Lake Kawaguchi Weather in May

Season: late spring

Weather Overview: warm, a little high rainfall

Mt. Fuji seen from Lake Kawaguchi in May

What’s the Weather Like around Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji in May?

The weather of Lake Kawaguchi, a great place to admire the whole Mount Fuji, is warm and comfortable as a whole in May. The temperature rises gradually day by day, but you wouldn’t feel hot even at noon. But, there are many rainy days, when the temperature may drop and you may feel a little cold. It is wise to take an umbrella and a spring coat in your luggage.

The lakeside this month is decorated with blooming flowers, so it is very suitable for traveling outside. For visitors planning to see Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi, usually, May is the last month when the Mount is snowcapped before late autumn.

Temperature: The average temperature maintains around 13℃ (55.4℉). The early morning around 5:00 is the coldest period and the average temperature is 7℃ (44.6℉). Remember to put on layers when going out early to watch the sunrise. From noon to around 14:00, it is mild with the average temperature at 19 degrees Celsius (66.2℉). It usually doesn’t get too hot. However, in recent years, the highest temperature exceeded 25 degrees Celsius (77℉).

Rainfall: In May, it has 16 rainy days on average and the average rainfall is 169mm. Fortunately, sometimes the rainfall ranges 1 – 5 mm per rainy day, which cannot even be called light rain. It makes no big difference in your outdoor sightseeing. Still, checking the weather forecast is advised. Note that the humidity reaches 77%.

Sunrise and Sunset: The sun rises around 4:30 – 4:50 and sets at about 18:30 – 18:55, which gives about 14-hour day length. On average, daily sunshine hours maintain around 9.4h.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji?

Overall, May is a good month to travel to Lake Kawaguchi, when it is sunny and warm and the last month in the first half year to see snow capped Mount Fuji. Despite the many rainy days, Lake Kawaguchi weather is much better in May than in the rainy June and July. With a well-planned trip like checking the weather forecast, you can still enjoy a nice trip. In addition, Lake Kawaguchi in May is picturesque with the blooming flowers along the lakeside.

Though, you may need to avoid Japan’s Golden Week Holiday in early May. As a tourist resort, Lake Kawaguchi is a little crowded during this period as many Japanese will come to spend their holidays here. In 2026, the holiday lasts from April 29th to May 6th.

What to Wear to Stroll around Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji in May

Clothes: As it is warm during the daytime, a hoody and thin long pants are your best choice. Put on a thin coat to keep warm if you travel in the early morning.

Shoes: A pair of comfortable sneakers or casual shoes are very suitable for outdoor activities. In addition, if you plan to go hiking, just pack up another professional hiking shoes in your suitcase.

Others: Although the UV ray is not strong and the UV index is only 4, if you are outside for a long time, sun protection is still necessary. You can take sun protection cream and hat to protect your skin. Meanwhile, since it rains frequently, it is wise to pack up a foldable umbrella.

Travel Recommendations for Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji in May

(1) Cycle around the lakeside: You can have a flexible itinerary by cycling, as you can stop by the road to appreciate the scenery as long as you want to. Additionally, by cycling, you can watch Mount Fuji from more angles;

Cycle around Lake Kawaguchi

(2) Hike in Tenjoyama Park: Pursue the feeling of achievement that you reach the summit of Tenjoyama Park step by step and watch the panorama of Fuji? You can hike in the Park rather than the Panoramic Ropeway. In the process, you can watch the stunning Lake on the left and the magnificent Fuji on your right;

Tenjoyama Park Hiking Trail

(3) Enjoy the sea of flowers in Oishi Park: Oishi Park is the paradise for flower lovers. From late April to early October, various flowers bloom gradually, attracting visitors to take photos here. In May, daffodil, Shibazakura, nemophila, iris, and others can be seen.

Sea of Flowers by Lake Kawaguchi

May Weather for More Destinations in Japan:

Lake Kawaguchi Weather by Month

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