Climate - Kagoshima (Japan)

The climate of Kagoshima, a Japanese city located on the south coast of Kyushu (the southernmost of the major Japanese islands), is temperate humid, with quite mild winters and hot, moist, and rainy summers. Like the rest of Japan, the city is affected by the monsoon circulation: in winter, the northwest cold currents prevail, while in summer, they are replaced by hot and humid currents of tropical origin.
The city is located at a low latitude (at the 31rd parallel), in an area where cold air masses coming from the Asian continent, though still possible, are more rare.
In winter, there can be periods of bad weather, but also sunny days. Every so often, there may be cold periods, with wind and rain, highs around 5/7 °C (41/45 °F) or less, and possible falls of sleet or snow, but less often than in the rest of Japan (at least, as far as the main islands are concerned). Snowfalls, however, are generally light, as are nocturnal frosts.
Summers, which last until September or even early October, are hot and humid. There can be periods of good weather, with maximum temperatures around 35 °C (95 °F), tropical nights and high humidity, but also periods of bad weather due to the summer monsoon.
Here are the average temperatures.

The temperatures at the airport, located in a green zone, about 30 kilometers (18 miles) north-east of the city, and 270 meters (885 feet) above sea level, are much lower than in the city: for example, in January 2016, the temperature dropped to -9 °C (16 °F) at the airport and to -5 °C (23 °F) in Kagoshima.
Rainfall is definitely abundant, since it amounts to 2,435 millimeters (96 inches) per year. Winter is the driest season; the rainiest months are June and July, ie the first period of the rainy season (called Baiu), which in southern Japan is felt in a particular way, especially on the west and south coast, where Kagoshima is located. Sometimes, the rains can be torrential. In the southwest of Japan, autumn is a decent season, and already in October, it typically does not rain very often.
Here is the average precipitation.

The amount of sunshine in Kagoshima is not very good, however, there is a maximum in August, after the Baiu rains, with 6 hours of sunsine per day, while in June, a month of heavy rains, they are only 4. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.



Kagoshima is located on the coast, in a bay, and in front of the city, there's an active volcano, Sakurajima: because of the similarity of the landscape, and also of the climate (at least with regard to the mild winter), the city has been associated which Naples, Italy, to which it is twinned.
The sea in Kagoshima is quite cool in winter, but not impossible for a swim; it is warm enough for swimming, with a temperature of 23 °C (73 °F) or more, from July to October, and it becomes pleasantly warm from July to September. Here are the average sea temperatures.

From June to October (but especially from August to early October), Kagoshima can be affected by typhoons, the tropical cyclones of Southeast Asia.

Best Time

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The best times to visit Kagoshima are spring and autumn, and particularly from mid-April to mid-May and from mid-October to mid-November. In autumn, the rains are rarer, but the days are shorter.
The cherry blossoming in Kagoshima occurs around April 3rd: even though in some years it can get a little cold, with highs around 12 °C (54 °F), you can also take advantage of this period.

