The climate of Osaka
Osaka,
Japan, falls under the Cfa category of Köppen climate classification. This indicates that the city experiences a humid subtropical climate void of dry season. Geographically, Osaka is located in the Kansai region in the southern-central region of Japan's main island Honshū.
Initiating with temperature highs, an upward trend characterizes the city's weather.
January witnesses the lowest peak at 9.5°C, progressing to the summer highs in
August at 33.4°C. Similarly, the downward spiral of temperatures ensues from 24.5°C in
September to 12.3°C in
December. Low temperatures reflect a somewhat similar pattern, fluctuating from 2.8°C in January to a summer peak of 25.4°C in August, then cool down to 5.1°C in December.
Rainfall varies significantly throughout the year, with a general rise from January through
June, peaking in the monsoon month of June with about 185mm of precipitation. After this summit, rainfall declines gradually until it reaches a trough in December with only 44mm. Parallel to the precipitation, the number of rainfall days follows an analogous pattern, spiking from 5.6 days in January to 11.2 days in June, then ebbing away to 5.5 days by December.
Coupled with the humidity, it maintains a narrow range throughout the year, oscillating between 59% and 70%, therefore characterizing Osaka's humid subtropical climate. Besides, a conspicuous absence of snowfall from
March to
November is noticeable, lending a unique aspect to Osaka's weather.
The best time to visit Osaka
Analyzing the provided climatological data, the most favorable period to visit
Osaka extends from
April to
June. During these months, the city undergoes a perfect balance of moderate temperatures, ranging from highs of 19.9°C to 27.8°C and lows varying from 10.7°C to 20°C. Though rainfall starts ascending in this period, peaking in June with 185mm, it usually does not inhibit outdoor activities. Moreso, the city basks in longer daylight hours, a spectrum between 13.1h to 14.5h, backed by a maximum UV index indicating plentiful sunshine.
The worst time to visit Osaka
Despite the personal preferences of travelers,
Osaka weather data suggests avoiding the city during the months of
July and
August. In this period, high temperatures soar, reaching uncomfortable peaks of 31.6°C and 33.4°C respectively. The high humidity of 70% and 66% can make the heat feel even more oppressive. Furthermore, despite a dip in rainfall to 157mm and 91mm respectively, summer storms could occasionally disrupt travel plans.
Spring weather in Osaka
Spring in
Osaka, which stretches from
March to
May, brings mild weather conditions. High temperatures hover between 13.7°C to 24.5°C and lows from 5.6°C to 15.6°C, making sightseeing activities quite pleasant. The city receives moderate rainfall during this period, and humidity ranges from 59% to 62%. Daylight hours are also on the rise, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Osaka
The months from
June to
August reveal a hotter facet of
Osaka. Highs escalate from 27.8°C in June to a scorching 33.4°C in August, whereas the lows fluctuate between 20°C to 25.4°C. Despite receiving a high amount of rainfall, particularly in June, the city remains quite humid throughout the season.
Autumn weather in Osaka
Autumn adorns
Osaka from
September to
November with declining temperatures and moderate rainfall. High temperatures drop from 29.3°C in September to 17.6°C by November and lows descent from 21.7°C to 9.9°C. Even though
October receives a substantial rainfall of 161mm, the count of rainy days declines.
Winter weather in Osaka
The winter season prevails from
December to
February in
Osaka. While high temperatures decrease from 12.3°C to 9.5°C by February, lows see a dip from 5.1°C to 2.8°C. Despite the cold winds, winter in Osaka witnesses lesser rainfall, dwindling from 44mm in December to 45mm in February. Even snowfall occurs sporadically without significant accumulation.
Weather in January
In
Osaka, the start of the year presents relatively cold conditions with temperatures, on balmy days, reaching up to 9.5°C. Moisture is a nuisance with humidity levels regularly hovering around 61%. Despite the low daylight hours, puffy clouds frequently hide the sun, making the days shorter and colder.
Weather in January »Weather in February
A minimal uptick in temperatures sees lows hover around 2.9°C, though a chill remains in the air throughout
February. Compared to
January, the additional 0.8 hours of daily sunshine do little to heat up the chilly city. Sea temperatures steady around the same cold mark as the previous month, still not enticing for aquatic fun.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving into
March, a notable shift in climate is felt with temperatures warming up to 13.7°C. Longer days are enjoyed with 2.1 additional hours of sunlight, but despite the increased sunshine, rainy days are significantly more frequent.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in a more pronounced spring feel in
Osaka, characterized by much warmer temperatures, which can get as high as 19.9°C. The sea water starts becoming inviting, slowly heating up from
March to April. Compared to previous months, humidity perception is fairly constant.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As summer begins to peek over the horizon,
May presents higher temperatures in
Osaka. The climate continues to become hospitable, but hot days are still limited. The struggle between sporadic showers and radiant sunshine creates a striking balance in the weather pattern.
Weather in May »Weather in June
With summer taking root,
June brings hot weather to
Osaka, reaching peak temperatures of 27.8°C. While the weather is mostly sunny, levels of humidity increase consistently, making for very humid conditions. Unlike
May, June is a month of contrast with increasingly hot days and persistent downpours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July signifies the height of summer in
Osaka, featuring the hottest month of the year with temperatures set to reach as high as 31.6°C. Notably, humidity levels continue to rise, reaching the peak for the year, but frequent showers bring relief from the sweltering summer heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Heat continues to dominate the weather in
August, with temperatures in
Osaka occasionally peaking at 33.4°C. Though the humidity eases a bit from
July's high of 70%, the weather remains palpably sticky. Compared to the previous month, rain showers are not as frequent, leading to lower monthly rainfall totals.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September, a gradual cooling trend sets in from the height of
Osaka's summer heat. While the temperature slowly decreases, rainfall exhibits an opposite pattern, resulting in heavier showers compared to the previous month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With
October, the onset of autumn brings significantly cooler weather to
Osaka, characterized by temperature highs of only 23.3°C. The shift from summer is also marked by decreased humidity, and the city finds respite from the previous sticky conditions.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November witnesses a further drop in temperatures, characteristic of
Osaka's weather transition towards winter. Rainfall decreases significantly compared to
October, and the city becomes less damp. Sea temperatures, gradually decreasing from summer, continue their descent, discouraging water activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Osaka seals the year's end with the coldest temperatures dropping to as low as 5.1°C. Despite the dip in temperatures, moisture remains as a persistent feature with relative humidity hovering around 62%. Though the sun is visible for a shorter duration, bright days are still prevalent, providing scant warmth.
Weather in December » [Resources]