Kanazawa Weather Guide: A City That Lives Under Clouds and Rain

Kanazawa has a maritime climate, and there’s even a local saying — “You can forget your lunch box, but never forget your umbrella” — which perfectly captures just how rainy and overcast this city can be year-round. Annual temperatures range between 0°C and 30°C (32°F–86°F). Spring (March–May) averages 7–18°C with beautiful cherry blossoms, summer (June–August) brings humid heat peaking at 29–31°C, and autumn (October–November) offers the clearest, most walkable weather of the year. Winter (December–February) rarely dips below freezing, but heavy wet snow known as botanyuki (牡丹雪) frequently blankets the city, with snowfall occasionally reaching 60 cm — making waterproof boots and a rain jacket absolute essentials.

Seasons at a Glance

Spring (March – May)

March marks the end of winter as snow begins to melt. Temperatures hover around 7–9°C, mornings and evenings remain chilly enough for a coat over a sweater, and rain falls on roughly 16 days per month. By April, temperatures rise to 13–17°C and cherry blossoms reach full bloom — the gardens of Kenroku-en and the samurai district become especially photogenic. May is arguably the most pleasant month in Kanazawa, with highs around 22°C and the most sunshine of any month, making it ideal for outdoor sightseeing. Keep in mind that rain still falls on 11–16 days per month throughout spring, so your umbrella stays non-negotiable.

Summer (June – August)

June signals the start of tsuyu (the rainy season), with rainfall exceeding 200 mm and rain on 17+ days per month — though cooler rain can briefly make the heat feel tolerable. July and August push highs to 29–31°C, comparable to Tokyo, but the humidity from the Sea of Japan makes the heat feel far more oppressive. August sees some clearer days due to föhn winds, but tropical nights and heat waves remain frequent; the temperature gap between air-conditioned interiors and the scorching outdoors means a thin layer to throw over your outfit is always handy.

Autumn (September – November)

September still carries summer’s heat with highs around 27°C, though early mornings and evenings cool quickly. The autumn rainy season (akisame) combined with typhoon activity means rain on 15+ days, so keep that umbrella out. October through mid-November is Kanazawa’s best travel window — temperatures of 10–21°C, crisp air, and Kenroku-en’s autumn foliage reaching its peak in the third and fourth weeks of November. After mid-November, temperatures drop rapidly to 7–15°C, skies become overcast again, and a heavier coat or padded jacket becomes essential.

Winter (December – February)

December kicks off true winter with averages of 3–10°C. While temperatures rarely plunge deeply below freezing, botanyuki — Kanazawa’s signature heavy, wet snow — falls frequently. January and February are the coldest months, with lows of 0–1°C and highs of only 6–7°C. Precipitation falls on 20–25 days per month and totals 190–280 mm — the highest of any season. Mountain resort areas like Yamashiro and Yamanaka Onsen accumulate even more snow than the city center, so extra caution is warranted. Waterproof boots, a thick waterproof coat, and an umbrella are the winter travel trinity in Kanazawa.

Best Time to Visit Kanazawa

The two ideal windows are spring (April–May) and autumn (October–mid-November).

Spring peaks during the cherry blossom bloom in early-to-mid April. Because Kanazawa’s blossoms bloom about a week later than Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s a great second chance for travelers who missed them elsewhere. April’s mild 11–17°C and May’s sunny 22°C highs make both months perfect for leisurely strolling through Kenroku-en Garden, Higashi Chaya District, and the Nagamachi samurai neighborhood.

Autumn earns its reputation from mid-October through mid-November, when temperatures of 10–21°C accompany clear skies and brilliant fall color. The red and yellow maples against Kenroku-en’s traditional stone lanterns are among the most iconic scenes in Japan. Autumn is also prime season for kani (crab), buri (yellowtail), and ama-ebi (sweet shrimp) — a food lover’s dream at Omicho Market.

