🇯🇵 Niigata Prefecture Weather Report – Month-by-Month Overview
🌨️ January
Cold and snowy. Niigata City averages 0–6°C. Coastal areas receive wet snow and strong winds, while inland and mountainous regions like Myoko and Yuzawa see heavy snowfall—perfect for skiing.
🌨️ February
Still wintry. Highs reach 4–8°C, with lows near freezing. Snow continues inland, and sunshine is limited. Snow festivals and hot springs are popular this time of year.
🌧️ March
Spring begins. Temperatures rise to 7–13°C. Snow starts melting in lower areas, replaced by rain. Foggy mornings are common, and plum blossoms begin to bloom.
🌸 April
Mild and blooming. Highs reach 13–20°C. Cherry blossoms peak across the prefecture, especially in Takada Park and along the Shinano River. Rain showers alternate with sunny spells.
🌼 May
Warm and pleasant. Temperatures climb to 17–24°C. Rainfall is light, and skies are mostly clear. Ideal for hiking in the Echigo Mountains and countryside travel.
🌦️ June
Start of the rainy season. Highs range from 21–27°C. Humidity rises, and afternoon showers are frequent. Rivers swell, and rice paddies flourish.
🌧️ July
Hot and wet. Temperatures reach 25–31°C. Rainfall peaks early, then tapers off. Inland areas feel muggy, while coastal towns offer slight relief. Fireworks festivals begin.
☀️ August
Still hot. Highs remain between 26–32°C. Rain decreases slightly, and sunshine dominates. Beaches along the Sea of Japan are popular for swimming and summer events.
🌧️ September
Transition to autumn. Temperatures ease to 22–28°C. Rain returns due to typhoon activity. Nights begin to cool, and early foliage appears in higher elevations.
🍂 October
Cooler and clearer. Highs drop to 16–23°C. Rainfall decreases, and autumn colors peak in forests and temple grounds. Crisp air makes it ideal for travel.
🌫️ November
Chilly and damp. Highs hover around 10–17°C, with lows near 5°C. Rain is frequent, and fog blankets valleys. Early frosts appear in mountainous areas.
🌨️ December
Winter returns. Temperatures range from 3–9°C. Snowfall resumes inland and in ski resorts. Coastal towns see more rain than snow. Illuminations brighten city streets.
Let me know if you’d like ski resort tips or seasonal travel ideas for Niigata!
[location-weather id=”2419″]
Weather in Niigata, Japan: A Comprehensive Monthly AnalysisNiigata, located on the northwest coast of Honshu Island in Japan’s Chubu region, experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa by Köppen classification) characterized by significant seasonal variations, abundant precipitation, and no distinct dry season. The city’s proximity to the Sea of Japan influences its weather, with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers, shaped by monsoon patterns. This report provides a detailed month-by-month breakdown of Niigata’s weather, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, sunshine hours, and sea temperatures, drawing on reliable climate data to offer a comprehensive overview for residents, travelers, and planners. 
January: Cold and SnowyJanuary is Niigata’s coldest month, with average high temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and lows near 0.2°C (32.4°F). Daily mean temperatures hover around 3.25°C (37.85°F). The city experiences significant snowfall, averaging 2.3 inches over a 31-day period, with snow falling on approximately 0.4 days. Precipitation is substantial, with 189 mm (7.4 inches) of rain or snow across 24.8 rainy days, making it one of the wettest months. Humidity levels are high at 75%, and the sky is typically overcast, with only 2 hours of sunshine per day (18% of daylight hours). Sea temperatures average 12°C (54°F), too cold for swimming. The short daylight hours, around 9.9 hours, limit outdoor activities, and the region’s “snow country” reputation is evident due to heavy snow accumulation, especially inland. 
February: Slightly Warmer but Still WintryFebruary remains cold, with average highs of 5°C (42°F) and lows of -0.2°C (31.7°F), and a mean temperature of 3.28°C (37.9°F). Snowfall decreases slightly to 2.1 inches, with snow on about 0.4 days, while precipitation drops to 123 mm (4.8 inches) over 17.4 days. Humidity stays high at 74%, and cloud cover remains significant, with 2.5 hours of sunshine daily (24% of daylight). Sea temperatures reach their annual low of 9.9°C (50.7°F), making water activities unfeasible. Daylight hours increase to 10.8 hours, hinting at the approaching spring. Cold winds from the Asian continent, laden with moisture from the Sea of Japan, contribute to persistent snow and a chilly atmosphere. March: Transition to SpringMarch marks the onset of milder weather, with average highs of 9°C (48°F) and lows of 2.5°C (36.5°F), yielding a mean of 6.42°C (43.56°F). Snowfall diminishes significantly to 0.3 inches, and precipitation totals 115 mm (4.5 inches) over 16.5 days. Humidity drops to 69%, the lowest of the year, and sunshine hours increase to 4.5 hours daily (37% of daylight). Sea temperatures remain cold at 9.8°C (49.6°F), the lowest of the year. Daylight extends to 12 hours, aligning with the spring equinox. This month signals the transition to spring, with cherry blossoms beginning to bud, though water activities are still impractical. April: Mild and PleasantApril brings pleasant conditions, with average highs of 14°C (56°F) and lows of 6.8°C (44.3°F), and a mean temperature of 10.89°C (51.6°F). Precipitation is at its lowest, averaging 96 mm (3.8 inches) over 11.4 days, making it the driest month. Humidity is 71%, and sunshine hours rise to 6 hours daily (45% of daylight). Sea temperatures increase slightly to 11.2°C (52.2°F), still too cold for swimming. Daylight hours reach 13.2 hours, supporting outdoor activities like cherry blossom viewing, which peaks around April 13. April’s mild weather and reduced rainfall make it one of the best months for visiting Niigata. 
