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Gifu Weather by Month
Gifu Prefecture, nestled in central Japan, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations, influenced by its location in the Japanese Alps and proximity to Nagoya. The region, including cities like Gifu-shi, Takayama, and Shirakawa, features warm, humid summers, cold winters with snowfall, and significant precipitation year-round. Below is a detailed month-by-month breakdown of Gifu’s weather, including minimum and maximum temperatures, weather conditions, clothing recommendations, ideal locations to visit, areas to avoid, and records for extreme weather. This guide also identifies the best and worst times to visit, tailored to a 1,000-word overview.
January
- Average Temperatures: Min 0.5°C (32.9°F), Max 8.8°C (47.8°F)
- Weather: January is Gifu’s coldest month, with frequent cloudy skies and significant snowfall, especially in mountainous areas like Takayama and Shirakawa. Expect 9.4 snowy days with 190 mm of snow accumulation in Gifu-shi, and drier conditions with 80-85 mm of rainfall.
- Clothing: Layer with thermal wear, insulated jackets, waterproof boots, gloves, scarves, and hats to combat cold and snow.
- Best Locations: Shirakawa-go’s UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses are magical under snow, ideal for winter photography. Takayama’s Hida Folk Village offers indoor and outdoor cultural experiences.
- Locations to Avoid: High-altitude mountain trails, like those in the Hida Mountains, due to heavy snow and potential for hazardous conditions.
- Records: Record low temperature around -5°C (23°F) in higher elevations; snowfall can reach 10 cm in a single event in Takayama.
February
- Average Temperatures: Min 0.9°C (33.6°F), Max 10°C (50°F)
- Weather: Similar to January, February brings cold temperatures, 6 snowy days, and 59 mm of rainfall. Sunny intervals increase slightly, but chilly winds persist.
- Clothing: Warm layers, including sweaters, thermal leggings, and a heavy coat, paired with waterproof gear for occasional rain or snow.
- Best Locations: Gifu Castle, accessible via cable car, offers stunning winter views. Takayama’s winter festivals, like the Setsubun Festival, are vibrant despite the cold.
- Locations to Avoid: Remote mountain areas, as snow accumulation can make roads treacherous.
- Records: Snowfall records align with January, with rare intense cold snaps dropping to -5°C (23°F).
March
- Average Temperatures: Min 3.9°C (39°F), Max 13.7°C (56.7°F)
- Weather: Spring begins, with milder temperatures and 84 mm of rainfall over 16 rainy days. Snow decreases to 2 days, mostly in higher elevations, and sunny days increase.
- Clothing: Layered clothing with a medium-weight jacket, long-sleeve shirts, and a raincoat or umbrella for frequent showers.
- Best Locations: Gifu Park and the Nagara River are ideal for early spring strolls. Plum blossoms in Yoro Park start blooming, signaling spring.
- Locations to Avoid: High-elevation areas may still have lingering snow, complicating outdoor activities.
- Records: Rainfall can spike during early spring storms, with historical highs around 100 mm in a single event.
April
- Average Temperatures: Min 9.3°C (48.7°F), Max 19.8°C (67.6°F)
- Weather: Warm and comfortable, with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Rainfall averages 100 mm over 13 days, and sunny days are common (6.5 hours daily).
- Clothing: Light jackets, breathable long-sleeve shirts, and comfortable shoes for walking. Bring an umbrella for occasional showers.
- Best Locations: Takayama’s Spring Festival, with its ornate floats, is a must-see. Gifu Park’s cherry blossoms are stunning.
- Locations to Avoid: None specifically, as weather is generally favorable, though crowded festival areas may overwhelm some visitors.
- Records: Mild weather dominates, with rare temperature spikes above 25°C (77°F).
May
- Average Temperatures: Min 14.2°C (57.6°F), Max 24.2°C (75.6°F)
- Weather: Warm and pleasant, with lush greenery and 100 mm of rainfall over 13 days. Sunshine peaks at 9.37 hours daily, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Clothing: Lightweight clothing, such as t-shirts and shorts, with a light jacket for cooler evenings and an umbrella for rain.
- Best Locations: Hida Folk Village in Takayama for cultural immersion; the Nakasendo Trail for scenic hikes.
- Locations to Avoid: Low-lying areas prone to minor flooding during heavy rain.
- Records: Warm days can hit 30°C (86°F) in rare cases, with rainfall spikes during the early rainy season.
June
- Average Temperatures: Min 19°C (66.2°F), Max 27.4°C (81.3°F)
- Weather: The rainy season (tsuyu) begins, bringing humid, overcast conditions with 232 mm of rainfall over 17 days. Sunshine drops to 5 hours daily.
- Clothing: Breathable, quick-dry clothing, waterproof shoes, and a sturdy umbrella or raincoat.
- Best Locations: Hot spring resorts like Gero Onsen thrive in rainy weather, offering relaxing indoor experiences.
- Locations to Avoid: Outdoor trails like the Hida Mountains, where rain increases landslide risks.
- Records: Rainfall can reach 300 mm in wet years, with high humidity (up to 74%).