Avoid mid-June through July if you dislike rain (17+ rainy days per month), and July–August if you’re sensitive to heat and humidity. That said, hotel rates drop 30–40% in summer, making it a budget-friendly option. Winter (December–February) is challenging for sightseeing, but the snow-draped stillness of Kenroku-en and fresh seasonal crab are rewards for those who brave the cold.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January

Avg High/Low: 7°C / 0°C | Rainfall: ~257 mm | Rainy Days: ~24
The coldest and wettest month — snow, rain, and overcast skies take turns almost every day. Pack: Long down coat or waterproof parka, wool sweater, scarf, gloves, waterproof boots, and a full-size umbrella (more practical than a folding one).

February

Avg High/Low: 8°C / 0°C | Rainfall: ~180 mm | Rainy Days: ~20
Similar to January, though rainfall eases slightly. Pack: Thick padded coat, fleece-lined base layers, waterproof shoes, layered clothing for warmth management.

March

Avg High/Low: 11°C / 3°C | Rainfall: ~160 mm | Rainy Days: ~20
Spring hints emerge as snow begins to melt, but rain remains frequent. Pack: Coat or heavy jacket layered over a knit sweater, waterproof shoes, umbrella. Go for easy-to-remove layers as midday warms up.

April

Avg High/Low: 18°C / 8°C | Rainfall: ~145 mm | Rainy Days: ~16
Cherry blossom season at its finest. Kenroku-en is at peak beauty. Pack: Light jacket or trench coat with a cardigan underneath; bring an umbrella — rain still shows up regularly.

May

Avg High/Low: 23°C / 13°C | Rainfall: ~144 mm | Rainy Days: ~11
The most comfortable month, with the fewest rainy days and most sunshine. Pack: T-shirt or light long-sleeve with a thin jacket or cardigan; stash a light outer layer for cooler mornings and evenings.

June

Avg High/Low: 26°C / 18°C | Rainfall: ~190 mm | Rainy Days: 17+
Rainy season is in full swing — hot, humid, and frequently wet. Pack: Breathable short-sleeve or light long-sleeve, portable umbrella or rain poncho always on hand; a thin cardigan for heavily air-conditioned interiors.

July

Avg High/Low: 30°C / 23°C | Rainfall: ~237 mm | Rainy Days: ~15
Intense summer heat begins. Rainy season ends mid-month, followed by heatwaves. Pack: Short-sleeve shirts in breathable cotton or linen, sunscreen, hat. Carry a thin layer for indoor/outdoor temperature gaps (often 10°C+).

August

Avg High/Low: 32°C / 23°C | Rainfall: ~185 mm | Rainy Days: ~12
The hottest month of the year, with more sunny days than July. Pack: Full summer gear — shorts, breathable tops, sunglasses, hat, and SPF. Stay hydrated; tropical nights make even indoor spaces feel warm.

September

Avg High/Low: 27°C / 19°C | Rainfall: ~239 mm | Rainy Days: ~15
Summer lingers in the afternoons, but evenings cool noticeably. The autumn rainy season and typhoon risk mean heavy rainfall is common. Pack: Short-sleeve for the day, thin long-sleeve or cardigan for evenings; always carry an umbrella.

October

Avg High/Low: 21°C / 13°C | Rainfall: ~190 mm | Rainy Days: ~17
Autumn colors begin appearing and the air turns comfortably cool. Pack: Light jacket or thin coat over a long-sleeve; add a thick cardigan for chilly mornings and evenings. Don’t forget the umbrella.

November

Avg High/Low: 15°C / 7°C | Rainfall: ~253 mm | Rainy Days: ~21
Peak autumn foliage in the third and fourth weeks; winter closes in fast after mid-month. Pack: Heavy coat or padded jacket, knit sweater, scarf, waterproof shoes, umbrella. By late November, dress as you would for mid-winter.

December

Avg High/Low: 10°C / 2°C | Rainfall: ~290 mm | Rainy Days: ~24
One of the wettest months — snow or rain falls on nearly every single day. Pack: Thick waterproof down coat, fleece-lined layers, wool sweater, waterproof boots (thick-soled for slippery streets), scarf, and gloves. City roads are plowed but can still be icy.

Monthly Climate Data