Weather in Niigata

Planning your trip or just want to know what the weather is like now in Niigata? In this section, you will find up-to-date information, forecasts, and useful weather charts to stay informed of all changes.

Niigata, located in Japan, possesses a temperate climate with four clearly defined seasons. The city is characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which ensures diverse weather conditions for visitors and makes the climate dynamic.

Winters in Niigata (from December to February) are quite cold, with average temperatures around 2-5°C. This period is distinguished by a very high number of days with precipitation (on average 21-27 days per month), which is often expressed in overcast weather and, given the temperatures, likely snowfall or sleet. Spring (from March to May) brings gradual and pleasant warming, with average temperatures from 7°C to 16°C, as well as a decrease in the number of rainy days, making the weather milder. Summer (from June to August) in Niigata is warm, turning into hot, especially in July and August when average temperatures reach 25-27°C. Summer months are also characterized by a significant number of days with precipitation (15-19 days), which may indicate periods of high humidity and frequent rains. Autumn (from September to November) offers a pleasant cooling after the summer heat, with average temperatures starting at 23°C and dropping to 11°C; however, the number of cloudy and rainy days begins to increase again closer to winter.

A key feature of Niigata's climate is the large number of days with precipitation throughout the year, even if the total monthly precipitation volumes (4-9 mm) might not seem too high. This means that tourists should be prepared for frequent, though not always intense, cloudiness and precipitation – whether rain or snow, depending on the time of year. The highest number of such days falls in the winter months and mid-summer, which is important to consider when planning a trip.

The climate in Niigata is characterized by pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations. The annual temperature range is quite wide: the coldest month, January, has an average temperature of about 2.8°C (with minimum values dropping to 0.8°C and maximums up to 4.8°C), while the hottest month, August, demonstrates an average temperature of 26.7°C (with maximum figures reaching an average of 29.3°C and minimum nightly temperatures around 24.2°C). Thus, residents and guests of the city can expect both a cool winter and a hot summer.

The summer months in Niigata, from June to August, bring warmth and high humidity. June opens the season with an average temperature of 20.5°C, creating comfortable conditions. However, in July (average temperature 25.1°C) and especially in August (average 26.7°C), hot weather sets in. Maximum daily temperatures in August regularly approach 30°C. A significant number of wet days during this period (15-19 days per month) contributes to a feeling of mugginess, making the summer heat more intense.

Winter in Niigata, covering December, January, and February, is cold. January stands out as the frostiest month with an average temperature of 2.8°C, when night temperatures often drop to 0.8°C, and day temperatures rarely rise above 4.8°C. February is slightly warmer (average 3.3°C), and December (average 5.1°C) serves as a prelude to the real winter cold. The winter period is also characterized by a high frequency of precipitation: January and December count 27 wet days each, indicating frequent snowfall or rain. Daily temperature fluctuations throughout the year in Niigata are generally moderate, averaging from 4°C to 7°C between daily highs and nightly lows, ensuring relative stability of the temperature background during the day.

In the city of Niigata, precipitation falls throughout the year, however, its character and intensity change noticeably depending on the season. There is no clearly defined absolutely dry season here, but there are periods with more frequent or, conversely, rarer precipitation.

Winter months, especially December and January, stand out with the highest number of wet days — about 27 days in each. Given average temperatures around 0-5°C, frequent, though not always heavy, snowfall or sleet is very likely in Niigata at this time of year. February also remains snowy, with approximately 21 wet days, but with a slightly lower total amount of precipitation (5 mm compared to 6-8 mm in January and December).

Spring, from March to May, brings a substantial decrease in both the amount of precipitation (about 4 mm per month) and the number of wet days (14-17 days). This period can be considered relatively dry for Niigata. In summer, especially in July and August, the total amount of precipitation increases slightly (9 mm in July and 8 mm in August), which is likely connected to summer rains. At the same time, the number of wet days is 18-19 in these months.

In autumn, starting from September, precipitation amounts remain moderate (5-6 mm), but the frequency of wet days gradually increases, reaching 20 days in November, signaling the approach of the winter season with its frequent precipitation. Thus, the winter months are the wettest in terms of precipitation frequency, and the summer months in terms of total amount, although in general, Niigata is characterized by frequent, but not always heavy precipitation.

When planning a trip to Niigata, it is important to consider its key climatic feature – the high probability of precipitation throughout the year. To ensure your walks around the city are comfortable in any weather, be sure to pack a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket in your suitcase. Equally important are comfortable, ideally water-repellent, shoes for long explorations of the city. The principle of layering in clothing will become your reliable ally, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes and weather whims, especially in transitional seasons.

During the cold period, which usually lasts from November to March, cool and damp weather settles in Niigata. In winter (December-February), average temperatures hover around 2-5°C, and night frosts are possible. For this time, you will need substantial warm clothing: a down jacket or winter coat, sweaters or fleece jackets, thermal underwear, as well as a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Given that these are the "wettest" months with frequent rain or snow, give preference to waterproof options for outerwear and footwear.

In the warm season, covering late spring, summer (June-August), and early autumn, the weather in Niigata becomes significantly warmer, with average temperatures reaching 20-26°C and higher at the peak of the season. The ideal choice will be light, "breathable" clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Do not forget about sun protection: sunscreen, headwear, and sunglasses will be very handy. However, even in summer, the number of rainy days remains significant, so a light waterproof windbreaker or umbrella will not be superfluous. Layering will also come in handy in the transitional seasons, when morning coolness can give way to daytime warmth.