Kofu

Planning a trip or just curious about the weather in Kofu? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, along with detailed forecasts and clear charts to help you stay prepared for any whims of nature.

The climate in Kofu, Japan, is classified as temperate with four distinct seasons. Winters are quite cold, with average temperatures near freezing and nighttime frosts, while summers are warm and sunny, with averages rising above 20°C, particularly in July and August. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with mild temperatures.

Precipitation in Kofu is distributed throughout the year; however, there is a noticeable increase in both the amount of rainfall and the number of rainy days during the summer months, especially from June to September. July and August stand out as the wettest months with the highest number of days with precipitation. In contrast, the winter months are the driest, with minimal rainfall and the fewest rainy days, particularly in December and January.

The climate in Kofu is characterized by significant seasonal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The hottest month is August, when the average temperature reaches 23.0°C. During this period, daytime highs rise to 26.7°C, while nighttime temperatures stay around 19.3°C. In contrast, the coldest month is January, with the average temperature dropping to -0.1°C, nighttime lows potentially reaching -4.0°C, and daytime highs rarely exceeding 3.8°C.

Summer months in Kofu, especially July and August, feature warm and sometimes hot weather. Average temperatures during this period are 22.1°C in July and 23.0°C in August, with daytime highs typically reaching 25.7°C and 26.7°C respectively, creating typical summer conditions. Nights also remain warm, with minimum temperatures around 18.4°C to 19.3°C. Winter, from December to February, brings a chill. Daytime highs during this period range from 3.8°C (in January) to 6.1°C (in December). Nighttime frosts are common, especially in January, when temperatures regularly drop to -4.0°C, and in December and February, to -2.0°C and -3.1°C respectively.

The transitional seasons—spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)—offer more moderate temperature conditions. For instance, in April, the average temperature is around 9.8°C (with daytime highs up to 14.7°C and nighttime lows around 4.8°C), while October sees a pleasant 13.0°C (with highs up to 16.9°C and lows around 9.2°C). A characteristic feature of the Kofu climate is the noticeable daily temperature variation throughout the year. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows is often between 7°C and 10°C. This means that even on warm days, evenings can be significantly cooler, and in winter, days offer some warming after nighttime frosts.

The city of Kofu experiences distinct seasonality in its precipitation patterns. The wettest period occurs during the summer months. July is the month with the highest average precipitation, reaching 9 mm. However, August leads in frequency, with rain falling on average 22 days of the month. Generally, more frequent rain can be expected from June to September, though the total volume of precipitation remains moderate.

Conversely, the winter months in Kofu are characterized as the driest. December stands out with the lowest precipitation—only about 1 mm—and the fewest rainy days, around 7. January and February also feature low precipitation levels (2-3 mm). Given that average temperatures in January drop to -0.1°C, and hover around 0-1°C in December and February, a significant portion of winter precipitation likely falls as snow.

Spring and autumn months serve as transitional periods. In spring, from March to May, the amount of rainfall and the number of rainy days gradually increase, leading into the wetter summer. For example, May sees about 6 mm of rain over 15 days. Autumn, particularly October, can still be quite rainy (7 mm of rain, 16 wet days) before precipitation levels drop significantly in November, signaling the arrival of a dry winter. Thus, while rain is possible in any month, its intensity and frequency change noticeably throughout the year.

When planning a trip to Kofu, it’s important to choose your wardrobe carefully to account for significant seasonal weather variations. Winter months (December–February) are quite cold, with average temperatures around 0°C and nighttime frosts, so warm layers—including sweaters, thermal wear, a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and a scarf—are essential. Although winter precipitation is low, it’s best to be prepared for the occasional damp day. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) feature milder but more changeable weather. Temperatures rise gradually in the spring and fall in the autumn, so layering is key here as well: a light jacket or windbreaker, jumpers, and t-shirts will keep you comfortable throughout the day. Don’t forget an umbrella, as the number of rainy days increases during these seasons.

Summer in Kofu (June–August) is warm and humid, with average temperatures reaching 22-23°C and highs climbing above 25°C. This period sees the most rainfall, and the number of rainy days is significant. Therefore, light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics is the best choice. Be sure to bring an umbrella or a light raincoat. Also, don't forget sunscreen and a hat for protection on sunny days. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are a must for any traveler, as Kofu and its surroundings offer many interesting places to explore on foot.