Nara Weather in January

The weather of Nara in January can be described as a little cold. You may even encounter no days with rain or snow during your stay, since the precipitation this month is quite low. Besides, January is the slack travel season in Nara with fewer tourists, providing you with an overall quiet atmosphere.

How Cold Is Nara in January?

Although January is the coldest month in Nara, the weather isn’t particularly harsh. During the daytime, temperatures typically reach around 5-10 degrees Celsius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit), occasionally even approaching 15°C (59°F). On clear days, you might feel warm under the sun. However, nights do get a bit chilly, with temperatures generally hovering between 0-5°C (32-41°F). Sometimes, they may dip below 0°C (32°F) but above -5°C (23°F), though this condition is relatively rare. It’s worth noting that in January, winds often sweep through Nara, making the apparent temperatures lower.

At slightly higher elevations like Mount Wakakusa, temperatures tend to be lower than in the city center, and windy conditions are more common.

People Visiting Nara in Cold January

The Least Rainy Month of the Year

January sees Nara’s lowest average precipitation at just 47 mm spread across 5 days, making it the driest month of the year. The weather of Nara during this month is predominantly sunny or cloudy. Snowfall is not very common in the city center, with precipitation typically falling as showers or light rain, causing minimal disruption to outdoor activities. Some mountainous areas, however, experience relatively more snowfall, and occasionally, you might see a light dusting of snow on the ground.

Average humidity hovers around 63% in January, making the air feel somewhat dry.

How Long Are Daylight Hours/Sunshine Hours in January?

In January, the sun rises around 6:55–7:04 and sets around 16:56–17:24. This means only about 10–10.5 hours of daylight are available each day. Given this, attractions like Todaiji Temple will shorten their opening hours. To include more attractions and enrich your travel experience within the limited daylight, you should check each attraction’s opening hours in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Sunshine hours this month are also brief, averaging around 4 hours daily. While rainy days are infrequent, expect some overcast periods alongside sunny days.

Nara during Sunny Hours

Scenery and Crowds of Nara in January

Scenery: Nara’s natural scenery in January carries a touch of desolation: trees shed their leaves, and grass turns a withered yellow. As for ancient structures like Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, they appear all the more solemn and magnificent in the crisp and cool air of winter.

Crowds: On January 1, shrines and temples are usually crowded with people, and even with long lines, as this is when Japanese people pray for blessings for the new year. On other days throughout the month, Nara has fewer tourists, quieter attractions and streets, and lower hotel rates.

Quiet January

What to Wear & Bring for Nara Trips in January?

In January, considering that outdoor venues in Nara tend to be quite cold while indoor venues are warm due to heating, it is recommended to wear sufficiently thick outer layers and relatively thin inner layers.

Tops: Lightweight down jackets, padded jackets, and wool overcoats are all good choices to withstand the cold. Then, thin sweaters, hoodies, or a long-sleeved T-shirt plus knitwear can be worn as the inner layer.

Bottoms & shoes: Jeans plus long johns or thermal pants are necessary to keep warm, especially if you plan to stay outdoors for a long period. Thick and comfortable sneakers, casual shoes, and hiking boots are recommended.

Accessories: You will find that hats and scarves are quite helpful to prevent the cold winds. When taking photos for your friends or family, a pair of gloves may also be needed.

Special / Recommended Activities in Nara in January

1. Experience Local Culture at the Wakakusa Yamayaki

In addition to visiting the shrines and temples, you can also admire the Wakakusa Yamayaki, which prays for safety and peace with more than 250 years of history. It is a popular festival in Nara, held annually on the fourth Saturday of January. During this event, you will witness traditional performances, processions of people in traditional costumes, spectacular fireworks displays, and the awe-inspiring sight of Mount Wakakusa being set ablaze.

2. Up-Close Encounters with Deer

Visiting deer in January offers a truly rewarding experience. January is Nara’s off-season, meaning Nara Park is free from the usual crowds. This allows you to interact with the deer at a leisurely pace. Additionally, during winter, with fewer natural food sources available in the wild, the deer are more likely to be drawn to the deer crackers in your hand and interact with you.

Besides, there will be Winter Deer Gathering ‘Shikayose’ this month, usually on weekends and public holidays. During these periods, the deer herd will be drawn by the sound of the horn and quickly gather.

Lovely Deer in Nara Park

3. Experience Japanese Hot Springs

In January with the lowest temperature of the year and the setting-early sun, why not immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese hot spring in the evening? This activity will chase away the chill, warm you up, and ease the fatigue. Choosing a hotel with its own hot spring facilities is an excellent option.

Tips for Nara Trips in January

1. The Wakakusa Yamayaki is held in the evening, when it gets very cold and windy on the mountain, so be sure to dress warmly if you plan to visit it.
2. Nara’s deer are brownish-gray in January, without the white spots on their backs. If you want to see deer with white spots, you need to wait until June.
3. Except during the Wakakusa Yamayaki, Mount Wakakusa is closed for the remainder of January. Isuien Garden will also be closed for a period in the first half of January. Be sure to exclude them from your itinerary in Nara in January.