Climate and monthly weather forecast
Morioka, Japan

The city of Morioka, Japan, finds itself nestled in the classification of a Dfb setting on the Köppen climate scale. Corresponding to a humid continental climate, it features no dry season with summers edging towards warmth. This unique geographical placement and corresponding climate ensure a diverse and constantly changing weather landscape throughout the year.

The weather stays mostly humid all year round, with humidity levels maintaining an average range from 65% in April to 80% in July and September. Undoubtedly, as the rainfall totals affirm this, with the lowest rainfall recorded in February at 49mm (1.93") and the highest in July at a whopping 186mm (7.32"). The other months record an intermediate, consistent rainfall.

A noteworthy feature about Morioka's climate is its stark variance in temperature throughout the year. From the chilliest depths of winter in January with a low temperature of -5.6°C (21.9°F) to the hottest zeniths of summer in August with a high temperature of 28.3°C (82.9°F), the temperature variations are quite extreme. Additionally, during a year, the city witnesses a staggered distribution of daylight and sunshine hours. Daylight hours peak during the summer months from May to July, clocking in at approximately 14.7 hours in July, while sunshine hours gradually increase from 3.3 hours in December to a high of 6 hours in May.

For travellers who relish warm weather and extended leisurely daylight, the months from May to July would be the ideal time to visit Morioka. The temperatures in these months range from 14.4°C (57.9°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F), welcoming outdoor activities and sightseeing. Coupled with up to 14.9 daylight hours in June and the least amount of humidity on average, these conditions are precise for a comfortable exploration of Morioka.

For those averse to bitter cold and short days, the winter period from December to February might be best avoided. During these months, temperatures can plummet from 4.6°C (40.3°F) to as low as -5.6°C (21.9°F). The amount of daylight is also at its minimum, registering a meagre 9.4 hours in December. The city also experiences significant snowfall during these months, culminating at 850mm (33.46") in December.

The spring months in Morioka commence in March and slide into May. During this period, temperatures rise gradually from a low of -2.2°C (28°F) to a high of 19.7°C (67.5°F). This warming trend is coupled with a consistent increase in daylight hours up to 14.4 hours in May and in contrast, a diminishing trend in snowfall from 460mm (18.11") to none in May. Rainfall, however, does see a steady increase throughout the spring.

The summer from June to August offers ample daylight with increased temperatures. These months tend to see the temperatures peak, soaring from a moderately warm 23.5°C (74.3°F) to a hot 28.3°C (82.9°F). The daylight hours are at their longest during this period, recording up to 14.9 hours in June. However, this is also the time when Morioka experiences the heaviest rainfall, with consistent numbers exceeding 100mm (3.94").

Autumn is a time of transition in Morioka, with temperatures beginning to fall from 23.6°C (74.5°F) in September to 10.6°C (51.1°F) in November. This period witnesses shrinking daylight hours from 12.5 hours to 10 hours, an upward spike in humidity, and a significant decrease in rainfall.

The winter months in Morioka, running from December to February, are cold, with lows dipping from -2.4°C (27.7°F) to -5.6°C (21.9°F) and highs ranging from 1.8°C (35.2°F) to 2.9°C (37.2°F). The daylight hours are also on a decline during this period, with just 9.4 hours of daylight in December, the shortest day length of the year. Snowfall is abundant during this period, especially in December, with an impressive 850mm (33.46") recorded.

January oversees the coldest month of the year in Morioka, Japan. With average high temperatures at a modest 1.8°C (35.2°F), the climate remains chilly. Snowfall is the most profound in January with a striking 850mm (33.46"), seeing the city turn into a winter wonderland. Weather in January »

Coming to February, the weather undergoes subtle improvements. Although temperatures soar slightly, they remain low overall. One begins to see a reduction in snowfall, decreasing from the heavy downfall witnessed in January. Despite these changes, the climate stays frosty with shorter days and limited sunshine. Weather in February »

As the city transitions into spring, March ushers in a warmer weather shift. The temperature sees a substantial increase with high temperatures measuring up to 7°C (44.6°F). With snowfall dropping significantly to 460mm (18.11"), the remnants of winter start fading away slowly. Weather in March »

April hits the spot with comforting weather. Average temperatures catapult into a comfortable realm from 14.4°C (57.9°F) to 3°C (37.4°F). Experiencing nominal snowfall of just 40mm (1.57"), April marks the end of the snow season. Weather in April »

May broadcasts the onset of warmer weather in Morioka. The city experiences no snowfall during this month as the temperatures rise consistently. Sunshine and daylight grow, marking the escalation towards summer. The rising temperature hints at humidity increase. Weather in May »

June packs the year's highest humidity at 75%, bringing in a humid, warm season. The mercury hits 23.5°C (74.3°F), signifying the advent of summer. Slightly more rainfall is expected, replenishing the city's green landscape. Days are longest during June, providing added hours of daylight and sunshine. Weather in June »

With the arrival of July, high temperatures hit their highest at 26.4°C (79.5°F). This month bears witness to the onset of a significant rainy season. The longer daylight hours continue to persist, yet the amount of visible sunshine slightly decreases. Weather in July »

August, the warmest month, takes over Morioka's weather scene, with high temperatures peeking at 28.3°C (82.9°F) and lows at 19.6°C (67.3°F). A copious volume of rain, hitting the 184mm (7.24") mark, explains why this month falls right in the middle of the rainy season. Weather in August »

September carries a decrease in temperatures marking the close of the hot summer days. Rainy days lessen, yet the humidity runs high. Morioka enters the fall season, marked by comfortable weather and diminishing daylight. As October looms, the city readies itself for the forthcoming cooler season. September is marked by a subtle drop in average high-temperatures, transitioning from a warm 28.3°C (82.9°F) in August to a still moderately hot 23.6°C (74.5°F). Weather in September »

October ushers in distinct cooler weather with a notable decrease in temperatures. With 93mm (3.66") of rainfall, October days can be slightly wet. A crisp autumn feel prevails through this month. The shorter days signal the approach of winter. Weather in October »

In November, Morioka gears up for winter. A sudden dip in temperatures hints at the coming winter, with high averages around 10.6°C (51.1°F). The precipitation during this month is almost evenly divided between rain and snow. The duration of daylight continues to decrease, leading to shorter winter days. Weather in November »

December boasts the advent of winter months with low temperatures dropping to -2.4°C (27.7°F). With a snowfall of 530mm (20.87"), December sets the stage for the white winter months of Morioka. As the year comes to an end, the weather becomes frosty, and days considerably short. Weather in December »