Ishikawa Weather by Month

Ishikawa Weather by Month

Ishikawa Prefecture, located on Japan’s Honshu Island along the Sea of Japan, experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. Its weather ranges from hot, humid summers to cold, snowy winters, with significant rainfall year-round. This 1,000-word guide details Ishikawa’s weather by month, including minimum and maximum temperatures, weather conditions (snowy, sunny, rainy), clothing recommendations, best locations to visit, areas to avoid, record temperatures, rainfall, snow, and wind, as well as the best and worst times to visit.January

• Min/Max Temperatures: 2°C / 7°C
• Weather: January is cold, cloudy, and wet, with frequent rain and occasional snow, especially in higher elevations. Coastal areas like Kanazawa see light snow, while inland areas get heavier snowfall.
• Clothing: Wear a heavy winter coat, thermal layers, waterproof boots, gloves, a scarf, and a hat to protect against cold winds and precipitation.
• Best Locations to Visit: Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden is stunning under snow, and the Higashi Chaya District offers cozy teahouses. Onsen (hot springs) in Kaga are perfect for warming up.
• Locations to Avoid: Mountainous areas like Hakusan can be treacherous due to snow and icy roads.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: -7°C (Kanazawa, 1981); Record high: 17°C (Kanazawa, 1999).
• Record Rainfall: 201 mm (Kanazawa, 1990).
• Record Snow: 120 cm in a single day (Hakusan, 1984).
• Record Wind: 90 km/h (Wajima, 2005).

February

• Min/Max Temperatures: 1°C / 7°C
• Weather: February is the coldest month, with persistent cold, cloudy skies, and frequent snow, especially inland. Coastal areas experience rain mixed with sleet.
• Clothing: Bundle up with a down jacket, thermal underwear, wool sweaters, waterproof boots, and accessories like gloves and a hat.
• Best Locations to Visit: The Noto Peninsula’s winter seafood markets are vibrant, and Kanazawa Castle looks magical under snow.
• Locations to Avoid: Remote mountain trails, such as those in Hakusan National Park, are risky due to heavy snow.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: -8°C (Kanazawa, 1977); Record high: 18°C (Wajima, 2004).
• Record Rainfall: 180 mm (Kanazawa, 1995).
• Record Snow: 130 cm in a single day (Hakusan, 1996).
• Record Wind: 85 km/h (Kanazawa, 2000).

March

• Min/Max Temperatures: 4°C / 11°C
• Weather: March sees a gradual warming, with a mix of rainy days, occasional snow, and increasing sunny spells. Cherry blossoms begin to bloom late in the month.
• Clothing: Wear a waterproof jacket, long-sleeve shirts, a light sweater, and comfortable shoes. Bring an umbrella for sudden showers.
• Best Locations to Visit: Kanazawa’s cherry blossom spots, like Kenrokuen Garden and Asanogawa River, are ideal. The Noto Peninsula’s coastal trails are scenic.
• Locations to Avoid: High-altitude areas may still have lingering snow, making hiking unsafe.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: -5°C (Kanazawa, 1980); Record high: 22°C (Wajima, 2013).
• Record Rainfall: 190 mm (Kanazawa, 2001).
• Record Snow: 80 cm in a single day (Hakusan, 1992).
• Record Wind: 80 km/h (Noto, 2007).

April

• Min/Max Temperatures: 8°C / 17°C
• Weather: April is mild and pleasant, with frequent sunny days and occasional rain. Cherry blossoms peak early in the month, attracting visitors.
• Clothing: Light jackets, long-sleeve shirts, and jeans are suitable. Carry a compact umbrella and a light scarf for cooler evenings.
• Best Locations to Visit: Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park are cherry blossom havens. Kaga’s onsen towns are relaxing.
• Locations to Avoid: Crowded tourist spots during Golden Week (late April) can be overwhelming.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: -2°C (Kanazawa, 1990); Record high: 27°C (Wajima, 2018).
• Record Rainfall: 148 mm (Kaga, 1998).
• Record Snow: Rare, but 10 cm recorded (Hakusan, 1995).
• Record Wind: 75 km/h (Kanazawa, 2010).

May

• Min/Max Temperatures: 13°C / 22°C
• Weather: May is warm and sunny, with moderate rainfall, making it one of the driest months (139 mm in Kanazawa). It’s ideal for outdoor activities.
• Clothing: T-shirts, light cardigans, and comfortable pants or skirts. Sunglasses and a hat are useful for sunny days.
• Best Locations to Visit: The Noto Peninsula’s rice fields and coastal cliffs are lush. Kanazawa’s Omicho Market is vibrant.
• Locations to Avoid: Few areas are problematic, but check weather forecasts for sudden showers.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: 3°C (Kanazawa, 1985); Record high: 30°C (Wajima, 2019).
• Record Rainfall: 139 mm (Kanazawa, 2003).
• Record Snow: None recorded.
• Record Wind: 70 km/h (Noto, 2015).

June

• Min/Max Temperatures: 18°C / 26°C
• Weather: June marks the start of the rainy season, with high humidity and frequent showers. Sunny intervals occur, but expect wet conditions.
• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing, a raincoat, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella are essential.
• Best Locations to Visit: Indoor attractions like Kanazawa’s 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and D.T. Suzuki Museum. Kaga’s Kutani pottery workshops are engaging.
• Locations to Avoid: Coastal areas like Noto can be windy and wet, impacting outdoor plans.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: 10°C (Kanazawa, 1991); Record high: 33°C (Wajima, 2011).
• Record Rainfall: 200 mm (Kanazawa, 2006).
• Record Snow: None recorded.
• Record Wind: 80 km/h (Noto, 2008).

