Japan

Climate in Japan

The weather throughout the four main islands that make up Japan is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. The climate varies according to island and terrain, so visitors should be sure to check the weather for the region they are visiting.

The weather can get very hot during the summer months (June, July and August), which can also be humid. In the south, winters are cool but sunny, as travellers moves further north temperatures drop and snow falls. The island of Hokkaido in the far north of Japan is bitterly cold in the winter, with snow guaranteed. The rainy season runs from June to early August, and August, September and October are typhoon season.

The best time to visit Japan varies depending on desired activities and regions, but April is a wonderful choice as cherry blossoms usually adorn the trees, making it the prettiest time of year in the country.

September, October and November (the autumn months) are also a pleasant time to visit, though the period does fall within typhoon season. Japan is a year-round destination as it attracts winter sports enthusiasts in the cold months and sightseers the rest of the year, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable weather-wise.