The climate of Nikko
Located in central
Japan,
Nikko has a Köppen climate classification of Cfa, also known as a humid subtropical climate. This fact indicates that the city experiences no dry season, with precipitation somewhat distributed throughout the year and warmer summer temperatures tapering off into cool winters.
A sweep of the climatological data indicates that temperatures in Nikko span from highs of 27.6°C (81.7°F) in
August to lows reaching -4.3°C (24.3°F) in
January. The mercury usually hovers above freezing outside of the winter months, providing a generally mild climate well suited to outdoor activities.
Precipitation ranges from a high of 178mm (7.01") in
July to a minimum of 41mm (1.61") in
February, indicating a lack of a truly dry season. The city experiences moderate to high levels of humidity throughout the year, rising from a low of 73% in January to a peak of 85% in July.
Snowfall varies significantly, with a pronounced peak in January and February, and negligible amounts from
April to
November. Nikko enjoys ample daylight hours, with a peak of 14.6 hours in
June.
The best time to visit Nikko
The ideal time to visit
Nikko largely hinges on visitors' preferences and intended activities. For those seeking comfortable temperatures and modest humidity, spring and autumn are optimal.
March's temperatures range from a low of -0.8°C (30.6°F) to a high of 7.9°C (46.2°F), with
April and
May providing warmer conditions and more sunshine. Autumn, from
September to
November, offers similar conditions, with high temperatures between 17.5°C (63.5°F) in
October and 11.5°C (52.7°F) in November.
The worst time to visit Nikko
Considering the city's weather patterns, winter months may not suit visitors averse to cold weather and potential snowfall.
January's temperatures range between a chill -4.3°C (24.3°F) and a high of 2.8°C (37°F), and the month also experiences an average of 191mm (7.52") of snowfall, making this the coldest month.
February follows suit with similar chilly conditions and excess snowfall of 162mm (6.38").
Spring weather in Nikko
Spring in
Nikko brings moderate and warming temperatures, from 3.8°C (38.8°F) to 13.4°C (56.1°F) in
April. Rainfall increases from 74mm (2.91") in
March to a considerable 107mm (4.21") in April. However, daylight time also extends from 12 hours in March to 13.1 hours in April, providing longer hours for exploring the city.
Summer weather in Nikko
The summer months from
June to
August in
Nikko are characterized by warm temperatures and high rainfall.
July is the hottest month, with temperatures ranging from 18.6°C (65.5°F) to 26.1C, coupled with the highest rainfall of 178mm (7.01"). Humidity peaks in this season, reaching up to 85%.
Autumn weather in Nikko
Autumn in
Nikko is marked by cooling temperatures and reduced rainfall compared to the summer months.
September's temperatures range from 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F), with precipitation reducing to 112mm (4.41"). Sunshine hours decrease steadily from September to
November but remain comfortable for outdoor exploration.
Winter weather in Nikko
Winter in
Nikko is characterized by low temperatures and significant snowfall.
January is the coldest month, with temperatures recorded between -4.3°C (24.3°F) to 2.8°C (37°F), and the highest snowfall reaches up to 191mm (7.52"). Despite the cold, daylight hours are relatively short, providing limited time for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
Experiencing winter's grip,
Nikko,
Japan, witnesses its coldest month in
January. The city's weather scenario involves a combination of cold waves, plenty of snow, and shorter days. The mercury plunges to a chilly -4.3°C (24.3°F) at night and manages just 2.8°C (37°F) during the day.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Nearly identical to the preceding month,
Nikko's
February weather continues to be winter-dominated. The mix of snowy landscapes and freezing temperatures holds. Notably, the carpet of snow thickens in February with 162mm (6.38") of snowfall, nearly a sixth of the annual total.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March unveils the first hint of spring in
Nikko, accompanied by a gradual rise in temperatures. A transition from winter snowfall to rainfall sets the stage for a blooming environment. The appeal of the city gets enhanced by light snowflakes giving way to occasional showers.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a significant shift in
Nikko's weather pattern with a definite move into springtime. This truly sets this month apart from its predecessor,
March. The most significant hallmark of April weather is the 107mm (4.21") rainfall, which nurtures the blossoming of spring flowers.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As the city transitions into early summer,
May presents a mild and warm weather in
Nikko. This month experiences an appreciable spike in temperature readings as compared to
April. Intensifying the summertime feel, days extend to a long 14.1 hours of daylight.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of the rainy season in
Nikko, with its weather largely defined by its wet character. The city gets transformed with lush greenery, courtesy of the rainfall. A stark contrast to the preceding month, June sees the maximum rainfall, reaching a high of 153mm (6.02").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the heart of summer in
Nikko, is characterized by warm, wet, and humid conditions. The weather in this month remains quite consistent with
June’s, leading to continual vegetation growth. Speaking volumes, the highest daytime temperature of the year, 26.1°C (79°F), is encountered in this month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues to sizzle with summer heat and strong sunlight intensity, making it the warmest month in
Nikko. Rising temperatures combined with enduring rainfall extend the humidity. The city reaches its highest recorded temperature point of 27.6°C (81.7°F) during this month and stands as the year's peak.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The shift from summer to autumn brings a noticeable change in the city's weather by mid-
September. The transition unfolds with the falling of leaves and a decrease in temperature. Balancing the equation, the city sees 112mm (4.41") of rainfall, the fifth-lowest amongst the other months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, comfortably settled in autumn, swings the weather to cooler temperatures and crisp air in
Nikko. With the decline of summer heat, the comfort level improves significantly. No month compares to October with its majestic show of autumn foliage, taking center stage in Nikko's weather highlights.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses a further dip in temperature as
Nikko moves towards the year-end. It's the phase when autumn bids adieu, and the early signs of winter start to creep in. Marking this transition, the weather is characterized by fewer daylight hours and increased freshness in the air.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The arrival of
December signals the beginning of winter in
Nikko once again. Temperatures continue sliding with the arrival of frosty nights and cold days. A significant hallmark of winter, the recorded snowfall of 94mm (3.7"), adds a distinctive white touch to the city.
Weather in December » [Resources]