Shirakawa-go Weather in February

 Season: Winter
 What’s the weather like in February? 
1. It is cold in Shirakawa-go in February, with low temperature often ranging -5 - 0℃ (23 - 32℉).
2. It snows a lot and heavy snow occurs frequently.
3. Though the whole month is the peak season, February 21 - 23 in 2026 may receive the most tourists over the month.

Cold Temperatures

Judging from its average temperature of -5 - 3℃ (23 - 37.4℉), February remains cold in Shirakawa-go. To be specific, the daily maximum is usually in the range of 2 - 10℃ (35.6 - 50℉), and the daily minimum declines to -5 - 0℃ (23 - 32℉), sometimes reaching as low as -8℃ (17.6℉). Moreover, temperature fluctuates significantly: high temperatures dropped by 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit) from February 16 to 18 in 2025. So, you’d better check the intraday weather forecast and choose what to wear.

Breathtaking Winter Scene

Snow a Lot

In February, the village receives 185mm (7.2 in) of precipitation on average, accumulating from around 20 days. Most of the time, it is in the form of snowfall. Moreover, it can snow heavily and continuously for several days of the month. In case of severe snow, roads get wet and slippery, and Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck and Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck are closed, let alone the shuttle bus service.

Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours

As the sunrise and sunset at 6:24 - 6:56 and 17:18 - 17:48 respectively, the average daylight hours are only approximately 10 - 11 hours per day. Due to this, you are advised to plan your schedule wisely and make the most of time. Snowy and cloudy weather dominate the whole month, so the sun shrines for less than 5 hours on average each day.

Though most days have low UV rays, snow can reflect 95% sunlight, which makes your eyes become uncomfortable after seeing it for long. Thus, sunglasses are the must-haves, if you plan to play in the snow in Shirakawa-go in February 2026.

Shoromon Gate in Winter

Travel Highlight: Snowy Scenery & Winter Lighting Events

Standing on the Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck and Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck, a stunning panorama of the snow-covered village is right before your eyes. Besides, local café Bunka Kissa Kyoshu is a good destination: you may enjoy a cup of hot coffee on a window-side seat, while admiring the Shoromon Gate of Myozenji Temple against a snow-white backdrop. 

Every year, Shirakawa-go hosts grand winter lighting events, and the last one occurs in early February, lasting from 17:30 to 19:30. When the warm yellow light casts on its unique snow-covered houses, the night scene gives you unforgettable memories.

Packing List for Shirakawa-go Trip in February

 Clothes: Enough heating is provided indoors, so thin sweaters or hoodies are suitable. If you head out, to cope with the cold climate of Shirakawa-go in February, add a 3-in-1 jacket with a detachable down liner. For the lower part, thick snow pants are highly recommended.

 Shoes: Choose comfortable and non-slippery shoes such as hiking shoes and lined sneakers. Also, they should be waterproof, otherwise your feet may be soaked after walking through the snow-accumulated ground.

 Others: 
1. Woolen beanies, earmuffs, facial masks and scarves are important accessories against the chill.
2. When it snows in large flakes, your clothes get wet easily, so bring a can of water-resistant spray. Don’t forget to pack raingear, too.

Travel Suggestions for Shirakawa-go in February

1. Shirakawa-go sees more tourists in February, the snow season, especially on February 21 - 23 in 2026, because of the holiday to celebrate Emperor’s Birthday, resulting in higher travel spending and more crowded scenic spots. Plus, the number of restaurants here is limited, so you always have to line up for a long period. Thus, some tips are as follows: firstly, book hotels and transportation tickets in advance, perhaps saving some money; secondly, reach the observation desk by foot, since it just takes nearly 20 minutes, if the queue for shuttle bus is too long; thirdly, reserve a restaurant early or prepare some ready-to-eat food like bread and rice balls.

Souvenir Shop in Shirakawa-go

2. In winter, Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum is a top destination: on the one hand, relocated and restored gassho-style houses, shrines and halls of temples are situated in close proximity, so you don’t need to stay outside for a long period; on the other hand, there are some restaurants, where you can order a bowl of hot soba (buckwheat noodles), one of local specialties, to drive away the cold.

Shirakawa-go Weather by Month