Nara Weather in February

February in Nara remains cold, especially on rainy days and during the night. Fortunately, rainfall is relatively low this month. The city still presents a rather bleak winter scene. All these factors contribute to fewer tourists visiting Nara in February, which means lower transportation and accommodation costs. Several special festivals take place this month, and plum blossoms also reach their peak bloom.

Temperature

In February, a bit cold daytime sees temperatures of around 5-15 degrees Celsius (41-59 degrees Fahrenheit), and chilly nighttime brings temperatures around 0-5℃ (32-41℉). As the final month of winter, days with daily highs below 10℃ (51℉) are more common at the beginning of the month, while days with daily highs approaching 15℃ (59℉) show up more frequently in the middle and end of the month. Of course, this is only a general trend. February weather of Nara is actually a bit unpredictable sometimes. For instance, in late February, you might encounter warm daytime with temperature of 18℃ (64℉), but also cold daytime with temperature around only 5℃ (41℉). Additionally, windy days, overcast days, and days with precipitation tend to feel colder. Therefore, checking the weather forecast in advance is always important during your itinerary.

Precipitation

You will not see many days with precipitation in Nara in February: on average, there are only 69 mm of precipitation in about 6 days. During these 6 days, light rain and showers are most common, but you may also encounter sleet, light snow, or moderate rain. Even snowy days occur, the snow will not accumulate and the road will not freeze. So, in most situations, your trip to Nara in February will not be influenced a lot by precipitation.

With an average humidity of around 64%, you will feel comfortably dry this month.

Todaiji Temple in Sunny February

Daylight Hours/Sunshine Hours

In February, sunrise in Nara gradually comes earlier, from 06:55 to around 06:27; sunset gradually comes later, from approximately 17:25 to 17:51. Consequently, from the beginning to the end of the month, daylight hours increase from roughly 10.5 hours to 11.5 hours. Even so, if you wish to visit more attractions, you still need to rise early and carefully plan to make the most of the daylight hours.

This month may see relatively more cloudy days, with approximately 10 to 15 such days. The average daily sunshine hours are around 4 hours.

Crowds of Nara in February

As mentioned above, February in Nara brings cold weather and short daylight hours, making it less than ideal for outdoor sightseeing. Moreover, the natural scenery this month appears rather monotonous and bleak, with even the deer taking on a grayish-brown hue. These drawbacks deter most tourists from visiting Nara during this period. However, this creates an excellent opportunity for travelers seeking tranquility.

During this period, Nara is in its off-season, with very few tourists for the most part. This means:
1. Attractions are remarkably quiet, ideal for both appreciating the scenery and taking photos. At Nara Park, you can freely interact with the deer without worrying about crowds.
2. Most restaurants require no waiting in line.
3. Hotel and flight prices are significantly more affordable.

Quiet Nara in February

Packing List for Nara Trips in February

Clothes:
Inner layer: Thermal underwear plus shirts; long-sleeved T-shirts plus knitwear; thermal hoodies; and lightweight sweaters all make suitable base layers for the upper body. For the lower body, you can opt for thin thermal leggings or long johns. These base layers are not overly thick but provide sufficient warmth, ensuring both ease of movement and comfort in air-conditioned spaces like shopping malls or public transportation.

Outer layer: Since the inner layers are not very thick, it’s recommended to pack sufficiently warm outerwear like down jackets or padded coats. Considering some days in this month, especially the second half of the month, may be relatively warm, you might want to bring a cashmere coat or a windproof jacket. For the lower body, thick sweatpants or jeans are both OK.

Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or boots are recommended. Considering the cold climate of Nara, they should be thick and warm enough.

Accessories: It’s best to bring a scarf and hat, which are essential for outings during nighttime or windy days.

Special / Recommended Activities in Nara in February

1. Setsubun Mantoro

On February 3, 2026, Kasuga Taisha Shrine will host the annual Setsubun Mantoro prayer event, a traditional ritual to pray for the removal of illness and misfortune, and for the safety of one’s family. From 18:00 to 20:30 that day, 3,000 lanterns will be lit, illuminating the entire shrine.

2. The Corridor of Happiness

It is a light art event, and azure is the main color, which symbolizes purity, prayer, and happiness. From February 8 to 14, 2026, the three World Heritage sites around the Nara Park, including Todaiji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, will be decorated with and connected by cyan blue lanterns to form a “Corridor of Light.” Some areas that are not normally open to the public will also be accessible during this time. Additionally, a fireworks display will take place in Nara Park on the evening of February 14.

Kofukuji Temple in Nara

3. Plum Blossom Festival

From February to March each year, Tsukigase Plum Grove blooms with approximately 10,000 red and white plum blossoms, creating a stunning spectacle. The Plum Blossom Festival is usually held from mid-February to mid-March. During this time, various food stalls will be set up, and special traditional performances can be admired.

Beautiful Plum Blossom in Nara

People Admiring Plum Flowers

Tips for Nara Trips in February

1. Some attractions have limited opening hours this month, such as the Great Buddha Hall and Todaiji Museum at Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Therefore, when planning your Nara trip in February, be sure to check and confirm the opening hours of each attraction in advance to avoid missing destinations you are interested in.
2. Mountain Wakakusa remains closed throughout February.
3. If it rains, try to avoid visiting Nara Park to see the deer. Not only will the weather be cold, but some of the paths here can become quite muddy.
4. Both Setsubun Mantoro and The Corridor of Happiness are evening events. In February, nighttime temperatures remain quite low, so be sure to bundle up.