Shizuoka Weather in January
Season: WinterIn short: not very cold with a huge day-night temperature gap; rain a little; admire Atami cherry flowers and the snowcapped Mount Fuji
Coldest Period in a Year
Average Temperature: 2-12℃ (36-54℉)Overall, Shizuoka’s weather in January is relatively cold. During the daytime, the temperature can easily exceed 10℃ (50℉), even reaching 16℃ (61℉) or more at midday and early afternoon on sunny days. However, you often feel much chillier in early mornings and evenings but don’t encounter severe cold with the lowest temperature staying around 0-5 degrees Celsius (32-41 degrees Fahrenheit). As cold it is, Atami sakura flowers come into their viewing season.
There are high winds along the coast and in the mountains, making your apparent temperature lower, so be sure to keep warm. For tourists who plan to visit Mount Omuro during your trip in this month of 2026, check early whether its cable car service is suspended, because it’s once closed in 2025 due to strong winds.
Also the Driest Month
On average, January in Shizuoka brings the lowest precipitation of 70 mm (2.8 in), mainly from 10 rainy days. It often rains lightly and lasts very short with the daily rainfall of below 5 mm (0.2 in), so there is no need to worry about the rain disrupting your journey. Snowfall is very rare: only in 2022 did it snow in the past five years.As it rains a little, the relative humidity is roughly 60% and the air is dry and chilly, making moisturizing pretty essential.
One of the Best Months to See Snowcapped Mount Fuji
Thanks to uncommonly fog, January is one of the periods with the highest visibility year round, making it the best time to capture the snow-covered Mount Fuji. Miho no Matsubara is a highly popular location for shooting, where besides the mountain, what catches your eye are large expanses of lush green pine trees and the deepening blue sea. You’d better to admire such scenery in the early morning, since the summit tends to be covered by clouds in the afternoon.Shortest Daylight Hours, Longest Sunshine Hours
Sunrise Time: 06:48 - 06:57Sunset Time: 16:48 - 17:17
Daylight Hours: 9 hours 51 minutes - 10 hours 29 minutes
Average Sunshine Hours: around 6.6 hours each day
Because of late sunrise and early sunset, daylight hours in this month are the shortest throughout the year, reminding you to start your day early and make good use of time. However, a bright side is that sunny climate dominates January in Shizuoka, leading to the longest sunshine hours in a year. It offers you more opportunities to take stunning pictures of natural and cultural landscapes.
What to Wear in Shizuoka in January
Layering is a very effective solution to a large day-night temperature gap in January. For instance, a thin sweater or fleece hoodie is suitable as inner clothing, and add a down jacket on top. For the lower body, medium-thickness sweatpants are acceptable for males, while females can wear long dresses paired with warm leggings. A pair of hiking shoes, which cannot hurt your feet after walking a lot, is always a great option.Bring along winter gear such as beanies and scarves, especially when you go for coastal and mountainous areas. Plus, Shizuoka comes into the pollen dispersal period from late January. For individuals who suffer from hay fever, don’t forget to prepare a facial mask. A light raincoat is also needed in rainy days.
Seasonal Highlights in Shizuoka in January
Beautiful Natural Landscapes
The best time to admire Atami cherry flowers is from late January to early February, when Itokawa Promenade, a riverbank path, is flanked by around 58 pink cherry flower trees. And Atami Cherry Blossom Ito River Festival lasts from early January to early February along the promenade.Late December to January is the period when narcissus flowers bloom. Cape Tsumekizaki Natural Park is a nice destination where the whole hillside is blanketed in white blossoms, with the air full of the scent of flowers. The faraway ocean is so breathtaking that every photo you take looks like a scene straight from an animated movie. With any luck, you have a chance to see taiko drumming.
Seasonal Delicious Food
January is one of the best times to savor eels with tender texture, because they store large amounts of fat for spawning. There are many eel restaurants in Hamamatsu City, where you’re advised to taste fluffy grilled eel.Eat a bowl of steaming-hot oden to warm up your body quickly. Shizuoka’s oden is famous for its dark broth made with beef tendon and rich soy sauce. Aoba Oden Street and Aoba Yokocho are recommended even by local residents.
