Osaka Weather in January

Season: Winter
In short:
1. Although January is the coldest month of Osaka, the temperature is generally not quite low, and you will not feel uncomfortably cold.
2. The city only has 4 precipitation days this month on average, and light snow can sometimes happen.
3. January is the slack season of Osaka, and a quieter and cheaper tour can be gained.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in January

The Coldest Month of Osaka

Under the Tower of Tsutenkaku

January is in the middle of Osaka’s winter, and the city experiences its coldest period all year round. Even though, the weather of Osaka is usually not freezing, because the temperature rarely drops below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

The daily high temperature mainly ranges from 7 to 10°C (45 to 50°F), and people generally feel cold if they spend plenty of time strolling around the city. When a cold wave hits the city and causes a decrease in temperature, the daily high can be only 5°C (41°F). While, on sunny midday, the temperature can reach 12°C (54°F), and you will even have a warm feel when traveling around different attractions.

In terms of the low temperature, it’s mainly from 4 to 8°C (39 to 43°F), so better not to stay outdoors for too late. When a temperature drop happens, the daily low can be only 0 to 3°C (32 to 37°F). If you are sensitive to the cold, it’s better to visit warm indoor places such as shopping malls with heating facilities or enjoy a hot spring bath at night.

The Month with the Least Precipitation of Osaka

Light Snow in Osaka in January

In January, Osaka receives about 52 mm of precipitation averagely, which is the least all year round. Throughout the month, the number of days with precipitation is only 4 on average, which is also the least in a year. Patchy or moderate rain can fall, and it basically won’t bring much uncertainty or inconvenience to your tour. Besides, snow may happen this month, but it won’t be quite strong. Since the temperature is over the freezing point most of the time, the snow seldom accumulates, let alone forming snowy scenery or even freezing into ice.

Low Humidity

The low precipitation further causes low humidity, and the humidity of the city in January is about 52%, the lowest in the entire year. The climate of Osaka is relatively dry this month, so it’s necessary to moisturize the skin.

Short Daytime

Daytime of Osaka in January is gradually increasing, but only from around 9 hours and 50 minutes to 10.5 hours. In view of such a short length of day, to have a relatively fulfilling journey here, better to get up early so that you can visit around famous attractions as many as possible.

Is January a Good Month to Visit Osaka?

January is not a very good month to visit Osaka, and the major unpleasant reason is the cold weather this month. You may not feel quite comfortable if you stay outside for a very long time, especially when there are cold winds from time to time.

But this month also has its advantages. Since more tourists would like to make their tours in warmer months, January becomes the slack season of Osaka, which means hotel prices in this month are at a middle-to-low level and attractions are generally not crowded. So, January is actually recommended to those who prefer a cheaper and uncrowded tour.

Clothes and Requisites in Osaka in January, 2026

Note: To ensure warmth and also comfort, it’s suggested to wear clothes in multiple layers, so that you can take off your coat and will not feel hot in warm shopping malls and restaurants.

Clothes: Suitable tops comprise thermal wear, a sweater, and a down jacket. For bottoms, it’s suggested to wear thermal underwear and sweatpants, or thermal leggings and jeans.

Shoes: Comfortable thick sneakers and leather boots are both OK. Remember to take a pair of thick woolen socks in case you have to take off your shoes during your tour in some temples.

Requisites: It’s suggested to bring a lotion to moisturize your skin in the relatively dry environment this month. Besides, warm accessories including a scarf, a woolen hat, and gloves are helpful on windy days.

Travel Tips in Osaka in January

1. In consideration of relatively cold weather and short daytime, it’s suggested to: (1) Visit outdoor attractions in the less cold period in a day, which is from 10:00 to 16:00; (2) Though the morning and evening are cold, don’t waste them and plan some indoor activities for them.

For example, during the warmer period, you can go to the Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine or other famous outdoor attractions to learn more about the city. In cooler times, you can go to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and view whale sharks, seals, jelly fish... The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel not far away is also worth a try, as it rotates slowly, you reach the highest point and get a full view of the bay area of the Port of Osaka.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Japanese Onsen Ryokan Room

2. Delicious food and relaxation are also indispensable during your tour. In the indoor Kuromon Market, also called the Kitchen of Osaka, snow crabs are in season, and many more delicious Japanese food awaits you. After a tour in cold weather during the day, why not to experience Onsen, the Japanese hot spring bath, to relax your muscles and warm yourself up.

3. If you don’t particularly like the new year atmosphere, it’s suggested to visit the city after the new year holiday, during which enormous crowds of tourists gather together to welcome the new year, leading to crowded attractions and streets and surging hotel room prices. Plus, most shopping malls in Osaka close on January 1, making it inconvenient to enjoy shopping in this modern city.

4. On January 10 each year, the Tokae-bisu Festival is grandly celebrated in Imamiya Ebisu Shrine with people’s wishes for good fortune. You will get a bamboo branch for free, and “lucky girls” will help you hang the mascot you buy on the branch to pray for growing wealth. In the shrine, you can further find many people throwing coins and making wishes.