Fukushima Weather by Month

Fukuoka Weather by Month

Fukuoka, Japan, located on the northern coast of Kyushu, has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Its weather varies significantly throughout the year, featuring hot, humid summers, mild winters, and pleasant spring and autumn periods. Below is a detailed month-by-month breakdown of Fukuoka’s weather, including minimum and maximum temperatures, weather conditions, clothing recommendations, best locations to visit, areas to avoid, record temperatures, rainfall, snow, wind, and the best and worst times to visit. All data is based on historical averages and records from the Japan Meteorological Agency and other reliable sources, with temperatures provided in Celsius.January

• Weather: January is Fukuoka’s coldest month, with chilly, dry conditions. Average highs are 9.8°C, and lows drop to 3.2°C. It’s mostly sunny but can be windy, with occasional light snow (about 20mm). Rainfall is low at 73mm over 20 days, making it the driest month.
• Clothing: Wear heavy winter clothing, including down jackets, wool coats, scarves, gloves, and thermal layers. Thick boots are ideal for potential icy patches.
• Best Locations: Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine for its plum blossoms and New Year festivities. Canal City Hakata, an indoor shopping complex, is perfect for cold days.
• Locations to Avoid: Mountainous areas like Mount Hiko may have icy trails, posing risks for hikers.
• Records: Record low: -6.6°C (1945); Record high: 20.7°C (2019); Record rainfall: 188mm (1997); Record snow: 170mm (1984); Record wind: 20.6 m/s (1971).

February

• Weather: Slightly warmer than January, with highs of 10.8°C and lows of 3.8°C. Sunny days dominate, but light snow (20mm) and 78mm of rain over 18 days occur. Humidity is low at 64%.
• Clothing: Similar to January, opt for down coats, sweaters, and thermal undergarments. A waterproof jacket is useful for occasional rain.
• Best Locations: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park offers crisp winter views. Ohori Park is serene for winter walks.
• Locations to Avoid: Coastal areas like Itoshima can be windy and less pleasant.
• Records: Record low: -5.8°C (1977); Record high: 23.1°C (2010); Record rainfall: 190mm (2009); Record snow: 150mm (1992); Record wind: 21.2 m/s (1968).

March

• Weather: Spring begins, with highs of 14.1°C and lows of 6.7°C. Rainfall increases to 112mm over 13 days, and sunny days mix with cloudy ones. It’s the windiest month, averaging 6 knots.
• Clothing: Light jackets, long-sleeve shirts, and sweaters work well. Carry an umbrella or waterproof jacket for rain.
• Best Locations: Maizuru Park and Nishi Park are ideal for early cherry blossoms. Hakata Dontaku Festival preparations add vibrancy.
• Locations to Avoid: Low-lying areas near rivers may be muddy after rain.
• Records: Record low: -3.9°C (1980); Record high: 25.4°C (2013); Record rainfall: 245mm (2015); Record snow: Trace amounts; Record wind: 22.8 m/s (1999).

April

• Weather: Mild and pleasant, with highs of 19.5°C and lows of 11.5°C. Rainfall is 182mm over 11 days, but sunny days are frequent. Cherry blossoms peak early in the month.
• Clothing: Long-sleeve shirts, light cardigans, and windbreakers are suitable. Waterproof shoes and umbrellas are handy.
• Best Locations: Nishi Park and Maizuru Park are stunning for cherry blossom viewing. Nokonoshima Island’s azaleas bloom vibrantly.
• Locations to Avoid: Overcrowded cherry blossom spots can be hectic during peak bloom.
• Records: Record low: 0.2°C (1971); Record high: 29.8°C (2018); Record rainfall: 310mm (2002); Record snow: None; Record wind: 20.1 m/s (1987).

May

• Weather: Warm and comfortable, with highs of 24.0°C and lows of 16.0°C. Rainfall is 149mm over 10 days, and May is the sunniest month, with 205 hours of sunshine. Winds are calm at 3 m/s.
• Clothing: T-shirts, light jackets, and breathable pants. Sunscreen and hats protect against increasing UV rays.
• Best Locations: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park’s nemophila fields are a must-see. Fukuoka Tower offers clear views.
• Locations to Avoid: Indoor venues may feel unnecessary given the pleasant weather.
• Records: Record low: 5.1°C (1963); Record high: 32.4°C (2019); Record rainfall: 280mm (1991); Record snow: None; Record wind: 18.9 m/s (1974).

June

• Weather: Hot and humid, marking the start of the rainy season. Highs reach 27.5°C, lows are 20.5°C. June is the wettest month, with 298mm of rain over 13 days. Sunshine is limited to 150 hours.
• Clothing: Breathable T-shirts, shorts, and sandals. Umbrellas and waterproof gear are essential.
• Best Locations: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine’s hydrangeas and iris blooms are ideal. Canal City Hakata suits rainy days.
• Locations to Avoid: Mountainous areas like Mount Homan are prone to mudslides during heavy rain.
• Records: Record low: 10.2°C (1965); Record high: 35.6°C (2020); Record rainfall: 450mm (2011); Record snow: None; Record wind: 19.5 m/s (1990).

