Summer in Kanazawa brings warm, humid days shaped by its location along the Sea of Japan. Daytime highs usually land somewhere between the mid-70s°F and upper-80s°F (about 24–31°C), while nights stay mild—and honestly, a bit sticky.
You’ll get heat mixed with plenty of rain, so the city feels lush and damp all at once.
Temperatures here feel manageable compared to some other Japanese cities, but the humidity really adds weight to the air. Rain shows up in short, steady bursts, especially in July, when precipitation peaks.
That blend of warmth and moisture gives Kanazawa a climate that’s vibrant, but it can be challenging depending on your plans.
Kanazawa’s summer weather shapes everything from outdoor sightseeing to the pace of daily life. If you know what’s coming, you’ll have a much better time exploring the city’s gardens, markets, and old streets—even if the weather keeps you on your toes.
Overview of Kanazawa’s Summer Climate
Kanazawa’s summer weather owes a lot to its coastal location, its humid subtropical climate, and the steady push of seasonal winds. Expect high humidity, frequent rainfall, and warm to hot temperatures that make Kanazawa stand out from plenty of other places in Japan.
Geographical Influence on Weather
Kanazawa sits on the western coast of Honshu, right up against the Sea of Japan. This spot exposes the city to moist air masses, so summer often brings steady rain.
The sea keeps temperatures from swinging too wildly, but it also drives up humidity.
Mountains to the east hem in the city, blocking airflow and trapping moisture. Because of this, you’ll often see cloudy skies and feel muggy air.
The same geography that dumps heavy snow in winter also contributes to those summer rains.
Thanks to these coastal and mountainous influences, Kanazawa gets more summer rain than many other Japanese cities. Showers and the occasional thunderstorm are just part of the deal, especially in July.
Climate Classification and Characteristics
Kanazawa falls into the humid subtropical climate (Cfa) zone on the Köppen chart. That means hot summers, mild winters, and no real dry season.
Rain falls year-round, but summer cranks up the humidity and brings heavy downpours.
Average summer highs jump from 25°C (77°F) in June up to 30–31°C (86–88°F) in August. Nights stay warm, usually between 20°C (68°F) and 24°C (75°F).
With humidity often above 70%, you’ll notice how sticky it feels.
Compared to Tokyo or Osaka, Kanazawa’s heat is a bit less intense, but the moisture makes it feel warmer. You might find that clouds are common—overcast or mostly cloudy skies show up on more than half of summer days.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summer in Kanazawa runs from June through August. Early summer starts out with the tsuyu (rainy season), which usually hangs around into July.
During this stretch, steady rain and high humidity set the tone. Rainfall can top 200 mm (8 in) in a single month.
By late July and into August, temperatures hit their peak. The hottest days push above 30°C (86°F), but heatwaves aren’t as common as they are in central Japan.
Humidity stays high, and the air can feel heavy even on days with less rain.
August brings more sunshine, but skies often remain hazy or cloudy. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast, so outdoor plans might need to change on short notice.
If you’re heading outside, keep an umbrella handy—showers can surprise you at any time.
Average Summer Temperatures in Kanazawa
Summer in Kanazawa means warm to hot days and lots of humidity. You’ll feel steady heat from late June through early September, with August usually topping the charts.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
June kicks things off with rising temperatures. Highs hit around 24–26°C (75–79°F), and lows hover near 18–20°C (64–68°F).
July gets hotter, with highs around 28–29°C (82–84°F) and lows in the 22–23°C (72–73°F) range. Humidity climbs too, so the air feels heavier.
August is the hottest stretch. Highs reach 30–31°C (86–88°F), and nights barely cool off, sitting at 23–24°C (73–75°F). You don’t often see temps above 34°C (93°F), but it still feels plenty warm.
By September, things start to cool. Highs drop to about 26°C (79°F), and lows slide closer to 19°C (66°F), making evenings a bit more comfortable.
Daytime and Nighttime Variations
You’ll notice a real difference between day and night. Days often climb above 28°C (82°F), especially in July and August, and nights stay warm and humid.
Unlike some inland cities, Kanazawa doesn’t cool off much after sunset. Overnight lows in midsummer stick above 22°C (72°F), so sleeping without AC can be tough.
The warm nights mean mornings start off humid and sticky. By afternoon, the mix of heat and moisture can feel oppressive, especially under cloudy skies.
Sometimes a breeze off the Sea of Japan helps, but overall, conditions stay muggy.
Keep this limited nighttime cooling in mind when you’re planning your trip—it affects both outdoor adventures and how comfortable you’ll feel indoors.