July
- Average Temperatures: Min 22°C (71.6°F), Max 31°C (87.8°F)
- Weather: Peak of the rainy season, with 262-349 mm of rainfall over 19-21 days, the wettest month. High humidity (74%) and warm temperatures dominate.
- Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, waterproof gear, and sandals for humid, rainy days.
- Best Locations: Indoor attractions like Gifu City Museum of History; Gujo Hachiman for its summer dance festival preparations.
- Locations to Avoid: Flood-prone riverbanks along the Nagara River due to heavy rainfall.
- Records: Record rainfall of 338-392 mm; temperatures occasionally hit 35°C (95°F).
August
- Average Temperatures: Min 22°C (71.6°F), Max 33°C (91.4°F)
- Weather: Hottest month, with 117 mm of rainfall over 20 days and peak sunshine (6.8 hours daily). Humidity remains high, and typhoons may occur.
- Clothing: Light, breathable clothing, hats, and sunscreen for sun protection; rain gear for sudden storms.
- Best Locations: Gujo’s Bon Dance Festival, a cultural highlight; Yoro Falls for scenic beauty.
- Locations to Avoid: Coastal areas during typhoon warnings, typically late August.
- Records: Record highs near 38°C (100°F); typhoon-related rainfall can exceed 300 mm.
September
- Average Temperatures: Min 18°C (64.4°F), Max 26°C (78.8°F)
- Weather: Rainfall remains high (143-285 mm) due to typhoon season, with 17 rainy days. Temperatures cool slightly, and autumn colors begin in higher elevations.
- Clothing: Light layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes for mixed weather.
- Best Locations: Takayama for early autumn foliage; Shirakawa-go for serene rural views.
- Locations to Avoid: Mountainous areas during typhoon-related heavy rain, which can cause landslides.
- Records: Typhoon rainfall can hit 350 mm; temperatures rarely drop below 15°C (59°F).
October
- Average Temperatures: Min 12°C (53.6°F), Max 21°C (69.8°F)
- Weather: Mild and pleasant, with 100 mm of rainfall over 13 days. Autumn foliage peaks, and sunshine is ample (6 hours daily).
- Clothing: Sweaters, light jackets, and comfortable walking shoes for crisp weather.
- Best Locations: Takayama’s Autumn Festival; Hida’s mountain trails for vibrant foliage.
- Locations to Avoid: None, as weather is generally ideal.
- Records: Rare cold snaps may dip to 8°C (46.4°F); rainfall spikes during late typhoons.
November
- Average Temperatures: Min 7°C (44.6°F), Max 14°C (57.2°F)
- Weather: Cool and dry, with 54-136 mm of rainfall over 8-14 days and 10 snowy days in higher elevations (61.3 cm snow in Shirakawa).
- Clothing: Medium-weight jackets, scarves, and layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Best Locations: Shirakawa-go for early winter charm; Gifu Park for autumn walks.
- Locations to Avoid: High-altitude areas as snow begins, impacting accessibility.
- Records: Snow accumulation can reach 60 cm in mountainous areas.
December
- Average Temperatures: Min 2°C (35.6°F), Max 8°C (46.4°F)
- Weather: Cold with 58-61 mm of rainfall over 9-18 days and 4 snowy days. Sunny intervals are common, but short daylight hours (9.8 hours) limit exploration.
- Clothing: Heavy coats, thermal wear, and waterproof boots for snow and cold.
- Best Locations: Shirakawa-go for winter illuminations; Gifu’s cormorant fishing off-season tours.
- Locations to Avoid: Remote mountain roads due to snow and ice.
- Records: Coldest temperatures near -5°C (23°F); snowfall up to 10 cm in a single event.
Extreme Weather Records
- Temperature: Record high of 38°C (100°F) in August; record low of -7°C (19.4°F) in January in higher elevations.
- Rainfall: July holds the record with up to 392 mm in Gujo during heavy rainy seasons.
- Snow: January records up to 190 mm of snow in Gifu-shi, with Shirakawa seeing higher accumulations (61.3 cm in November).
- Wind: March is the windiest month, with maximum sustained winds reaching 12.8 knots (14.7 MPH) in Gifu-shi.
Best and Worst Times to Visit
- Best Time: May and October are ideal, offering mild temperatures (20-26°C), vibrant scenery (cherry blossoms in May, autumn foliage in October), and lower rainfall (100 mm). These months suit outdoor activities like hiking the Nakasendo Trail or attending Takayama’s festivals.
- Worst Time: July and September, due to heavy rainfall (262-392 mm) and typhoon risks, which can disrupt travel plans and outdoor exploration, especially in flood-prone or mountainous areas.
General Clothing Tips
Gifu’s high humidity (59-74%) year-round requires breathable fabrics in summer and waterproof layers in winter. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring uneven terrain in Shirakawa-go or Takayama. Always pack an umbrella or raincoat, as rain is frequent even in drier months.
Conclusion
Gifu’s climate offers diverse experiences, from snowy winter landscapes in Shirakawa-go to vibrant autumn foliage in Takayama. Spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) provide the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, while summer’s rainy season and winter’s cold require careful planning. By aligning your visit with your weather preferences and packing appropriately, Gifu’s cultural and natural attractions can be enjoyed year-round.
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
