Kagoshima Weather

What is the weather like in Kagoshima?

Due to its southernmost location of Kyushu, Japan, and tropical maritime monsoon climate, Kagoshima has varied weather in four different seasons of spring from March to May, summer from June to August, autumn from September to November, and winter from December to February.

Sea View of Kagoshima in Summer

Temperature

The temperature is distinct all year round. Summer is torrid mostly, especially during August, the hottest month, when the highest temperature can reach 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit); winter is mild, with the lowest temperature in the coldest month January rarely dropping to below 4℃ (39℉). Spring and autumn are cozy generally, with the climate warming up and cooling down, respectively.

Precipitation & Humidity

Kagoshima in Rainy Month

The annual average precipitation is very high, totaling 2,320 mm (91 in). It is primarily concentrated in summer and autumn, particularly in June and July, the rainiest months. Under occasional circumstances, the rainfall can be torrential, significantly affecting your travel. Thus, close attention to the local weather forecast before you hanging out is essential. Precipitation in winter is relatively much lower, and wet days per month basically do not exceed 10.

On this basis, winter is a bit drier than other three seasons. For travelers who are going to have your 2026 Kagoshima trip in January to February, the driest period, it’s necessary to bring some skin protection products like moisturizing lotion and lip balm.

Does Kagoshima have snow?

Normally, light snowfalls or sleet would occur in the downtown areas of Kagoshima for only several times throughout the whole winter, so you can hardly see snow accumulations here. However, the climate can be exceptional in a certain year. For instance, in January to February 2026, there were several heavy snowfalls because of the presence of cold current, whitening the branches and grounds of parks. That said, you can expect heavy snowfalls and beautiful snow-covered landscape of the mountainous areas every winter.

Will Typhoon Affect Kagoshima?

Yes. Kagoshima is highly susceptible to typhoons, with observations of typhoons making landfall from June to October each year, and the period from July to September being the most active typhoon season.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Kagoshima?

The best times to visit Kagoshima are March to May and October to early December. These two periods feature a pleasant climate of both milder temperatures and precipitation. Besides, the natural landscape is distinctively attractive: March to May sees vibrant plants growing and flowers blooming, while October to early December witnesses the Kagoshima turning from lush green to colorful warm shades.

Kagoshima Climate by Month & Seasonal Travel Highlights

March to May in Spring: Warming Up, Increasing Rainfall

Weather Summary & Packing Guide
1. Kagoshima experiences a short chilly time in early March when the temperature ranges from 8-14℃ (46-57℉), so sweater plus windproof jacket paired with sweatpants are needed. As for shoes, wearing sneakers paired with cotton socks is a good option. From then on, the temperature rises evidently. By late March and early April, it’s about 14-22℃ (57-72℉) during daytime, making you feel comfortably warm with your shirt plus a light hoodie on; and pants can be thinner—jeans will do. However, considering the obvious temperature gap between day and night and also the possibility of rainfall slightly carrying away the warmth, you’d better bring an extra outer wear like a trench coat.

In mid-April to the end of April, it’s already warm enough with the maximum temperatures maintaining at 18-24℃ (64-75℉), and minimum temperatures at 14-18℃. Delightfully, you can wear lighter clothes like a long-sleeved shirt or a light hoodie together with casual trousers; female tourists can also wear spring dress for sightseeing on sunny day.

Admiring Beautiful Cherry Flowers

In May, there are seldom significant temperature fluctuations. Instead, it generally remains at 22-26℃ (72-79℉) during the day; and daily lows rarely drop to below 15℃ (59℉). Therefore, you can feel free to bring some cool clothes, such as short-sleeved T-shirts, loose and thin trousers, or even shorts and skirts. Canvas shoes or breathable walking shoes are highly recommended.

2. As the spring time progresses, monthly precipitation is getting higher and higher, with a moderate frequency of no less than 10 days per month. In particular, April and May are more likely to experience several heavy rainfalls. If there is going to be temporary light rainfall, bringing a pair of water-proof shoe covers aside from umbrella can ensure a smooth trip for you.

3. Another thing you should pay attention to is that the UV rays are becoming increasingly stronger in spring, with the average UV index per month of no less than 7. As a result, you need to apply sunscreen and wear a sunhat particularly when it’s sunny.

Kagoshima in Sunny May

Travel Delights
By virtue of the warm weather and charming scenery, it’s super suitable for you to go for a spring outing. The Sengan-en Garden, Hirakawa Zoo, and Yoshino Park are all top places for a visit. Particularly, from late March to early April, they are covered with beautiful pink cherry blossoms.

June to August in Summer: Hotter and Hotter, High Rainfall

Weather Summary & Packing Guide
1. In June, the weather in Kagoshima is hot, yet it is at a bearable level most of the month, about 24-30℃ (75-86℉) during the day; in early and later afternoon, it’s cool at 18-26℃ (64-79℉). In late June, it’s possible that daily highs can reach over 32℃ (90℉). July to August, with the maximum temperatures of 32-35℃ (90-95℉), renders Kagoshima one of the hottest places in Kyushu, Japan; even the minimum temperatures are frequently above 27℃ (81℉). To make things worse, these three summer months feature a high humidity, which means the climate is easy to be very muggy.

