Kanazawa Weather

Kanazawa, on the western coast of Japan, has a temperate monsoon climate and enjoys four seasons with different weather conditions but always high precipitation. Specifically, the city is typically warm in spring and cool in autumn. As for summer here, it’s generally hot and wet with high humidity. In winter, the weather of Kanazawa becomes cold and damp.

Kenroku-en Garden on Sunny Day

Temperature

Monthly average temperatures of Kanazawa vary a lot from season to season.

The highest average temperatures of the city range between 13 and 23 degrees Celsius (55 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit) in spring from March to May, and between 15 and 27°C (59 and 81°F) in autumn from September to November. The cozy temperatures in these two seasons make it suitable for enjoying outdoor activities.

In summer from June to August, the highest average temperatures are at a high level from 25 to 32°C (77 to 90°F), making heatstroke prevention necessary. In winter from December to February, weather of Kanazawa is cold with monthly average temperatures between 1 and 10°C (34 and 50°F), and it’s necessary to keep warm.

 Hottest Month: August: 24 - 32℃ (75 - 90℉)
 Coldest Month: January: 1 - 7℃ (34 - 45℉)

Rainfall

Both the coastal position and the northwest monsoon make Kanazawa weather quite wet all year round. On average, Kanazawa has at least 10 precipitation days per month.

The precipitation in Kanazawa from spring to autumn is mainly in the form of rain, and the city further experiences its plum rain period from around mid-June to July, when rainfall is abundant. Besides, the northwest monsoon in winter brings extremely high precipitation, and the city receives sleet and even snow with thunder in addition to rain this season.

 Rainiest Month: December: 338 mm / 22 precipitation days
 Driest Month: May: 114 mm / 12 precipitation days

The humidity of Kanazawa also has seasonal differences. High precipitation plus high temperatures in summer make the weather humid in humidity from about 71 to 73%. In December and January of winter, abundant precipitation also brings humidity of about 71 or 73%, making the climate damp.

Best Times to Visit Kanazawa: Spring & Autumn

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Kanazawa, when the weather is more pleasant. In spring with warm weather and the lowest average precipitation in a year, snow in winter melts, trees begin to sprout new leaves, and more importantly, cherry flowers are in full bloom. In autumn, the weather is cool and perfect for outdoor activities, and it’s also the best time to view red maple leaves.

It’s generally humid and hot in summer and the city has heavy snowy days in winter, more or less affecting sightseeing experiences. However, as a reminder for your 2025 tour, the famous and lively Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival is celebrated in summer, and winter is the season for snow scenery.

Tsuzumi-mon Gate in Kanazawa

Kanazawa Climate - Seasons & Best Things to Do

Spring – March to May

Climate Overview

 Temperature: 3 - 23°C (37 - 73°F)
 Precipitation: 440 mm in 41 days in total

Plum Blossoms in Kenroku-en Garden

The climate of Kanazawa in spring becomes warmer. You may only feel a little cold in the early spring, when the highest average temperature is just 13°C (55°F) and thick clothes are still necessary. In spring, the city receives not much precipitation compared with other seasons, but still has about 12 to 16 wet days per month averagely. It may still snow in early spring, and afterward, it basically doesn’t rain quite heavily and sunny days appear more.

Clothes & Requisites

In early spring, thick winter outfits are still needed, and you can bring thick down jackets, sweaters, thermal clothing, and snow boots. As the weather gradually warms, a thin hoodie plus a trench coat and thin long pants is the recommended outfit. For shoes, flats and sneakers are all suitable. In addition, in view of the wet climate throughout the year, raingear such as a raincoat or an umbrella is a must in any season.

Best Things to Do

1. View cherry and plum blossoms in Kenroku-en Garden, where hundreds of flower trees are in full blossom in spring.
2. Take a stroll in Kanazawa Castle, which is a good place to learn about the history of Kanazawa and also to view cherry blossoms.

