Weather and climate in Kanazawa (Japan)

In Kanazawa, a city of Japan, located on the west side of Honshu Island, the climate is humid semi-continental, with cold, damp winters and hot, moist summers. There is no dry season. 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.
In winter, cold winds from the Asian continent are loaded with moisture when passing over the sea, and then hit the coast directly. In Kanazawa, the temperature is slightly above freezing (0 °C or 32 °F), the sky is cloudy, the wind blows, and it rains and snows almost every day. It snows especially in January and February; on average, more than two meters and a half (8 feet) of snow fall per year. The snow is usually wet and therefore very heavy, so the traditional houses have sloping roofs, while the trees in the botanical garden are supported with special rods. Waves of intense cold are rare: usually, the temperature does not drop below -5 °C (23 °F), although the cold is fairly constant and the air is humid.
The presence of maritime air in the city makes great snowfalls rare, in fact, even if it snows a lot, the snow tends to melt. On the contrary, in inland areas, already at low altitude, but especially on the slopes of the mountains exposed to the northwest, very heavy snowfalls occur, and meters of snow accumulate. It is no coincidence that this region of Japan is called "snow country" or Yukiguni (and in the mountains, there are several ski lifts).
In summer, periods of fine weather, hot and humid, alternate with periods of bad weather, with wind and rain. August is the warmest month, both because of the thermal inertia of the sea and because of the lower frequency of periods of bad weather.
Here are the average temperatures.

In Kanazawa, precipitation is definitely abundant, and amounts to 2,400 millimeters (94.5 inches) per year, which make it one of the rainiest cities in Japan (together with some cities on the southern side of the island of Honshu such as Shizuoka and Owase) and one of the extratropical rainiest cities in the world (together with Valdivia, Chile). Precipitation is more frequent in winter but more intense in summer. The (relatively) driest season is spring; in summer, when the monsoon is somewhat less intense than in southern Japan, there is a certain drop in rainfall in August. Here is the average precipitation.

The sun in Kanazawa is rarely seen in winter, when the sky is generally cloudy; in the other seasons, the degree of sunshine is not very good, however, there are two relative maxima, one in spring (April-May) and the other in August, which, as we said, is the one with the best weather among the summer months.

In Kanazawa, the sea becomes warm enough for swimming in August and September, while it is a bit cool in July. Here are the average sea temperatures.

From June to October (but especially from August to early October), Kanazawa can be affected by typhoons, though usually with lower intensity than in southern Japan.

Best Time

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From the climatic point of view, the best times to visit Kanazawa are spring and autumn, and in particular from late April to late May and from mid-October to early November.
The cherry blossoming in Kanazawa occurs around April 7-8, with a variability of about one week before or after depending on the year: even though in some years it can get a little cold, with highs around 9/10 °C (48/50 °F), you can also take advantage of this period. On the other hand, from late October to mid-November, you can admire the autumn leaves in the famous Kenrokuen Garden (which is considered as one of the three most important, together with the Kairakuen in Mito and the Korakuen in Okayama) or around temples.



In summer, August is partly preferable to July, having more sunshine and less rainfall, but it is also true that it is hotter and there's a greater risk of typhoons.

