Impact-Site-Verification: e97618de-a52b-470d-b945-7e81282bcff0
Nara, Japan

Nara, Japan

Best Time to Visit Nara

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

Best months
April, May, and October
Warmest month
August, 34°C
Wettest month
July, 199 mm

Nara weather by month

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

MonthHigh / lowRainVerdict
January9°C / 0°C47 mm · 4 daysCold
February10°C / 0°C69 mm · 6 daysCold
March15°C / 3°C111 mm · 8 daysFair
April20°C / 8°C115 mm · 8 daysGreat
May25°C / 13°C131 mm · 7 daysGreat
June28°C / 18°C172 mm · 8 daysFair
July32°C / 23°C199 mm · 10 daysHot
August34°C / 24°C144 mm · 6 daysHot
September29°C / 20°C154 mm · 8 daysFair
October23°C / 13°C134 mm · 7 daysGreat
November17°C / 7°C70 mm · 6 daysFair
December12°C / 2°C60 mm · 5 daysCold

Nara by season

Spring

Spring is Nara's most famous and beautiful season, with cherry blossoms (sakura) typically blooming from late March to early April. The parks and temple grounds become a sea of pink and white, and the weather is pleasantly mild.

  • + Stunning cherry blossoms throughout Nara Park and temple gardens
  • + Comfortable temperatures perfect for walking
  • + Clear, sunny days with low humidity
  • − Extremely crowded, especially during peak bloom weekends
  • − Accommodation prices are at their highest

Summer

Summer is hot, humid, and green, with occasional rain showers. While daytime temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F) or higher, the lush foliage is vibrant, and morning/evening visits can be pleasant.

  • + Lush, deep green scenery in the parks and mountains
  • + Fewer crowds compared to spring and autumn
  • + Opportunities to see summer festivals like the Nara Tokae lantern festival
  • − High heat and humidity can be exhausting for sightseeing
  • − Afternoon thunderstorms are common

Autumn

Autumn rivals spring for beauty, with brilliant red and yellow koyo (foliage) peaking from mid-November to early December. The air is crisp and cool, making it ideal for exploration.

  • + Spectacular autumn colors, especially around Todai-ji and Kasuga Shrine
  • + Pleasant, cool weather perfect for hiking and walking
  • + Nara National Museum's special Shoso-in Treasure exhibition (Oct-Nov)
  • − Very popular and can be crowded, especially on weekends for foliage
  • − Temperatures drop significantly in the evenings

Winter

Winter is cold and dry, with occasional light snow that dusts the temple roofs, creating a magical, quiet atmosphere. Crowds are at their lowest, offering a more contemplative experience.

  • + Least crowded season, offering peaceful temple visits
  • + Possibility of seeing temples and deer in a light snowfall
  • + Clear views and crisp air
  • − Temperatures can drop to around 5°C (41°F) or lower, requiring warm clothing
  • − Some gardens look barren, and deciduous trees have no leaves

Nara month by month

Nara in January

Cold

In January, Nara averages highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C, with about 4 rainy days and 47 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Nara in February

Cold

In February, Nara averages highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C, with about 6 rainy days and 69 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Nara in March

Fair

In March, Nara averages highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C, with about 8 rainy days and 111 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Nara in April

Great

In April, Nara averages highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C, with about 8 rainy days and 115 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Nara in May

Great

In May, Nara averages highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C, with about 7 rainy days and 131 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Nara in June

Fair

In June, Nara averages highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C, with about 8 rainy days and 172 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Nara in July

Hot

In July, Nara averages highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C, with about 10 rainy days and 199 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Nara in August

Hot

In August, Nara averages highs of 34°C and lows of 24°C, with about 6 rainy days and 144 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Nara in September

Fair

In September, Nara averages highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C, with about 8 rainy days and 154 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Nara in October

Great

In October, Nara averages highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C, with about 7 rainy days and 134 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Nara in November

Fair

In November, Nara averages highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C, with about 6 rainy days and 70 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Nara in December

Cold

In December, Nara averages highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C, with about 5 rainy days and 60 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Top tours and experiences in Nara

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

Nara Early Morning Tour Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available

Nara Early Morning Tour Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available

4.91,216 reviews4h 30m
Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour (Private Option Available)

Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour (Private Option Available)

4.91,075 reviews5h
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option

Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option

4.9354 reviews8h
Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

5.0243 reviews6h
All things to do in Nara →

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 Nara trip

Best time to visit Nara: FAQ

What is the best month to visit Nara?+

April is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 20°C. May and October are close behind.

What is the rainiest month in Nara?+

July is the wettest month, with about 199 mm of rain.

How hot does Nara get?+

August is the warmest month, with average highs of 34°C and lows of 24°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 0°C.

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