Best Time to Visit Japan
Month-by-month climate guide for planning a trip to Japan.
Japan does not have a month that clearly fits our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. Its warmest and driest window is around August (26.4°C / 79.5°F) and January (52.3 mm / 2.1 in rainfall) — usually the practical travel choice. The drier half of the year covers November–May, while the wetter half runs through June–October. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 5.4°C / 41.7°F in January to 26.4°C / 79.5°F in August, and monthly rainfall from 52.3 mm / 2.1 in (January) to 209.9 mm / 8.3 in (September). Japan's climate is broadly seasonal. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Japan can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 7.7°C45.9°F | 59.5 mm2.3″ | — |
| January | 5.4°C41.7°F | 52.3 mm2.1″ | — |
| February | 5.8°C42.4°F | 56.1 mm2.2″ | — |
No month in Japan fits our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The three above are the driest-and-warmest fallback.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Japan doesn't have a month that clearly matches our sunny profiles at a national average. The practical travel window centres on January (driest, ~52.3 mm / 2.1 in) and August (warmest, 26.4°C / 79.5°F). Regional variation within Japan can be significant — city and subdivision pages give a more localised view.
When is the rainy season in Japan?
The rainy season in Japan runs through June–October, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 138 mm / 5.4 in. The wettest single month is September, averaging 209.9 mm / 8.3 in.
What is the dry season in Japan?
The drier half of the year in Japan covers November–May, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 138 mm / 5.4 in. The driest single month is January with about 52.3 mm / 2.1 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Japan?
The least comfortable months for travel in Japan — based on our climate data — are January, February, March, August, September, October, December. These are Japan's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 209.9 mm / 8.3 in in September, and temperatures bottom out at 5.4°C / 41.7°F in January.
Is there a shoulder season in Japan?
Shoulder-season months in Japan — moderate weather, lower rainfall than the wet season — include May, June. These are typically the quietest and cheapest months for travel, and often deliver decent weather without the peak-season crowd.