May: Warm and SunnyMay is very mild, with average highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 12.2°C (53.9°F), and a mean of 16.4°C (61.52°F). Precipitation remains low at 101 mm (4 inches) over 10.2 days, and humidity is 75%. Sunshine hours peak at 6.5 hours daily (46% of daylight), and daylight extends to 14.2 hours. Sea temperatures rise to 14.3°C (57.7°F), still cool for swimming. May is ideal for outdoor exploration, with long, sunny days and the final days of spring giving way to early summer warmth. It’s a highly recommended month for visiting due to low rainfall and comfortable temperatures. June: Onset of SummerJune ushers in summer, with average highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 17.1°C (62.8°F), and a mean of 20.51°C (68.92°F). Precipitation increases to 133 mm (5.2 inches) over 9.5 days, reflecting the start of the rainy season. Humidity rises to 80%, and sunshine hours are 6 daily (40% of daylight). Sea temperatures climb to 20.1°C (68.2°F), becoming marginally suitable for swimming. Daylight peaks at 14.8 hours, the longest of the year. June’s warm, humid conditions and extended daylight make it suitable for outdoor activities, though occasional cool nights may occur. July: Hot and HumidJuly is the height of summer, with average highs of 27°C (80°F) and lows of 21.7°C (71.1°F), and a mean of 24.65°C (76.37°F). It’s the wettest month, with 215 mm (8.5 inches) of rainfall over 14.3 days, driven by the monsoon. Humidity peaks at 84%, and sunshine hours are 5 daily (46% of daylight). Sea temperatures reach 24.2°C (75.6°F), suitable for swimming. Daylight hours slightly decrease to 14.5 hours. July’s heat and humidity, combined with frequent rain, make it less ideal for outdoor activities, though summer festivals add cultural appeal. August: Hottest MonthAugust is Niigata’s warmest month, with average highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 23.1°C (73.6°F), and a mean of 26.7°C (80.06°F). Precipitation decreases to 161 mm (6.3 inches) over 12.3 days, and humidity is 81%. Sunshine hours are high at 6.5 daily (46% of daylight), and sea temperatures peak at 26.8°C (80.2°F), ideal for swimming. Daylight hours are 13.6 hours. August’s heat and abundant sunshine make it the best month for beach activities, though there’s a risk of typhoons. Recent posts on X noted extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 41.8°C (107.2°F) in nearby Isesaki on August 5, 2025, indicating potential for record-breaking heat. September: Transition to AutumnSeptember sees cooling, with average highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 19.5°C (67.2°F), and a mean of 22.88°C (73.18°F). Precipitation is 150 mm (5.9 inches) over 11.9 days, and humidity is 78%. Sunshine hours drop to 5 daily (43% of daylight), and sea temperatures are 25.2°C (77.4°F), still suitable for swimming. Daylight hours decrease to 12.4 hours. The fall foliage begins, and the weather is milder, though typhoon risks persist. September is a good time for visiting due to pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. October: Mild and ComfortableOctober offers comfortable weather, with average highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 13.6°C (56.6°F), and a mean of 17.16°C (62.89°F). Precipitation is 163 mm (6.4 inches) over 13.1 days, and humidity is 74%. Sunshine hours are 4.5 daily (48% of daylight), and sea temperatures drop to 21.1°C (70°F), less ideal for swimming. Daylight hours are 11.2 hours. October’s mild conditions and colorful autumn landscapes make it a favorable month for outdoor activities. November: Cooling and WetNovember brings cooler weather, with average highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 8°C (46.5°F), and a mean of 11.5°C (52.7°F). Precipitation increases to 168 mm (6.6 inches) over 18 days, and humidity is 74%. Sunshine hours drop to 3 daily (60% of daylight), and sea temperatures fall to 17.7°C (63.9°F). Daylight hours are 10.2 hours. The crisp air and fall foliage create a scenic backdrop, though increased rainfall limits outdoor plans. December: Return to WinterDecember marks the return of winter, with average highs of 8°C (46°F) and lows of 3°C (37.4°F), and a mean of 6.15°C (43.07°F). It’s the wettest month, with 200 mm (7.9 inches) of precipitation over 24.8 days, including 0.5 inches of snow. Humidity is 75%, and sunshine hours are minimal at 2 daily (79% cloud cover). Sea temperatures drop to 13.9°C (57°F). Daylight hours are the shortest at 9.6 hours. Snow begins to accumulate, setting the stage for Niigata’s snowy winter. Seasonal Overview and RecommendationsNiigata’s climate offers distinct seasonal experiences. Winter (December–February) is cold and snowy, with limited daylight, making it less ideal for tourism but appealing for winter sports in nearby mountains. Spring (March–May) is mild and less rainy, with May being the best month for pleasant weather and cherry blossom viewing. Summer (June–August) is hot, humid, and wet, with August optimal for beach activities despite typhoon risks. Autumn (September–November) is mild and scenic, with September and October ideal for outdoor exploration due to comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage. The annual precipitation averages 1814 mm (71.4 inches), with 183.98 rainy days, and sunshine hours total 1645 yearly, peaking in May and August. ConclusionNiigata’s weather varies dramatically across the year, offering diverse experiences for visitors. Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit for mild temperatures and lower rainfall, while summer suits beachgoers and festival enthusiasts despite the heat and humidity. Winter appeals to those seeking snow-filled landscapes. Understanding these monthly patterns is crucial for planning activities in Niigata, ensuring travelers can make the most of its unique climate and natural beauty.
