Hiroshima Weather by Month

Hiroshima Weather by Month

Hiroshima, Japan, experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen classification: Cfa) with four distinct seasons, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, relatively dry winters. Its location in the Chūgoku region near the Seto Inland Sea results in milder weather and more sunny days compared to northern Japanese cities like Tokyo. Below is a detailed month-by-month breakdown of Hiroshima’s weather, including minimum and maximum temperatures, weather patterns (snowy, sunny, rainy), clothing recommendations, best locations to visit, areas to avoid, and records for extreme temperatures, rainfall, snowfall, and wind. The best and worst times to visit are also discussed, ensuring a comprehensive guide for travelers or residents planning activities in Hiroshima. This response aims to provide approximately 1,000 words of detailed, practical information.January

• Average Temperatures: Min: 1.7°C (35.1°F), Max: 9.7°C (49.5°F)
• Weather: January is Hiroshima’s coldest month, with cool to cold days and occasional snowfall, particularly in the northern mountainous areas. Skies are often cloudy, with about 4.6 hours of sunshine daily, and it’s one of the driest months, with 54–65 mm of precipitation over 17–19 rainy days. Snow is rare in the city center but may occur in higher elevations.
• Clothing: Heavy winter clothing is essential, including wool overcoats, down jackets, scarves, gloves, and hats. Non-slip boots are recommended for snowy or icy conditions in northern areas. Moisturizers help combat dry skin.
• Best Locations to Visit: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is serene in winter, with fewer crowds, making it ideal for reflective visits. Miyajima Island’s Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO site, is less busy and striking in crisp winter air. Northern ski resorts like those in Hiroshima Prefecture offer winter sports.
• Locations to Avoid: Avoid northern mountainous areas if unprepared for snow or ice, as roads can be slippery.
• Records:
  • Min Temperature: -2°C (28.4°F) in January 2024.
  • Max Temperature: 67°F (19.4°C) recorded in past decades.
  • Rainfall: 65 mm (2.6 inches) is typical, with no extreme records noted.
  • Snowfall: Up to 50 mm in northern areas, city center sees minimal snow.
  • Wind: Moderate, averaging 2–3 m/s, with no extreme wind records.

February

• Average Temperatures: Min: 2°C (35.6°F), Max: 10°C (50°F)
• Weather: Cold persists, with occasional rain or light snow that rarely sticks in the city. Sunny days increase slightly, but cloudy skies dominate. Precipitation is low, around 60 mm over 15–17 days.
• Clothing: Similar to January—coats, jackets, gloves, and scarves. Waterproof boots are useful for occasional wet days.
• Best Locations to Visit: The Hiroshima Castle, surrounded by bare trees, offers a quiet historical experience. Shukkeien Garden is peaceful, with early plum blossoms appearing late in the month.
• Locations to Avoid: Northern highlands may still have snow, posing challenges for unprepared travelers.
• Records: Similar to January, with no significant deviations in temperature, rainfall, or snowfall. Wind remains calm, with occasional gusts up to 14 knots in early spring.

March

• Average Temperatures: Min: 6°C (42.8°F), Max: 14°C (57.2°F)
• Weather: Spring begins, bringing milder temperatures and blooming plum and cherry blossoms by late March. Rainfall increases to 120–150 mm over 15 days, with sunny and cloudy days alternating. Snow is absent.
• Clothing: Layered clothing like thin sweaters, hoodies, and light jackets. Bring an umbrella for spring showers.
• Best Locations to Visit: Cherry blossoms at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima’s Momijidani Park are stunning. The Hiroshima Flower Festival in early May (starting late April) is vibrant.
• Locations to Avoid: No specific areas to avoid, but check weather forecasts for sudden rain.
• Records: Rainfall can reach 150 mm during wetter years; no extreme temperature or wind records noted.

April

• Average Temperatures: Min: 10°C (50°F), Max: 20°C (68°F)
• Weather: Warm and pleasant, with cherry blossoms peaking early in the month. Rainfall is moderate (130–160 mm over 12–14 days), and relative humidity is lowest at 61–63%. Sunshine averages 7 hours daily.
• Clothing: Light jackets, long-sleeve shirts, jeans, and sneakers. An umbrella or raincoat is advisable.
• Best Locations to Visit: Miyajima Island for cherry blossom viewing and Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park for hanami (flower viewing). Shukkeien Garden’s fresh greenery is inviting.
• Locations to Avoid: None, as April is ideal for outdoor activities.
• Records: No extreme temperature or precipitation records; wind speeds increase slightly, averaging 7.7 knots.

May

• Average Temperatures: Min: 15°C (59°F), Max: 24.1°C (75.4°F)
• Weather: Mild and comfortable, with 7.1 hours of sunshine daily, the highest of the year. Rainfall is 150–180 mm over 12–14 days, but days are mostly sunny or partly cloudy.
• Clothing: T-shirts, light sweaters, jeans, and comfortable shoes. Carry a light raincoat.
• Best Locations to Visit: Hiroshima’s botanical gardens and Miyajima’s hiking trails showcase lush greenery. The Flower Festival continues into early May.
• Locations to Avoid: None, as May is one of the best months to visit.
• Records: No extreme weather events recorded; humidity rises to 66%.

June

• Average Temperatures: Min: 19°C (66.2°F), Max: 27.2°C (81°F)
• Weather: The rainy season (tsuyu) begins, bringing 212–247 mm of rainfall over 17 days. Days are warm, humid (70%), and often cloudy, though it doesn’t rain daily. Typhoons are possible late in the month.
• Clothing: Light, breathable clothing like T-shirts, shorts, and sandals. Carry a folding umbrella or raincoat.
• Best Locations to Visit: Indoor attractions like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum or Mazda Museum are ideal during rain. Hydrangea gardens, blooming during tsuyu, are atmospheric.
• Locations to Avoid: Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding during heavy rain.
• Records: Rainfall up to 247 mm; no extreme temperature or wind records.

