Kagawa Weather by Month

Kagawa Weather by Month

Kagawa Prefecture, located on Shikoku Island, Japan, offers a temperate climate with mild winters, warm summers, and distinct seasonal variations. Known for its scenic beauty, historical sites, and udon noodle heritage, Kagawa’s weather influences travel plans, clothing choices, and ideal destinations. Below is a detailed month-by-month breakdown of Kagawa’s weather, including minimum and maximum temperatures, weather conditions, clothing recommendations, best locations to visit, areas to avoid, and historical weather extremes. The best and worst times to visit are also highlighted, ensuring a comprehensive guide for travelers.January

• Min/Max Temperatures: 2°C (36°F) / 11°C (52°F)
• Weather: January is Kagawa’s coldest month, with chilly, mostly clear skies and occasional light snow or sleet, particularly inland. Coastal areas like Takamatsu experience milder conditions. Expect 80 mm of rainfall over 10–12 rainy days and rare snowfall (about 1 cm).
• Clothing: Layer with thermal base layers, wool sweaters, a heavy waterproof coat, jeans or thermal pants, and sturdy waterproof boots. Accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats are essential.
• Best Locations: Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu is stunning in winter’s quiet ambiance, with fewer crowds. Kotohira-gu Shrine offers a serene pilgrimage experience.
• Locations to Avoid: Inland hilly areas like Manno may see icy paths, posing risks for unprepared visitors.
• Record Extremes: Lowest recorded temperature: -5°C (23°F, 1981). Highest: 15°C (59°F, 1998). Record rainfall: 120 mm (2010). Record snow: 5 cm (1994). Record wind: 60 km/h (37 mph, 2005).
• Notes: January is dry and sunny, ideal for indoor attractions like museums or onsen visits.

February

• Min/Max Temperatures: 2°C (36°F) / 11°C (52°F)
• Weather: Similar to January, February is cold with clear skies and occasional light snow (1–2 cm). Rainfall averages 85 mm over 10 rainy days. Coastal areas remain milder.
• Clothing: Heavy coat, thermal layers, waterproof boots, and warm accessories like gloves and scarves.
• Best Locations: Shodoshima’s olive groves and soy sauce factories are less crowded. The Seto Inland Sea islands offer crisp, scenic views.
• Locations to Avoid: Remote inland trails, such as those near Kan’onji, may be slippery due to frost.
• Record Extremes: Lowest: -6°C (21°F, 1977). Highest: 16°C (61°F, 2004). Record rainfall: 130 mm (1999). Record snow: 10 cm (2012). Record wind: 65 km/h (40 mph, 1988).
• Notes: February is the snowiest month, though accumulations are minimal. It’s great for winter festivals like Setsubun.

March

• Min/Max Temperatures: 5°C (41°F) / 14°C (57°F)
• Weather: March brings milder temperatures and early spring signs, with cherry blossoms starting late in the month. Expect 100 mm of rainfall over 12 rainy days and no snow.
• Clothing: Light layers, including a waterproof jacket, sweaters, and comfortable walking shoes. A light scarf is useful for cooler evenings.
• Best Locations: Ritsurin Garden for early cherry blossoms and Marugame Castle for historical exploration.
• Locations to Avoid: High-altitude areas like Mount Shiude may still be chilly and less accessible.
• Record Extremes: Lowest: -2°C (28°F, 1984). Highest: 20°C (68°F, 2013). Record rainfall: 150 mm (2007). Record wind: 70 km/h (43 mph, 1995).
• Notes: March is ideal for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) toward the end, with pleasant daytime conditions.

April

• Min/Max Temperatures: 10°C (50°F) / 19°C (66°F)
• Weather: April is warm and sunny, with peak cherry blossom season. Rainfall averages 110 mm over 10 rainy days, and humidity is low (60%).
• Clothing: Light jackets, cotton shirts, and comfortable shoes. A foldable umbrella or raincoat is handy for showers.
• Best Locations: Megijima and Ogijima islands for art and blossoms. Takamatsu’s Tamamo Park is perfect for hanami.
• Locations to Avoid: None; April is universally pleasant across Kagawa.
• Record Extremes: Lowest: 0°C (32°F, 1979). Highest: 25°C (77°F, 2018). Record rainfall: 170 mm (2002). Record wind: 55 km/h (34 mph, 2010).
• Notes: April is one of the best months to visit due to mild weather and vibrant scenery.

May

• Min/Max Temperatures: 15°C (59°F) / 24°C (75°F)
• Weather: May is warm, sunny (206 hours of sunshine), and lush, with 120 mm of rainfall over 10 days. Late May marks the start of the rainy season.
• Clothing: Breathable cotton or linen shirts, shorts or light pants, and a light raincoat. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended.
• Best Locations: Naoshima for art installations and Shodoshima for hiking and olive park visits.
• Locations to Avoid: None, though crowded tourist spots like Naoshima may require reservations.
• Record Extremes: Lowest: 5°C (41°F, 1985). Highest: 29°C (84°F, 2019). Record rainfall: 180 mm (2015). Record wind: 50 km/h (31 mph, 2008).
• Notes: May is the sunniest month, perfect for outdoor activities and island-hopping.

June

• Min/Max Temperatures: 19°C (66°F) / 27°C (81°F)
• Weather: June is warm, humid (74%), and rainy, with 185 mm of precipitation over 15–17 days. The rainy season (tsuyu) brings overcast skies.
• Clothing: Lightweight, quick-drying clothes, waterproof shoes, and a sturdy umbrella or raincoat.
• Best Locations: Indoor attractions like the Kagawa Museum or Sanuki Udon shops. Kotohira-gu Shrine is scenic despite rain.
• Locations to Avoid: Beaches or low-lying areas prone to flooding, such as parts of Sakaide.
• Record Extremes: Lowest: 10°C (50°F, 1983). Highest: 32°C (90°F, 2011). Record rainfall: 250 mm (2004). Record wind: 75 km/h (47 mph, 1997).
• Notes: June is the wettest month, so plan for indoor or rain-tolerant activities.

