Best time to visit Japan
The best time to visit Japan is spring (late March to May) and autumn (October to November), when days are mild, skies are mostly clear, and the country is at its most beautiful — cherry blossom in spring, red maples in autumn. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid with a rainy season in June and typhoons into September; winter is cold but crisp and great for snow and fewer crowds.
The short answer
The best time to visit Japan is April, May, October and November — the months with the most comfortable temperatures and the lowest rainfall of the year. The month-by-month table below shows why, and links each month to a full packing list.
Japan weather & when to go, month by month
| Month | High | Low | Wet days | When to go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C / 50°F | 2°C / 36°F | 5 | Off-season |
| February | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 6 | Shoulder |
| March | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 10 | Off-season |
| April | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 10 | Best |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 11 | Best |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 12 | Shoulder |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 12 | Off-season |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 9 | Shoulder |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 21°C / 70°F | 12 | Shoulder |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 15°C / 59°F | 11 | Best |
| November | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 48°F | 8 | Best |
| December | 12°C / 54°F | 4°C / 39°F | 5 | Shoulder |
Best months in detail
- Japan in April: daytime highs around 19°C (66°F), nights near 10°C (50°F), and some rain (about 10 wet days).
- Japan in May: daytime highs around 23°C (73°F), nights near 15°C (59°F), and some rain (about 11 wet days).
- Japan in October: daytime highs around 22°C (72°F), nights near 15°C (59°F), and some rain (about 11 wet days).
- Japan in November: daytime highs around 17°C (63°F), nights near 9°C (48°F), and some rain (about 8 wet days).
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