The climate of Saitama
Saitama,
Japan is characterized by a Köppen climate classification of Cfa, indicating a humid subtropical climate. Without a dry season, this city experiences weather conditions that reflect its geographical location in the northern temperate climate zone. The annual weather patterns in Saitama showcase a diverse range of temperatures, rainfall and humidity, creating an intriguing blend of climate attributes.
The annual temperatures in Saitama fluctuate from 2°C (35.6°F) to 31.9°C (89.4°F), showcasing the extensive range of climatic conditions. The coldest month is
February with average minimum temperatures of 2°C (35.6°F), while
August registers the highest average maximum temperatures of 31.9°C (89.4°F). Saitama receives a fair share of rainfall throughout the year, ranging from 19mm (0.75") in
December to 79mm (3.11") in
October. Accordingly, rainfall days vary from 4.1 days in
January to 15.7 days in
June.
Humidity level also varies significantly, ranging from 59% in January to a peak of 75% in
July. Sunshine hours, however, peak at 14.6 hours in June, diminishing to 9.8 hours by December. The UV index is quite intense during July with a rating of 7 but dips to 2 in January and February. The city's average wind speed fluctuates from 9.7km/h (6mph) in
November to 12.6km/h (7.8mph) in
April.
A unique feature of Saitama's climate is the light snowfall experienced in the colder months, from 8mm (0.31") in January to 4mm (0.16") in November, although actual snowfall days are few and quite minimal.
The best time to visit Saitama
The best time to visit
Saitama would be during the transition seasons of Spring and Autumn. During these periods, the city offers pleasant climate conditions with moderate temperature variations and lower humidity levels. In Spring, between
March and
May, the city experiences average maximum and minimum temperatures between 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F) and 5.4°C (41.7°F) to 15.8°C (60.4°F) respectively, making it an enjoyable time for tourists. Autumn months from
September to
November also present amicable weather conditions with average temperatures ranging between 16.2°C (61.2°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F) maximally, and 10°C (50°F) to 20.9°C (69.6°F) minimally.
The worst time to visit Saitama
The least favorable time to explore
Saitama would be during the cold winter months, specifically
January and
February, and the hot, humid summer months of
July and
August. During winter, temperature drops significantly to a low of 2°C (35.6°F), coupled with occasional snowfall and lower daylight hours, making it less ideal for tourism. Similarly, the summer months feature high temperatures up to 31.9°C (89.4°F) with high humidity levels of up to 75% in July, making outdoor activities quite uncomfortable.
Spring weather in Saitama
Spring is a pleasant season in
Saitama, often marked with moderate temperatures and blooming flora. The temperatures during this season range from 5.4°C (41.7°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F). The spring season is relatively wet with an expected rainfall of up to 50mm (1.97") in
April. Additionally, the proportion of sunshine hours gradually increases from 12 hours in
March to 14.1 hours in
May accompanied by an average wind speed of 12.3km/h (7.6mph) to 11.4km/h (7.1mph).
Summer weather in Saitama
Summers in
Saitama are characterized by hot temperatures, high humidity and increased rainfall. The temperature during this season reaches up to 31.9°C (89.4°F) but never falls below 19.3°C (66.7°F). Rainfall is highest in
June with 73mm (2.87"), whereas the relative humidity peaks at 75% in
July. Despite this, the summer in Saitama sees the longest daylight hours, with an impressive 14.6 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Saitama
Autumn in
Saitama displays a decrease in temperature and rainfall. The temperature in this season ranges between 10°C (50°F) and 27.5°C (81.5°F), while the rainfall dips to as low as 36mm (1.42") in
November. Despite the decrease in daylight hours from 12.4 to 10.3 hours, autumn remains comfortable with relatively lower humidity levels.
Winter weather in Saitama
Winter in
Saitama brings around the coldest temperatures, falling as low as 2°C (35.6°F), while the highest temperature hardly surpasses 10.6°C (51.1°F). Rainfall and humidity are lowest during this season with a minimum of 19mm (0.75") of rainfall in
December and relative humidity of 59% in
January. Despite the cold, winter days still hold up to 9.8 hours of daylight in December. Wind speeds also tend to increase during winter, reaching up to 12km/h (7.5mph) in December.
Weather in January
In
January,
Saitama,
Japan embraces a chilly start to the year. As temperatures range from a low of 2°C (35.6°F) to a high of 8.5°C (47.3°F), locals prefer warm clothing to shield themselves from the prevailing conditions. Snowfall is probable, resulting in a glistening white blanket on the city streets.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Despite the climb to a high temperature of 9.5°C (49.1°F),
February continues to carry the winter feel of
January. As sunshine duration borderlines on February's previous month, the streets of
Saitama shine bright under the winter sun.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Transformation brightens
Saitama's landscape as
March unfolds. A boost in temperature perceives the first signs of spring and reduces snowfall. March contrasts distinctly against its precursor, with an increase in both daylight and sunshine hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather experiences considerable enhancement, with temperatures settling between the 10°C (50°F) to 17.8°C (64°F) range. As snowfall becomes a remnant of the past winter, rainfall seizes control, rendering April as a relatively wet month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, comfort walks through
Saitama's door with temperatures ranging from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F). Amid the progressing rise in temperatures, city dwellers witness a continuation of the surge in rainfall witnessed in
April.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As the temperature reading ascends to a high of 25.9°C (78.6°F) in
June,
Saitama welcomes the early signs of summer. Concurrently, there is an increase in rainfall, marking the month with the highest level of precipitation. The skies remain comparatively cloudy, perhaps hinting at June being the onset of the rainy season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks the heart of summer in
Saitama, with the mercury hitting a high of 30.3°C (86.5°F). This month showcases the highest UV index levels due to long sunshine hours that rival the amount of daylight. Therefore, July is the time for some fun in the sun, with the city experiencing maximum warmth.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Saitama’s sultry summer continues into
August, with temperatures reaching a blistering 31.9°C (89.4°F). Concurrently, the frequency of rainy days begins to diminish, signaling an eventual close to the summer monsoon. Despite a decline in rainfall, humidity levels remain raised, and city dwellers find reprieve in the slightly longer sunshine hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September sparks a mood change in
Saitama's weather as temperatures scale back to a high of 27.5°C (81.5°F). This month dispenses partial relief from the summer heat, paving the transition into fall. Although the frequency of rain gradually ascends, it marks the beginning of a cooler and drier period.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Temperatures in
October further dip, reaching a scaled back high of 21.6°C (70.9°F). While maintaining a moderate level of rainfall, this month also exhibits a considerable drop in relative humidity. The disappearance of summer's heatwaves signals the further approach of winter’s chill.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November witnesses the dip in
Saitama's thermometer intensify, with temperatures fluctuating from 10°C (50°F) to 16.2°C (61.2°F). A drastic reduction in rainfall, as evident from the 36mm (1.42") precipitation rate, confirm the advent of the cold season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Winter engulfs
Saitama in
December as minimum temperatures drop to 4.8°C (40.6°F). A remarkable decline in rainfall and a boost in visibility define the atmospheric characteristics. Although snowfall is minimal, early winter scenes unfurl across the city with occasional white highlights.
Weather in December » [Resources]