Lake Kawaguchi Weather in February

Season: late winter

Weather conditions: very cold, possible light rain and heavy snow

Snowy February in Lake Kawaguchi

A Very Cold Month

Average Temperature: 0℃ (32℉)

Average Low Temperature: -6℃ (21.2℉); in 2025, the lowest temperature once dropped to -16.3℃ (2.7℉)

Average High Temperature: 6℃ (42.8℉); in the past 5 years, for only 3 times, the highest temperature exceeded 15℃ (59℉)

February is the last winter month of Lake Kawaguchi, but it is still very chilly. Sometimes, even at noon, the temperature may be only several degrees Celsius above 0℃ (32℉) or even lower.

Usually, the daytime temperature wouldn’t rise obviously until 7:00. As many tourists would go outside to watch the sunrise before 7:00 or the clear Mount Fuji before 8:00, remember to dress warmly then. In the afternoon, the temperature usually starts to decrease at around 14:00/ 15:00. Don’t stay outside too late to avoid catching a cold.

Moderate Rain but Possible Heavy Snow

Average Precipitation: 106mm rainfall and 242mm snowfall

Average Precipitation Days: 15 rainy days and 13 snowy days

Humidity: 72%

In February, the chance of light rain is high, which may influence Fuji's visibility. But the rainy days are not too many compared with other months.

The biggest obstacle for traveling in this month actually comes from the possible heavy snow. All over the year, February has the most snowy days. In February 2024, the Tokyo - Kawaguchiko Highway Bus stopped running due to heavy snow. Also, it is very difficult to hail a taxi by roadside in snowy weather. In such case, if you don’t want to be trapped here for too long, choose to take the particular train to return to Tokyo or move on to your next destination.

All in all, please check the weather forecast in advance before departure and adjust the itinerary if heavy snow is to happen.

Sunrise, Sunset & Day Length

Sunrise: 6:45 → 6:15 from 1st to 28th/ 29th

Sunset: 17:10 → 17:40 from 1st to 28th/ 29th

Average Day Length: 10h55min

If you are going to appreciate the sunset down from Fuji, check the real-time sunset of that day. In addition, pay attention to the timetable of last Sightseeing Bus returning to town.

It is a pity that the average daily sunshine hours in February is only 5.9 hours. It means that the time for you to take a picture of sunshine shining on Fuji is not too long. So, raise your camera and aim it at the Mount quickly when it is sunny.

Packing List for Visiting Lake Kawaguchiko in February

Clothes: Needless to say, thick winter clothes are essential for your Kawaguchiko trip in February. A thermal underwear, sweater, and long down jacket are good choices for the top. To keep your legs warm, you need long johns plus a pair of winter woolen pants.

Shoes: Either snow shoes or leather boots are good, but they should be anti-slippery or suitable for walking on roads covered with snow.

Other Essential Items

1. Scarf, gloves, and kit hat: The wind is strong sometimes around the Lake, and you need them to keep warm, especially if you decide to take the lake cruise.
2. Sunglasses/ snow goggles for you being in the “white environment” after heavy snow.

Lake Kawaguchi February Travel Recommendations

Kawaguchiko Cruise

February has the 3rd highest chance of successfully watching the Mount Fuji clearly. Lake Kawaguchi, a place only about 60 km (37.3 mi) far from Fuji, is a great site to appreciate the scenic Mount. By taking the Kawaguchi Pleasure Boat, the Fuji that you ever see in pictures seems touchable due to the short distance.

Although the landscape is good, it may be a little cold when you stand on the deck. So, after the cruise, why not go to visit Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum or Kawaguchiko Museum of Art to enjoy sand painting art plus singing performances or appreciate artworks about Mount Fuji?

Last, Lake Kawaguchi’s night is as wonderful as the daytime. Lake Kawaguchi Winter Fireworks shows starting from late January usually lasts for a month. Every Saturday and Sunday night during the period, the 20-minute-long firework shows would be held in Oike Park, Tatamiiwa, and Yagizaki Park. Do not miss them if you will go to Lake Kawaguchi in February of 2026.

February: A Cost-effective Travel Month to Lake Kawaguchi

Comparatively, February is a shoulder season here. The cold weather around Lake Kawaguchi is the main reason of much fewer tourists. But the good thing is that traveling there in February, you will spend less, especially on the hotel rooms.