Shirakawa-go Weather

Shirakawa-go experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: springs from April to May are warming up; summers from June to August are warm and rainy. Freezing winters from December to March as well as cool autumns from September to November are two best seasons to visit Shirakawa-go, enjoying breathtaking seasonal natural wonders.

Temperature

Surrounded by mountains, three climatic features of Shirakawa-go are as follows:

1. It has lower temperatures than Tokyo, Osaka, and other big plain cities in Japan. For instance, Osaka’s annual average temperature is around 1 - 33℃ (33.8 - 91.4℉), while Shirakawa-go’s fluctuates between -5℃ (23℉) and 30℃ (86℉). 
2. The temperature range over the year is wide: in August, the hottest period, temperatures are rarely over 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit); in January, the coldest month, ones decline below freezing and even sometimes reach -9℃ (15.8℉). 

3. The area is characterized by a huge temperature difference between day and night. Take winter as an example: it is cold at night, but you may feel fresh at midday on sunny days. 

Precipitation

Due to the special topography, total precipitation of Shirakawa-go is abundant all year around, with the monthly average of nearly 200mm (7.9 in).

Rainfall

Although June and July are regarded as the rainy season in Shirakawa-go, August and September still receive high rainfall. During these four months, heavy showers frequently occur in Shirakawa-go, some of which are intermittent within a single day.

Snowfall

Deeply affected by Sea of Japan side climate, Shirakawa-go is one of places with the heaviest snowfall in Japan, making it a winter wonderland with stunning snowy scenery and various winter events. The area typically experiences snowfall from December and March each year, and the depth of accumulated snow often exceeds 1 - 2 meters (39.4 - 78.8 in).

Best Time to Visit Shirakawa-go 

January to February in winter and mid-October to mid-November in autumn are the best times to visit Shirakawa-go.

Shirakawa-go has been a world-renowned destination to admire snowy landscapes. During these two months, its gassho-style houses, whose roof looks like praying hands, are carpeted with deep snow, their beauty becoming more striking against the backdrop of white mountains. Meanwhile, don’t miss light-up events at night: bathed in beautiful light, the village draws you into a dreamlike world.

Fall foliage changes color in mid-October, reaching its prime between late October and middle November. Starting from the top of mountains, red and golden leaves gradually spread throughout the village, eventually forming a colorful tapestry. Besides, the three most known Doburoku festivals in Shirakawa-go are successively held during the second part of October, when you have a chance to taste Nigori (a kind of unstrained sake).                                                                                      

Middle April to early May is also a nice period for travel, when the weather is comfortable and cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

See more about Best Time to Visit Japan & Japan Weather

Shirakawa-go Weather by Month

Shirakawa-go Climate - Seasons, Clothes, and Travel Advice 

Snowy Kingdom: December to March

Weather: Shirakawa-go has a cold winter climate, especially in January and February with the lows of -5 - 0℃ (23 - 32℉). As a representative of heavy snow regions, it experiences frequent snowfall, and you might see the first snow in early December. The snowfall is the greatest in January and February, leading to the most breathtaking scenery. Snowy days usually bring fog, causing poor visibility. Occasional high winds make your apparent temperature lower.

Clothe guidelines: Given indoor places with sufficient heating, onion-like dressing is advised. Sweaters or hoodies are proper as inner clothes, paired with down jackets or woolen overcoats. Choose snow pants and comfortable anti-slip snow boots, which are better to be waterproof. Winter hats, gloves and facial masks are necessary to keep warm, and remember to pack raingear. 

Top things to do: 
1. Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck and Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck are the best places to see a panoramic view of snow-capped Shirakawa-go. During four lighting nights from middle January to early February, the area nearby Wada House is a pretty site for photography.
2. Enjoying a day trip onsen at Shirakawa-go no Yu Hotel helps your body warm up.
3. Nothing beats a steaming-hot bowl of soba (buckwheat noodles) topped with wild vegetables on a cold winter day.

Colorful Fairyland: September to November

Weather: The temperature in autumn steadily goes down in Shirakawa-go. Though September marks the onset of the autumn, it is still warm with the average temperature of 15 - 25℃ (59 - 77℉); by November, it drops to roughly 3 - 13℃ (37.4 - 55.4℉), and night temperatures hover around freezing at the end of the month. The day-night temperature gap usually exceeds 10℃ (50℉). In total, the precipitation is relatively high, with an average of 13 rainy days per month. 

Clothes to wear: Short sleeved T-shirts, thin sweatpants and non-slip walking shoes are suitable outfits in September; wear long-sleeved shirts, hoodies or thin sweaters, jeans and comfy sneakers in October and November. Bring along a trench coat if you plan to go outside in the early morning and evening. Umbrellas, raincoats and waterproof shoe covers are necessities.

Seasonal highlights: 
1. Wandering around Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine and Myozenji Temple, you can enjoy colorful fall leaves up close; standing on the Deai Bridge, sparkling Shō River, vibrant trees and thatched-roof houses all come into view.
2. There is a wealth of activities in Doburoku Festival, including processions with a richly adorned shrine, lion dances and performances of traditional folk songs and dances.

Blossom Heaven: April to May

Weather: As spring comes, it gets warmer and warmer in Shirakawa-go, averaging roughly 3 - 16℃ (37.4 - 60.8℉) in April, and 9 - 22℃ (48.2 - 71.6℉) in May. The temperature difference within a day is even greater than in autumn. Plus, temperature drops and rises might occur in just a few days. For instance, the high rose by 14℃ (57℉) on April 13 - 19, 2025. It rains for 13 days each month, bringing the lowest total rainfall over the whole year.

Outfits: In April, hoodies, thin sweaters, lightweight down jackets and long jeans are highly recommended. By May, pack long-sleeved shirts, cardigans and sweatpants. Choose casual shoes with soft insoles, relieving foot pain after a long walk. You had better prepare a vest to cope with temperature changes, and wear a facial mask for those allergic to pollen.

Best things to do:
1. Here are two recommended sites to admire Sakura: one is Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum in middle April: the reflection of cherry flowers in the pool attracts lots of shutterbugs; 
the other is Shirakawa-go Honkaku-ji Temple in early May, as it is well-known for extremely large and magnificent cherry blossoms of one cherry tree. 
2. Shirakawa-go hosts Rice Planting Festival every late May, when more than a dozen females play ancient peasant girls, line up in a field and sing local folk songs while transplanting rice.

Lush Wonderland: June to August

Weather: In hot and humid summer, maximum temperatures are often 25 - 35 ℃ (77 - 95℉) while the minimum are 15℃ (59℉) or above. The rainfall sharply increases, reaching its annual peak in July with an average of 357mm (14 in). Although it rains frequently, sunny days have strong sunshine, particularly at noon.

What to wear: It’s better to bring breathable and loose short-sleeved T-shirts and shorts or skirts, paired with comfy rain boots. Besides, sunglasses, hats, sunblock and rain gear are the musts in summer. Sun-protective clothing is very useful to protect against intense UV rays and give you warmth in cooler mornings and evenings. 

Travel Suggestions: 
1. The highlight of Shirakawa-go in summer is beautiful natural landscapes. Especially in July, the front of the houses is studded with blooming pink and purple hydrangeas and the village is surrounded by green rice paddies, showing a picturesque scene.     
2. There are many mosquitoes, so mosquito repellent is essential.