Nara is situated in a humid subtropical climate, but thanks to its location among relatively high mountains (up to 600 m above sea level), the climate is a bit more pleasant than in nearby Osaka.
There are very hot, humid and sultry summers, with temperatures of over 32 °C common, but also cool winters with temperatures ranging from 1 °C to 9 °C.
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Temperatures and weather throughout the year
What are the specifics of the weather in Nara, when is it hottest and when is it rainiest?
Weather in winter
Winter in Nara is slightly colder than in coastal cities like Osaka or Hiroshima.
Normal temperatures range between 1°C and 9°C, with the coldest months being January and February.
Rainfall is the least of the year and skies are usually partly cloudy.
When does it snow in Nara?
The scenery, with its snow-covered temples and Japanese gardens, is magical and many tourists seek out winter days to visit Nara.
You have the best chance of snow in January and February. However, it usually only snows for 2-3 days a month and usually melts during the day.
Weather in spring
Spring is a great time of year to travel throughout Japan. Normal daytime temperatures are around 14°C to 22°C during March and April, rising to 25°C in May.
Spring weather is changeable. There is often sunshine, but you can expect rain showers for an average of 11 days a month, usually lasting 1-2 hours.
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When do the sakura trees bloom in Nara?
The flowering season of the ubiquitous cherry trees (sakura) is one of the most beautiful.
The cherry trees bloom at the end of March and the flowering period lasts until the second half of April.
Summer weather
Summers in Nara are very hot and uncomfortable for hiking. On the other hand, there are fewer tourists in the city during this period and accommodation prices are lower.
The hottest months are July and August, when temperatures are between 30 °C and 34 °C and the humidity is high.
The rainiest period
Summer also falls during the monsoon rainy season.
Because Nara is inland and near the mountains, the rains are not as heavy as on the coast, but it can still rain very heavily for days at a time.
The rainiest months are June and July, when it rains an average of 13 days per month.
Weather in autumn
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Nara. Most of the temples and monuments are located on the outskirts of the city and at the foot of the densely wooded hills.
This means that the surroundings are coloured in the deep reds and yellows of autumn foliage, creating absolutely breathtaking secenries.
The autumn weather is also very pleasant and mild. During October, summer temperatures are still between 22 °C and 27 °C and it rains about 9 days a month (usually 1-2 hours a day).
From November onwards, however, it rains less and temperatures drop 14 °C to 20 °C.
When are the autumn leaves in Nara?
The main leaf colour season is from the second half of November to the first week of December.
Table of temperatures during the year
Nara - Temperatures during the year
When to go to Nara
Nara is mostly a destination where tourists go to see the free-roaming sika deer in the local park and also to see the temples. The best time to visit is when it rains least.
The main season for travel to Nara is spring and autumn.
These are the times when it rains the least and the temperatures are pleasant, between 14°C and 22°C. It just depends on what scenery you prefer:
- Spring (end of March and April) - cherry blossoms (sakura).
- Autumn (second half of November and first part of December) - colourful leaves on the trees
Winter is also suitable, when you may also encounter snow, but usually it is partly cloudy or overcast with no rain.
The least suitable period is from the end of May to September, when it often rains heavily or is hot with high humidity.