To cope with the hot and uncomfortable weather, it’s suggested that you bring breathable, easy-to-dry clothing and shoes. For example, clothing like summer T-shirts and shorts made from linen or modal fiber is optimal; and sandals are suitable especially for tourists whose feet are easy to sweat. Additionally, you can bring a portable fan so as to dissipate the heat.

Wearing Yukata in Hot Summer

2. Kagoshima suffers a lot from rainfalls during summer, especially from June to July. Therefore, raincoat and rainboots are needed. In addition, typhoons are prone to hit throughout the summer. According to historical records, the region was affected by typhoons on average once in June, 13 times in July, and 18 times in August, which often brought about torrential rain at the same time.

3. The UV rays are extremely strong with an average UV index of 11 each month, which can pose a risk to your skin. Therefore, sunscreen with high SPF and sun-protective suit are crucial.

Travel Suggestions
1. The summer heat and intense rainfall can be a big obstacle for your outdoor sightseeing, however, there are still many indoor attractions like the Kagoshima City Aquarium and Museum of the Meiji Restoration that will impress you as well.

2. If you’d like to go shopping or explore local delicacies while enjoying the cool air conditioning, Tenmonka Area is highly recommended.

3. Although it’s hot in summer here, the sea temperature is just right, averaging around 24-28℃. There are many beautiful and high-quality sea-bathing resorts along the long coastline of Kagoshima for you to enjoy and cool off.

Sea Resort in Kagoshima

Sea Creatures in Kagoshima City Aquarium

September to November in Autumn: From Hot to Cool, Decreasing Rainfall

Weather Summary & Packing Guide
1. In September, it’s still hot with highs about 29-33℃ (84-91℉), and lows 22-28℃ (72-82℉). And because of typhoon’s frequent strikes, 10 occurrences on average, heavy rainfall is also highly likely. Therefore, summer clothing and accessories aforementioned are applicable.

Comfortingly, the weather starts to cool down from October when the maximum temperatures fall from roughly 30℃ (86℉) to 21℃ (70℉), and minimum temperatures from 25℃ (77℉) to 14℃ (57℉). And the typhoon season is finally coming to an end, coupled with decreasing rainfalls. Basically, the climate of this month is more favorable than before, and you are free to wear light T-shirt and thin loose pants/dress.

Hiking in Comfortable Sunny October

In November, it’s cozily cool at 18-24℃ during daytime, but the temperature difference can be great between day and night, with the maximum gap of about 10℃ (50℉). To illustrate, while you feel quite comfortable wearing just a light hoodie during most of your day, you can feel a bit chilly after sunset when the temperature quickly drops to around 10℃ if you’re not properly dressed. To deal with this, better to take a thicker outer coat like a 3-in-1 jacket with you. As the rainfall is much lower, your travel experience would be much more enjoyable.

2. UV rays cannot be underestimated in Kagoshima even in autumn. In September to October, the UV index is as high as 7-9, so parasol and sunblock are indispensable. The UV rays in November are less intense, so wearing a sunhat shouldn’t be a problem.

Travel Recommendations
1. Kirishima Jingu Shrine, located in the Kirishima-yama, is one of the most popular places for autumn foliage in Kagoshima. In mid-November to early December every year, spectacular red maple leaves enhanced the solemnity and serenity of it. Here you can also rent beautiful kimonos and take pictures with the beautiful scenery around.

Kagoshima Autumn Foliage

2. Ibusuki is famous for its “sand onsen”. Just imagine what a unique travel experience for you to enjoy a warm sand bath while admiring the beautiful autumn landscape against the sunset.

December to February in Winter: Not Too Cold, Low Rainfall

Weather Summary & Packing Guide
1. December sees a dropping trend of temperatures. In the early month, it’s very cool with highs at 12-18℃ (54-64℉) and lows at 6-11℃ (43-52℉). It’s wise to bring different layers of clothes like long-sleeved shirt, thick hoodie, cardigan, and windbreaker as well as sweatpants.

From mid-December on, the cold air begins its expansion in Kagoshima, causing the temperature to decrease. However, the winter is cold in a mild way mostly, not frigid. In January to February, with the maximum temperatures at about 8-15℃ (46-59℉) and minimum temperatures 2-8℃ (36-46.4℉) oftentimes, you’re recommended to wear a thermal inner layer plus a down coat. As for the lower body, it’s ok to add a pair of long johns inside your thick sweatpants and wear thick hiking boots.

2. Precipitation of the downtown areas of Kagoshima is mainly in form of light rainfall. Light snowfall or sleet may occur in the early or late hours for a few times.

Seasonal Highlights & Travel Advice
1. Ibusuki City in Kagoshima is also the earliest place in Japan where you can enjoy the sight of rapeseed flowers. From mid-December to early February each year, large fields are covered in golden flowers, and local marathons themed around rapeseed flowers are also held, which are very lively.

2. Yunohira View Place is a good spot to watch the famous Sakurajima Volcano that is covered by snow in January to February.

3. If the weather is not fine and the perceived temperature drops, why not choose to soak in a hot spring to warm up!

Light Snowfall in the Early Morning

Enjoy Hot Spring in Winter