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Shirakawa

Weather in Сиракава: What to Expect by Season

Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5

Weather overview

Сиракава sits in a region where seasons paint the landscape in distinct colors. Winters here are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summers bring warmth and humidity. The transition months—spring and autumn—offer mild conditions, making them popular times to explore Сиракава without extreme weather.

From December to February, Сиракава is wrapped in snow, creating a quiet, wintry atmosphere. By March, the thaw begins, and by May, the town blooms under pleasant skies. The rainy season starts in June, lasting through September, before Сиракава settles into crisp, dry autumn days.

Temperature

Winter in Сиракава is chilly, with average temperatures hovering around -0.7 °C in January and dipping to -5.3 °C at night. By March, the air warms to +4.9 °C, though nights remain cold. April brings a noticeable shift, with daytime highs reaching +18.3 °C and evenings staying above +4.6 °C.

Summer arrives in full force by July, when Сиракава sees averages of +24.2 °C and peaks near +30.6 °C. Nights stay warm, rarely dropping below +20 °C in August. The heat lingers into September, but by October, temperatures drop to a comfortable +13.9 °C, signaling the start of autumn’s cool embrace.

Average air temperature °C
Average air temperature
Month Minimum Maximum
January -5.3 3.7
February -4.5 5.2
March -0.9 11.8
April 4.6 18.3
May 9.2 22.9
June 14.8 26.2
July 19.9 30.6
August 20.5 31.6
September 17.7 27.5
October 9.4 20.3
November 3.6 14.2
December -1.6 6.1

Precipitation

Rainfall in Сиракава varies widely across the year. The driest months are November and February, with around 84–90 mm of precipitation. From June to September, the town experiences its wettest period, with July and September each receiving over 250 mm of rain. April and May see moderate rainfall, making them a balanced time for travel.

Snow is a defining feature of Сиракава’s winters, though exact snowfall amounts aren’t recorded here. The combination of cold temperatures and moisture ensures a snowy landscape from December through February, while March often brings a mix of rain and melting snow.

Precipitation amount mm
Precipitation amount
Month Precipitation
January 92.1
February 89.3
March 148.4
April 160.5
May 165.9
June 197.5
July 254.8
August 218.6
September 252.4
October 169.7
November 84.2
December 100.9

What to pack

For a winter trip to Сиракава, pack warm layers, a waterproof coat, and sturdy footwear to navigate snowy streets. Gloves and a hat are essential, as temperatures can drop below -5 °C at night. If visiting in December or January, consider thermal wear for outdoor activities.

In spring or autumn, light layers work well, with a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. April and May may require a light raincoat, while October and November call for slightly warmer clothing as temperatures dip. For summer, breathable fabrics and an umbrella are key, especially during the rainy June to September stretch.

Average monthly wind m/s
Average monthly wind
Month Wind speed
January 2.4
February 2.6
March 2.5
April 2.5
May 2.8
June 2.1
July 1.9
August 2.1
September 1.8
October 2.1
November 2.3
December 2.2