Wakayama Weather

What is the weather like in Wakayama?

Having a subtropical climate, Wakayama is characterized by moderate temperatures with four diverse seasons: warm and pleasant springs from March to May, hot and wet summers from June to August, balmy and humid autumns from September to November, as well as quite cool and dry winters from December to February.

Temperature

Overall, Wakayama enjoys a warmer climate than other regions in Japan. Specifically, the annual temperature spans a wide range: highs ranges from 10℃ (50℉) to 31℃ (87.8℉), while lows are around 4-25 degrees Celsius (39.2-77 degrees Fahrenheit). And due to complicated topography, including coasts, plains and mountains, temperatures vary across these regions: the annual average temperature in coastal areas is around 17℃ (62.6℉), but it hardly exceeds 11℃ (51.8℉) in inland areas nearby the mountains. 

The hottest month in Wakayama

August is typically the hottest month in Wakayama. Daytime temperatures mostly range between 30-34℃ (86-93.3℉), and in some hotter days, can reach more than 36℃ (96.8℉). After nightfall, temperatures decline a lot but generally stay above 24℃ (75.2℉). Though rainy hours bring dropping temperatures, ones rarely sink below 28℃ (82.4℉).

The coolest month in Wakayama

The coolest month in Wakayama is January, with the average temperature of 4-10℃ (39.2-50℉). Most maximum temperatures are 8-14℃ (46.4-57.2℉), while minimum temperatures are normally 0-4℃ (32-39.2℉). The mountain areas receive lower temperatures, going down to -2℃ (35.6℉).

Precipitation

As Wakayama stretches considerably from north to south, it sees a difference in precipitation between these two regions. The north has relatively low annual precipitation, averaging roughly 1,300 mm (51.2 in), but it is abundant in southern areas with an average of over 2,500 mm (98.4 in).

Rainfall 

Monthly rainfall shows a wide variation: June, July and September stand out as the rainiest months in Wakayama, particularly in June with an average rainfall of 210 mm (8.3 in) over 17 days; January and December are the driest periods of the year, only having 50 mm (2 in) of rainfall each. 

Based on historical statistics, the rainy season in Wakayama, usually from early or middle June to middle July, features moderate or heavy rain. However, it seldom falls all day long, so the rain won’t completely disrupt your trip.

Snowfall

Snowfall is mainly concentrated in high-altitude regions such as Mount Koya, with occasional snow accumulation exceeding 30 cm (11.8 in); in contrast, Wakayama City and coastal areas have little snow cover. The first snowfall may occur in late December, and January brings the most snowfall over the year.

Typhoon

June to October is possibly affected by typhoons, particularly in August and September. They usually come with high winds and heavy rainfall, and in severe situations, may cause transportation suspension. Therefore, check the weather forecast and try to avoid the peak typhoon season.

When is the best time to visit Wakayama?

March to May in Spring

The climate in spring is comfortably warm with moderate rainfall and typhoons have little impact. Plus, both stunning natural landscapes and cultural activities await your exploration. For example, you have a chance to see cherry blossoms and peach flowers in late March to early April, as well as rhododendrons in May. Wakayama Festival on the second Sunday in May gives you a good way to understand local customs.

October to November in Autumn

Apart from September, autumn in Wakayama is balmy, ideal for numerous outdoor activities like hiking and climbing. Starting from late October, Wakayama comes into its autumn foliage season. Besides, there are lots of grand events, such as Benkei Festival on first Friday and Saturday in October and Mifune-matsuri Festival on every October 16.

Read more about Wakayama Attractions & Best Time to Visit Japan

Wakayama Climate - Seasons & Travel Suggestions

Spring: March to May

Average Temperatures: 7-23℃ (44.6-73.4℉)
Average Precipitation: 110-157 mm & 14-16 rainy days per month

Weather: Spring is one of the most pleasant periods in Wakayama, with highs of 10-25℃ (50-77℉) and lows of 3-17℃ (37.4-62.6℉). As a transitional month from winter to spring, March is slightly colder than the rest of the season, but the overall temperature shows an upward trend. By April and May, it gets comfortably warm. Wakayama frequently suffers moderate rain of short duration, exuding a different kind of natural beauty.

