Kusatsu

Planning a trip to Kusatsu? Here you will find the latest weather information, including forecasts and helpful charts, to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Kusatsu, Japan, is described as temperate with four distinct seasons. The town experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, offering diverse weather conditions for visitors.

Winters (December to February) in Kusatsu are quite cold, with average temperatures below freezing, particularly in January (average temperature of -2.4°C), and frequent precipitation that likely falls as snow. Spring (March to May) brings gradual warming, transitioning from cool weather to pleasant moderate temperatures by May. Summer (June to August) is the warmest time of year, with average temperatures reaching 22.8°C in August. This period is also characterized by the highest rainfall and the greatest number of rainy days, especially in July, which sees an average of 9 mm of precipitation and 26 days of rainfall. Autumn (September to November) brings a gradual cooling, with comfortable temperatures early in the season turning chilly by November.

One notable feature of the weather in Kusatsu is the relatively high number of precipitation days throughout the year, even when the total amount of rainfall in millimeters is low. This means that light precipitation or overcast skies can be a frequent occurrence. The summer months, especially June, July, and August, stand out as the wettest period not only in terms of rainfall volume but also the number of rainy days, which may indicate a distinct rainy season or frequent summer showers.

The climate in Kusatsu is characterized by pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations. The annual temperature range is quite wide: from freezing winter nights to warm summers. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature is -2.4°C, nightly lows can drop to -5.7°C, and daily highs rarely exceed 0.9°C. The warmest month is traditionally August, with an average temperature 22.8°C, daytime peaks up to 26.4°C, and night temperatures around 19.3°C.

Summer months in Kusatsu, especially July and August, offer pleasant warmth, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 25-26°C. This time is ideal for walking and enjoying nature. Winter, spanning from December to February, brings real frost. Average temperatures in January and February stay below freezing, with frequent night frosts. During the day, the thermometer may rise slightly above zero, but overall the weather remains cold.

Kusatsu is characterized by noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows is often 6-9°C. For example, in April, the average maximum reaches 13.4°C, while the minimum drops to 4.0°C. This means that even on warm days, evenings and nights can be quite chilly, so tourists should keep this in mind when planning their wardrobe.

The town of Kusatsu experiences pronounced seasonality in precipitation distribution, although the total amount remains moderate throughout the year. The wettest month by rainfall volume is July (9 mm), which also features the highest frequency of precipitation—an average of 26 days. The period from June to September is generally wetter, with precipitation amounts ranging from 6 to 9 mm and between 21 and 26 days of rainfall. The lowest amount of precipitation falls in November (3 mm), while April and November have the fewest days with precipitation (14 days each).

The summer months, from June to August, are characterized by frequent but, judging by the total volume, mostly light rain. For example, in July, despite having 26 days of precipitation, the total amount is only 9 mm. In winter, from December to February, as well as in early March, precipitation falls mainly as snow, as average temperatures during this period drop below freezing (for example, the average January temperature is -2.4°C). January is the month with the highest number of snowy days (22 days), while the amount of precipitation (in water equivalent) is also low (4 mm), indicating frequent but light snowfall.

Overall, Kusatsu is characterized by a high frequency of precipitation days throughout most of the year, even in the relatively "dry" months in terms of volume. For example, January and December have 22 and 20 days of precipitation respectively, while their monthly norm is only 4 mm. This indicates that precipitation, whether rain or snow, is most often brief or light. Transitional seasons, such as spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), show a gradual change in both the amount and type of precipitation, transitioning from snow to rain in the spring and back again in the autumn.

When planning a trip to Kusatsu, it’s important to choose your wardrobe carefully, as the weather changes significantly throughout the year. In winter (December to February), expect fairly low temperatures, averaging between -2.4°C and 0.1°C, with potential freezes down to -5.7°C. You will need very warm clothing: thermal underwear, sweaters, an insulated waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Given the high number of precipitation days (up to 22 in January), which can be snow this time of year, waterproof footwear will be very useful.

In spring (March to May), temperatures gradually rise from a chilly 3.4°C in March to a comfortable 13.7°C in May. In summer (June to August), it becomes warm, with average temperatures ranging from 17.4°C to 22.8°C, and maximums reaching up to 26.4°C. However, summer is also the period with the most precipitation (up to 9 mm in July) and a high number of rainy days (up to 26). Therefore, be sure to bring a light waterproof jacket or a sturdy umbrella, as well as light, breathable clothing. In autumn (September to November), temperatures drop again, from 19.1°C in September to 6.4°C in November. The amount of precipitation decreases, but an umbrella may still come in handy.

Regardless of the season, layering is recommended for Kusatsu, as it allows you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are a must-have, as you will likely want to explore the surroundings. Don't forget sunscreen, especially in the summer months, even if the sky seems overcast. To visit the famous onsens (hot springs) of Kusatsu, you may need a swimsuit and a small towel, although many onsens provide them.