Shikoku Weather in January

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

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Matsuyama Takamatsu Kōchi

Considering a trip to Shikoku, 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 Shikoku in January

Shikoku, Japan is a region in Japan. January in Shikoku generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high. During January, winter is in full swing.

Temperatures

The average highest temperatures fluctuate between very cold in Kōchi at 2°C (36°F) to cold in Takamatsu at 10°C (50°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 4°C (39°F) in Takamatsu and -6°C (21°F) in Kōchi. 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.

For specific regional insights in Shikoku, Japan, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Takamatsu with an average of 71 mm (2.8 in) to high rainfall in Kōchi with 143 mm (5.6 in). Based on our climate data it is the driest month of the year in Matsuyama.

Average sunshine

Sunshine levels are moderate in most locations. Matsuyama typically sees 127 hours of sunlight, creating comfortable conditions that aren't too bright or too dim. Looking for something sunnier? Our weather planner helps you discover destinations with more reliable sunshine.

Explore Shikoku by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Best Places to Visit in Shikoku in January

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

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation
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 Shikoku

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

Temperature range in Shikoku (January)

Precipitation variation in Shikoku (January)

Matsuyama

In January Matsuyama generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 3°C (37°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
10°C (50°F)
11°C (52°F)
Min temperature
5°C (41°F)
3°C (37°F)
3°C (37°F)
Monthly sun hours
140 hours
127 hours
139 hours
Monthly rainfall
86 mm (3.4 in)
76 mm (3 in)
93 mm (3.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
17 days
17 days
Weather conditions
unpleasant
poor
unpleasant
Climate in Matsuyama →

Takamatsu

In January Takamatsu generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
10°C (50°F)
11°C (52°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
Monthly sun hours
156 hours
148 hours
144 hours
Monthly rainfall
72 mm (2.8 in)
71 mm (2.8 in)
81 mm (3.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
17 days
16 days
Weather conditions
unpleasant
poor
unpleasant
Climate in Takamatsu →

Kōchi

In January Kōchi generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
186 hours
192 hours
177 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
126 mm (5 in)
143 mm (5.6 in)
133 mm (5.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
22 days
20 days
Weather conditions
poor
poor
poor
Climate in Kōchi →

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Shikoku, 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 Shikoku in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Matsuyama 10°C (50°F) 3°C (37°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Takamatsu 10°C (50°F) 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Kōchi 2°C (36°F) -6°C (21°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)

Shikoku weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Shikoku, Japan in January?

January in Shikoku, Japan brings poor weather. In Matsuyama, daytime temperatures are typically around 10°C (50°F) and nighttime lows hover near 3°C (37°F).

What is the average temperature in Shikoku, Japan in January?

Matsuyama averages a daytime maximum of 10°C (50°F) in January, with overnight lows close to 3°C (37°F).

Does Shikoku, Japan get a lot of rain in January?

Not particularly. Matsuyama averages just 76 mm (3 in) of rain in January, making it a mostly dry month for Shikoku, Japan.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Shikoku, Japan?

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

Generally speaking, May, October and November provide pleasant weather in Matsuyama. In contrast, January, June and July tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Shikoku.

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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