Shizuoka Weather in March

Season: Spring
Quick Look: grow warmer; relatively high rainfall; rich sunshine hours; Sakura season with more visitors

Getting Warmer

Average Temperature: 6-15℃ (43-59℉)

Shizuoka moves into early spring in March when the weather grows warmer. A chill lingers at the beginning of the month, with low temperatures hovering around 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit). However, as time goes by, daytime temperatures get comfortable, reaching 20℃ (68℉) or more, while nighttime temperatures are usually 10℃ (50℉) or so by late March. Another good news is that besides early-blooming Kawazu-zakura in early March, other types of cherry flowers in most regions of Shizuoka are typically blooming from late March to early April.

Do note that there are considerable temperature variations across the prefecture: coastal areas are warmer, but their relatively high winds may cause a headache and lower feels-like temperature. And You still feel chilly in the mountains such as the area around Mount Fuji.

Relatively High Rainfall

Monthly Precipitation: 207 mm (8.2 in)
Average Rainy Days: 16 days

Shizuoka sees light rain most frequently, with heavy rain the next. The latter tends to accumulate more than 30 mm (1.2 in) daily rainfall, and occur in early and late March. If your trip to Shizuoka happens to fall in these two periods in 2026, check the weather forecast in advance and keep raingear handy. In addition, the rain in this month spans about half a day, and at times it might start with a shower, stop for a while, and then resume for a long time.

Increased rainfall leads to a rise in humidity of 64%. As a bit high it is, the value is pleasant for people along with moderate temperatures.

Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours

Sunrise Time: 05:36 - 06:19
Sunset Time: 17:44 - 18:09
Daylight Hours: 11 hours 24 minutes - 12 hours 33 minutes
Sunshine Hours: roughly 6 hours on average per day

Given the longer daylight hours in March, you can slow down your travel pace a bit. But you cannot be too relaxed, because many destinations require transferring buses, which run infrequently - usually one bus per hour. Therefore, confirm their schedule ahead of time before travelling.

Some scenic spots lengthen their opening hours. For example, the closing time of Gotemba Premium Outlets is postponed by 1 hour from this month, with business hours between 10:00 and 20:00. More specifically, while Fujisan Hongu Sengen-taisha Shrine opens for an extra hour, its opening hours of 5:30 to 19:30 only apply in March and October. 

During this period, abundant sunlight hours give you much time to take stunning pictures with elegant cherry blossoms against the background of the clouds-floated blue sky, and ample light makes you look more photogenic.

How to Dress for Shizuoka Trip in March

Based on Shizuoka’s climate in March, wearing in layers is always a wise decision. However, the dress requirements vary slightly with diverse terrain.

1. Plain areas: Hoodies, cardigans and thin-fleece sweatpants work well during the day. Considering a sudden increase or decrease in temperature, short sleeve shirts or fleece jackets possibly come in handy. Comfortable sneakers or casual shoes are acceptable.

2. Mountainous regions: Aside from the above-mentioned daytime outfit, prepare a lightweight down jacket. Frequent walking in some places makes hiking shoes necessary. If you plan to visit Mount Fuji by bike, remember to take gloves.

3. Coastal areas: Pack an extra windproof jacket and scarf against sea winds. Some small stones by the sea may get into your shoes, so easy-to-take-off slip-ons are highly recommended.

Apart from those, facial masks are indispensable for individuals with a sensitive nose.

Where and When to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms

1. Kawazu River: Its riverside, lined with lively Kawazu-zakura trees, forms a splendid tunnel from mid-February to early March. After nightfall, the flowers bathed in warm light show unique allure, creating an unforgettable memory for each visitor. Also, there are some food stalls, and Sakura-flavored taiyaki is a must-taste snack. 
2. Iwamotoyama Park: It looks like an idyllic xanadu during late March through early April, when a sea of cherry flowers complements Mount Fuji in the distance.
3. Sumpu Castle Park: The park transforms into a dreamlike Sakura fairyland at the same time. Besides, lots of local snacks and wonderful performances await your exploration.
4. Hamamatsu Castle Park: Starting from late March, the ancient castle is surrounded by pink cherry flowers. Stepping onto its main keep, you can overlook the entire spectacle.

Tip: If you prefer a more tranquil environment, early mornings on working days are the best times to visit these places.

Travel Suggestions and Tips

1. The Sakura season undoubtedly brings many tourists to Shizuoka, but your travel experience may be better than in major cities like Tokyo, thanks to its cheaper hotel prices and less packed attractions.
2. In March, Mount Fuji still enjoys a snow cap. To make sure you take clear photos of it, pay more attention to relevant information about intraday visibility before you set off. Plus, using a wide-angle lens can better capture its beauty and early mornings tend to offer the best light.

Shizuoka Weather by Month