Spring: March - May

Temperature: 3 - 13℃ (37.4 – 55.4℉)
Precipitation: 487mm rainfall and 404 mm snowfall

Lake Kawaguchi in Spring

Although the temperature rises gradually, it is still cold in March, especially after the heavy snowfall. Till April, there is an obvious temperature rise but the climate wouldn’t turn stably warm until early May. Because of large temperature difference between day and night and the wind from the Lake, people may catch cold easily, so remember to add clothes timely. The spring here is featured by over 15 rainy days on average each month, so don’t forget to take an umbrella or raincoat, either.

In spring, the Fuji’s summit is still covered by snow but the overall visibility is not high, only around 20%. If you decide to go there for watching the mount in spring, check Lake Kawaguchi weather forecast in advance. 

How to dress:

In March, light down coat, thermal underwear, and winter outdoor pants are good matches. A pair of snow boots can keep your feet warm on snowy days. In April, a hoody plus a thick windbreaker are recommended as the uppers. For the lower, spring jeans and casual shoes are enough. Till the warm May, a shirt plus a trench coat are suitable uppers and lowers can be the same as the April.

Top Things to Do:

1. Appreciate Mount Fuji on a sunny day. 
2. Take photos with Sakura along the Lake’s north bank from late March to April.
3. Appreciate the lake scenery by cruise boat.
4. Try the thrilling programs at Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park.

Summer: June - August

Temperature: 17 - 22℃ (62.6 - 71.6℉)
Precipitation: 636mm rainfall

Lake Kawaguchi in Summer

The temperature in early summer is comfortable, but it becomes hotter and hotter from late June to August. If you plan to travel here in summer in 2025, drinking enough water, and sun protection hat and jacket are essential. In addition, you need to watch out for the rainy season lasting from early June to mid-July. Last, typhoon may occur in late August.

Summer is not the right time to appreciate Fuji, not only because of the frequent rainfall but also because the iconic snowcap has melted. But it’s the right time to hike on the mountain. Actually, July to early September is the only period in a year that Mount Fuji is open for hiking.

What to Wear:

T-shirt plus shorts are good. Or, for girls, they can change the shorts to skirt. For shoes, either sandals or casual shoes are advised. Last, don’t forget a thin summer coat in case it rains and gets cold suddenly.

Best Things to Do:

1. Hike on Mount Fuji.
2. Watch the summer firework shows around the Lake.
3. Pick blueberries and learn to make blueberry sauce in Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center from early July to mid-August.

Autumn: September - November

Temperature: 6 - 18℃ (42.8 - 64.4℉)
Precipitation: 618 mm rainfall and 29mm snowfall

Mount Fuji Seen from Lake Kawaguchi in Autumn

Entering September, the temperature falls gradually and the weather is not that hot anymore. It turns cool in October and cold in late November when thick clothes are needed especially when it snows. The rainy days in September account for 2/3 of the month, but it decreases from October.

In autumn, the visibility of Fuji grows month by month, from 40% to about 60% and the snow on its summit begins to accumulate from early October. To watch the snowcapped Fuji from the Lake, it is more suggested to go there after mid-October.

What to Wear:

You can keep the same dressing code like in summer in early September, but it is advised to replace shorts or skirt with long pants. From late September to October, hoody, trench coat, jeans, and sneakers are better. In the next month, you need shirt, sweater, woolen coat, and long johns to keep warm. 

Top Things to Do Except Viewing Mount Fuji:

1. Appreciate red leaves along the hiking way of Kawaguchiko Tenjoyama Park or Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor.
2. Rent a bicycle and have a cycling tour around the Lake in the cool weather.
3. Watch performances in Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum.

Winter: December - next February

Temperature: -1 - 1℃ (30.2 - 33.8℉)
Precipitation: 267mm rainfall and 590mm snowfall

Lake Kawaguchi in Winter

It gets colder and colder from December to January and then the temperature rises a little from early February. Still, it is chilly for the whole winter and it may snow heavily. Watch out for the icy road after the snow. 

Luckily, the season has the least rainy days over the year, which contributes to the highest chance in a year to watch Fuji clearly. 

What to Wear

For the upper, long down coat, sweater, and thermal underwear are necessities. For the lower, you can wear long johns, thick winter pants, and snow boots. In addition, walking around the windy Lake, scarf, knit hat, and gloves are needed.

Top Things to Do:

1. Take Panoramic Ropeway or Kawaguchi Cruise to appreciate the Fuji in this best viewing time of a year.
2. Soak in hot spring in local onsen hotels.
3. Watch painting and photograph works about the Fuji in Kawaguchiko Museum of Art if it is too cold outside.