July

• Min/Max Temperatures: 23°C (73°F) / 31°C (88°F)
• Weather: Hot, humid, and rainy (160 mm over 14 days), with the rainy season ending mid-month. Typhoon risks begin.
• Clothing: Breathable, light-colored clothing, sandals, and a portable fan. Keep an umbrella handy.
• Best Locations: Shodoshima’s beaches and Teshima for art and cycling. Cool off at Chichibugahama Beach.
• Locations to Avoid: Inland areas like Manno, which can feel stifling without coastal breezes.
• Record Extremes: Lowest: 15°C (59°F, 1980). Highest: 35°C (95°F, 2018). Record rainfall: 230 mm (2009). Record wind: 80 km/h (50 mph, 2014).
• Notes: July is hot but vibrant, with summer festivals like Sanuki Takamatsu Matsuri.

August

• Min/Max Temperatures: 24°C (75°F) / 31°C (88°F)
• Weather: August is the warmest month, with high humidity and 150 mm of rainfall over 12 days. Typhoon season peaks, bringing occasional storms.
• Clothing: Sleeveless tops, shorts, and breathable fabrics. Sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas are essential.
• Best Locations: Seto Inland Sea islands for beach activities and cooling sea breezes. Naoshima’s art museums offer air-conditioned relief.
• Locations to Avoid: Overcrowded tourist spots during Obon (mid-August).
• Record Extremes: Lowest: 18°C (64°F, 1978). Highest: 37°C (99°F, 2020). Record rainfall: 220 mm (2016). Record wind: 90 km/h (56 mph, 2019).
• Notes: August is ideal for beachgoers but requires typhoon awareness.

September

• Min/Max Temperatures: 21°C (70°F) / 28°C (82°F)
• Weather: Warm, humid, and rainy (200 mm over 14 days), with typhoon risks. Autumn foliage begins late in the month.
• Clothing: Light layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes for potential storms.
• Best Locations: Ritsurin Garden for early autumn hues and Zentsuji Temple for cultural exploration.
• Locations to Avoid: Coastal areas during typhoon warnings, especially low-lying parts of Takamatsu.
• Record Extremes: Lowest: 12°C (54°F, 1982). Highest: 34°C (93°F, 2010). Record rainfall: 270 mm (2011). Record wind: 100 km/h (62 mph, 2018).
• Notes: September has the highest precipitation, so monitor weather forecasts.

October

• Min/Max Temperatures: 15°C (59°F) / 23°C (73°F)
• Weather: Mild, dry (100 mm over 10 days), and sunny, with vibrant autumn foliage. Typhoon risks decrease.
• Clothing: Light sweaters, long sleeves, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes.
• Best Locations: Shodoshima for hiking and autumn colors. Konpira-san for pleasant pilgrimage weather.
• Locations to Avoid: None; October is ideal across Kagawa.
• Record Extremes: Lowest: 5°C (41°F, 1986). Highest: 29°C (84°F, 2006). Record rainfall: 190 mm (2013). Record wind: 60 km/h (37 mph, 2001).
• Notes: October is a top month for sightseeing due to comfortable weather.

November

• Min/Max Temperatures: 9°C (48°F) / 17°C (63°F)
• Weather: Cool, dry (64 mm over 8–10 days), and sunny, with peak autumn foliage. First frosts may occur inland.
• Clothing: Warm layers, including sweaters, a medium-weight coat, and scarves for evenings.
• Best Locations: Naoshima for art and foliage, and Marugame for castle visits in crisp weather.
• Locations to Avoid: None, though inland areas may feel chilly at night.
• Record Extremes: Lowest: 0°C (32°F, 1990). Highest: 23°C (73°F, 2015). Record rainfall: 140 mm (2008). Record wind: 55 km/h (34 mph, 2003).
• Notes: November is the driest month, perfect for outdoor exploration.

December

• Min/Max Temperatures: 4°C (39°F) / 13°C (55°F)
• Weather: Cold, dry (70 mm over 8 days), and mostly sunny, with rare light snow (1 cm). Coastal areas are milder.
• Clothing: Heavy coat, thermal layers, gloves, and waterproof boots for potential sleet.
• Best Locations: Takamatsu’s Christmas illuminations and onsen in Shodoshima for warmth.
• Locations to Avoid: Remote inland areas during rare snowfalls.
• Record Extremes: Lowest: -3°C (27°F, 1987). Highest: 18°C (64°F, 2002). Record rainfall: 160 mm (2017). Record wind: 65 km/h (40 mph, 2012).
• Notes: December is festive and quiet, ideal for cultural experiences.

Best Time to VisitThe best times to visit Kagawa are April–May and October–November, when temperatures are mild (15–24°C), rainfall is moderate, and scenery is vibrant with cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. These months offer sunny days, low humidity, and comfortable conditions for exploring Ritsurin Garden, Naoshima, and Shodoshima.Worst Time to VisitThe worst time is June–September, particularly August and September, due to high humidity, heavy rainfall (up to 270 mm), and typhoon risks. These conditions can disrupt travel, especially in coastal or low-lying areas, and make outdoor activities less enjoyable.SummaryKagawa’s climate offers diverse experiences, from spring blossoms to winter serenity. Pack according to the season—layers for spring and autumn, light fabrics for summer, and heavy coats for winter. Prioritize coastal and cultural sites like Takamatsu and Naoshima, while avoiding inland or low-lying areas during extreme weather. Historical records highlight rare but significant extremes, so checking forecasts is key, especially during typhoon season.