Climate in Shizuoka (Japan)

In Shizuoka, the climate is temperate, with mild, sunny winters and hot, humid and rainy summers. Like the rest of Japan, the city is affected by the monsoon circulation: in winter, the northwest cold currents will prevail, while in summer, they will be replaced by hot and humid currents of tropical origin.
Shizuoka is located in the central part of Honshu island, halfway between Nagoya and Tokyo, and on the coast, in Suruga Bay, an area particularly exposed to the summer monsoon. North of the city lie the Akaishi Mountains, or Southern Alps, with a series of peaks around 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) high and some winter resorts, while to the north-east lies Mount Fuji.

Because of both the relatively low latitude (we are on the 35th parallel) and the protection of the mountains (we are on the southern side), in winter, the currents of Siberian origin are felt little, so there are many sunny days, and usually, it's not very cold. However, cold and windy periods, with highs around 7/10 °C (45/50 °F) or less, can not be ruled out. Snowfall is very rare: unlike in Tokyo, where it can sometimes snow, here, in practice it never snows. Night frosts are rare and usually light.
Although it rarely rains in winter, given the exposure to the southern winds, when it rains, it can rain a lot.

In summer, sunny and muggy periods alternate with periods of bad weather, with wind and rain.

Precipitation in Shizuoka is definitely abundant, around 2,300 millimeters (90 inches) per year, so much so that it is one of the rainiest cities in Japan (together with some cities on the northern side of Honshu island, such as Kanazawa and Komatsu). Winter is definitely the driest season; in summer, from June to September, more than 1,100 millimeters (43 inches) of rain fall.

The amount of sunshine in Shizuoka is good in winter, when it is the sunniest city in Japan along with the neighboring city of Hamamatsu, while it is just mediocre or decent in the other seasons because of the disturbances that occur in spring and autumn, as well as the monsoon in summer. However, August is the sunniest month of summer.



The sea is warm enough for swimming, with a temperature of 23 °C (73 °F) or more, from July to October.

From June to October (but especially from August to early October), Shizuoka can be affected by typhoons, the tropical cyclones of the western Pacific, which in this area, facing south, are felt in a particular way. The most intense typhoons can bring torrential rainfall and heavy damage.

Best Time

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As regards to the climate, the best times to visit Shizuoka are spring and autumn, and in particular, from mid-April to mid-May and from late October to mid-November.
The cherry blossoming in Shizuoka takes place around March 30th: even though in some years it can get a little cold, with highs around 10/12 °C (50/54 °F), you can also take advantage of this period.
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.

Shizuoka - Climate data

In Shizuoka, the average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 6.9 °C (44.4 °F), that of the warmest month (August) is of 27.8 °C (82 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Precipitation amounts to 2320 millimeters (91.3 inches) per year: it is therefore abundant. It ranges from 60 mm (2.4 in) in the driest month (December) to 305 mm (12 in) in the wettest one (September). Here is the average precipitation.
The sea temperature ranges from 17 °C (63 °F) in February to
There are on average around 2145 sunshine hours per year. Here are the average hours of sunshine per day.

