Japan weather in May
What is the weather like in Japan in May?
The weather conditions in Japan in May range from poor to perfect depending on the destination.
During May in Japan, the average maximum temperature ranges from very low in Mount Fuji with -1°C (31°F) to high in Ishigaki Island with 29°C (84°F). Minimum nighttime temperatures generally drop to 24°C (75°F) in Ishigaki Island and -6°C (21°F) in Mount Fuji.
Precipitation in May ranges from moderate in Sapporo with an average of 54mm (2.1inch) rainfall to heavy in Kōchi with 285mm (11inch).
It is also generally a
moderately sunny
period with an average of 180 hours of sunshine in Tokyo during the entire month.
We invite you to have a look at the map below to find out more about the different weather conditions per location in Japan.
Where to go in Japan in May





Popular destinations in Japan
What is the weather like in May for the 5 most popular destinations in Japan?
Average weather in Tokyo
In May Tokyo generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.
Average weather in Kyoto
In May Kyoto generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.
Average weather in Osaka
In May Osaka generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C (76°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 16°C (60°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.
Average weather in Hakuba
In May Hakuba generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 21°C (69°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.
Average weather in Hakone
In May Hakone generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -1°C (31°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and heavy monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at other destinations in Japan.
Is May the best time to go to Japan?
In our opinion May is one of the best times to visit Japan with commonly pleasant weather in Tokyo. However, the weather conditions may vary depending on your destination.
On average the best time to visit Japan is in April, May and June with generally pleasant weather in Tokyo.
The worst month is January that can have poor weather conditions.
Interested in more climate information?
We have much more information about the climate in Japan.
Interested in the weather conditions in a specific month? Select the month below.
Weather and climate has detailed information for almost all countries 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 suggests which destination suits your ideal climate conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.