Otsu

Planning a trip or just curious about the weather in Otsu? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, along with up-to-date forecasts and helpful charts.

Located in Japan, the city of Otsu features a humid subtropical climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Travelers can expect warm, sometimes hot and humid summers, and cool to cold winters. Spring and autumn typically offer mild and pleasant weather, making them popular times to visit.

Summer months, particularly July and August, are the warmest, with average temperatures reaching 26-27°C. This period also coincides with increased precipitation and rainy days; for instance, July sees about 9 mm of rainfall and up to 20 rainy days. In contrast, winter is drier and cooler, with average January temperatures around 3.6°C. While precipitation is significantly lower in winter, rainy or snowy days still occur.

The transitional seasons—spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)—offer comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and exploring the city. Spring sees a gradual warming and increase in rainfall, while in autumn, temperatures drop and the number of rainy days decreases, especially by November. Overall, the climate in Otsu offers a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, allowing you to choose the best time for your trip based on your preferences.

The city of Otsu sees a distinct shift in temperature patterns throughout the year, typical of a temperate climate. January is traditionally the coldest month, with average air temperatures holding at around 3.6°C. During this time, nighttime temperatures can drop to an average of 0.4°C, and daytime highs rarely exceed 6.8°C. In contrast, the heat peaks in August, which is the warmest month. The average temperature in August is 27.1°C, with daytime highs reaching 30.6°C and nighttime lows staying around 23.7°C. The annual temperature range shows a significant contrast between winter and summer months.

The summer period in Otsu, spanning June, July, and August, is characterized by warm and often hot weather. Average daytime temperatures in July and August remain steady around 29-30°C, creating sweltering summer conditions. Nights also remain warm, with temperatures rarely falling below 22-23°C. Given the high number of rainy days in the summer months, especially in July (20 days), high humidity can be expected. Winter in Otsu, from December to February, brings cool weather. Average temperatures range from 3.6°C in January to 5.7°C in December. Nighttime frosts are not uncommon, especially in January when the minimum temperature can approach zero; however, severe and prolonged freezes are not typical for the region.

Daily temperature fluctuations in Otsu are generally moderate. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows in most months is about 6-9°C. The largest variations are seen during the transitional seasons, such as March (an 8.3°C difference) and April (an 8.7°C difference), when the daytime sun noticeably warms the air while nights remain cool. Spring brings gradual warming, with the average temperature rising from 8.6°C in March to 17.5°C in May. In autumn, the process reverses: from a warm 23.6°C in September, the temperature gradually declines to 11.6°C in November, preparing the city for winter's arrival.

The city of Otsu experiences clear seasonality in its precipitation distribution. The wettest period is summer, peaking in July, while late autumn and winter are characterized by significantly less rainfall. November stands out as the month with the fewest rainy days.

Summer months, particularly from June to August, bring the bulk of the annual rainfall to Otsu. July is the wettest month, with an average of 9 mm of precipitation and rain occurring on about 20 days. June and August also see higher rainfall (around 7 mm) and a significant number of rainy days (16-17 days respectively). Precipitation during this period tends to be more intense compared to other seasons.

Winter (December–February) and November are the driest months in Otsu. January, November, and December receive the minimum amount of precipitation—about 2 mm. Despite this, some precipitation still occurs: January has about 15 days with precipitation, December has 12, and November, the "driest" in terms of frequency, has only 9 days. Given the low temperatures in winter (for instance, the average minimum is 0.4°C in January, 1.1°C in February, and 2.3°C in December), precipitation may fall as snow as well as rain, though the total amount remains small.

In spring (March–May), precipitation gradually increases from 4 mm and 15 rainy days in March to 6 mm and 12 rainy days in May. In autumn, following a relatively wet September (6 mm of precipitation, 16 rainy days), there is a decrease in both the total volume and frequency of rainfall, particularly noticeable in October (6 mm, 12 rainy days) and leading into a dry November.

When planning a trip to Otsu, it's important to consider the year-round weather variability to pack correctly. Layering is key, as it allows you to stay comfortable despite temperature fluctuations. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are your best friend, since exploring Otsu and its surroundings involves plenty of walking. Don't forget an umbrella or a light raincoat, as precipitation—though not always heavy—is quite frequent throughout the year, especially from June to September.

In the summer months (June–August), when average temperatures rise to 26-27°C and peaks can exceed 30°C, opt for light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics. T-shirts, shorts, skirts, a hat, and sunscreen will be very useful. July stands out with the highest amount of rainfall and rainy days, so a reliable umbrella or raincoat is a must. In winter (December–February), the weather in Otsu is quite cool, with average temperatures around 3-5°C and nighttime frosts. You’ll need warm items: sweaters, fleece jackets, a warm waterproof coat, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Although winter precipitation is low, humidity and wind can make it feel colder.

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most variable seasons. Spring temperatures gradually rise from 8°C in March to 17°C in May, while autumn temperatures decrease from a comfortable 23°C in September to 11°C in November. Layering is ideal during these periods: a light jacket or windbreaker, plus a sweater or cardigan that can be added or removed as the weather changes. Keep an umbrella handy, as rainy days are also characteristic of these seasons, though less frequent than in summer.