Weather in Tottori

Heading to Tottori or already there? Get the most up-to-date weather information! Below you will find current weather conditions, forecasts, and useful charts to help plan your day.

The climate in Tottori, located in Japan, can be described as temperate, with four clearly defined seasons. Tourists can expect warm, and at times hot, summers, especially in July and August, when the average temperature reaches 25-26°C. Winters here are cool, with an average temperature of around 5-7°C in January and December. Spring and autumn offer pleasant transitional periods with moderate temperatures, ideal for exploring the city.

A specific feature of the weather in Tottori is the significant number of days with precipitation throughout the year, even if the monthly amount of rainfall in millimetres might seem low. The winter months, particularly January and December, stand out with the highest number of wet days — up to 24 days in each. In summer, specifically in July, August, and September, it also rains frequently (about 17-18 days per month), which can contribute to a feeling of increased humidity. In spring (April-May) and mid-autumn (October), the number of rainy days decreases slightly, making these seasons potentially more comfortable for walks and outdoor activities.

The climate in Tottori is characterised by noticeable seasonal temperature fluctuations. Throughout the year, you can experience both warm summers and cool winters. The hottest month is usually August, when the average temperature reaches 26.4°C, and daytime highs can rise to 28.3°C. July follows closely behind with an average temperature of 25.0°C. The coldest month is considered to be January: the average temperature at this time is 4.9°C, and nightly lows can drop to 3.0°C. February is also quite cool with an average temperature of 5.3°C.

Summer months in Tottori, especially July and August, bring sustained warmth. Daytime temperatures consistently stay above 25°C, and nights remain warm, with minimum temperatures rarely falling below 23°C. June is a transitional month to the summer heat, with an average temperature of around 20.6°C, offering more moderate warmth. Winter, from December to February, brings significant cooling. Temperatures often fluctuate in the range of 3°C to 9°C. Although severe frosts are not typical, the weather feels cool and damp, especially considering the large number of days with precipitation during this period.

Throughout the year, the difference between maximum daytime and minimum nighttime temperatures in Tottori is relatively small, usually ranging from 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. This means that diurnal temperature fluctuations are not too sharp, and the weather remains fairly stable during the day and night. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant transitional temperatures, gradually rising towards summer and falling towards winter, making these seasons comfortable for visiting.

In the city of Tottori, precipitation is observed throughout the year, although its intensity and frequency vary significantly from month to month. A characteristic feature is that even in the "wettest" months by number of precipitation days, the total volume remains small, yet the number of days with precipitation can be significant. There is no pronounced dry season, but there are periods with a lower probability of rain or snow.

According to monthly averages, the largest volume of precipitation falls during the summer months: July and August receive 8 mm each. At the same time, precipitation is recorded on average for 18 days in July, and 17 days in August, indicating frequent but likely not too intense summer rains. The winter months, especially December and January, stand out with the maximum number of days with precipitation — 24 days in each. The total amount of precipitation in these months is 5 mm. Given the average temperatures (around 4.9°C in January and 6.9°C in December, with minimum temperatures around 3.0°C - 4.8°C), frequent but light snowfalls or mixed precipitation in the form of rain and snow are likely in Tottori at this time of year.

The periods with the fewest days of precipitation are the spring months. In April and May, there are only about 11 wet days, and the precipitation volume is 5 mm and 4 mm respectively. This makes spring a relatively drier season in terms of rain frequency. The minimum amount of precipitation by volume (4 mm) falls in February, March, May, and November. For example, in February, with 4 mm of precipitation, there are 17 wet days, which also indicates the light nature of the falling precipitation, predominantly in the form of rain, as the average temperature in February is around 5.3°C.

When planning a trip to Tottori, it is important to consider the changeable weather and frequent precipitation throughout the year. The key principle when packing your suitcase will be layering. Comfortable waterproof shoes for walking will be indispensable, as you will be walking a lot. Always have an umbrella or a light raincoat with you, as the number of rainy days is significant even in months with lower total rainfall. A light scarf or neck gaiter may come in handy for protection against the wind, especially in the off-season and winter.

The winter months in Tottori (from December to February) are quite cool, with average temperatures around 4-7°C. You will need warm clothes: jumpers, fleece jackets, thermal underwear, as well as a winter jacket (preferably windproof and waterproof), a hat, gloves, and a warm scarf. Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are characterised by gradual temperature changes. It is still quite fresh in March and November (average temperature 8-12°C), so warm layers and a jacket will be relevant. In April, May, and October, the weather becomes milder (12-19°C), but evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or jumper will not go amiss.

Summer in Tottori (from June to September) is warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C, and in August, they can reach 28°C. Choose light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Despite the warmth, summer is also a season with frequent precipitation, especially in June, July, and September, so a compact umbrella or light raincoat will still be your faithful companions. The layering principle will also help you adapt to air-conditioned spaces.