Kanazawa Weather in May
Season: Spring Key points:1. The weather of Kanazawa in May is generally warm, providing perfect conditions for tourists to enjoy the natural beauty and streetscapes here.
2. Kanazawa receives the least precipitation in the entire year averagely. So, on the premise of proper arrangements, you can have a smooth tour basically without inconvenience brought by rain.
3. The Golden Week of Japan falls in early May, when you need to book your air tickets and hotel room in advance.
Kanazawa Castle Park on Sunny May
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Pleasantly Warm and Breezy
Kanazawa weather in May, the last month of local spring, is typically warm and breezy, and the average temperatures this month range from approximately 14 to 23 degrees Celsius (57-73 degrees Fahrenheit). During the day, the weather is just pleasant without extremely high or low temperatures, and suitable for you to enjoy sightseeing. The only thing you need to note is that the temperature variation between day and night is relatively large of about 9°C (48°F), so you need to add clothes in the early morning and at night to prevent catching a cold. Kanazawa is further breezy this month, with the average wind speed of about 24 kilometers per hour (15 miles per hour).Month with the Least Precipitation
The climate of Kanazawa in May is the driest all year round, with the monthly average precipitation of about 114 mm. In the entire month, there are averagely about 12 wet days, in which only slight or moderate rain falls. Considering these weather conditions, the impact of precipitation on your tour will not be large. Even though, it’s still advisable to check the local weather forecast beforehand and try to make your tour on sunny days, when the scenery is more beautiful under bright sunshine and is perfect for photography.Sunrise, Sunset, & Length of Day
In May, you can see sunrise as early as around 4:35 and sunset until 19:05. Thus, the average daytime of the city is quite long from about 13h40min to 14h30min, allowing you to fully explore the city and admire its natural scenery. What’s more, in view of the intense UV radiation in the high UV index of about 8 and also the long sunshine hours of about 7 averagely, it’s suggested to avoid outdoor activities at sunny midday and just stay in the hotel room for a short break or visit some indoor attractions. After 14:00, the UV radiation is not that strong, and you can continue your outdoor sightseeing in Kanazawa.
See also: Japan Weather in May
Is May a Good Month to Visit Kanazawa?
As the last month of Kanazawa’s spring, May is seen as a good month to visit Kanazawa thanks to its ideal weather conditions. In general, the climate of Kanazawa in May is cozy without freezing or scorching weather, and the low precipitation this month basically has little impact on your tour.It’s vital to note that April 29 to May 6, 2026 is the Golden Week of Japan, during which you may experience a quite crowded tour in Kanazawa. So it’s suggested to buy your air tickets and reserve your hotel room in advance, or directly choose to visit Kanazawa in mid-to-late May with fewer tourists.
Packing List for Visiting Kanazawa in May
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Tops: Long-sleeved shirts or blouses are suitable tops, and you can further pack short-sleeved shirts into your luggage for days with higher temperatures. In cooler early morning and late evening, you are recommended to add a thin jacket or a trench coat to keep warm. Bottoms: To keep comfortable after walking for a long time, you’re suggested to wear thin long pants made of breathable materials such as cotton or linen. Shoes: Opt for breathable sneakers or casual flats. Other essentials:(1) Sun-protective items: To prevent sunburn caused by long-term exposure to bright sunshine, remember to bring your high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat.
(2) Raingear: In case of occasional showers, raingear is essential for your tour. Alternatively, a foldable all-weather umbrella is useful for protecting you from both hot sun and rain, and further helps you travel light to the greatest extent.
Kanazawa May Travel Advice
May with low rainfall and relatively high temperatures in spring is the blooming season of various flowers in the Kenroku-en Garden, and flower lovers shouldn’t miss the garden this month. With long daylight, the park opens earlier at 7:00 between March and October, so you are advised to pick a morning period on a sunny day, and view delicate wild hydrangeas, azaleas, wisteria, and Japanese iris under brilliant but not dazzling sunshine. By doing so, you can also avoid the crowds, especially during the Golden Week. If you are used to getting up early, the park opens free from 4:00 to 6:45! Just remember to add clothes at cooler dawn, in particular in the first half of May.
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At sunny noon, to stay out of high UV radiation, it’s more recommended to visit indoor attractions such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art with a unique swimming pool design, and Ninjadera with magical mechanisms and secret passages. In the afternoon of sunny days, the temperatures are just moderate, and the Higashichaya Old Town with quaint street views and traditional teahouses is a fabulous place to take a city walk.
In early May, local people put colorful Koinobori, carp streamers, into the Asano River to wish for good health and growth of children, creating a unique view. If you are interested in this, please focus on the time of the activity in advance and plan your itinerary properly.
May Weather for More Destinations in Japan:
Kanazawa Weather by Month
7-Day Kanazawa Weather Forecast
