Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama, Gifu, Japan. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama experiences significant rain/snowfall throughout the year, averaging 2900 mm (114 in) of precipitation annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The amount of precipitation varies moderately throughout the year. The wettest month, July, sees around 363 mm (14 in) of rainfall, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of rain now and then. The driest month, November, still receives a respectable 189 mm (7.4 in) of rainfall.
July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C (81°F). The city receives 155 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month November you can expect a temperature of 12°C (54°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in July
Explore Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Japan: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Japan. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama vs World: Rainfall Compared
Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama's average annual precipitation is 2900 mm (114 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm (24 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama Climate page.
