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Kanazawa

Weather in Канадзава by month: what to expect

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Weather overview

Канадзава enjoys a temperate climate with distinct seasons, making it a year-round destination. Winters here are mild compared to much of Japan, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. January and February bring cool but manageable weather, while March starts to warm up noticeably.

From April to June, Канадзава transforms into a pleasant spring destination, with temperatures rising steadily. Summers arrive in July and August, bringing warmth and humidity, but the city’s coastal location helps moderate extreme heat. Autumn, from September to November, offers crisp air and comfortable temperatures, ideal for exploring the city’s gardens and historic districts.

Temperature

In Канадзава, temperatures vary significantly throughout the year. The coldest months, January and February, see averages around +4.5 °C, with lows dipping to +2 °C at night. By March, the mercury climbs to +8.5 °C, signaling the start of spring.

July and August are the warmest months in Канадзава, with daytime highs reaching +30.1 °C and +32.4 °C respectively. Nights remain warm, rarely dropping below +23.6 °C. Autumn arrives in September, cooling gradually to +23.9 °C, while December brings winter back with averages around +7.1 °C.

The transition between seasons in Канадзава is smooth, with no extreme temperature swings. Even in summer, the city avoids the oppressive heat found in southern Japan, making it a comfortable destination for travelers who prefer milder conditions.

Average air temperature °C
Average air temperature
Month Minimum Maximum
January 2 7.4
February 1.9 8.3
March 4.6 12.9
April 8.4 17.3
May 13.7 22.3
June 19 25.9
July 23.6 30.1
August 25.1 32.4
September 21.5 28.6
October 14.7 21.6
November 9.2 16.6
December 4.3 10.3

Precipitation

Канадзава is known for its rainfall, which is spread fairly evenly across the year. The wettest months are December and September, with precipitation reaching 279.2 mm and 260.4 mm respectively. Even the driest month, May, sees around 139.5 mm of rain, so waterproof gear is always useful.

Summer in Канадзава brings frequent showers, particularly in July (246.3 mm) and August (221.2 mm). While rain is common, it rarely disrupts travel plans, as downpours tend to be short-lived. Winter months like January (253 mm) and February (170.3 mm) also see significant precipitation, often in the form of rain rather than snow.

If you prefer drier conditions, April and May offer slightly lower rainfall while still providing pleasant temperatures. However, Канадзава’s lush greenery thrives on its consistent moisture, so expect rain in any season.

Precipitation amount mm
Precipitation amount
Month Precipitation
January 253
February 170.3
March 150.1
April 167.9
May 139.5
June 177.1
July 246.3
August 221.2
September 260.4
October 200.8
November 236.4
December 279.2

What to pack

For a trip to Канадзава in winter, pack layers to stay comfortable in temperatures around +4.5 °C. A warm coat is useful for evenings, though heavy winter gear is rarely needed. Waterproof footwear is a good idea, as rain is common in January and February.

Spring and autumn in Канадзава call for versatile clothing. From April to June, light jackets and long sleeves will suffice, while September to November may require an extra layer for cooler mornings. A compact umbrella or rain jacket is essential year-round, especially in July and August when showers are frequent.

Summer visitors to Канадзава should pack breathable fabrics to stay cool in temperatures up to +32.4 °C. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is ideal, along with sun protection like hats and sunglasses. Don’t forget a light rain jacket, as summer afternoons often bring brief but heavy downpours.

Average monthly wind m/s
Average monthly wind
Month Wind speed
January 6.8
February 6.6
March 5.5
April 4.8
May 5.3
June 4
July 4.2
August 3.9
September 4.2
October 5
November 5.9
December 6.2