Chase the autumn leaves in Japan
Japan is one of these cases which turns into a gold, yellow and orange fairy tale starting from September. And we can honestly say: We cannot imagine a more beautiful season to visit Japan.
Niigata Weather in May
During May, Niigata experiences pleasant daytime temperatures of 21°C (70°F) and cooler nights around 13°C (55°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall. Around 105 mm (4.1 in) is typical.
Rainfall in Niigata in May
Historically, May sees about 17 days of rain, with a monthly average of 105 mm (4.1 in). Expect frequent rainfall this month, and not just light drizzle. When it rains, it tends to come down hard.
Temperature in Niigata in May
Niigata in May gets highs of 21°C (70°F) during the day and drops to 13°C (55°F) at night. A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. Nights cool down to 13°C (55°F), so a light jacket or extra layer is useful once the sun goes down. On the plus side, the cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Niigata in May
The city usually sees around 205 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days , a great month for sightseeing.If you're inclined towards comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, May is a good time to visit Niigata.
Niigata Temperature in May
Min Temperature
13°C (55°F)
Max Temperature
21°C (70°F)
Chance of Rain
55%
Precipitation
105 mm (4.1 in)
Rainy days
17 days
Humidity
69%
Sunshine
205 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Niigata Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Niigata - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Niigata typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 21°C (70°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 11°C (52°F) to 16°C (61°F).
Average temperatures in May
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 May
Historical weather records for Niigata in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Niigata spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Niigata historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations (1976-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Niigata.
- On May 26, 2019, temperatures climbed to 31°C (88°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- On May 2, 2013, Niigata saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 10°C (50°F).
- The coldest night in May in Niigata was on May 2, 1981, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F).
Best Places in Japan in May
Find out more about the weather in Japan and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Japan in May →
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).
What to Wear in Niigata in May
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in May. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.
What To Do in Niigata in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
-
Cycling9/10 -
Walking9/10 -
Camping6/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
Niigata 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Niigata
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Niigata climate overview or explore weather in Japan.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Chase the autumn leaves in Japan
Walk the 88 temple circuit
We recommend walking the 88 temple circuit from April til October. Although June, July and August can be a bit wet, hot and humid.
The famous bamboo forests of Arashiyama
The famous bamboo forests of Arashiyama lie just outside the city center of Kyoto and is unique in the world. If you look at photos of this bamboo forest, it looks like you have landed in a fairy-tale world.
10 reasons why you should visit Japan in winter
Here are 10 reasons why you should plan a winter trip to Japan. During this period, popular sights are less busy and prices for flights and hotels much cheaper.