Itzukushima Island (Miyajima) is located in the south of Honshu Island in the humid subtropical zone. The climate is characterized by mild winters and very hot and sultry summers, when it often rains.
With the exception of the rainiest summer months (June and July), Miyajima is a year-round destination.
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Summer temperatures typically reach over 30°C, while winter temperatures drop to around 10°C.
Specifics of the weather in Miyajima
Miyajima is a small island very close to the coast and therefore has no microclimate of its own.
It lies in a humid area where it rains quite often, but the rain is usually in the form of showers. Sunny weather prevails throughout the year.
When does it rain most in Miyajima?
The rainiest time of the year is June and July, when heavy rains occur an average of 11 days a month.
During this period it is often impossible to undertake hiking in the mountains.
When are the trees in Miyajima colourful?
Itzukushima Island is densely forested, which is one of the reasons why it is particularly popular during autumn, when the whole island turns colourful.
The main season for autumn foliage colour is from mid to late November.
When is the most light?
The longest days are in summer from May to August, when dawn breaks around 6:00 am and the sun sets around 7:30 pm.
The shortest days are in winter (December and January), when the sun rises around 7:30am and sets around 5:30pm.
Temperatures and weather during the year
This is what the weather in Miyajima specifically looks like during the different months of the year.
Weather in January
January is the least rainy month of the year and the sun often shines.
Normal daytime temperatures range between 6°C and 10°C and there is often a cold wind. Snow is rare in Miyajima and appears on average only 1 day a month.
Weather in February
February is a mostly sunny or partly cloudy month with an average of 8 rainy days.
However, the rain is mostly just in the form of quick showers which will not negatively affect your stay.
Temperatures range between 6°C and 10°C.
Weather in March
Early March is the sakura flowering season and a very popular month for travel to Japan.
Expect daytime temperatures of around 14 °C and mostly partly cloudy skies with frequent short showers (on average, 10 days of the month they occur for about 2 hours).
Weather in April
April is a great month to visit Miyajima. Temperatures are very comfortable at around 19°C.
It rains mainly in the form of light showers about 10 days a month and tourism is not adversely affected by the rain.
Weather in May
May is the last month before the wet and rainy season and still very suitable for visiting Miyajima.
The rain is heavier than in winter, but long-lasting showers are rare and usually come in showers.
Daytime temperatures rise to 24 °C.
Weather in June
In June, the monsoon season begins in southern Japan.
Heavy rain can last for more than 2 hours, but usually does not occur until late afternoon or evening. Temperatures soar to 27 °C and the weather is often very sultry.
Weather in July
July is the rainiest month of the year. It rains an average of 11 days a month and the rains are very heavy. The hiking trails from Mount Misen are often closed, as is the cable car.
Temperatures rise to an average of 31 °C and the humidity is also highest in July.
Weather in August
August is the hottest month on Itzukushima, with average temperatures rising to 33 °C.
The humidity is high and being outdoors is not at all pleasant. The monsoon season slowly fades away in August, but especially at the beginning of the month, very heavy rains can still occur.
Weather in September
September is a typical summer month suitable for visiting and swimming in the sea.
Temperatures drop to a relatively comfortable 28°C or so and the humidity slowly decreases.
Rain occurs on average 10 days a month in the form of heavy but short showers.
Weather in October
October is a good month to visit the island. Temperatures hover around 25 °C, the rain is significantly less than in summer and the weather is generally pleasant in summer.
The trees are not yet changing into their autumn colours in October.
Weather in November
November is high season for travel to Miyajima because of the beautiful autumn trees.
The trees are at their most colourful from mid to late November, when temperatures are pleasant for long walks - usually 17°C during the day.
Rain, in the form of light and brief showers, occurs an average of 7 days a month.
Weather in December
In early December you can still catch the colourful autumn trees, whose leaves are gradually falling completely.
December temperatures drop to an average of 12°C, but the weather is usually partly cloudy or clear.
Table of temperatures during the year
Miyajima - Temperatures and weather during the year
When to go to Miyajima
The best time to visit Miyajima is autumn, when temperatures are pleasant, the leaves on the trees are beautifully coloured and it rains significantly less than in summer.
Spring is also a great time of year when sakura and other flowers are in bloom, but there are fewer flowering trees in Miyajima than deciduous trees in autumn.
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Winter is the least rainy season, but temperatures drop to 10°C and it gets dark early.
