Japan's Climate

Winter (December - February)
The temperature rarely drops below 0°C in the plains along the Pacific coast during wintertime. It is also quite dry and very often sunny. Central Japan and Northern Japan are highly reputed regions for winter sports. Southern Japan is comparatively mild and pleasant in winter.

Clothing: overcoats, sweaters, etc.

Spring (March - May)
The plum blossom is a good sign that the cold winter will soon end and spring is just around the corner, followed by the cherry blossom at its best in the Tokyo area between the end of March and the beginning of April to bring this beautiful season to a climax. Splendid views of mountains, fields and gardens all blanketed in gentle pink abound in this season.

Clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.

Summer (June - August)
The Japanese summer begins in June with a three to four week rainy season. This is an important time for farmers to plant rice. It becomes seriously hot and humid from July onward and many Japanese enjoy bathing in the sea and relaxing at cool resorts in mountainous areas. Summer is when many interesting festivals and other events are held all over the country.

Clothing: light clothes (cardigans and other similar kinds are handy, since indoors are mostly air-conditioned.)

Autumn (September - November)
Autumn always brings such freshness with a light breeze and cool temperature after the hot and humid summer. All forests are dyed in glorious autumn colors. Chrysanthemums create beautiful displays with their abundance of flowers to enchant visitors to parks and gardens. Autumn is also the season for many exhibitions, music concerts and sports tournaments in Japan.

Clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.

Average Temperature & Precipitation in Major Cities:

 

Winter (Jan)

T(F)

T(C)

P(mm)

Spring (Apr)

T(F)

T(C)

P(mm)

Sapporo

26.4

-4.1

110.7

44.1

6.7

60.9

Sendai

34.7

1.5

33.1

50.2

10.1

98.1

Tokyo

42.4

5.8

48.6

57.9

14.4

130.3

Nagoya

39.7

4.3

43.2

57.4

14.1

143.3

Osaka

42.4

5.8

43.7

58.6

14.8

121.1

Fukuoka

43.5

6.4

72.1

58.6

14.8

125.2

Naha

61.9

16.6

114.5

70.3

21.3

180.7

 

Summer (Jul)

T(F)

T(C)

P(mm)

Autumn (Oct)

T(F)

T(C)

P(mm)

Sapporo

68.9

20.5

67.2

52.3

11.3

124.1

Sendai

71.8

22.1

159.7

58.6

14.8

99.2

Tokyo

77.7

25.4

161.5

64.8

18.2

163.1

Nagoya

78.8

26.0

218.0

63.7

17.6

116.9

Osaka

81.0

27.2

155.4

65.7

18.7

109.3

Fukuoka

80.4

26.9

266.4

65.7

18.7

80.9

Naha

83.3

28.5

176.1

76.8

24.9

162.9

Key: "T" stands for temperature in (F) Fahrenheit and (C) Celsius.

Source: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/climate.html

 

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