The climate of Karuizawa
Karuizawa, a resort town resting amid the mountains of
Japan's Nagano Prefecture, inherits a humid subtropical climate that is cataloged in the Köppen climate classification as Cfa. This climate type is characterized by a lack of noticeably dry periods and a substantial amount of rainfall all year round.
Upon studying the data, it's evident that Karuizawa sustains remarkably varied temperatures throughout the year. During winters, the average minimum temperature plunges to about -9.5°C (14.9°F) while in summers, the temperature can heat up to almost around 25.5°C (77.9°F). Notably, the relative humidity levels maintain their stability from month to month, wavering between 72% and 88%.
Analysing the rainfall and snowfall figures, revealing that precipitation is a noteworthy aspect of Karuizawa's weather conditions. Precipitation, whether in the form of snow or rain, can be expected in every month of the year, with a peak in the month of
June scoring an impressive 187mm (7.36") of rainfall, indicating that the summers aren’t dry as such but rather wet and humid.
Examining sunlight exposure and daylight hours, it's clear that the daylight varies between nearly 10 hours to a bit over 14 hours from winter to summer. Sunshine varies slightly across the year, with the bare minimum being around 3.6 hours in
September and the maximum of 6.2 hours occurring in
May.
The best time to visit Karuizawa
Planning a trip to
Karuizawa? Look no further than the months between
April to
June and
September to
October. The temperatures during these periods are the most pleasant for outdoor activities, fluctuating from 13.2°C (55.8°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F), along with a mild to high quantity of sunshine each day, providing perfect opportunities to explore this stunning resort town. However, those who relish the sight of rain may find June, with a hefty 187mm (7.36") of rainfall, a perfect choice.
The worst time to visit Karuizawa
Traveling to
Karuizawa may not be recommended between
December to
March, especially for those not used to freezing temperatures. The town experiences its harshest chill during these months with the average minimum temperature potentially going down to -9.5°C (14.9°F). Also, if it's sunshine, one desires, December and March offer the least with only 5 hours per day.
Spring weather in Karuizawa
The onset of spring happens to bring moderate weather to
Karuizawa. From
March to
May, the weather slowly turns towards warmth, with the average maximum temperature moving from 6.1°C (43°F) to a pleasant 18.2°C (64.8°F). This temperature swing, combined with the display of cherry blossoms, makes spring an attractive season to tourists.
Summer weather in Karuizawa
Summer, from
June to
August, in
Karuizawa, imposes high temperatures as high as 25.5°C (77.9°F). However, the season also sees an abundance of rainfall, culminating in 187mm (7.36") in June. Still, the steady daylight hours, extending up to 14.6 hours, provide ample time for activities, making summer a hot but bearably wet season for tourists.
Autumn weather in Karuizawa
Autumn in
Karuizawa, i.e., from
September to
November, witnesses a steady decrease in temperature and daylight hours. Temperatures oscillate between 20.5°C (68.9°F) and 10.5°C (50.9°F), and daylight hours from 12.4 to 10.3. Despite reduced daylight, Karuizawa sees a blend of cool and warm days, making it a delightful period to enjoy seasonal foliage.
Winter weather in Karuizawa
The winter season of
Karuizawa, stretching from
December to
February, brings in temperatures as low as -9.5°C (14.9°F). Snowfall during this period becomes a constant companion, reaching a considerable height of 430mm (16.93") in
January. Despite the low average sunshine hours, Karuizawa's winter forms a scenic white paradise, loved by winter enthusiasts and skiers.
Weather in January
A tranquil, frost-bitten beauty describes
Karuizawa in
January, the heart of the winter season. The winter weather transition is now in full swing with remarkably cold temperatures ranging from minus 9.5°C (49.1°F) to 1.9°C (35.4°F), and a noticeable 290mm (11.42") of snowfall that blankets the streets.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues the chilly trend established in
January, although with subtle signs of the approaching spring. The month sees an increase in snowfall to 430mm (16.93"), adding more to the serene snowscape of
Karuizawa. Outdoor enthusiasts can revel in various winter activities, while photographers might be drawn to the idyllic winter scenery that transforms the city into a pristine silver world.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March indicates the onset of spring, bringing a mild warming trend to
Karuizawa. A transition in weather patterns can be observed with a decline in snowfall to 370mm (14.57"), indicating the recession of winter. The city blossoms with the promise of spring as the weather progressively becomes milder, while daylight hours gradually increase.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April denotes the full arrival of spring in
Karuizawa. The month witnesses a marked weather transition, with no more snowfall recorded and temperatures rising to 13.2°C (55.8°F) in the daytime. April sees the city transform into a floral paradise as cherry blossoms burst into bloom.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is a time of comfortable warmth and scenic splendor in
Karuizawa. With temperatures that fluctuate between 5°C (41°F) at night and 18.2°C (64.8°F) during the day, the weather lends a sense of tranquility to the thriving city.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the first hints of summer to
Karuizawa, characterized by a modest increase in warmth. The month sees rainfall significantly increase to 187mm (7.36"), initiating the wet season. Despite the prevalent showers, there is an unmistakable sense of vitality and excitement in the air as summer activities begin to pick up.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the month when summer takes a firm hold in
Karuizawa. Weather conditions become warmer, with daytime temperatures climbing to a yearly high of 24°C (75.2°F). An avenue of outdoor summer festivities opens up, as locals and tourists immerse themselves in the city's rich cultural activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August experiences the continuation of summer with relatively hot conditions. The warmest monthly temperature is recorded in this period, reaching 25.5°C (77.9°F). The high temperature and humidity make for frequent, lush summer showers, enriching the environment with a fresh, green glow.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the start of autumn in
Karuizawa, presenting cooler temperatures and beautiful fall scenery. The decrease in temperature to 20.5°C (68.9°F) during the day and the onset of cooler nights hint at the transition from summer.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Karuizawa fully embraces the autumn season. The daytime temperature further drops to 15.2°C (59.4°F), providing the perfect backdrop for scenic walks and excursions. The city is awash with vibrant fall colors, showcasing a stunning mix of red, orange, and brown hues on the foliage.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees a further decline in temperatures, indicating the onset of winter in
Karuizawa. A dip in temperatures to minus 1.2°C (34.2°F) at night marks the return of the cold weather. While the cool climate brings an end to the fall foliage, it sets the stage for the upcoming winter wonderland.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the full return of winter in
Karuizawa, embracing chillier temperatures and the first signs of snowfall. The temperature range from minus 6.4°C (43.5°F) to 4.8°C (40.6°F), along with snowfall of 160mm (6.3"), lays the groundwork for a pristine snowscape.
Weather in December » [Resources]