Outfits: Most of the time, long-sleeve T-shirts or hoodies, light trench coats or cardigans and jeans or sweatpants are sufficient for spring weather, but in early March and nippy mornings and evenings, prepare a mid-weight jacket. Comfortable walking shoes and sneakers are recommended.

Top Things to Do: 
1. Wakayama Castle, Negoro-ji, Kimiidera Temple and Heisogen Park are ablaze with pink and white cherry blossoms, drawing lots of visitors all over the world.
2. Wakayama Festival is celebrated at Kishu Toshogu Shrine, from which participants carrying a portable shrine rush down 108 steep steps, and then parade through the Wakayamaura area while beating taiko drums or waving naginata swords.

Summer: July to August

Average Temperatures: 20-31℃ (68-87.8℉)
Average Precipitation: 210-141 mm & 14-17 rainy days per month

Weather: Summer in Wakayama is hot and humid. As the rainy season begins in early June, relative humidity gets higher and you often feel muggy. In mid-July, when the rainy season ends, summer exerts full power: sunny hours increase, and even night temperatures can climb to 25℃ (77℉). Seawater temperatures rise rapidly in June and reach 27℃ (81℉) in July and August, so you may not feel cold even if spending long time in the sea.

Dressing Code: choose breathable clothing, such as short-sleeve or tank tops in cotton or linen fabrics and loose shorts or capris. Considering indoor places are well-cooled by air conditioning, bring along light sun clothing. Rain gear and sun-protective items are necessities.

Seasonal Highlights:                              
1. Summer is the best time to enjoy beaches and water activities like surfing and diving. Beaches in Shirahama and Kushimoto are highly recommended.
2. In July and August, many places in Wakayama set off splendid fireworks, so don’t miss Wakayama Port Firework Display in late July and Shirahama Firework Display in August 10.
3. Nachi Fire Festival‌ is held on July 14 near the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Nachi Falls, where torch bearers sing the chant to pray for harvest and safety.

Autumn: September to November

Average Temperatures: 11-28℃ (51.8-82.4℉)
Average Precipitation: 84-195 mm & 12-16 rainy days per month

Weather: Hot weather tends to linger until early to mid-September, and the temperature gradually drops to an average of 10-15℃ (50-59℉) in November. Typhoons are more likely to occur in September, the second rainiest month over the year. October and November get more stable and the rainfall decreases a lot.

Clothes: In September, short-sleeved shirts and shorts are advised. Due to high UV index of 8-10, sun hats and sunglasses are still needed. From October to mid-November, choose thicker clothes like long-sleeved T-shirts, cardigans and jeans. In late November, sweaters, thick jackets and light-fleece sweatpants are more suitable. Also, pack comfy walking shoes and raingear.

Travel Recommendations: Colorful fall leaves appear in sites like Kongobuji Temple, Nishi-no-Maru Teien Garden and Koya-Ryujin Skyline. Another unmissable event is Benkei Festival held in Tanabe City, including traditional theatrical performances and an evening firework display.

Winter: December to February

Average Temperatures: 4-13℃ (39.2-55.4℉)
Average Precipitation: 48-74 mm & 13-15 rainy days per month

Weather: Temperatures in December start to fall, reach the annual minimum of around 0℃ (32℉) in January, and increase slightly in February. Thus, winter in Wakayama is not bitterly cold, so you don’t feel too uncomfortable. Plus, it is the driest season with the smallest precipitation.

Clothes: Wear woolen sweaters, down jackets, fleece-lined pants and snow boots, plus winter accessories such as thick hats, gloves, scarves and heating pads.

Travel Highlights: 
1. In mid-February, you can admire blooming plum flowers in Minabe-bairin Ume Orchard Grove and the Otorii nearby Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.
2. The optimal choice for winter travel is to soak in a hot spring, not only warding off the cold but also relaxing body and mind. If you plan to come here and enjoy onsens in 2025, Shirahama Onsen and Ryujin Onsen are both famous destinations.