Nagano Weather
Nagano’s climate is mild and humid generally, along with four distinctive seasons. Spring brings pleasant warmth and cherry blossoms, while summer is cool due to the high-elevated mountainous terrain and plum rain. Autumn turns from cool to slightly cold with stunning red maple leaves. In winter, there is frequent heavy snow, painting the area in pristine white with frigidness.
What is the Best Time to Visit Nagano?
April to June and September to October are the best time to visit Nagano. Travelers can enjoy mild temperatures and sunny weather, along with seasonal highlights such as cherry blossoms in spring and red leaves in autumn.
7-Day Nagano Weather Forecast
Averages for Nagano Weather
High/Low Temperatures of Nagano
Humidity Graph of Nagano
Average Rainfall of Nagano
Spring (April to May)
Nagano in Spring
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Weather: Pleasantly Warm & Sunny
Average Temperatures: 5~16°C (41~61°F)Spring in Nagano brings warm and sunny weather, though early spring days may still be slightly cold. With up to 14.5 hours of daylight, April is the peak time to explore Nagano's attractions amidst the blooming cherry blossoms. Following the cherry blossoms, May remains inviting with a warmer climate and draws a flock of tourists to Nagano during Japan's Golden Week.
Top Things to Do
1. Admire cherry blossoms in Matsumoto Castle and Hakuba Valley.2. Engage in Zenkoji Hanakairou Flower Festival.
3. Hike through the towering snow tunnel in Yuki no Ōtani.
Summer (June to Mid-September)
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Nagano in Summer
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Weather: Mildly Cool
Average Temperatures: 16~25℃ (61~77℉)Nagano's summer is mildly cool, with temperatures hovering around 25℃ (77℉) in June and early September, and rarely climbing above 35℃ (95℉) in July and August. This makes Nagano significantly cooler than Tokyo, where temperatures can be 7~10℃ (13~18℉) higher, thus attracting tourists seeking relief from the heat. Additionally, travelers can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere by admiring fireworks displays and participating in traditional festivals like Obon.
It's important to note that Nagano enters the plum rain season from late June to July, during which showers become more frequent, occurring about half of the month.
Top Things to Do
1. Enjoy the dazzling show at the Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival.2. Hike in Togakushi Shrine to sense the Japanese Shinto God.
3. Join the locals to dance during the Matsumoto BONBON Festival.
Autumn (Mid-September to November)
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Nagano in Autumn
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Weather: Slightly Cold & Low Rainfall
Average Temperatures: 5~14℃ (41~57℉)Autumn in Nagano begins with cool and humid weather in late September, gradually transiting to slightly cold and sunny days in October and November. During October and November, temperatures can drop by 10℃ (18℉) between day and night, necessitating layered clothing to stay comfortable. Unmissable sights this season include colorful foliage and golden rice paddies in a harvest.
Top Things to Do
1. Admire red leaves at Zenkoji Temple and Kamikochi.2. Experience rice harvest in local paddies and apple picking in orchards.
3. Try fresh chestnut delicacies in Obuse.
Winter (December to March)
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Nagano in Winter
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Weather: Cold & Snowy
Average Temperatures: -4~3℃ (25~37℉)Nagano’s winter is cold and snowy, with a long period of four months. It snows almost all the month in the mountains and for over half a month in the downtown area. Travelers have only about 10.5 daylight hours, which can be shortened by the chilliness, with daytime temperatures from 0~5°C (32~41°F) and below 0°C (32°F) at night.
Despite the chill, it’s a perfect time to see snow monkeys in onsen and snow-blanketed scenery. For ski lovers, the abundant powder snow during this season makes the sport even more enjoyable.
Top Things to Do
1. Observe monkeys bathing in onsen cozily at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.2. Witness lamplit Zenkoji Temple during Zenkoji Omotesando Light Festival.
3. Experience traditional fire festivals in Togakushi or Nozawa.
4. Relax in the soothing hot springs at Yudanaka Onsen.
Cherry Blossom Season in Nagano: April
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Nagano Cherry Blossom Season
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Popular cherry blossom viewing spots include Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure with iconic black walls, and Takato Joshi Park, a Japanese garden ranking the top 3 cherry blossom attractions. During this time, travelers can join in various activities like cherry blossoms lighting at night.
What is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Nagano?
Nagano’s cherry blossoms typically bloom from April 5~22 and peak from April 10~18. In 2025, the cherry blossom season is expected to span from April 7~23, with April 12 to 16 the prime full-bloomed period.
Red Leaf Season in Nagano: October to Mid-November
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Nagano Red Leaf Season
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What is the best time to see red leaves in Nagano?
Historical data shows that autumn foliage in Nagano changes color from October 1 to November 20, peaking from October 20 to November 10. In 2025, the color change is expected to occur from October 3 to November 15, with peak foliage from October 25 to November 13.
Tips
1. The mountains typically experience higher precipitation, lower temperatures, and more unstable weather than Nagano downtown. Check the weather forecasts before hiking, and pack windproof and waterproof clothing to prepare for unexpected rains and winds.2. The thin clouds in mountainous Nagano often lead to intense sunshine on clear days from April to October, so remember to bring sunscreen items such as sunhats and sunglasses.
3. Consider visiting on weekdays or in the morning to avoid crowds in cherry blossom and maple leaf seasons.
4. The prime cherry blossom and red leaf viewing time can be affected by the annual climate differences, so check the forecast in advance to avoid disappointment.
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