July

• Average Temperatures: Min: 23°C (73.4°F), Max: 31°C (87.8°F)
• Weather: Hot, humid (74% relative humidity), and wet, with 236–259 mm of rainfall over 16–17 days, the highest of the year. The rainy season ends mid-month, but humidity persists. Sunshine averages 5–6 hours.
• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing (T-shirts, shorts, dresses), hats, and sunscreen. Umbrellas are essential.
• Best Locations to Visit: Indoor venues like art museums or Hiroshima Castle. Coastal areas near the Seto Inland Sea offer breezes.
• Locations to Avoid: Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure due to heat and humidity; low-lying areas may flood.
• Records:
  • Rainfall: 259 mm (10.2 inches) is the annual peak.
  • Max Temperature: Up to 35°C (95°F) in extreme cases.
  • Wind: Low, averaging 1 m/s.

August

• Average Temperatures: Min: 24.8°C (76.6°F), Max: 32.5°C (90.5°F)
• Weather: The hottest month, with highs occasionally exceeding 35°C (95°F). Humidity peaks at 73%, and rainfall drops to 120–150 mm over 12–14 days. Sunshine is high at 6.8 hours daily. Typhoons may occur late in the month.
• Clothing: Light, airy clothing (T-shirts, shorts, sandals), hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Carry water to prevent heatstroke.
• Best Locations to Visit: The Toro Nagashi lantern festival on August 6 at Peace Memorial Park is a must-see. Miyajima’s beaches are refreshing.
• Locations to Avoid: Avoid unshaded outdoor areas during midday heat.
• Records:
  • Max Temperature: 35°C (95°F).
  • Rainfall: Up to 150 mm during typhoons.
  • Wind: Typhoon-related gusts can reach 20 knots.

September

• Average Temperatures: Min: 21°C (69.8°F), Max: 29°C (84.2°F)
• Weather: Warm and humid, with 170–230 mm of rainfall due to typhoon season (late August–October). Sunny days alternate with heavy rain. Humidity remains high at 70%.
• Clothing: Light clothing, with a jacket for cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are necessary.
• Best Locations to Visit: Momijidani Park for early autumn foliage. Indoor museums during rainy days.
• Locations to Avoid: Coastal areas during typhoon warnings.
• Records: Rainfall up to 230 mm during typhoons; no extreme temperature records.

October

• Average Temperatures: Min: 15°C (59°F), Max: 23.6°C (74.5°F)
• Weather: Mild and pleasant, with 120–150 mm of rainfall over 12 days. Sunshine averages 6 hours, and winds peak at 7.7 knots due to seasonal shifts.
• Clothing: Long-sleeve shirts, light jackets, and jeans. Umbrellas for occasional showers.
• Best Locations to Visit: Miyajima for autumn leaves and Hiroshima’s sake festivals. Shukkeien Garden is vibrant.
• Locations to Avoid: None, as October is ideal.
• Records: No extreme weather records; winds up to 14.4 knots in mid-March spill into early October.

November

• Average Temperatures: Min: 11.5°C (52.7°F), Max: 18°C (64.4°F)
• Weather: Cool and crisp, with 80–100 mm of rainfall over 10–12 days. Sunny days dominate, with vibrant fall foliage.
• Clothing: Sweaters, jackets, and scarves for cooler evenings. Comfortable shoes for walking.
• Best Locations to Visit: Momijidani Park and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park for autumn colors. Miyajima’s maple-lined paths are stunning.
• Locations to Avoid: None, as November is a top visiting month.
• Records: No extreme weather events recorded.

December

• Average Temperatures: Min: 4°C (39.2°F), Max: 12°C (53.6°F)
• Weather: Cold and dry, with 41–65 mm of rainfall over 17 days. Sunny days are frequent, with occasional light snow in northern areas. Sunshine averages 5 hours.
• Clothing: Heavy coats, scarves, and gloves. Non-slip shoes for northern areas.
• Best Locations to Visit: Hiroshima Dreamination illumination festival in December is enchanting. Miyajima is quiet and scenic.
• Locations to Avoid: Northern mountains if unprepared for light snow.
• Records: Minimal snowfall (up to 50 mm in northern areas); no extreme temperature or wind records.

Best Time to VisitThe best times to visit Hiroshima are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring offers mild temperatures (6–24°C), cherry blossoms, and moderate rainfall, ideal for outdoor exploration at Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima. Autumn is crisp (11.5–29°C), with vibrant foliage and comfortable weather, perfect for hiking and festivals like Hiroshima’s sake festival in October. These seasons balance pleasant weather with cultural events and fewer extreme conditions.Worst Time to VisitThe least ideal time is summer (June–August), particularly July, due to high heat (up to 32.5°C), oppressive humidity (74%), and heavy rainfall (259 mm in July). The rainy season (June–mid-July) and typhoon risks (late August–September) can disrupt outdoor plans, making indoor attractions preferable. August’s heat and humidity also increase the risk of heatstroke.Summary of Extremes

• Record High Temperature: 35°C (95°F) in August.
• Record Low Temperature: -2°C (28.4°F) in January 2024.
• Record Rainfall: 259 mm (10.2 inches) in July.
• Record Snowfall: 50 mm in January, primarily in northern areas.
• Record Wind: 14.4 knots (moderate breeze) in mid-March, with typhoon-related gusts up to 20 knots in August–September.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Hiroshima’s weather, ensuring travelers can plan effectively, dress appropriately, and choose the best locations while avoiding potential challenges. Spring and autumn stand out as the prime seasons for enjoying Hiroshima’s cultural and natural beauty.