Comparison With Other Japanese Cities
Kanazawa’s summer is hot and humid, but not quite as extreme as Tokyo or Osaka, where highs often push past 33°C (91°F). Here, highs average closer to 30°C (86°F), so the heat feels a bit more manageable.
Kyoto gets intense inland heat, but Kanazawa’s coastal spot helps keep daytime highs in check—even if the sea adds to the humidity.
Compared to Sapporo up north, Kanazawa is much warmer and wetter. Sapporo’s August highs are about 26°C (79°F), with cooler nights, while Kanazawa stays hotter and more humid, especially after dark.
That mix of moderate but humid heat really gives Kanazawa its own summer vibe among Japanese cities.
Rainfall Patterns and Humidity
Summer in Kanazawa means frequent rain, high humidity, and no real break from wet conditions. Expect steady precipitation through June, July, and August, plus muggy air that makes it feel hotter than the thermometer says.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain in Kanazawa during summer is heavy and pretty reliable. June usually kicks off the rainy season with about 200–230 mm.
July stays wet, averaging 230–250 mm, and August still gets around 200 mm, even if there are a few less rainy days.
These numbers put Kanazawa among the wetter Japanese cities in summer. Rain tends to arrive as steady showers or long periods of drizzle instead of quick storms.
You’ll probably notice the rain often comes with overcast skies, which cuts down on sunshine.
Since Kanazawa sits on the Sea of Japan coast, moist air keeps rolling in all season. Even the warmest months don’t see much of a drop in rainfall.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, expect wet conditions on most days.
Humidity Levels During Summer
Humidity really defines Kanazawa’s summer climate. Relative humidity usually lands between 70% and 77%, so the air stays sticky and heavy.
Even when the rain lets up, the moisture just lingers.
At night, humidity doesn’t drop much, so evenings stay warm and sometimes uncomfortable without air conditioning. When temperatures rise above 25°C to 30°C (77°F–87°F), the heat index can feel several degrees higher.
If you’re visiting, you’ll want light, breathable clothes and plenty of indoor breaks. Locals often carry towels or fans to deal with the damp air.
No Dry Season Explanation
Kanazawa fits the humid subtropical (Cfa) climate, which means there’s no dry season. Unlike places in Japan with clear wet and dry splits, Kanazawa gets rain every month.
In summer, this lack of a dry stretch stands out. Even when rainfall dips a bit in August, it stays high compared to many other cities.
The Sea of Japan keeps the air moist, and seasonal winds push in even more humidity.
So, you’ll want to bring rain gear no matter when you visit—not just in the official rainy season. Summer is lively and warm, but you won’t find reliably dry weather here.
Wind and Air Quality in Summer
In summer, steady breezes and humid air shape how Kanazawa feels outside. Wind speed, direction, and air quality all play into whether the weather feels refreshing or just heavy, especially when the heat kicks in.
Average Wind Speed by Month
Summer wind speeds in Kanazawa stay moderate, rarely strong enough to mess with daily plans. On average, winds range from 7 to 11 km/h (4 to 7 mph) from June through August.
June is usually a bit calmer, with wind speeds at the lower end. By July, winds pick up a touch, bringing some relief from the humidity.
August keeps a similar pace, though the hotter temps can make breezes feel less cooling.
These steady, mild breezes help keep air from getting stagnant, which is a plus in a humid climate. You’ll feel the air moving, but it’s not often gusty or uncomfortable.
Typical Wind Directions
Kanazawa’s summer winds usually come from the south and southeast, thanks to its spot along the Sea of Japan. These winds bring in warm, moist air, which adds to the humidity and rain.
Sometimes, winds shift to the northwest when weather systems pass through. That can bring a bit of cooler air and a short break from the humidity.
Still, the main pattern is southerly, tied to the East Asian monsoon.
Since the city is close to the coast and surrounded by mountains, wind direction can change locally. In downtown, breezes sometimes funnel through the streets, while open areas near the sea get a bit more airflow.
Impact on Comfort and Outdoor Activities
Wind and air quality really affect how you feel outside in Kanazawa’s summer. The moderate winds give a bit of cooling, but high humidity often cancels out that benefit.
On really hot days, the air can feel heavy even with a breeze.
Air quality usually stays good, since steady airflow keeps pollutants from building up. Still, high humidity can make the air feel dense, which sometimes causes mild discomfort if you’re out walking or sightseeing for long stretches.
For outdoor plans, the light winds are generally helpful. You can visit gardens, markets, and the coast without worrying about strong gusts.
