Niigata Prefecture Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Niigata Prefecture, Japan in January.

Considering a trip to Niigata Prefecture, Japan this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Niigata Prefecture in January

Niigata Prefecture, Japan is a region in Japan. January in Niigata Prefecture generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with precipitation levels ranging from high to heavy. January falls during the winter season.

Temperatures

The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from very cold in Yuzawa at 1°C (34°F) to cold in Sado at 7°C (45°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 2°C (36°F) in Sado and -7°C (19°F) in Yuzawa. Typically, it's the chilliest month of the year. Making it a great time for staying indoors and enjoying the warmth. Make sure you're prepared by packing the right winter outfits.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Niigata Prefecture, Japan, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From high rainfall in Sado with an average of 146 mm (5.7 in) to heavy rainfall in Itoigawa with 309 mm (12 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is moderately available across various locations. In Myoko, you can expect around 128 hours of sunlight in January, 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 Niigata Prefecture by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Niigata Prefecture — and find the best time to visit. (based on Myoko)

Best Places to Visit in Niigata Prefecture in January

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

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 Niigata Prefecture

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Niigata Prefecture, Japan?

Temperature range in Niigata Prefecture (January)

Precipitation variation in Niigata Prefecture (January)

Myoko

In January Myoko generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and heavy monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-4°C (25°F)
-4°C (25°F)
Monthly sun hours
137 hours
128 hours
130 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
219 mm (8.6 in)
232 mm (9.1 in)
197 mm (7.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
23 days
26 days
23 days
Weather conditions

Niigata

In January Niigata generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 7°C (45°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 2°C (36°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
10°C (50°F)
7°C (45°F)
7°C (45°F)
Min temperature
4°C (39°F)
2°C (36°F)
1°C (34°F)
Monthly sun hours
63 hours
58 hours
77 hours
Monthly rainfall
203 mm (8 in)
191 mm (7.5 in)
142 mm (5.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
28 days
29 days
26 days
Weather conditions

Shinano

In January Shinano generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C (23°F) and heavy monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
6°C (43°F)
3°C (37°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly sun hours
137 hours
128 hours
130 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
192 mm (7.6 in)
203 mm (8 in)
178 mm (7 in)
Monthly rainy days
22 days
25 days
23 days
Weather conditions

Sado

In January Sado generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 7°C (45°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 2°C (36°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
10°C (50°F)
7°C (45°F)
7°C (45°F)
Min temperature
5°C (41°F)
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
Monthly sun hours
63 hours
58 hours
77 hours
Monthly rainfall
166 mm (6.5 in)
146 mm (5.7 in)
116 mm (4.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
29 days
30 days
26 days
Weather conditions

Yuzawa

In January Yuzawa generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and heavy monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
1°C (34°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
186 hours
192 hours
177 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
189 mm (7.4 in)
207 mm (8.1 in)
182 mm (7.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
21 days
24 days
22 days
Weather conditions

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

In our records: Japan January extremes

Notable January records observed across cities in Japan in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • In our records, the coldest January daytime high in Japan was -15°C (5°F) in Mount Fuji on January 18, 2004.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Niigata Prefecture in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Myoko 3°C (37°F) -4°C (25°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Niigata 7°C (45°F) 2°C (36°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Shinano 3°C (37°F) -5°C (23°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Sado 7°C (45°F) 2°C (36°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Yuzawa 1°C (34°F) -7°C (19°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Minami Uonuma 3°C (37°F) -4°C (25°F) 262 mm (10 in)

Niigata Prefecture weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Niigata Prefecture, Japan in January?

January in Niigata Prefecture, Japan brings poor weather. In Myoko, daytime temperatures are typically around 3°C (37°F) and nighttime lows hover near -4°C (25°F).

What is the average temperature in Niigata Prefecture, Japan in January?

In Myoko, the average daytime high in January is 3°C (37°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around -4°C (25°F).

Does Niigata Prefecture, Japan get a lot of snow/rain in January?

Rainfall in Niigata Prefecture, Japan peaks during January. Myoko averages roughly 232 mm (9.1 in), so frequent and sometimes heavy showers are the norm.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Niigata Prefecture, Japan?

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to Niigata Prefecture, Japan with often poor weather in Myoko.

On average, the best time to visit Niigata Prefecture, Japan is in May with generally pleasant weather in Myoko. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, March, July, November and December tend to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Niigata Prefecture.

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.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.