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Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa, Japan

Best Time to Visit Kanazawa

Weather month by month, from 20 years of weather-station records.

Best months
May, June, and October
Warmest month
August, 32°C
Wettest month
December, 336 mm

Kanazawa weather by month

Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.

MonthHigh / lowRainVerdict
January7°C / 1°C245 mm · 20 daysCold
February8°C / 1°C169 mm · 15 daysCold
March12°C / 3°C159 mm · 13 daysCold
April17°C / 8°C161 mm · 10 daysWet
May23°C / 13°C135 mm · 8 daysGreat
June26°C / 19°C159 mm · 8 daysGreat
July30°C / 24°C241 mm · 11 daysWet
August32°C / 25°C192 mm · 7 daysHot
September28°C / 20°C230 mm · 10 daysWet
October22°C / 14°C184 mm · 9 daysGreat
November16°C / 8°C263 mm · 14 daysWet
December10°C / 3°C336 mm · 22 daysCold

Kanazawa by season

Spring

Spring brings cherry blossoms to Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle Park, with comfortable temperatures perfect for walking. The garden's famous azaleas bloom in late April through May.

  • + Cherry blossoms peak late March-early April
  • + Pleasant 10-20°C temperatures
  • + Kaga iris bloom in May
  • − Golden Week (late April-early May) is extremely crowded
  • − Accommodation prices spike during blossom season

Summer

Warm and humid with occasional rain, summer features vibrant greenery and festivals. Evenings are pleasant for strolls through illuminated gardens.

  • + Kenroku-en's night illuminations in August
  • + Omicho Market's summer seafood varieties
  • + Fewer tourists than spring/autumn
  • − High humidity and temperatures up to 30°C
  • − Rainy season in June-July brings frequent showers

Autumn

Considered the best season with crisp air and spectacular fall foliage. Kenroku-en's maples turn brilliant red from mid-November through early December.

  • + Stunning autumn colors peak November
  • + Perfect 10-20°C walking weather
  • + Matsutake mushroom season
  • − Peak foliage draws large crowds
  • − Accommodation books up early for November weekends

Winter

Cold with occasional snow, winter transforms Kenroku-en with yukitsuri—rope cones protecting pine trees from snow. The city feels peaceful and atmospheric.

  • + Snow-covered gardens are magical
  • + Yukitsuri decorations until mid-March
  • + Best crab season at Omicho Market
  • − Temperatures drop to 0-5°C, can feel colder with wind
  • − Some outdoor attractions have reduced hours

Kanazawa month by month

Kanazawa in January

Cold

In January, Kanazawa averages highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C, with about 20 rainy days and 245 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Kanazawa in February

Cold

In February, Kanazawa averages highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C, with about 15 rainy days and 169 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Kanazawa in March

Cold

In March, Kanazawa averages highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C, with about 13 rainy days and 159 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Kanazawa in April

Wet

In April, Kanazawa averages highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C, with about 10 rainy days and 161 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.

Kanazawa in May

Great

In May, Kanazawa averages highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C, with about 8 rainy days and 135 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Kanazawa in June

Great

In June, Kanazawa averages highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C, with about 8 rainy days and 159 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Kanazawa in July

Wet

In July, Kanazawa averages highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C, with about 11 rainy days and 241 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.

Kanazawa in August

Hot

In August, Kanazawa averages highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C, with about 7 rainy days and 192 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Kanazawa in September

Wet

In September, Kanazawa averages highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C, with about 10 rainy days and 230 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.

Kanazawa in October

Great

In October, Kanazawa averages highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C, with about 9 rainy days and 184 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Kanazawa in November

Wet

In November, Kanazawa averages highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C, with about 14 rainy days and 263 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.

Kanazawa in December

Cold

In December, Kanazawa averages highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C, with about 22 rainy days and 336 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Top tours and experiences in Kanazawa

The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.

World Heritage Shirakawa-go and Experience Tours from Kanazawa

World Heritage Shirakawa-go and Experience Tours from Kanazawa

5.05,503 reviews9h 30m
World Heritage Shirakawa-go Perfect Guided Tour from Kanazawa

World Heritage Shirakawa-go Perfect Guided Tour from Kanazawa

4.9934 reviews5h
Kanazawa: Castle & Samurai History Walking Tour

Kanazawa: Castle & Samurai History Walking Tour

4.9550 reviews2h 30m
Kanazawa Highlights: Garden, Castle, Samurai & Geisha+Taxi

Kanazawa Highlights: Garden, Castle, Samurai & Geisha+Taxi

5.0422 reviews3h
All things to do in Kanazawa →

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Plan your Kanazawa trip

Best time to visit Kanazawa: FAQ

What is the best month to visit Kanazawa?+

May is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 23°C. June and October are close behind.

What is the rainiest month in Kanazawa?+

December is the wettest month, with about 336 mm of rain.

How hot does Kanazawa get?+

August is the warmest month, with average highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 1°C.

Averages for 2006–2025 from the KANAZAWA weather station (3 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.