Kagoshima - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Kagoshima is usually mild. The average temperature is of 9.2 °C (48 °F), with a minimum of 5.1 °C (41.2 °F) and a maximum of 13.2 °C (55.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 0 °C (32 °F). However, it dropped to -5.3 °C (22.5 °F) in January 2016.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 19.5 °C (67.5 °F). However, it reached 22.3 °C (72.1 °F) in January 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 41% of the time.
The average humidity is 66%.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (68 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In February, the weather in Kagoshima is usually mild. The average temperature is of 10.2 °C (50 °F), with a minimum of 5.8 °C (42.4 °F) and a maximum of 14.5 °C (58.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 0 °C (32.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2.4 °C (27.7 °F) in February 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20.5 °C (69.5 °F). However, it reached 23.7 °C (74.7 °F) in February 2010.
Precipitation amounts to 115 mm (4.5 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 43% of the time.
The average humidity is 65%.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 19.5 °C (66.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In March, the weather in Kagoshima is usually mild. The average temperature is of 13.2 °C (56 °F), with a minimum of 8.9 °C (48 °F) and a maximum of 17.5 °C (63.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 2.5 °C (36.5 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in March 2001.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23 °C (74 °F). However, it reached 27.6 °C (81.7 °F) in March 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 160 mm (6.3 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 40% of the time.
The average humidity is 66%.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 19.5 °C (67.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In April, the weather in Kagoshima is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 17.4 °C (63 °F), with a minimum of 13 °C (55.4 °F) and a maximum of 21.8 °C (71.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (43.5 °F). However, it dropped to 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in April 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26.5 °C (80 °F). However, it reached 30.2 °C (86.4 °F) in April 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 195 mm (7.7 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 43% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21 °C (69.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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In May, the weather in Kagoshima is usually warm. The average temperature is of 21.4 °C (71 °F), with a minimum of 17.4 °C (63.3 °F) and a maximum of 25.5 °C (77.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 12 °C (54 °F). However, it dropped to 8.7 °C (47.7 °F) in May 1995.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (85.5 °F). However, it reached 31.1 °C (88 °F) in May 1999.
Precipitation amounts to 205 mm (8.1 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 41% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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In June, the weather in Kagoshima is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 24.6 °C (76 °F), with a minimum of 21.4 °C (70.5 °F) and a maximum of 27.7 °C (81.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 17 °C (63 °F). However, it dropped to 14.7 °C (58.5 °F) in June 1994.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 32.5 °C (90 °F). However, it reached 34.4 °C (93.9 °F) in June 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 570 mm (22.4 in), distributed over 17 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 10 minutes. So the days are long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 29% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24.5 °C (76.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In July, the weather in Kagoshima is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 28.6 °C (83 °F), with a minimum of 25.3 °C (77.5 °F) and a maximum of 31.9 °C (89.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 22 °C (72 °F). However, it dropped to 18.5 °C (65.3 °F) in July 1992.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35.5 °C (95.5 °F). However, it reached 36.6 °C (97.9 °F) in July 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 365 mm (14.4 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 44% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 6 kph (4 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 27.5 °C (81.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In August, the hottest month of the year, the weather in Kagoshima is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 29.4 °C (85 °F), with a minimum of 26 °C (78.8 °F) and a maximum of 32.8 °C (91 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 23 °C (73 °F). However, it dropped to 20.5 °C (68.9 °F) in August 2016.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35.5 °C (95.5 °F). However, it reached 37.4 °C (99.3 °F) in August 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 225 mm (8.9 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 51% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28.5 °C (83.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In September, the weather in Kagoshima is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 26.8 °C (80 °F), with a minimum of 23.3 °C (73.9 °F) and a maximum of 30.3 °C (86.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 18.5 °C (65.5 °F). However, it dropped to 14.9 °C (58.8 °F) in September 1997.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 34 °C (93 °F). However, it reached 35.7 °C (96.3 °F) in September 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 225 mm (8.9 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 6 kph (4 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 27.5 °C (82 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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In October, the weather in Kagoshima is usually warm. The average temperature is of 21.8 °C (71 °F), with a minimum of 17.9 °C (64.2 °F) and a maximum of 25.8 °C (78.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 12 °C (53.5 °F). However, it dropped to 6.1 °C (43 °F) in October 1997.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30 °C (86.5 °F). However, it reached 32.4 °C (90.3 °F) in October 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 105 mm (4.1 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 53% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 6 kph (4 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26 °C (78.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In November, the weather in Kagoshima is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 16.4 °C (61 °F), with a minimum of 12.1 °C (53.8 °F) and a maximum of 20.6 °C (69.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6 °C (42.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1.4 °C (34.5 °F) in November 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26 °C (78.5 °F). However, it reached 29.5 °C (85.1 °F) in November 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 105 mm (4.1 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 49% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In December, the weather in Kagoshima is usually mild. The average temperature is of 11.3 °C (52 °F), with a minimum of 7.1 °C (44.8 °F) and a maximum of 15.5 °C (59.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1 °C (34 °F). However, it dropped to -1.5 °C (29.3 °F) in December 1995.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22 °C (71 °F). However, it reached 24.7 °C (76.5 °F) in December 1992.
Precipitation amounts to 95 mm (3.7 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 5 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22 °C (71 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.