Yokohama has four distinct seasons, and each one brings its own vibe. Honestly, not every season feels great for a visit. If you’re looking for the best time to visit Yokohama based on weather, aim for spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the temperatures stay mild and you can actually enjoy being outside. The city looks beautiful too, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.
If you plan your trip with the climate in mind, you’ll dodge the sweaty summers and chilly winters. In spring, parks burst into bloom and outdoor festivals pop up everywhere. Autumn brings crisp air and fewer tourists. Both seasons let you stroll Yokohama’s waterfront, check out Chinatown, and wander through museums without worrying about heavy rain or sticky humidity.
Knowing how the weather shifts each month will help you match your visit with what you want to do most. Maybe you’re after cherry blossoms, local events, or just want to wander through neighborhoods without sweating buckets. Picking the right season really does make a difference.
Overview of Yokohama Weather
Yokohama sits in a temperate climate zone with four clear seasons. Winters feel mild, summers get hot and muggy, and spring and autumn offer those perfect in-between conditions. Rain falls throughout the year, but some months definitely get wetter than others.
Climate Characteristics
Yokohama’s humid subtropical climate means you’ll get warm-to-hot summers and cool winters. Rain comes steadily through the year. Snow almost never sticks around—if it falls at all, it’s light and gone fast.
Spring and autumn feel the nicest. Cherry blossoms show up under gentle spring temps, and autumn brings that sharp, clear air. Summer, though, can get uncomfortably humid, especially in July and August.
Winter stays mostly dry. Daytime highs usually stay above freezing, so you can explore the city without bundling up too much. Unlike some parts of Japan that get buried in snow, Yokohama stays pretty accessible year-round.
Temperature Ranges
Temperatures in Yokohama shift a lot depending on the season. In winter, you’ll see daytime highs around 9–12°C (48–54°F), with nights dropping to 4–7°C (39–45°F). Frost rarely shows up, and snow almost never piles up.
Once spring rolls around, temperatures climb fast. March brings daytime averages of 14°C (57°F), and by May, you’ll see highs up to 20°C (68°F). It’s a great time to be outside.
Summer cranks up the heat. July and August often hit 28–29°C (82–84°F), and nights stay warm at 24–26°C (75–79°F). With the humidity, it can feel pretty intense.
Autumn cools things down again. October averages 22°C (72°F), and by November, days fall to 17°C (63°F). That cooling trend makes autumn one of the most pleasant times to be outdoors.
Rainfall and Humidity Trends
Rain falls fairly consistently in Yokohama, but some months definitely stand out. The wettest stretch comes between May and September, with June peaking at over 200 mm of rain. That’s the rainy season, tsuyu, so expect frequent showers—though they’re not usually all-day downpours.
Humidity spikes in summer, often over 70%, making the heat feel heavier. On those sticky afternoons, you might want to duck indoors for a bit.
Winter dries out, with December and January seeing less than 60 mm of rain on average. You’ll also get more sunny days, which is great for sightseeing.
Spring and autumn balance out rainfall and humidity. Showers happen, but rarely ruin your plans, and the overall comfort level is higher. That’s probably why so many travelers show up in those seasons.
Best Months to Visit Yokohama for Ideal Weather
You’ll find the most comfortable conditions in Yokohama during the mild seasons. Temperatures stay reasonable, humidity is manageable, and you’ll often get clear skies. It’s just a pleasant time for sightseeing or wandering the city.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Yokohama is usually reliable. Highs climb from about 57°F (14°C) in March to around 74°F (23°C) in May. It’s warm but not stifling, and nights can still feel cool, so bring a light jacket if you’re coming early in the season.
Rain picks up a bit in April and May, but showers don’t usually last long. Humidity stays pretty manageable, which makes walking along the waterfront or through the parks a lot more enjoyable.
Cherry blossoms bloom from late March into early April, and you’ll see crowds flocking to places like Sankeien Garden and Yamashita Park. Streets get busy, and hotels might cost more, but the scenery is worth it.
If you want a sweet spot for weather and scenery, May often brings stable conditions and less rain than early summer.
Autumn (October to November)
Autumn brings another run of nice weather. Highs average 72°F (22°C) in October, dropping to 62°F (17°C) in November. Nights get cooler, dipping into the 50s°F (10–14°C). The crisp air makes city walks super comfortable.