Even so, heat and humidity mean you should pace yourself and stay hydrated, especially in the middle of the day.
Other Key Summer Weather Factors
Summer in Kanazawa isn’t just about heat and humidity. Cloud cover, sunshine hours, sea conditions, and the risk of storms all shape what you’ll experience.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Kanazawa gets anywhere from 2 to 7 hours of sunshine per day in summer. Even in the hottest months, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy about 60% of the time.
So, you can’t count on long runs of blue sky.
Clouds cut down the intensity of sunlight, but they make the air feel even more humid. When the sun does break through, the UV index can hit 9–10, which is very high.
You’ll want sun protection even if the day starts out gray.
If you’re here to sightsee, expect a mix of bright spells and gray skies. Light conditions change fast, so packing both sunglasses and a light rain jacket is a smart move.
Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions
The Sea of Japan gets warmer as summer goes on. By July, sea temperatures hit around 24°C (75°F), and in August, they climb to 26–27°C (79–81°F). You’ll find the water is warm enough for a comfortable swim.
Humidity and warm water make beach days pretty inviting. Still, Kanazawa’s coastline isn’t as developed for swimming as some other places in Japan, and many local beaches don’t have lifeguards. You’ll want to be careful, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
Winds usually stay light to moderate, but they can quickly change when showers or storms roll through. It’s always smart to check the local weather before heading to the beach.
Risk of Typhoons and Storms
Summer brings the risk of typhoons to Kanazawa, especially from late July into September. The city isn’t as exposed as southern Japan, but it still gets heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas when storms move through the Sea of Japan.
Most summers, several storm systems pass close enough to mess with travel plans. Even a weaker storm can dump over 50 mm (2 inches) of rain in a day, which sometimes causes local flooding.
If you’re visiting during typhoon season, keep an eye on the weather and have backup plans for indoor activities. Delays on trains and roads happen, and you should adjust outdoor plans if there are warnings.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kanazawa in Summer
Summer in Kanazawa means warm, sticky days, sudden rain, and plenty of sunshine. You’ll need to plan for both heat and moisture, but there’s a lot to enjoy in the city’s gardens, rivers, and by the sea.
Best Clothing and Packing Advice
Bring light, breathable clothes to handle the humidity. Cotton and linen are great because they let air flow. Short sleeves and loose pants or skirts work well.
Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. A folding umbrella and light rain jacket come in handy during the rainy season, which usually hits in June and early July. Waterproof shoes or sandals that dry fast are a good idea for sudden downpours.
Indoor places like museums, buses, and hotels crank up the air conditioning, so toss a light cardigan or jacket in your bag. A small towel or handkerchief is nice for wiping off sweat.
If you’re heading out of town, wear comfortable walking shoes for hills, gardens, and coastal walks. A reusable water bottle is a must—staying hydrated really makes a difference when you’re traveling in Japan’s summer.
Recommended Outdoor Activities
Summer is perfect for wandering Kenrokuen Garden, which stays green and lush after the rains. Shaded paths and ponds help keep things cooler than city streets. Early morning visits feel the nicest.
You can stroll through Utatsuyama Park, where hydrangeas and irises bloom from mid-June to mid-July. The park gives you city views and plenty of shady trails.
Head to the Kanazawa Bay area for seaside views and fresh seafood. Visiting Ono or Kanaishi lets you check out old port towns, local sushi spots, and summer festivals.
If you want something more active, try cycling or light trekking near Mt. Hakusan. These routes bring you up to cooler mountain air. Or, if you’re in the mood for a short trip, take a bus to Shirakawa-go or Gokayama to see traditional villages surrounded by summer green.
Weather-Related Considerations for Tourists
From late June through July, Kanazawa goes through its rainy season. The rain can get pretty heavy, but honestly, it usually just comes and goes in quick bursts.
It makes sense to keep an umbrella handy, just in case. Plans work better if you stay flexible.
Once the rainy season wraps up, temperatures often shoot past 30°C (86°F) and the humidity can get intense. Heatstroke is a real risk, so you’ll want to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade.
Try not to walk too much during the hottest part of the day. Sometimes, it’s just not worth it.
Indoors, air conditioning can make things feel much colder than outside. Wearing layers helps you adjust as you move in and out.
You’ll probably notice mosquitoes, especially in garden areas or near rivers. If you’re heading out in the evening, don’t forget to pack some insect repellent.
The weather can change fast here, which definitely keeps you on your toes. It’s smart to check the daily forecast before you go exploring Kanazawa in the summer.