Kanazawa

Find out what weather awaits you in Kanazawa! In this section, we have collected up-to-date data and forecasts to help you plan your day.

The climate of Kanazawa can be described as temperate, with four distinct seasons. The city is characterized by fairly high humidity and a significant number of days with precipitation throughout the year, which creates a special atmosphere and influences travel planning.

Winters in Kanazawa (December-February) are cool, with average temperatures around 2.5-5°C. This period is marked by a very high frequency of precipitation: for example, December and January see 25-26 "wet days," which often means snowfall or cold rain. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, and by May, daytime temperatures become quite comfortable, rising to an average of 16-20°C, while the number of rainy days decreases. Summer (June-August) in Kanazawa is warm, and it can be hot in July and August, with average temperatures of 25-26.5°C. The summer months are also characterized by frequent precipitation, especially July, which is one of the wettest months with 22 "wet days." Autumn (September-November) features pleasant cooling and a gradual decrease in temperature, while the number of rainy days remains significant.

Thus, when heading to Kanazawa, it is worth being prepared for changeable weather and frequent precipitation at almost any time of year. It is recommended to carry an umbrella or a raincoat, especially if your trip falls during the winter months with their snowfalls or the humid summer period. This will allow you to fully enjoy the beauties of this unique city in Japan.

The temperature regime in Kanazawa demonstrates a clear change of seasons. The coldest month is traditionally January: the average air temperature is about 2.5°C, while nighttime values can drop to -0.2°C, and daytime values rarely rise above 5.3°C. February also remains cold, with an average temperature of 3.4°C. The hottest period falls in August, when the average temperature reaches 26.5°C. In August, daytime maximums can rise to 29.2°C, and nights remain warm, around 23.8°C. July is also characterized by high temperatures, with an average value of 25.1°C.

The summer months in Kanazawa, from June to August, are characterized as warm and sometimes hot, with high humidity. Average daytime temperatures in July and August consistently exceed 27°C, reaching nearly 30°C during peak hours, while nights bring only slight relief with temperatures around 22-24°C. Winter, covering the period from December to February, brings cool and damp weather. Average daytime temperatures range from 5-8°C, and nighttime temperatures often approach zero or drop slightly below, especially in January when frosts are possible. Daily temperature fluctuations in Kanazawa throughout the year are mostly moderate: the difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows is usually 5-7°C.

Spring months (March-May) bring gradual warming: from an average temperature of 7.3°C in March to a comfortable 16.7°C in May. Autumn (September-November) is marked by a steady decrease in temperature after the summer heat: while the average temperature in September still stays at 22.9°C, by November it drops to 11.1°C. These shoulder seasons often offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring Kanazawa, although you should still be prepared for precipitation. Overall, the annual temperature cycle in the city allows you to experience the unique charms of each of the four seasons.

Kanazawa is known for its humid weather, and precipitation is a frequent occurrence throughout the year, with no clearly defined dry season. Therefore, when planning your trip, it is important to be prepared for rain or snow, depending on the time of year. According to the provided averaged data, the highest amount of precipitation by volume falls in July (about 10 mm), however, the winter months lead in the frequency of "wet" days.

Winter in Kanazawa, especially December and January, is characterized by a very high frequency of precipitation. For instance, in December, there are an average of 26 days with precipitation (about 7 mm), and in January – 25 days (about 6 mm). Considering the average temperatures in these months (from 2.5°C to 5.0°C), this precipitation primarily falls as snow, which is typical for this region of Japan. February also remains wet, with 18 days of precipitation (about 5 mm), often also snowy. Although the total monthly precipitation in winter, according to this data, is not record-breaking, its constant and frequent occurrence defines the winter weather in the city.

The summer months also bring a significant amount of moisture. July stands out as the rainiest month in terms of total precipitation volume (about 10 mm), according to statistics, and has 22 rainy days. In August, it also rains frequently (about 8 mm, 19 days). This summer precipitation usually takes the form of rain, the intensity of which can vary. Relatively less "wet" months by precipitation frequency in Kanazawa can be considered April and May: each has about 13 days with precipitation, and the volume is approximately 5 mm. Autumn months (September-November) are characterized by regular rain: for example, about 7 mm of precipitation is recorded over 18 days in September, 5 mm over 15 days in October, and 6 mm over 17 days in November.

When planning a trip to Kanazawa, it is important to remember that precipitation is a year-round phenomenon here, so choosing the right items will help make your journey comfortable. In winter (December-February), when average temperatures range from 2.5°C to 5°C and the number of rainy days (often snow) reaches 25-26 per month, you will need warm, layered clothing: sweaters, fleece jackets, and perhaps thermal underwear. Waterproof and windproof outerwear, a hat, gloves, and a scarf are essential. Don't forget comfortable waterproof shoes, as you will be walking a lot, including on wet streets. In spring (March-May), the weather becomes milder, with temperatures gradually rising to 16-20°C by May, but rain is still frequent (13-16 days per month). During this period, lighter jackets, possibly water-repellent ones, and, of course, an indispensable umbrella or light raincoat are relevant.

Summer in Kanazawa (June-August) is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 25-26.5°C (sometimes reaching 29°C) and frequent rain, especially in July when there can be up to 22 wet days. Pack light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen, shorts, and T-shirts. Be sure to bring a light raincoat or a sturdy umbrella, as well as sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun on clear days. In autumn (September-November), the temperature gradually decreases, from warm September days (around 23-25°C) to a cool November (about 11-14°C), while precipitation remains regular (15-18 days per month). Here again, the principle of layering will help: T-shirts, shirts, light jumpers, and a jacket according to the season. Regardless of the time of year, for walking around Kanazawa and seeing its sights, you will need very comfortable walking shoes, preferably with good support and, if possible, waterproof properties.