Wakayama Weather in January

Coolest Period but Bearable

Though January offers the coolest weather of the year to Wakayama, its temperature averages 4-10℃ (39.2-50℉). In specific, daytime temperatures seldom exceed 14℃ (57.2℉), while nighttime ones are normally above 0℃ (32℉). The coastal areas may be somewhat warm during sunny periods; in contrast, the perceived temperature is lower in mountains. Plus, this month often sees a relatively huge temperature gap between day and night, around 7-9 degrees Celsius (44.6-48.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Facing the Pacific Ocean, Shirahama and Kushimoto have strong sea winds in January, so be sure to keep warm if you plan to go there in this time of 2026.

Rain a little, Rarely Snow Apart from Mountains

In January, its precipitation reaches the lowest value all year round, at roughly 48 mm (1.9 in) accumulating from 15 wet day. 

On most rainy days, it rains intermittently, but the total rainfall is less than 5 mm, meaning that the rain falls very lightly during this month. Except for the mountainous areas, it gets little snowfall in Wakayama, and even when it does snow, sleet is more common. If you would like to see snowy scenery, Mount Koya and Mount Gomadan are highly-recommended destinations, particularly the latter, where branches, covered in ice crystals, look like blooming flowers under the light reflection.

As it rains a little, the air is crisp and relative humidity in January is around 61%, which is favorable for outdoor explorations.

Sunshine Hours & Daylight Hours

Sunrise Time: 6:57 - 7:04
Sunset Time: 17:00 - 17:27
Daylight Hours: 9 hours 56 minutes - 10 hours 30 minutes 
Average Sunshine Hours: around 6 hours

Judging from the sunshine and sunset time in this period, daylight hours are getting longer but still quite short, requiring you to arrange travel itineraries effectively. Starting your visit early is always a smart idea.

Because of low precipitation, Wakayama mostly sees sunny or cloudy climate in January, and daily sunshine is generally sufficient. During these fine days, blue seawater stands out in sharp relief in contrast to white clouds floating in the bright sky, forming a perfect backdrop for photography.

January Clothing Guidance in Wakayama 

 Upper: It’s advisable to wear a sweater or fleece sweatshirt, topped with a medium down jacket or woolen overcoat. If you would like to wait for a sunset or sunrise by the sea, it’s better to bring along a down vest.

 Lower & Bottom: Thick sweatpants or hiking pants are always good choices, along with comfortable sneakers or snow boots. If you decide to go hiking in the mountains, where you may encounter snowfall and some paths are possibly frozen, non-slippery and waterproof hiking shoes are more practical and suitable for a long walk.

 Others: Owing to very mild rainfall, you’d better take a lightweight raincoat, which takes up little luggage space and allows for unrestricted movement. Plus, beanies, scarves and mittens make your outdoor sightseeing much cozier.

Travel Advice & Tips

1. Without very attractive natural vistas and various grand events, January counts as the slack season in Wakayama. Accordingly, you won’t see hordes of tourists, packed attractions and restaurants, as well as high costs of hotels and flights, which enables you to save more time and energy to wander around the alleys and experience a true local life.
2. In winter, temperatures in the south tend to be higher than those in the north, so you still have a chance to admire flowering daffodils in Shionomisaki-boro Watchtower from mid-January to early February and Kashinozaki Lighthouse in January.
3. Don’t miss free access to Kawayu Onsen, a large outdoor hot spring in Kumano Kodo. This onsen, merely surrounded by the reed-woven fence, only opens at 6:30 - 22:00 from December to February. Every Saturday from 20:00 - 22:00, the area is steeped in a dreamlike vibe under lit lanterns - you can soak in a hot spring while stargazing at night.
4. Around middle or late January, the Raw Tuna Festival, lasting for seven days, takes place at the Katsuura Regional Wholesale Market, and its Tuna Cutting Show draws many tourists to attend.  
5. Rural restaurants are limited here, and if it is the very beginning of January when some owners may shut down their restaurant to celebrate the new year, finding a place to eat becomes a headache. Therefore, it’s better to prepare food and drink before your departure.

Wakayama Weather by Month