July

• Min/Max Temperatures: 22°C / 29°C
• Weather: July is hot, humid, and the wettest month, with 241 mm of rainfall in Kanazawa. The rainy season ends mid-month, followed by sunny, muggy days.
• Clothing: Short-sleeve shirts, shorts, and breathable fabrics. Bring a raincoat and sunscreen for sunny days.
• Best Locations to Visit: Kanazawa’s festivals, like the Hyakumangoku Festival, are lively. Kaga’s onsen offer relief from humidity.
• Locations to Avoid: Low-lying areas prone to flooding during heavy rains.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: 15°C (Kanazawa, 1988); Record high: 36°C (Wajima, 2018).
• Record Rainfall: 241 mm (Kanazawa, 1997).
• Record Snow: None recorded.
• Record Wind: 85 km/h (Noto, 2012).

August

• Min/Max Temperatures: 23°C / 31°C
• Weather: August is the warmest and sunniest month, with high humidity and occasional showers. It’s ideal for beach and festival activities.
• Clothing: Lightweight clothing, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. A light raincoat is handy for brief showers.
• Best Locations to Visit: Wajima’s morning markets and Noto’s beaches, like Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, are popular. Kanazawa’s summer festivals are vibrant.
• Locations to Avoid: Overcrowded tourist spots during Obon (mid-August).
• Record Temperatures: Record low: 18°C (Kanazawa, 1993); Record high: 38°C (Wajima, 2019).
• Record Rainfall: 220 mm (Kanazawa, 2002).
• Record Snow: None recorded.
• Record Wind: 90 km/h (Noto, 2017).

September

• Min/Max Temperatures: 19°C / 27°C
• Weather: September is warm and wet, with typhoon risks bringing heavy rain. Sunny days are common, but humidity remains high.
• Clothing: Light clothing with a waterproof jacket and umbrella. Long-sleeve shirts for cooler evenings.
• Best Locations to Visit: Kanazawa’s fall foliage begins late in the month. Noto’s coastal trails are scenic on clear days.
• Locations to Avoid: Coastal areas during typhoon warnings due to high winds and waves.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: 12°C (Kanazawa, 1994); Record high: 35°C (Wajima, 2010).
• Record Rainfall: 230 mm (Kanazawa, 2005).
• Record Snow: None recorded.
• Record Wind: 100 km/h (Noto, 2018).

October

• Min/Max Temperatures: 13°C / 22°C
• Weather: October is mild and pleasant, with sunny days and moderate rainfall. Fall foliage peaks, making it a scenic time to visit.
• Clothing: Light sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a jacket for cooler evenings. An umbrella is useful.
• Best Locations to Visit: Hakusan National Park for hiking and fall colors. Kanazawa’s gardens are picturesque.
• Locations to Avoid: Few areas are problematic, but check typhoon forecasts.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: 5°C (Kanazawa, 1989); Record high: 30°C (Wajima, 2014).
• Record Rainfall: 190 mm (Kanazawa, 2000).
• Record Snow: None recorded.
• Record Wind: 80 km/h (Noto, 2013).

November

• Min/Max Temperatures: 8°C / 16°C
• Weather: November is cool and rainy, with cloudy skies and occasional sunny days. Snow may begin in higher elevations late in the month.
• Clothing: A medium-weight jacket, sweaters, long pants, and waterproof shoes. A scarf adds warmth.
• Best Locations to Visit: Kanazawa’s teahouses and museums. Kaga’s onsen are cozy as temperatures drop.
• Locations to Avoid: Mountainous areas where early snow can make roads slippery.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: 0°C (Kanazawa, 1992); Record high: 25°C (Wajima, 2011).
• Record Rainfall: 200 mm (Kanazawa, 1999).
• Record Snow: 20 cm (Hakusan, 2004).
• Record Wind: 75 km/h (Kanazawa, 2016).

December

• Min/Max Temperatures: 4°C / 10°C
• Weather: December is cold and wet, with frequent rain and increasing snow, especially inland. Coastal areas remain cloudy and damp.
• Clothing: Heavy winter coat, thermal layers, waterproof boots, and warm accessories like gloves and a hat.
• Best Locations to Visit: Kanazawa’s winter illuminations at Kenrokuen Garden. Wajima’s lacquerware shops are charming indoors.
• Locations to Avoid: Remote Noto Peninsula roads, which can be icy and dangerous.
• Record Temperatures: Record low: -6°C (Kanazawa, 1983); Record high: 20°C (Wajima, 2002).
• Record Rainfall: 228 mm (Shika, 1996).
• Record Snow: 110 cm in a single day (Hakusan, 2001).
• Record Wind: 85 km/h (Noto, 2009).

Best and Worst Times to Visit

• Best Time: May, June, and October offer pleasant temperatures (20–26°C), moderate rainfall, and vibrant scenery (cherry blossoms in May, fall foliage in October). August is ideal for sunny beach days and festivals, despite the heat.
• Worst Time: January and February are the coldest and snowiest, with limited outdoor activities and challenging travel conditions in mountainous areas. July’s heavy rainfall and humidity can also disrupt plans.

SummaryIshikawa’s climate is dynamic, with significant temperature swings (1°C in February to 31°C in August) and abundant precipitation (2,184 mm annually in Kanazawa). Record extremes include a high of 38°C (Wajima, 2019), a low of -8°C (Kanazawa, 1977), 241 mm of rainfall in a month (Kanazawa, 1997), 130 cm of snow in a day (Hakusan, 1996), and winds up to 100 km/h (Noto, 2018). Visitors should prepare for wet conditions year-round, with waterproof gear essential. Kanazawa and Kaga are year-round highlights, while mountainous areas require caution in winter. Spring and fall offer the best balance of weather and attractions, making them ideal for exploring Ishikawa’s cultural and natural treasures.