Weather and clothing recommendations for Japanese cruises, month by month (rainy season, typhoons, and cold weather guidelines)

Table of Contents for the Cruise Guide

Page headings

  1. Characteristics and clothing for each season
  2. Monthly temperatures (daily high/daily low) in major port towns
  3. The average timing of the start and end of the rainy season.
  4. Typhoon season
  5. How to check the weather at ports of call
  6. Also worth reading
  7. FAQ
  8. Source/Reference Information

Cruise Guide

  1. My first cruise
  2. Packing list
  3. List of cruise ships
  4. Estimated price
  5. Port Day Guide
  6. List of ports within walking distance
  7. From the airport to the port (Yokohama/Tokyo)
  8. Immigration procedures by ship
  9. Typhoon and port closure
  10. Cruise ship arrival schedule
  11. For crew staff

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Key points of this page

  • Japan stretches long from north to south, and temperatures can differ by more than 10°C between Hokkaido and Okinawa on the same day. Consider your clothing choices depending on the port of call.
  • The rainy season in Okinawa is from mid-May to late June, and from early June to mid-July in Kyushu to Kanto. Hokkaido does not have a rainy season.
  • Typhoons are more likely to approach from July to October, especially in August and September. Port cancellations and route changes may occur.
  • Layering is recommended. The ship is air-conditioned, so it's a good idea to bring something to wear over your clothes, even in summer.

Last verified: October 1, 2026 (Values are average values from the Japan Meteorological Agency (1991-2020). Source is at the end of this page.)

Seagulls looking up at the sky

The temperature difference between Hokkaido and Okinawa is so significant it's like they're two different countries! Be sure to check the weather forecast for each port of call!

Characteristics and clothing for each season

season Weather characteristics Clothing guidelines
Spring (March to May) It's cherry blossom season. Even though it's warm during the day, it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings. Hokkaido is still relatively cool even in May. Long sleeves, light jacket or cardigan
Rainy season (June to mid-July) There will be many rainy days from Okinawa and Kyushu to Tohoku. It will also be hot and humid. Folding umbrella, quick-drying clothes, comfortable walking shoes
Summer (July-September) From Honshu to Okinawa, there will be many days with daily maximum temperatures exceeding 30℃, so take precautions against heatstroke. This is also a time when typhoons are likely to approach. Short-sleeved shirt, hat, sunscreen, and water. Something to wear inside the ship.
Autumn (October-November) It's a pleasant season. The autumn leaves are changing color from north to south. Hokkaido will get colder from October. Long sleeves and a jacket. In Hokkaido, fleece or a light down jacket is recommended.
Winter (December to February) Hokkaido and Tohoku will experience sub-zero temperatures and snowy days. Southern Kyushu and Okinawa will be relatively warm. For northern ports, wear a coat, gloves, and non-slip shoes. For southern ports, wear a light jacket.

Monthly temperatures (daily high/daily low) in major port towns

These are the average values from the Japan Meteorological Agency (average from 1991 to 2020). The unit is °C. The left column shows the average daily maximum temperature, and the right column shows the average daily minimum temperature.

月 Hakodate Tokyo Osaka Nagasaki Kagoshima Naha
January 0.9 / -6.0 9.8/1.2 9.7/3.0 10.7/4.0 13.1/4.9 19.8/14.9
February 1.8 / -5.7 10.9/2.1 10.5/3.2 12.0/4.5 14.6/5.8 20.2/15.1
March 5.8 / -2.2 14.2/5.0 14.2/6.0 15.3/7.5 17.5/8.7 21.9/16.7
April 12.0/2.8 19.4/9.8 19.9/10.9 19.9/11.7 21.8/12.9 24.3/19.1
May 17.0/8.0 23.6/14.6 24.9/16.0 23.9/16.1 25.5/17.3 27.0/22.1
June 20.4/12.6 26.1/18.5 28.0/20.3 26.5/20.2 27.5/21.3 29.8/25.2
July 24.1/17.3 29.9/22.4 31.8/24.6 30.3/24.5 31.9/25.3 31.9/27.0
August 25.9/18.9 31.3/23.5 33.7/25.8 31.9/25.3 32.7/26.0 31.8/26.8
september 23.2/14.6 27.5/20.3 29.5/21.9 28.9/21.9 30.2/23.2 30.6/25.8
October 17.1/7.8 22.0/14.8 23.7/16.0 24.1/16.5 25.8/18.0 28.1/23.5
november 10.0/1.8 16.7/8.8 17.8/10.2 18.5/11.0 20.6/12.2 25.0/20.4
december 3.2 / -3.6 12.0/3.8 12.3/5.3 13.1/6.0 15.3/6.9 21.5/16.8
A seagull waving

