Wakayama Weather in May

Season: Spring
What is the weather like in Wakayama in May?
Keywords: comfortably warm; rainfall not very high; more tourists in early May

Comfortably Warm

Judging from its average temperature of 16-23℃ (60.8-73.4℉), Wakayama climate in May is comfortably warm. In the first half of the month, highs normally hover between 20-25℃ (68-77℉), while it gets a bit warmer in the second half of the month, with a larger possibility of the high going up to 26-28℃ (78.8-82.4℉). Lows vary significantly in early May, in the range of 8-17℃ (46.4-62.6℉); in the rest of the month, ones are relatively stable, ranging from 13-19℃ (55.4-48.2℉). Plus, there is often a big temperature gap within a day, hitting 13 degrees Celsius (55.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

In general, short-term rainfall does not result in lower temperatures, but if the rain lasts for more than half a day, the daytime temperature may drop to 17-20℃ (62.6-68℉).

Rainfall

Average Precipitation: 157 mm (6.2 in)
Average Rainy Days: 14 days

Rainfall intensifies in this month, with moderate and heavy rain dominating. Sometimes there may be one or two days of heavy downpours, whose intraday rainfall can reach 70 mm (2.8 in) or more. Showers are present, but the likelihood of the over-half-day rain is greater. However, the bright side is that rainy landscapes have its own charm, particularly in mountainous areas like Nachikatsuura, where the bright red Three-story Pagoda is wrapped in thick swathes of fog against the backdrop of Nachi Falls cascading down the mountainside.

One of Top Months for Daylight and Sunshine Hours

Sunrise Time: 4:50 - 5:10
Sunset Time: 18:42 - 19:04
Daylength: 13 hours 31 minutes - 14 hours 15 minutes
Sunshine Hours: around 9.6 hours on average per day

May is one of the months with the longest length of daylight and sunshine, allowing you to not only start a relatively leisure trip but also take more attractive pictures under bright sunlight. Of particular note is that ultraviolet rays get stronger, especially at the seaside whose UV index can reach as high as 11 - exposed skin is more likely to get sunburnt if you don’t take proper sun-protective measures.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Wakayama?

Yes, May in Wakayama is well worth visiting. Before the rainy season begins in early June, this month is the last good window for outdoor trips due to its comfortable weather conditions. Plus, you have more opportunities to enjoy elegent flowers such as wistarias, roses and rhododendrons, as well as cultural activities including Waka-matsuri Festival and Sanada Festival.

Packing List for Wakayama in May

 Upper & Lower: Long sleeve T-shirts and thin sweatpants are usually enough for your daily travelling, but it’s wise to bring along lightweight sun clothing, since it both protects you from strong sunshine and gives you warmth in early mornings and evenings. In a few days of late May, short-sleeved shirts may come in handy. If ladies would like to wear a short skirt, remember to pair with thin tights. For hikers, single-layer outdoor jackets make better outerwear.

 Footwear: Comfortable sneakers are the best, because they work well whether in cities or mountain areas.

 Accessories: Sun hats, sunglasses and sunblock are must-haves. Parasols and raincoats are both acceptable, but hikers had better opt for the latter to prevent restricted movement.

Travel Highlights in May: Spectacular Festivals in Wakayama

Waka-matsuri Festival

Waka-matsuri Festival, enjoying a history of over 400 years, is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. The festival starts with a group of men running down 108 stone steps from the Kishu Tosho-gu Shrine, carrying an elaborate portable shrine on their shoulders. Then, around 12:00, a procession, featuring various performances of taiko drumming, Saika-odori dancing and Japanese wooden sword wielding, parades through the area near Wakanoura.

Sanada Festival

On May 4 and 5, Kudoyama hosts one of its largest traditional events - Sanada Festival. The highlight of the festival is the Warrior Parade, taking place in the afternoon on the final day. A procession of warriors in vermeil armors marches in formation along the streets, while holding ancient weapons such as spears, fire lances and naginata swords. Combined with stage performances and Sanada Market, the entire scene is a fine spectacle.

Travel Suggestions for Wakayama in May

1. At the beginning of May, Golden Week is still ongoing, making it the peak of domestic tourism in Japan, so you may see more visitors in Wakayama, but far fewer than in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.
2. If you’d like to visit Kada, a small coastal town, to catch the sunset during your trip in May 2026, apart from checking when the sun sets that day, be sure to arrange your dinner in advance as most restaurants here close as early as 16:30. 
3. Try to avoid hiking on rainy days, particularly during the periods of heavy rain. Otherwise, the difficulty gets way up: some trails get more muddy and slippery; pants, hats and shoes may be completely wet. If you happen to be hiking on these days, please wear waterproof high-top hiking boots.

Wakayama Weather by Month