July

• Weather: Peak summer, hot and sticky, with highs of 31.0°C and lows of 24.0°C. Rainfall peaks at 287mm over 15 days, and humidity hits 76%. Typhoons may occur.
• Clothing: Light, moisture-wicking clothing, shorts, and sandals. Sun hats and sunscreen are crucial.
• Best Locations: Yamakasa Festival in Hakata is vibrant. Itoshima’s beaches offer relief.
• Locations to Avoid: Low-lying areas are at risk of flooding during heavy rain or typhoons.
• Records: Record low: 15.8°C (1976); Record high: 37.8°C (2017); Record rainfall: 520mm (2023); Record snow: None; Record wind: 25.3 m/s (2005).

August

• Weather: Hottest month, with highs of 31.6°C and lows of 24.5°C. Rainfall drops to 164mm, but humidity remains high. Sunny days are common, with 6.4 hours of sunshine daily.
• Clothing: Thin T-shirts, shorts, and breathable shoes. Carry a light cardigan for air-conditioned indoor spaces.
• Best Locations: Ohori Fireworks Festival is a highlight. Nokonoshima Island is great for summer blooms.
• Locations to Avoid: Urban areas like Tenjin can feel stifling due to heat island effects.
• Records: Record low: 17.0°C (1966); Record high: 38.3°C (2013); Record rainfall: 400mm (2019); Record snow: None; Record wind: 23.7 m/s (1991).

September

• Weather: Warm and humid, with highs of 27.8°C and lows of 20.6°C. Rainfall is 175mm, and typhoons peak. Sunny and cloudy days balance out.
• Clothing: T-shirts, light pants, and waterproof jackets. Umbrellas are necessary for sudden showers.
• Best Locations: Kamado Shrine’s early autumn foliage is scenic. Itoshima’s coastline is pleasant.
• Locations to Avoid: Coastal areas during typhoon warnings due to strong winds and surges.
• Records: Record low: 11.4°C (1973); Record high: 36.5°C (2010); Record rainfall: 380mm (2004); Record snow: None; Record wind: 28.1 m/s (1993).

October

• Weather: Mild and comfortable, with highs of 23.0°C and lows of 15.0°C. Rainfall is low at 81mm, making it the driest month. Sunny days are frequent.
• Clothing: Long-sleeve shirts, light jackets, and jeans. A light scarf is useful for cooler evenings.
• Best Locations: Ohori Park’s autumn leaves are stunning. Fukuoka Tower’s observation deck offers clear views.
• Locations to Avoid: Few concerns, as weather is stable.
• Records: Record low: 4.8°C (1986); Record high: 33.2°C (2018); Record rainfall: 250mm (1995); Record snow: None; Record wind: 20.4 m/s (1982).

November

• Weather: Cool and crisp, with highs of 17.6°C and lows of 9.6°C. Rainfall is 81mm over 8 days. Sunny days dominate, with vivid autumn foliage.
• Clothing: Sweaters, trench coats, and scarves. Waterproof shoes for occasional rain.
• Best Locations: Mount Hiko and Mount Homan for red maple leaves. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is serene.
• Locations to Avoid: None significant, as weather is favorable.
• Records: Record low: -0.4°C (1988); Record high: 28.9°C (2011); Record rainfall: 200mm (1998); Record snow: Trace amounts; Record wind: 19.8 m/s (1979).

December

• Weather: Cold and dry, with highs of 12.5°C and lows of 5.0°C. Rainfall is minimal at 54mm, the lowest of the year. Light snow is rare.
• Clothing: Down jackets, wool coats, and gloves. Thermal layers for chilly evenings.
• Best Locations: Canal City Hakata’s Christmas illuminations are festive. Fukuoka Tower glows with holiday lights.
• Locations to Avoid: Open coastal areas like Itoshima due to cold winds.
• Records: Record low: -4.2°C (1970); Record high: 24.6°C (2012); Record rainfall: 180mm (2003); Record snow: 100mm (1981); Record wind: 21.5 m/s (1996).

Best and Worst Times to Visit

• Best Time: April-May and October-November offer mild temperatures, low humidity, and vibrant seasonal beauty (cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage in fall). These months have stable weather, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking in Ohori Park or visiting Nokonoshima Island.
• Worst Time: June-July, the rainy season, brings heavy rainfall (up to 298mm in June) and high humidity, making outdoor activities challenging. August’s extreme heat (up to 38.3°C) and September’s typhoon risks also deter visitors.

SummaryFukuoka’s climate offers diverse experiences, from snowy winter shrines to sunny summer beaches. Spring and autumn are prime for their mild weather and scenic beauty, while summer’s heat and rain require preparation. Winter, though cold, is manageable with proper clothing. Always check forecasts, especially during typhoon season (August-September), and pack versatile clothing to adapt to Fukuoka’s dynamic weather.