The air conditioning works really well on the ship. Even in summer, it's reassuring to have a cardigan with you!

The average timing of the start and end of the rainy season.

These are the average dates for the start and end of the rainy season, as announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Actual dates may vary by 1-2 weeks. Hokkaido does not have a rainy season.

region The rainy season begins (average year) End of the rainy season (average year)
Okinawa Around May 10th Around June 21st
Amami Around May 12th Around June 29th
Southern Kyushu Around May 30th Around July 15th
Northern Kyushu (including Yamaguchi Prefecture) Around June 4th Around July 19th
Shikoku Around June 5th Around July 17th
China Around June 6th Around July 19th
Kinki Around June 6th Around July 19th
Tokai Around June 6th Around July 19th
Kanto-Koshinetsu Around June 7th Around July 19th
Hokuriku Around June 11th Around July 23rd
Southern Tohoku Around June 12th Around July 24th
Northern Tohoku Around June 15th Around July 28th

Typhoon season

This is the average number of typhoons that approach Japan each year. There are many typhoons from July to October, with a particularly high concentration in August and September.

April May June July August september October november Annual
Number of approaching aircraft to Japan (nationwide) 0.2 0.7 0.8 2.1 3.3 3.3 1.7 0.5 11.7
Okinawa and Amami 0.0 0.4 0.6 1.5 2.3 2.0 1.1 0.3 7.9
Mainland Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) 0.0 0.2 0.4 1.0 1.6 1.9 0.9 － 5.8

When a typhoon approaches, port calls may be changed or cancelled (ports skipped). For more details, Typhoon and Cruise Guide Here you go.

How to check the weather at ports of call

  • The day before your port of call, check the weather forecast for your destination. The Japan Meteorological Agency's website is also available in English.
  • The ship's information (daily program) sometimes includes information about the weather and temperature at the ports of call.
  • Even on the same day, temperatures can differ between a coastal port and a mountain tourist area. If you're going to the mountains on a tour, bring an extra layer of clothing.

Also worth reading

FAQ

Q1 Is it cold on a cruise in early October?

Ports on Honshu are experiencing pleasant weather at this time of year. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's average values, the average daily high temperature in Tokyo in October is 22.0°C and the average daily low temperature is 14.8°C. Hokkaido cools down earlier, with Hakodate experiencing a daily high of 17.1°C and a daily low of 7.8°C. If your ship is calling at a port in Hokkaido, it's a good idea to bring a light down jacket or fleece.

Q2 Is August the rainy season?

The average end of the rainy season is mid-to-late July in Kyushu and the Kanto region, and around July 28th in northern Tohoku. August is a time to be more concerned about the heat and typhoons than the rainy season. The number of typhoons approaching Japan is highest in August and September (average 3.3 per year).

Q3 Does Hokkaido have a rainy season?

The Japan Meteorological Agency has not yet announced the start or end of the rainy season in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is cooler than Honshu in June and July, and receives relatively less rain.

Q4 What should I be careful about on a winter cruise (December to February)?

Ports in Hokkaido and Tohoku experience sub-zero minimum temperatures and even snow. Southern Kyushu and Okinawa are relatively warm, with Naha reaching a daily high of 19.8°C even in January. Clothing choices vary greatly depending on the port of call, so be sure to pack layers.

Source/Reference Information

Last updated: October 1, 2026. Normal values are based on a 30-year average and may differ from the weather in a given year.