Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama Weather in January
Thinking of visiting Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in January? Expect very low temperatures reaching 2°C (36°F) during the day, dropping to -7°C (19°F) at night. Heavy showers are common during the rainy season.
Rainfall in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in January
As part of the rainy season, Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama sees around 28 days of rain in January, with an average of 216 mm (8.5 in). With rain on many days and solid totals, showers are frequent and often moderately heavy. Waterproof gear is a sensible idea.
Temperature in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in January
January in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama brings very low temperatures, with highs of 2°C (36°F) and nights around -7°C (19°F). During January, the winter season is in full swing. Even daytime conditions remain cold, making layers, a warm coat, and winter accessories a good idea. At -7°C (19°F) overnight, frost and ice are likely outside. Indoors, consider packing an extra blanket if you're unsure about the heating. This month is known for being the coldest, so make sure you pack appropriately with plenty of warm clothing.
Sunshine in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in January
This month sees fewer sunny days, with about 64 hours of sunshine, perfect for those who enjoy cooler temperatures.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, January may not be the ideal month to visit Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Japan, check out our Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama's climate page.
Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama Temperature in January
Min Temperature
-7°C (19°F)
Max Temperature
2°C (36°F)
Chance of Rain
93%
Precipitation
216 mm (8.5 in)
Rainy days
28 days
Humidity
83% *
Sunshine
64 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 2°C (36°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -2°C (28°F) to 0°C (32°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama historical weather extremes in January
Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama.
- The warmest day in January was on January 10, 1990, with a maximum of 18°C (64°F).
- The lowest daytime temperature in January was -3°C (27°F), recorded on January 25, 2023.
- The coldest night in January in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama was on January 15, 2014, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F).
Best Places in Japan in January
Find out more about the weather in Japan and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Japan in January →
perfect weather
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What to Wear in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in January
Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in January. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. It's going to pour! Pack a good poncho and prepare for very wet conditions. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.What To Do in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Japan, check out our Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama climate overview or explore weather in Japan.
