Wakayama Weather in January

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

Considering a trip to Wakayama, 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 Wakayama in January

Wakayama, Japan is a region in Japan. January in Wakayama generally has temperatures that range from cold to mild, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high. The month of January is in the winter season.

Temperatures

The average highest temperatures fluctuate between cold in Koyasan at 8°C (46°F) to mild in Taiji at 12°C (54°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 6°C (43°F) in Taiji and -1°C (30°F) in Koyasan. In general, this month stands out as the coldest period throughout the year. Given the lower temperatures, it's essential to be well-prepared. Packing the right winter clothing and necessary accessories can make a significant difference in ensuring your comfort and well-being during this chilly season.

To explore the conditions in Wakayama, Japan in more detail, check the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snow/rainfall in Koyasan with an average of 91 mm (3.6 in) to high snow/rainfall in Taiji with 106 mm (4.2 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine amounts are decent in most places. Shirahama gets approximately 137 hours of sunlight in January, offering a reasonable amount of both bright and cloudy periods. Curious about sunnier destinations? Our weather planner makes it easy to find places worldwide with pleasant weather.

Explore Wakayama by month

Best Places to Visit in Wakayama in January

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

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 Wakayama

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

Temperature range in Wakayama (January)

Precipitation variation in Wakayama (January)

Shirahama

In January Shirahama generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C (52°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
14°C (57°F)
11°C (52°F)
12°C (54°F)
Min temperature
8°C (46°F)
6°C (43°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly sun hours
134 hours
137 hours
134 hours
Monthly rainfall
104 mm (4.1 in)
104 mm (4.1 in)
130 mm (5.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
14 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Wakayama

In January Wakayama generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C (52°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
11°C (52°F)
11°C (52°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
Monthly sun hours
134 hours
137 hours
134 hours
Monthly rainfall
97 mm (3.8 in)
95 mm (3.7 in)
107 mm (4.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
16 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Koyasan

In January Koyasan generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 8°C (46°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
11°C (52°F)
8°C (46°F)
9°C (48°F)
Min temperature
2°C (36°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Monthly sun hours
134 hours
137 hours
134 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
91 mm (3.6 in)
91 mm (3.6 in)
111 mm (4.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
17 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Katsuura

In January Katsuura generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 12°C (54°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
14°C (57°F)
12°C (54°F)
12°C (54°F)
Min temperature
8°C (46°F)
6°C (43°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly rainfall
103 mm (4.1 in)
104 mm (4.1 in)
132 mm (5.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
13 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Tanabe

In January Tanabe generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C (52°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
11°C (52°F)
11°C (52°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
5°C (41°F)
5°C (41°F)
Monthly sun hours
134 hours
137 hours
134 hours
Monthly rainfall
101 mm (4 in)
101 mm (4 in)
128 mm (5 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
14 days
15 days
Weather conditions

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Shirahama 11°C (52°F) 6°C (43°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Wakayama 11°C (52°F) 4°C (39°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Koyasan 8°C (46°F) -1°C (30°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Katsuura 12°C (54°F) 6°C (43°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Tanabe 11°C (52°F) 5°C (41°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Hongu 9°C (48°F) 1°C (34°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)

Wakayama weather in January: frequently asked questions

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

In January, Wakayama, Japan generally has poor weather conditions. Shirahama sees daytime temperatures near 11°C (52°F), with nights cooling to roughly 6°C (43°F).

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

Daytime temperatures in Shirahama peak at roughly 11°C (52°F) in January, dropping to about 6°C (43°F) overnight.

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

Yes, January tends to be a wetter month in Wakayama, Japan. Average rainfall in Shirahama sits around 104 mm (4.1 in).

Is January a Good Time to Visit Wakayama, Japan?

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

On average, the best time to visit Wakayama, Japan is in April, May and November with generally tolerable weather in Shirahama. The weather in January, February, June and July, on the other hand, tends to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Wakayama.

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.