Shizuoka - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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January, the coldest month of the year, is generally a quite mild month. The average temperature is of 6.9 °C (44 °F), with a minimum of 2.1 °C (35.8 °F) and a maximum of 11.7 °C (53.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2 °C (28 °F). However, it dropped to -4.3 °C (24.3 °F) in January 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 17.5 °C (63.5 °F). However, it reached 22 °C (71.6 °F) in January 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 70 mm (2.8 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 66% of the time.
The average humidity is 57%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18 °C (64 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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February is generally a quite mild month. The average temperature is of 7.8 °C (46 °F), with a minimum of 2.9 °C (37.2 °F) and a maximum of 12.6 °C (54.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2 °C (28.5 °F). However, it dropped to -4.4 °C (24.1 °F) in February 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20 °C (68.5 °F). However, it reached 26.2 °C (79.2 °F) in February 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 100 mm (3.9 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 60% of the time.
The average humidity is 57%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17 °C (62.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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March is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 10.8 °C (51 °F), with a minimum of 6 °C (42.8 °F) and a maximum of 15.5 °C (59.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 0.5 °C (32.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2.2 °C (28 °F) in March 2000.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22.5 °C (73 °F). However, it reached 28 °C (82.4 °F) in March 2013.
Precipitation amounts to 210 mm (8.3 in), distributed over 17 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 51% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17.5 °C (63 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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April is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 15.2 °C (59 °F), with a minimum of 10.6 °C (51.1 °F) and a maximum of 19.8 °C (67.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4.5 °C (40 °F). However, it dropped to 0.4 °C (32.7 °F) in April 1996.
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 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) in April 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 235 mm (9.3 in), distributed over 16 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 47% of the time.
The average humidity is 65%.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 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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May is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 19.3 °C (67 °F), with a minimum of 15.1 °C (59.2 °F) and a maximum of 23.5 °C (74.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10.5 °C (50.5 °F). However, it dropped to 7 °C (44.6 °F) in May 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30 °C (86 °F). However, it reached 33.9 °C (93 °F) in May 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 220 mm (8.7 in), distributed over 17 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 43% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20.5 °C (69.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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June is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 22.6 °C (73 °F), with a minimum of 19.2 °C (66.6 °F) and a maximum of 26.1 °C (79 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15 °C (59 °F). However, it dropped to 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) in June 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91.5 °F). However, it reached 38.3 °C (100.9 °F) in June 1991.
Precipitation amounts to 285 mm (11.2 in), distributed over 20 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 30 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 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 32% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 23 °C (73.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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July is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 26.5 °C (80 °F), with a minimum of 23.1 °C (73.6 °F) and a maximum of 29.9 °C (85.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 19.5 °C (67.5 °F). However, it dropped to 17.2 °C (63 °F) in July 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35.5 °C (96 °F). However, it reached 38.4 °C (101.1 °F) in July 1991.
Precipitation amounts to 280 mm (11 in), distributed over 20 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 10 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 37% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25.5 °C (78.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough 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 27.8 °C (82 °F), with a minimum of 24.2 °C (75.6 °F) and a maximum of 31.3 °C (88.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 21 °C (70 °F). However, it dropped to 18.1 °C (64.6 °F) in August 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (97 °F). However, it reached 38.7 °C (101.7 °F) in August 1995.
Precipitation amounts to 245 mm (9.6 in), distributed over 18 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 49% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 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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September is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 24.8 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 21.1 °C (70 °F) and a maximum of 28.4 °C (83.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 16 °C (61 °F). However, it dropped to 11.6 °C (52.9 °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 (92.5 °F). However, it reached 37.1 °C (98.8 °F) in September 1995.
Precipitation amounts to 305 mm (12 in), distributed over 19 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 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26.5 °C (79.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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October is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 19.6 °C (67 °F), with a minimum of 15.6 °C (60.1 °F) and a maximum of 23.6 °C (74.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10 °C (50 °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 °F). However, it reached 33.9 °C (93 °F) in October 1999.
Precipitation amounts to 170 mm (6.7 in), distributed over 17 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 46% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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November is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 14.4 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 9.9 °C (49.8 °F) and a maximum of 18.8 °C (65.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4 °C (39.5 °F). However, it dropped to 2.2 °C (36 °F) in November 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 24.5 °C (75.5 °F). However, it reached 28 °C (82.4 °F) in November 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 135 mm (5.3 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 55% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22 °C (71.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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December is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 9.4 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 4.6 °C (40.3 °F) and a maximum of 14.1 °C (57.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1 °C (30.5 °F). However, it dropped to -3.5 °C (25.7 °F) in December 1995.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20 °C (68.5 °F). However, it reached 24.1 °C (75.4 °F) in December 1992.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 50 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 65% of the time.
The average humidity is 60%.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 19.5 °C (67.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.