Kanazawa - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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January, the coldest month of the year, is generally a quite cold month. The average temperature is of 4.2 °C (39 °F), with a minimum of 1.2 °C (34.2 °F) and a maximum of 7.1 °C (44.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2.5 °C (27.5 °F). However, it dropped to -5.5 °C (22.1 °F) in January 1997.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 14 °C (57 °F). However, it reached 18.4 °C (65.1 °F) in January 1997.
Precipitation amounts to 270 mm (10.6 in), distributed over 25 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 2 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 20% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 12 °C (53.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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February is generally a quite cold month. The average temperature is of 4.4 °C (40 °F), with a minimum of 1 °C (33.8 °F) and a maximum of 7.8 °C (46 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2.5 °C (27.5 °F). However, it dropped to -4.2 °C (24.4 °F) in February 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 16.5 °C (61.5 °F). However, it reached 22.5 °C (72.5 °F) in February 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 170 mm (6.7 in), distributed over 21 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 3 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 28% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (51 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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March is generally a quite mild month. The average temperature is of 7.5 °C (46 °F), with a minimum of 3.4 °C (38.1 °F) and a maximum of 11.6 °C (52.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1 °C (30.5 °F). However, it dropped to -3 °C (26.6 °F) in March 2001.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 21 °C (69.5 °F). However, it reached 24.9 °C (76.8 °F) in March 2010.
Precipitation amounts to 160 mm (6.3 in), distributed over 18 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 39% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (50.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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April is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 12.8 °C (55 °F), with a minimum of 8.2 °C (46.8 °F) and a maximum of 17.3 °C (63.1 °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 0.5 °C (32.9 °F) in April 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26 °C (79 °F). However, it reached 30.7 °C (87.3 °F) in April 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 135 mm (5.3 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 47% of the time.
The average humidity is 66%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 11.5 °C (52.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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May is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 18.0 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 13.6 °C (56.5 °F) and a maximum of 22.3 °C (72.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8 °C (46.5 °F). However, it dropped to 4.4 °C (39.9 °F) in May 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (84.5 °F). However, it reached 32.6 °C (90.7 °F) in May 2006.
Precipitation amounts to 155 mm (6.1 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 5 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 47% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14.5 °C (58 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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June is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 22 °C (72 °F), with a minimum of 18.4 °C (65.1 °F) and a maximum of 25.6 °C (78.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 14 °C (57 °F). However, it dropped to 10.9 °C (51.6 °F) in June 2017.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (89 °F). However, it reached 34.7 °C (94.5 °F) in June 1991.
Precipitation amounts to 185 mm (7.3 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 35 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 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 37% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18.5 °C (65.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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July is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 26.2 °C (79 °F), with a minimum of 22.9 °C (73.2 °F) and a maximum of 29.5 °C (85.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 19.5 °C (66.5 °F). However, it dropped to 17.2 °C (63 °F) in July 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 37.4 °C (99.3 °F) in July 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 230 mm (9.1 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 25 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 37% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 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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August, the hottest month of the year, is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 27.7 °C (82 °F), with a minimum of 24.1 °C (75.4 °F) and a maximum of 31.3 °C (88.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 20 °C (68 °F). However, it dropped to 17.1 °C (62.8 °F) in August 2002.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (96.5 °F). However, it reached 38 °C (100.4 °F) in August 1994.
Precipitation amounts to 140 mm (5.5 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26 °C (78.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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September is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 23.6 °C (74 °F), with a minimum of 19.9 °C (67.8 °F) and a maximum of 27.2 °C (81 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 14.5 °C (58 °F). However, it dropped to 10.3 °C (50.5 °F) in September 2001.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92 °F). However, it reached 37.5 °C (99.5 °F) in September 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 225 mm (8.9 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 41% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24.5 °C (76 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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October is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 17.8 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 13.9 °C (57 °F) and a maximum of 21.8 °C (71.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8 °C (46 °F). However, it dropped to 5 °C (41 °F) in October 2002.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28.5 °C (83 °F). However, it reached 33.1 °C (91.6 °F) in October 1994.
Precipitation amounts to 175 mm (6.9 in), distributed over 15 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 44% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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November is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 12 °C (54 °F), with a minimum of 8.1 °C (46.6 °F) and a maximum of 15.9 °C (60.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3 °C (37 °F). However, it dropped to 0.3 °C (32.5 °F) in November 2007.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23 °C (73 °F). However, it reached 27.1 °C (80.8 °F) in November 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 265 mm (10.4 in), distributed over 18 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 36% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18 °C (64.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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December is generally a quite mild month. The average temperature is of 6.8 °C (44 °F), with a minimum of 3.5 °C (38.3 °F) and a maximum of 10.2 °C (50.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -0.5 °C (31 °F). However, it dropped to -3.9 °C (25 °F) in December 2012.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 17.5 °C (63.5 °F). However, it reached 24.7 °C (76.5 °F) in December 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 280 mm (11 in), distributed over 23 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 40 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 2 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 23% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 15 °C (58.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.