At this festival the ancestors are honored and celebrated together with traditional dances. If you want to get to know the Japanese culture better, then you should not miss this festival on your vacation. An unforgettable sight awaits you on the last evening of the Obon Festival. Lanterns and fires are lit everywhere and the night sky shines with a golden glow. The entire week around the festival is one of the main travel times for the Japanese. Therefore, you should reserve hotels and tickets early for this time.
A lot of snow falls in northern Japan during the winter months . The cool water can cover the landscape with a white blanket for up to 17 days a month. The perfect travel time for all winter sports enthusiasts among you. Pack your skis, snowboards and winter shoes and get ready for fun, but also exhausting days on your vacation in Japan. If you are still missing the right travel bargain, take a look at my daily changing offers . The internationally known snow festival takes place in Sapporo in February . A winter wonderland is being created in Odori Park, in which snow and ice sculptures create a special atmosphere. Here you can relax from the stressful days in the ski areas and enjoy the glittering white with a warm drink.
The best travel time for Northern Japan at a glance:
- May: 17 ° C, 7 hours of sunshine, 8 rainy days
- June: 21 ° C, 7 hours of sunshine, 9 rainy days
- July: 25 ° C, 6 hours of sunshine, 9 rainy days
- August: 26 ° C, 6 hours of sunshine, 10 rainy days
- September: 23 ° C, 6 hours of sunshine, 11 rainy days
- December: 2 ° C, 3 hours of sunshine, 15 rainy days
- January: -1 ° C, 3 hours of sunshine, 17 rainy days
- February: 0 ° C, 5 hours of sunshine, 14 rainy days
- March: 3 ° C, 5 hours of sunshine, 12 rainy days
Climate table for Tokyo (Central Japan)
| Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. Temperature in ° C | 9 | 9 | 12 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 27 | 20 | 16 | 11 |
| Min. Temperature in ° C | -1 | -1 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 19 | 22 | 23 | 19 | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| Hours of sunshine per day | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Rainy days per month | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
