Nozawa Onsen Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Nozawa Onsen.

Climate overview of Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 29°C (84°F) in August, while winters cool to 3°C (37°F) in January.

With around 2203 mm (87 in) of annual rain/snowfall, Nozawa Onsen has a notably wet climate. However, this rain/snowfall is not evenly distributed, the city has two distinct rainy seasons, December to February and June to October, with warm summers and cold winters. The wettest month is July. The sunniest month is May, with 6.6 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Nozawa Onsen Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Nozawa Onsen - and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Nozawa Onsen

Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to chilly in Nozawa Onsen. Average daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 29°C (84°F) in August. In January, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a chilly 3°C (37°F).

At night, temperatures range from around 20°C (68°F) in August to -5°C (23°F) in January.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 2203 mm (87 in) of rain/snowfall annually. Nozawa Onsen experiences moderate seasonal variation in rainfall, with monthly averages ranging from 263 mm (10 in) in July, the wettest month, and 128 mm (5 in) in April, the driest month. For more details, please visit our Nozawa Onsen Precipitation page.

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

Sunshine Hours in Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of May under a blue sky, with approximately 6.6 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in January, with only 2.2 hours of sunlight per day.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Data from: Joetsu, Japan (30 KM, 19 Miles).

Daily hours of sunshine

Data from: Joetsu, Japan (30 KM, 19 Miles).

Humidity in Nozawa Onsen by Month

Best Time to Visit Nozawa Onsen

The most comfortable overall weather for exploring Nozawa Onsen is usually found in May. Conditions are generally least comfortable in January, February, March, July, November and December.

Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.

  • Best overall: May
  • Warmest weather: July and August
  • Most sunshine: May and August
  • Seasonal pattern: Two distinct rainy seasons, December to February and June to October, with warm summers and cold winters
  • Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -5°C (23°F).

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Nozawa Onsen

What is the best time to visit Nozawa Onsen?

May typically offers the most optimal weather in Nozawa Onsen. In contrast, January, February, March, July, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Nozawa Onsen has two distinct rainy seasons, December to February and June to October, with warm summers and cold winters.

What temperatures can I expect in Nozawa Onsen?

Daytime highs range from 3°C (37°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from -5°C (23°F) to 20°C (68°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.

How much rain does Nozawa Onsen get?

Annual rainfall is around 2203 mm (87 in). July is the wettest month with 263 mm (10 in), while April is the driest with 128 mm (5 in).

How sunny is Nozawa Onsen?

Nozawa Onsen receives around 1,602 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 198 hours, while January is the cloudiest with just 67 hours.

Nozawa Onsen 3-Day Forecast

Nozawa Onsen on the map

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