Osaka

Japan Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Japan in May.

Planning a journey to Japan this May and curious over the weather conditions to await? Your essential details are found on this page, answering your query:

What to Expect in Japan in May

The weather in Japan in May can be quite varied, with temperatures that range from cold to warm and precipitation levels ranging from moderate to heavy.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is cold in Nemuro at 8°C (46°F) to warm in Yonaguni at 28°C (82°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 25°C (77°F) in Yonaguni and 5°C (41°F) in Nemuro.

For a closer look at conditions across Japan, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Rebun Island with an average of 73 mm (2.9 in) to heavy rainfall in Yonaguni with 237 mm (9.3 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is moderately available across various locations. In Tokyo, you can expect around 180 hours of sunlight in May, which gives a pleasant combination of sun and shade. For those who want maximum sunshine, our weather planner can point you toward the sunniest places on Earth.

Explore Japan by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Japan - and find the best time to visit. (based on Tokyo)

Best Places to Visit in Japan in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Japan.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Japan

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in Japan?

Temperature range in Japan (May)

Precipitation variation in Japan (May)

Tokyo

In May Tokyo generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 23°C (73°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
19°C (66°F)
23°C (73°F)
26°C (79°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
16°C (61°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly sun hours
176 hours
180 hours
123 hours
Monthly rainfall
122 mm (4.8 in)
134 mm (5.3 in)
173 mm (6.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
16 days
20 days
Weather conditions

Kyoto

In May Kyoto generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
19°C (66°F)
24°C (75°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
8°C (46°F)
13°C (55°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly sun hours
178 hours
185 hours
140 hours
Monthly rainfall
142 mm (5.6 in)
155 mm (6.1 in)
221 mm (8.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
15 days
18 days
Weather conditions

Osaka

In May Osaka generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
20°C (68°F)
25°C (77°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
10°C (50°F)
15°C (59°F)
20°C (68°F)
Monthly sun hours
188 hours
202 hours
156 hours
Monthly rainfall
126 mm (5 in)
141 mm (5.6 in)
207 mm (8.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
15 days
18 days
Weather conditions

Hakuba

In May Hakuba generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
11°C (52°F)
18°C (64°F)
22°C (72°F)
Min temperature
1°C (34°F)
8°C (46°F)
13°C (55°F)
Monthly sun hours
177 hours
177 hours
135 hours
Monthly rainfall
187 mm (7.4 in)
214 mm (8.4 in)
320 mm (13 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
17 days
20 days
Weather conditions

Hakone

In May Hakone generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are good that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
17°C (63°F)
21°C (70°F)
24°C (75°F)
Min temperature
9°C (48°F)
14°C (57°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly rainfall
188 mm (7.4 in)
190 mm (7.5 in)
255 mm (10 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
15 days
19 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Japan.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Japan in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Tokyo 23°C (73°F) 16°C (61°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Osaka 25°C (77°F) 15°C (59°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Kyoto 24°C (75°F) 13°C (55°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Hakone 21°C (70°F) 14°C (57°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Hiroshima 24°C (75°F) 15°C (59°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nara 25°C (77°F) 14°C (57°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)

Japan weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Japan in May?

In May, Japan generally has very good weather conditions. Tokyo sees daytime temperatures near 23°C (73°F), with nights cooling to roughly 16°C (61°F).

What is the average temperature in Japan in May?

Tokyo averages a daytime maximum of 23°C (73°F) in May, with overnight lows close to 16°C (61°F).

Does Japan get a lot of rain in May?

Yes, May tends to be a wetter month in Japan. Average rainfall in Tokyo sits around 134 mm (5.3 in).

Is May a Good Time to Visit Japan?

We consider May to be one of the best times to travel to Japan. Typically, the climate in Tokyo is very good. It's worth noting that weather conditions might differ depending on the location you visit.

Generally speaking, May, June and November provide very good weather in Tokyo. On the other hand, the weather in January tends to be less favorable.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Japan.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Japan? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Japan.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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