Town in Gifu, Japan
Shirakawa-go weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Shirakawa-go
Heavy snow from Jan–Feb is the iconic look; light-up nights need reservations. Rice fields shine in May; autumn color peaks late October. Day-trip crowds peak midday.
Shirakawa-go weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan2°189 mm
- Feb3°125 mm
- Mar7°134 mm
- Apr14°126 mm
- May20°118 mm
- Jun24°154 mm
- Jul27°242 mm
- Aug28°171 mm
- Sep24°200 mm
- Oct18°162 mm
- Nov12°164 mm
- Dec5°227 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C35°F | -3°C27°F | 189 mm | 89% | Rainy |
| February | 3°C37°F | -3°C26°F | 125 mm | 87% | Freezing |
| March | 7°C45°F | 0°C31°F | 134 mm | 81% | Cold |
| April | 14°C57°F | 5°C40°F | 126 mm | 76% | Cool |
| May | 20°C68°F | 10°C51°F | 118 mm | 75% | Pleasant |
| June | 24°C74°F | 15°C60°F | 154 mm | 78% | Pleasant |
| July | 27°C80°F | 20°C68°F | 242 mm | 82% | Rainy |
| August | 28°C83°F | 21°C69°F | 171 mm | 81% | Rainy |
| September | 24°C75°F | 17°C62°F | 200 mm | 83% | Rainy |
| October | 18°C64°F | 10°C51°F | 162 mm | 83% | Rainy |
| November | 12°C53°F | 5°C41°F | 164 mm | 84% | Rainy |
| December | 5°C41°F | 0°C31°F | 227 mm | 88% | Rainy |
Best months across Japan
| Place | Best months | Warmest month |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (30°C) |
| Kyoto | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Osaka | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (32°C) |
| Hiroshima | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (32°C) |
| Nara | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Sapporo | Feb, Jun–Sep | Aug (26°C) |
| Okinawa | Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov | Aug (30°C) |
| Hakone | Apr–May, Oct–Dec | Aug (24°C) |
| Fukuoka | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (32°C) |
| Kawaguchiko | Oct–Feb | Aug (26°C) |
| Niseko | Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar | Aug (24°C) |
| Yokohama | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Kanazawa | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Takayama | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (29°C) |
| Nagoya | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Nikko | May, Jul–Aug, Oct–Nov | Aug (28°C) |
| Kamakura | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Kobe | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (30°C) |
| Hakuba | Jan–Feb, Jul–Sep | Aug (28°C) |
| Ishigaki | Apr–May, Jul, Sep–Oct | Jul (29°C) |
| Nagasaki | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Shirakawa-go | Feb, May, Oct–Nov | Aug (28°C) |
| Miyakojima | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Jul (29°C) |
| Hakodate | Jun–Oct | Aug (25°C) |
| Otaru | Feb, Jun–Sep | Aug (26°C) |
| Beppu | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Matsumoto | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | Aug (29°C) |
| Koyasan | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (27°C) |
| Furano | Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug | Aug (25°C) |
| Sendai | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | Aug (29°C) |
Quick answers
What is the best month to visit Shirakawa-go?
Feb, May, Oct–Nov. Heavy snow from Jan–Feb is the iconic look; light-up nights need reservations. Rice fields shine in May; autumn color peaks late October. Day-trip crowds peak midday.
When is the rainy season in Shirakawa-go?
Rain peaks in July with about 242 mm. Months with 150 mm or more: Jun–Jan.
What is the hottest month in Shirakawa-go?
August, with average highs of 28°C (83°F).
How cold does Shirakawa-go get?
The coolest nights are in February, averaging -3°C (26°F).
More about Shirakawa-go
Going to Shirakawa-go solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Shirakawa-go meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.