The climate of Kitakyushu
Kitakyushu,
Japan falls under the Cfa climate category according to the Köppen climate classification, characterized by a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. Placed on the northern tip of Kyushu Island, Kitakyushu experiences weather patterns that fluctuate over the year, varying between different parameters.
Annual average temperatures range from a mild 4.1°C (39.4°F) in
January to a balmy 29.9°C (85.8°F) in
August, marking the distinct change of seasons. Winter months experience the lowest temperatures, while the heat intensifies from
May to August. Rainfall follows an interesting pattern too, with the highest volume being in
July at 183mm (7.2") and declines in the subsequent months, reaching the least point in
February with 48mm (1.89"). Relative humidity remains more or less constant throughout the year, oscillating between 71% and 84%.
Snowfall occurs mainly in January and
December with the rest of the year virtually snow-free. Kitakyushu receives an average of 10.2 to 14.4 daylight hours throughout the year, with the maximum hours occurring in the months of
June and July. A prominent fluctuation is also seen in sunshine hours, with the highest in August (10.6 hours) and the lowest in December and January (4.2 and 4.3 hours respectively).
The best time to visit Kitakyushu
The best time to visit
Kitakyushu, for pleasant temperatures and lower instances of rainfall, could be from late
April to early
June. During this period, temperatures hover between 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). The sea temperature also warms up, reaching 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 21.7°C (71.1°F), ideal for beach activities. Precipitation is at its annual low in
May, standing at 69mm (2.72") over 10.3 days.
The worst time to visit Kitakyushu
Kitakyushu sees the highest rainfall in
July, with an average of 183mm (7.2") across 20 days. Hence, possibly the least favorable time to visit would be the months of July and
June due to high rainfall and high relative humidity at 82% to 84%. The temperatures rise to their annual peak in
August, marking an uncomfortable heat.
Spring weather in Kitakyushu
Spring season, encompassing
March,
April, and
May brings a gradual warm-up in temperatures from a pleasant 12.4°C (54.3°F) in March to a warm 21.6°C (70.9°F) in May. Rainfall incrementally increases from 63mm (2.48") to 69mm (2.72") over the season. Average sunlight hours increase from 6.9 hours in March to 9.2 hours a day in May, making the spring season a favourable time for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Kitakyushu
Summers in
Kitakyushu, from
June to
August, are characterized by rising temperatures and a notably increased volume of rainfall. The temperatures rise from 24.3°C (75.7°F) in June to a peak of 29.9°C (85.8°F) in August. The rainfall hits its annual high of 183mm (7.2") in
July and declines to 96mm (3.78") by August.
Autumn weather in Kitakyushu
Autumn in
Kitakyushu sees a gradual decrease in temperatures, beginning with 26°C (78.8°F) in
September down to 16°C (60.8°F) in
November. The rainfall drops significantly post-summer, making it a drier season. Daylight hours also decrease from 12.4 hours in September to 10.4 hours in November, leading to cooler and shorter days.
Winter weather in Kitakyushu
Winters in
Kitakyushu, spanning
December to
February, bring the coldest weather conditions of the year. Temperatures range from a chilly 4.1°C (39.4°F) to 10.4°C (50.7°F). Snowfall is primarily recorded in
January and December, with 27mm (1.06") and 10mm (0.39") respectively, presenting a change of scenery for the city.
Weather in January
Kitakyushu,
Japan kicks off the year with chilly temperatures, frequently accompanied by snowfall. Conditions evolve from the lowest average temperatures ranging between 4.1°C (39.4°F) and 8.2°C (46.8°F). Notably,
January also tends to be a windy month, with gusts reaching up to 20.8km/h (12.9mph).
Weather in January » Weather in February
The climate in
February in
Kitakyushu experiences a slight increase in temperature from the previous month. However, February records lower snowfall with 16mm (0.63"), reduction from 27mm (1.06") of the preceding month. Amid the cold weather, the residents start to witness extended daylight hours.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The early signs of spring in
Kitakyushu become more evident in
March. The weather sees a mild temperature rise with decreased snowfall, translating to a mere 4mm (0.16"). Increasing daylight hours and sunshine, coupled with the strengthening UV index, make interruptions in the blanket of winter.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather truly signals the arrival of spring in
Kitakyushu, with a leap in average sea temperatures to 15.4°C (59.7°F) from
March’s 13.8°C (56.8°F). The city encounters warmer days and brighter skies, making it a great time for outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
Kitakyushu,
May represents the transition from spring to summer, featuring warmer temperatures and prolonged sunny days. The city records a rise in relative humidity to 74% indicating the onset of more humid conditions. Despite the increase in humidity, the longer sunshine hours, higher temperature, and less windy days make May very pleasant.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the rainy season with the highest rainfall of the year at 126mm (4.96"), more than double what
May recorded. As
Kitakyushu welcomes summer, the weather becomes hotter and more humid. Despite these conditions, June also benefits from the longest daylight hours of the year, peaking at 14.4 hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Kitakyushu coincides with the height of summer, boasting the highest average temperatures of the year, reaching up to 27.8°C (82°F). Though temperatures rise, there is also a marked increase in precipitation, with rainfall peaking at 183mm (7.2") for the year, resulting in heightened humidity levels of 84%.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer chapter in
Kitakyushu, carrying forward most of
July's climatic characteristics. The month stands out with the highest average sea temperature in the year at 27.4°C (81.3°F), perfect for beach activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The beginning of autumn in
September transforms the weather of
Kitakyushu greatly, with a plunge in average temperatures to 26°C (78.8°F) from
August's peak of 29.9°C (85.8°F). Although the rainy season is past, the city still receives decent amounts of rain, contributing to a comfortable level of humidity.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Kitakyushu brings clearer skies and less rainfall, as the city finally waves goodbye to the wet season. In comparison to
September, October records lower humidity levels, down to 74% from 79%. The steady cool breeze complements the fall weather nicely, while the reduced cloud cover allows more sunshine.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Kitakyushu in
November experiences a sharper dip in temperatures, yet the weather remains considerably mild. As winter begins to mark its presence, snowfall is absent, keeping the city in a transitional phase. The declining sea temperature mirrors the cooling climate, with the daylight hours shortening further.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The last month of the year brings colder temperatures to
Kitakyushu, marking the full arrival of winter.
December witnesses the mildest snowfall of the season at just 10mm (0.39"), yet enough to transform the cityscape. Despite the chilly weather, sunshine dominates the sky for most of the month.
Weather in December » [Resources]