ClimateForecastDecemberJanuary >>

Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama Climate by Month

The climate in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama is marked by big temperature swings throughout the year. Temperatures range from warm during the warmest months to very cold in the cooler months. It also has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high levels of precipitation. Let’s explore the climate details in depth to provide you with a complete overview.

Average day and night temperature

In Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama, temperatures differ significantly between summer and winter months. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 28°C in August to a very cold 2°C in January. Nighttime temperatures can drop, with averages reaching -7°C in January.

The mean minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year

Precipitation and rainy days

Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 2900 mm of precipitation annually. The amount of precipitation varies moderately throughout the year. The wettest month, July, sees around 363 mm of rainfall, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of rain now and then. The driest month, November, still receives a respectable 189 mm of rainfall.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow

Sunshine over the year

In Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 6.9 hours in August. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. January sees a soft sun for only 2.1 hours per average day.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Data from: Fukui, Japan (64 KM, 40 Miles).

Daily hours of sunshine

Data from: Fukui, Japan (64 KM, 40 Miles).

The best time of year to visit Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in Japan

During the months of June and September you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.

The average rainfall figures in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama are quite high. Throughout the year, you have a chance of prolonged precipitation. So no matter what time of year you go, you will always have to deal with a high number of rainy days. This makes it more challenging to point out the best time of year to visit. If we needed to pick one month we would choose August which is the sunniest month of the year.

Other facts from our historical weather data:
  • Which is the warmest month in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama?
    August has an average maximum temperature of 28°C and is the warmest month of the year.
  • Which is the coldest month in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama?
    The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of 2°C.
  • Which is the wettest month in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama?
    July tops the wettest month list with 363 mm of rainfall.
  • Which is the driest month in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama?
    November is the driest month with 189 mm of precipitation.
  • Which is the sunniest month in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama?
    August is the sunniest month with an average of 208 hours of sunshine.

  • No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

    Forecast for Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama

    Thu   Dec 12
    -2°C | -12°C
    NW 14 km/h
    partly cloudy and no rain

    partly cloudy and no rain

    Fri   Dec 13
    2°C | -11°C
    SW 4 km/h
    11 mm
    overcast and  chance of slight rain

    overcast and chance of slight rain

    Sat   Dec 14
    -1°C | -10°C
    NW 11 km/h
    14 mm
    broken clouds and snow

    broken clouds and snow