Humidity drops sharply after summer, and you’ll see clearer skies than during the rainy season. September can still bring some rain, but by October, heavy showers become rare.
November feels especially good, with colorful autumn leaves lighting up the parks and waterfront. Tourists thin out a bit compared to spring, so you might find better deals on places to stay.
This season really combines mild temps, low humidity, and great views—perfect for being outside in Yokohama.
Seasonal Breakdown: Weather and Travel Experience
Yokohama’s four seasons really shape your experience. Temperatures, rain, and local events shift a lot, so the timing of your trip will affect your comfort and what you get to do.
Spring: Cherry Blossoms and Pleasant Temperatures
Spring in Yokohama runs March to May. Daytime temps usually range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Rainfall stays moderate, and humidity is pretty low compared to summer.
Cherry blossoms are the big draw, blooming late March to early April. People flock to Sankeien Garden, Yamashita Park, and the Minato Mirai waterfront. It gets crowded during peak bloom, so brace yourself.
Walking and outdoor sightseeing feel easy. Light jackets work for cooler evenings, and the days start getting longer. Spring also brings fun events like the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Flower Garden, which adds a nice seasonal touch.
Summer: Festivals, Heat, and Humidity
Summer stretches from June through August. Temperatures often hit 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F), and humidity makes it feel warmer. June brings the rainy season, and July and August can bring typhoons.
Despite the heat, the city comes alive. The Yokohama International Fireworks Festival in August draws massive crowds, and local summer matsuri bring food stalls, music, and traditional dance.
If you visit in summer, take indoor breaks in air-conditioned malls or museums. Carry water, wear light clothes, and expect sudden showers. Evenings feel more comfortable, so that’s a good time to check out the harbor area or the night view from Landmark Tower.
Autumn: Fall Foliage and Mild Climate
Autumn runs from September to November. Temperatures drop to 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and humidity falls after summer. Rain tapers off, though September can still get typhoons.
This is one of the best times to explore Yokohama. Parks like Yamashita Park and Negishi Forest Park show off their autumn colors, usually peaking in late November. The cool air makes walking tours and day trips much nicer.
Events like the Yokohama Oktoberfest at the Red Brick Warehouse add a bit of fun. You’ll want lighter layers during the day, but pack a sweater or jacket for cool evenings.
Winter: Cooler Days and Holiday Illuminations
Winter covers December to February. Daytime temps hover between 5°C and 12°C (41°F to 54°F). Nights can get chilly, but snow rarely shows up. Rainfall drops, and skies are often clear.
Traveling in winter is easy since roads and public transport keep running smoothly. You’ll see holiday illuminations across Minato Mirai, Motomachi, and the Red Brick Warehouse. The lights really bring out a festive mood in the evenings.
Bring a warm coat for nights, but the dry air feels way more comfortable than summer’s stickiness. Daytime sightseeing is pleasant, and you’ll usually find fewer crowds than in spring or autumn.
Monthly Weather Patterns in Yokohama
Yokohama goes through four distinct seasons. Winters stay mild, springs feel warm, summers get hot, and autumns cool off. Temperatures and rainfall change month to month, so your experience can really depend on when you go.
Monthly Temperature Overview
Winter in Yokohama feels mild compared to northern Japan. January brings highs near 9°C (48°F) and lows around 4°C (39°F). Snow almost never appears, and most days stay dry. February warms up a bit, with highs around 10°C (50°F).
By March, days get warmer at about 14°C (57°F). April and May bring highs between 17°C (63°F) and 20°C (68°F). Nights stay cool but rarely get cold, making it a great time to explore.
Summer kicks off in June with highs around 24°C (75°F). July and August are the hottest, averaging 28–29°C (82–84°F), and nights barely cool off, staying near 24–26°C (75–79°F).
Autumn cools things gradually. September still feels warm at 27°C (81°F), but by October, highs drop to 22°C (72°F). November brings crisp days around 17°C (63°F), and December cools further to 12°C (54°F).
Rainfall and Sunshine by Month
Rain doesn’t fall evenly through the year. March through June often brings frequent showers, with totals over 190–210 mm some months. June marks the rainy season’s start, so expect more clouds and fewer dry days.
