Nagano Weather in May

Season: Spring
In Brief: Warm with Abundant Sunshine

In May, Nagano's climate is warm and sunny, with the air still fragrant from peach blossoms, tulips, and magnolia, despite the cherry blossom season having ended. Vibrant green forests blanket the mountain areas, though some snow patches may still linger. Therefore, May is an ideal time to admire the flowers and embark on scenic hikes.

Temperature

Avg. Temperature Range: 9~20℃/48~68℉

In early May, downtown Nagano basks in pleasant warmth, with vibrant parterres of diverse flowers delighting the senses. Locals seize sunny days to picnic on the grassland, setting up foldable tents and blankets. In the mountains, the weather remains cooler, particularly in gusty winds or early mornings. By mid-May, the climate warms considerably, with children often seen playing near rivers on clear, sunny middays to cool off.

Precipitation

Rainfall: 75 mm

Avg. Rainy Days: 10

Nagano's May weather boasts 15 to 18 sunny days. On rainy days, moderate to heavy rain falls mainly during the daytime, soon followed by clear skies. In mountain areas, be prepared for sudden light rain with gusts.

Sunrise & Sunset

In May, travelers enjoy 14 daylight hours, with sunrises between 4:30 and 4:53 and sunsets from 18:35 to 18:59. By late May, the midday sun becomes intense.

Golden Week (Apr. 26~May 5, 2025)

The Golden Week spans four Japanese festivals, creating an 11-day national holiday. Expect significant price hikes for accommodation, air tickets, and dining at that time. Nagano attractions will be crowded, particularly in the mornings and early afternoons, which also brings traffic jams.

Nagano Travel Packing List in May

Upper Body

In early May, pack light jackets and long shirts for chilly mornings and switch to short T-shirts or long dresses with a thin sunscreen jacket as the weather warms up.

Bottoms

Choose a pair of long trousers or jeans to protect your skin from intense midday sunlight.

Shoes

Bring sneakers and hiking shoes because you might need to walk a lot in scenic spots in Nagano.

Accessories

Opt for wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for sun screening, particularly in middle and late May in Nagano.

Rain Gear

Though not frequent, the rain in May will be hard to keep out without a foldable umbrella or portable raincoat.

Seasonal Tip: Pollen Allergy Protection Items

In this month of flowers blooming abundantly, pollen allergy sufferers should pack facial masks, protective glasses, nasal sprays, eye drops, and oral allergy tablets to stay comfortable and symptom-free.

Top Things to Do

Admire Flowers in Zenkoji Hanakairou Festival (May 3~5, 2025) 

Monks in Zenkoji Temple

The annual Zenkoji Hanakairou Festival, held along Omotesandou Road at Zenkoji Temple, showcases a mesmerizing “Floral Canvas”. Each year, intricate patterns formed by flowers convey significant themes. Highlights include a 2017 masterpiece of 140,000 tulip petals depicting Gion Matsuri float and a 2024 design of white moth orchids symbolizing world peace.

In addition, admire locals’ creative floral decorations, embodying a love for life. Don’t miss collecting unique “Floral Gem” stamps to capture the fragrant spring of Nagano in your memory book.

See Monkeys in Onsen at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen

Snow Monkeys in Nagano

In early May, visit Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, aka Snow Monkey Park, where monkeys bask in onsen amidst white steam, a unique and serene sight. In mid-May, as temperatures rise and sunshine becomes abundant, they leave the hot springs. At the park, see playful young monkeys teasing the elders. Meanwhile, adorable baby monkeys, born recently, cling shyly to their mother's waist, creating the most heartwarming scene.

Hike in Kamikochi

Hike in Kamikochi

Start your Kamikochi hike at Taisho Pond, surrounded by lava and stones, with mint-green waters mirroring the mountains and wild ducks swimming freely in May. Then, head to Kappa-bashi Bridge, the landmark where a gem-blue river flows through the snow-capped mountains.

Heading to Myojin Pond, a quaint pathway unfolds, adorned with white, pink, and green Anemone flowers. You may encounter playful wild monkeys along the way—stay calm and friendly, for they're usually harmless.

Nagano Travel Tips in May

1. In May, wild bears in Nagano emerge from hibernation and can be encountered in scenic spots like Kamikochi and Karuizawa. Visitors should travel in groups and purchase bear bells locally.

2. Meanwhile, a few ski resorts, such as Nozawa Onsen (open until May 6th, 2025) and some in Hakuba, continue to operate, providing a rare chance to ski amidst cherry blossoms in the warmer spring climate, though snow conditions may not match winter's abundance.

Cherry Blossoms in Snow, Nagano

3. For those seeking snow-capped mountain views, May is your last chance in Nagano, with the Northern Alps boasting visible snow layers, especially early in the month, before they gradually diminish by June.