Weather in Fukuoka

Planning a trip to Fukuoka? Get the latest weather information! This section provides current reports, forecasts, and useful charts to help plan your stay.

The climate of Fukuoka can be characterised as humid subtropical, with four clearly defined seasons. The city is distinguished by mild winters and hot, humid summers, making it an attractive destination to visit at different times of the year, depending on your weather preferences. Overall, the weather in Fukuoka offers a pleasant variety, ranging from cool winter days to warm, and at times sultry, summer months.

Winters (December-February) in Fukuoka are relatively mild, with average temperatures around 6-8°C and comparatively low rainfall. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, with temperatures rising from 11°C to a comfortable 19°C, accompanied by a moderate number of rainy days. Summer (June-August) is the hottest and most humid period. Average temperatures during this time range from 22°C to 28°C, while rainfall and the number of rainy days increase noticeably, especially in June and July, marking a distinct summer rainy season. Autumn (September-November) begins with warm weather, which gradually gives way to cooler and drier conditions, creating very pleasant conditions for travelling and exploring the city.

Throughout the year, the temperature regime in Fukuoka undergoes noticeable changes, reflecting the shift of the four seasons. The hottest month is traditionally August, when the average temperature reaches 27.6°C, and daytime highs can rise to 30.1°C. Conversely, the coldest period is considered to be January, with an average temperature of about 6.5°C and minimum night-time values dropping to 4.3°C.

The summer months in Fukuoka, from June to August, are characterised by consistently warm, and often hot, weather. In June, the average temperature is 22.4°C (minimum 19.9°C, maximum 24.9°C), gradually increasing towards July (average 26.3°C, minimum 24.2°C, maximum 28.5°C) and reaching its peak in August. During this period, the difference between day and night temperatures is relatively small, which, combined with high humidity, creates the sensation of a true subtropical summer.

Winter in Fukuoka, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by cool but generally mild weather. Monthly average temperatures fluctuate from 6.5°C in January (minimum 4.3°C, maximum 8.8°C) to 7.9°C in December (minimum 5.5°C, maximum 10.2°C). February also remains cool with an average temperature of 7.3°C. Night-time temperatures rarely drop significantly below freezing, and daytime highs usually stay within the range of 8-10°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are also small, ensuring a relatively stable thermal background.

Fukuoka experiences distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The highest amount of rainfall and rainy days occurs during the summer months, forming a clear rainy season, while late autumn and early winter are characterised by drier weather. Overall, the city receives a moderate amount of precipitation, distributed unevenly across the seasons.

The wettest period in Fukuoka is summer, especially July, when an average of 9 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 19. June and August are also quite rainy, with 8 mm of precipitation and 14-15 rainy days respectively. September also retains high humidity with 6 mm of precipitation and 15 rainy days. Summer rains can be intense but often take the form of showers followed by clear spells. May can also be classified as a wet month, with 5 mm of precipitation and 13 rainy days, preceding the main peak of the rainy season.

The driest months in Fukuoka are November and December, with only 2 mm of precipitation falling in each. November also records the fewest rainy days of the year – just 8, the same as in October. October is also a relatively dry month with 3 mm of precipitation. Winter months (January, February) and early spring (March, April) are characterised by a moderate amount of precipitation (3-4 mm) and approximately 9-11 rainy days per month, indicating the possibility of light or moderate rains, but without pronounced aridity or excessive humidity.

When planning a trip to Fukuoka, it is important to consider the changeable weather characteristic of this region of Japan. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and between different seasons. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity, as Fukuoka invites long walks. Do not forget an umbrella or a light raincoat, as rainy days happen quite often even in months with low total precipitation.

In summer (from June to August), it is hot and humid in Fukuoka, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C. Bring light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are mandatory. Given that summer is also the season with the highest number of rainy days (around 14 in June and up to 19 in July), a light raincoat or a compact poncho will be very useful. In winter (from December to February), the weather is cool, with average temperatures around 6-8°C. You will need a warm sweater, a jacket (possibly windproof and waterproof), a hat, a scarf, and gloves. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is most variable. It can be warm during the day and cool in the evening. The ideal choice would be t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, light jackets, or cardigans. Waterproof outerwear is also useful in the transitional seasons, especially in months like May (about 13 rainy days) and September (about 15 rainy days), when the likelihood of precipitation is higher.

Even in relatively "dry" months, such as November or December, which have 8-10 rainy days, a compact umbrella will remain your faithful companion. In general, be prepared for the fact that the weather in Fukuoka can be unpredictable, and a thoughtful approach to clothing selection, based on the principle of layering and readiness for rain, will ensure a comfortable stay in the city at any time of the year.