July and August stay humid and still get plenty of rain, averaging 160–210 mm. Afternoon thunderstorms can pop up, but you’ll also see stretches of sunshine.
September is usually one of the wettest months, with about 230 mm of rain, partly thanks to typhoon season. By October, rain drops off and skies clear up.
In winter, rain falls much less. December and January average under 60 mm of rain, and you’ll get lots of dry, sunny days. Winter often feels like one of the most stable times for outdoor sightseeing in Yokohama.
Tips for Choosing the Best Time to Visit
Weather in Yokohama shifts a lot with each season. That impacts not just your comfort, but also how busy the city feels and what you should pack. If you plan around climate patterns and seasonal events, your trip will probably go a lot smoother.
Avoiding Crowds and Peak Seasons
Spring and autumn bring in the biggest crowds. Cherry blossom season, running from late March to early April, packs out parks like Sankeien Garden.
In November, autumn leaves draw day-trippers from Tokyo.
If you want some peace and quiet, try visiting in winter. Sure, it gets chilly, but snow almost never falls, and attractions stay open.
Summer comes with more local festivals, but the high humidity can turn some travelers away.
Try to time your visit just before or after the busiest weeks to dodge the crowds. For example, if you show up in mid-March instead of peak bloom, you’ll get mild weather and fewer people.
Late November still offers beautiful autumn colors, but you won’t have to deal with as much foot traffic as earlier in the month.
Packing Recommendations for Each Season
What you pack really depends on the season. In spring, toss in a light jacket and an umbrella—temperatures stay mild, but rain pops up often.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes for wandering through gardens and along the waterfront.
For summer, stick to breathable clothes, sunscreen, and a hat. Humidity runs high, so lightweight fabrics make a difference.
Don’t forget a small umbrella during the June to July rainy stretch.
When autumn arrives, pack layers like a sweater or light coat. Evenings, especially near the bay, can get surprisingly crisp.
Winter feels drier and cooler, with daytime highs around 10–13°C (50–55°F). A medium-weight coat, scarf, and gloves should cover most days.
Heavy snow gear? You probably won’t need it, since Yokohama rarely gets snow.
Notable Weather-Related Events and Activities
Yokohama’s weather really shapes what people do throughout the year. Mild spring, hot and humid summers, and crisp autumn days all offer their own outdoor experiences. Locals and visitors both get drawn in.
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Cherry blossoms in Yokohama usually burst open from late March to early April. During this short window, you can walk through parks and gardens in pleasant daytime temperatures.
Rain might show up, but snow almost never does, so getting around stays easy.
Some favorite spots are Sankeien Garden, Negishi Forest Park, and Yokohama Mitsuike Park. Mitsuike Park has over 1,000 cherry trees, which is pretty impressive.
Many people gather for hanami (flower-viewing) parties, spreading out food and relaxing under the blossoms.
Crowds can get intense, especially on weekends. If you want a better spot, try arriving early.
Weekdays usually feel less packed, so that’s another option if you want a quieter stroll.
Cherry blossom season is always brief, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to catch the flowers at their best.
Summer Festivals
Summer in Yokohama turns hot and humid, with temperatures often climbing above 30°C (86°F). Still, the city fills up with outdoor festivals and fireworks that pull in big crowds.
The Kanagawa Shimbun Fireworks Festival lights up the Minato Mirai waterfront every year. Expect colorful displays that last over an hour, but you’ll want to show up early—spots go fast.
Other highlights? Traditional bon odori dance festivals and food stalls selling treats like shaved ice and grilled seafood.
Evenings cool off a bit, but humidity sticks around. Light clothes and lots of water help you get through it.
Autumn Leaf Viewing
From late October to early December, Yokohama’s parks and gardens burst into shades of red, orange, and yellow. You’ll usually find the weather mild, with daytime highs sitting between 15–20°C (59–68°F), so wandering outside feels pretty comfortable.
Locals and visitors flock to Sankeien Garden to see historic buildings surrounded by colorful trees. Over at Yamashita Park, you get a totally different vibe, with autumn leaves popping against the city’s modern skyline.
Autumn colors stick around for several weeks, which means you don’t have to rush your plans. Evenings tend to get a bit cool, so tossing on a light jacket isn’t a bad idea.
Compared to spring, you’ll notice the crowds thin out, making it easier to soak in the scenery at your own pace.