3. Go to Utatsuyama Park on sunny days and get a panoramic view of downtown Kanazawa.

Kanazawa Castle Park on Sunny Day

Summer – June to August

Climate Overview

 Temperature: 18 - 32°C (64 - 90°F)
 Precipitation: 668 mm in 35 days in total

In summer, the climate of Kanazawa is typically hot and damp. Between June and July, Kanazawa experiences its plum rain season with intense rainfall, when average temperatures are from about 18 to 30°C (64 to 86°F). Although temperatures are not that high, the high humidity brought by high rainfall makes people feel hot and stuffy. In August, typhoons may hit the city and bring heavy rain and strong wind, and precipitation and humidity are still high. Temperatures average from about 24 to 32°C (75 to 90°F), making you feel quite hot.

Clothes & Requisites

It’s recommended to wear light and breathable summer outfits such as a short-sleeved shirt, a T-shirt, shorts, a skirt, and a dress. For shoes, you can wear sandals or mesh sneakers. To feel fresh in the humid environment, you can bring a handheld fan or wipe tissues. Mosquito repellent is also requisite. Since UV index is high at 9 or 10 this season, you’d better bring high-SPF sunscreen, and avoid outdoor activities at sunny noon.

Best Things to Do

1. Watch performances to celebrate the Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival on the first Saturday of June.
2. Enjoy the dazzling Kanazawa Fireworks Festival, which will be held on July 27, 2025.
3. Visit 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art to admire the spectacular swimming pool design, and also stay out of the outdoor boiling heat.
4. Taste tea in Higashichaya Old Town to gain a sense of tranquility and coolness in summer.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Strolling in Higashichaya Old Town

Autumn – September to November

Climate Overview

 Temperature: 8 - 27°C (46 - 81°F)
 Precipitation: 768 mm in 46 days in total

Red Leaves in Kenroku-en Garden

The cool and comfortable climate of Kanazawa in autumn is very suitable for long-term outdoor activities. The highest monthly average temperatures are 27°C (81°F), 22°C (72°F), and 15°C (59°F) from September to November, and you can find that the weather is getting cooler and becomes a bit cold in late autumn. Therefore, you need to add your clothes in accordance with the dropping temperature. Kanazawa also receives high rainfall this season, and wet days amount to around 13 to 18 per month on average.

Clothes & Requisites

Short-sleeved shirts and shorts are still suitable for early autumn. As the weather gets cooler, you need to wear a long-sleeved shirt and a thick jacket, or a windbreaker with a fleece liner. Thermal pants plus outer pants are more recommended in late autumn. For shoes, wear sneakers or flats.

Best Things to Do

1. View red maple foliage in Kenroku-en Garden or Utatsuyama Park. In autumn, maple foliage changes its color from green to yellow, and then to burning red, making up the most unmissable part of your tour.
2. Watch staff of Kenroku-en Garden set up local featured Yukitsuri for wine trees to protect them from thick snow in the coming winter.

Winter – December to February

Climate Overview

 Temperature: 1 - 10°C (34 - 50°F)
 Precipitation: 768 mm in 68 days in total

Kanazawa in winter is cold, especially in January and February when the average high is 7 or 8°C (45 - 46°F). Precipitation is extremely frequent this season, and there are about 21 to 25 rainy and snowy days averagely per month. Heavy snow may bring much inconvenience to your sightseeing, so it’s advisable to check broadcast in advance and arrange your tour on snowless or lightly snowy days.

Clothes & Requisites

Please pack thick winter outfits into your luggage, for example, your thick down jacket, thick sweater, thermal clothes, down pants, thick scarves, and gloves. Remember to wear anti-slippery and waterproof boots or sneakers for a stable walk.

Best Things to Do

1. Go to Omicho Market to taste local seafood, which is the freshest in winter.
2. Enjoy snow scenery in Kenroku-en Garden or Higashichaya Old Town.
3. Experience onsen, Japanese hot spring bath, to keep warm on frigid snowy days.

4. Visit the mysterious temple Ninjadera, which is uncrowded this season.

Seafood in Omicho Market

Kanazawa Streetscape on Snowy Day

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