Zao Onsen Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

On this page, we’ll explore Zao Onsen’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in Japan.

Monthly Temperature Averages

Visitors to Zao Onsen can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Typically, maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 28°C in August to a chilly 3°C in the coolest month, January. Nights are cooler, with temperatures generally dropping to -5°C, particularly during the colder months.

The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Zao Onsen by month:

The early hours of 4 AM to 6 AM often see the lowest temperatures, while 3 PM marks the peak of the day’s heat as the sun’s impact is strongest. August, the city’s warmest month, boasts 148 hours of sunshine.

The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:

January, the city’s coldest month, sees about 113 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 29 days. It records 148 hours of sunshine of sunshine.

Annual Temperatures in Japan Compared

The map below shows the annual temperature across Japan. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Annual

Annual

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Legend

very warm

warm

pleasant

moderate

cold

very cold

Very warm means maximum temperatures above 32°C. Warm: 25°C to 32°C. Pleasant: 18°C to 25°C Moderate: 10°C to 18°C. Cold: 5°C to 10°C. Very cold: lower than 5°C

Zao Onsen Temperatures Compared World Wide

Zao Onsen’s average annual maximum temperature is 16°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:

The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual temperature of 20°C, known for its sunny summers and comfortable winters.

Meanwhile, Queenstown, New Zealand, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 10°C, with mild summers and cold winters.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of 23°C, featuring hot summers and mild winters.

Melbourne, Australia, has a slightly cooler climate, with an average annual temperature of 20°C.

How does the temperature feel?

Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.

On the other hand, in cooler months, especially when temperatures dip below 10°C, high humidity can intensify the cold. This makes the air feel much colder than it really is.

In Zao Onsen, during the coolest month, January, you will experience 66% humidity, which is considered high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of 3°C. In the warmest month, August, the humidity is 81% combined with an average maximum temperature of 28°C, which creates a very high-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.

How are these Temperatures Measured?

Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.

This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.

Global Warming and Its Effects

Climate change is affecting worldwide temperatures, including in Zao Onsen. It has massive impacts on both local and global levels:

Global Temperature Rise: The average global land and sea temperatures have risen by about 1.2°C since pre-industrial times.
Local Impacts: Most regions of the world are witnessing warmer winters with fewer frost and snowfall days. The global frequency and severity of heatwaves have increased. For example, Europe's summers of 2018, 2019, and 2020 all broke records. Summers are also becoming drier; however, during winter, inland regions have experienced increased rainfall. This has caused elevated river levels and more cases of flooding.

Many countries are experiencing earlier springs and later autumns. This is why some bird species have shifted their migration dates.

For more detailed information about Zao Onsen’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Zao Onsen climate page.