Spring in Hiroshima feels like a breath of fresh air after winter’s chill. Average daytime temperatures land somewhere between 13°C and 23°C (55°F to 73°F), so it’s honestly one of the nicest times to wander the city. Nights still get a bit chilly, dropping to 6°C–16°C (43°F–61°F), so you’ll notice a real difference once the sun sets.
Rain falls pretty often in spring—about 30 days of it, spread out over the season. Most showers stay light or moderate, and the air just feels cleaner than it does in those muggy summer months. Thanks to all this, cherry blossoms burst into bloom from late March to mid-April, turning Hiroshima into a spot that’s as much about nature as it is about history.
If you’re planning a visit, spring weather usually lets you get outside, see the sights, and catch festivals without sweating or shivering. Just bring the right clothes and stay a bit flexible in case of rain, and you’ll get to see Hiroshima at its liveliest.
Overview of Spring Weather in Hiroshima
Spring in Hiroshima means mild temperatures, big swings between day and night, and a mix of sunny spells and rain. You’ll find comfortable conditions for being outdoors, but you should expect some quick changes in the weather.
Typical Weather Patterns in Spring
From March to May, the weather in Hiroshima shifts into a much gentler phase. Daytime highs usually sit between 13–23°C (55–73°F), and nighttime lows dip to 6–16°C (43–61°F). Mornings and evenings can feel pretty cool, even if afternoons warm up nicely.
Rainfall stays moderate, with about 459 mm over the season. You’ll see rain on about 30 days, so having an umbrella handy just makes sense. Still, plenty of days turn out clear or at least partly sunny, and sightseeing rarely gets rained out for long.
Humidity doesn’t get too bad compared to summer, and the air feels fresh. Cherry blossoms bloom from late March to mid-April, which draws crowds and adds a splash of color. This period mixes mild weather with seasonal scenery, and parks are especially inviting.
Seasonal Transitions from Winter to Spring
Early March still hangs onto a bit of winter, with highs near 14°C (57°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F). You’ll want a light jacket or sweater for sure. By April, things warm up, daylight stretches out, and afternoons feel much more inviting.
The change doesn’t happen overnight. Some cold snaps pop up in March, but they fade as April rolls in. By May, daytime highs climb to 22–23°C (72–73°F), and nights feel way milder.
You’ll also spot more greenery and flowers beyond just the cherry blossoms. Parks and riversides wake up, making everything feel more alive than the gray winter months.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Spring stands out in Hiroshima because it dodges the worst of summer and winter. Summers get hot and sticky, with highs above 30°C (86°F) and heavy rain during the rainy season. Winters are cold but not too wet, with lows near 2°C (36°F) in January.
Autumn feels a bit like spring, offering mild temperatures and comfortable days. Still, spring gets more rain than autumn, and showers happen more often. Autumn brings clearer skies and those famous red leaves, while spring is all about blossoms and new growth.
Unlike summer’s typhoons or winter’s cold snaps, spring just feels balanced. You can stay outside for hours without sweating buckets or freezing. It’s honestly one of the best seasons to travel and enjoy outdoor life in Hiroshima.
Spring Temperatures in Hiroshima
Spring in Hiroshima starts off cool and slowly turns warm by late May. You’ll notice a big difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows, so layering is your friend.
Average High and Low Temperatures
During spring, daily high temperatures in Hiroshima rise from about 51°F (10°C) in early March to around 76°F (24°C) in late May. Lows go from 37°F (3°C) up to about 63°F (17°C).
The change is gradual. Early on, mornings and evenings feel chilly. By May, nights stay mild, and it rarely drops below 55°F (13°C).
That’s a swing of nearly 25°F (14°C) in both highs and lows. If you visit in early spring, you’ll feel that chill, but late spring almost feels like summer.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
March stays pretty cool, with highs at 11–15°C (52–59°F) and lows at 4–7°C (39–45°F). A jacket or sweater is a must, especially after sunset.
April feels much nicer. Highs sit at 17–21°C (63–70°F), and lows are 9–12°C (48–54°F). Days are mild, and nights aren’t too cold.
May warms up a lot, with highs at 22–25°C (72–77°F) and lows around 14–17°C (57–63°F). That’s when you can finally leave the heavy layers at home.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 52–59°F (11–15°C) | 39–45°F (4–7°C) |
| April | 63–70°F (17–21°C) | 48–54°F (9–12°C) |
| May | 72–77°F (22–25°C) | 57–63°F (14–17°C) |
Temperature Trends from March to May
From March through May, Hiroshima steadily warms up. Early March feels brisk, with some mornings near 40°F (4°C). By late May, afternoons hit the mid-70s°F (24°C), and it’s honestly one of the best times to be outside.
The day-to-night temperature gap is bigger in March—sometimes over 15°F (8°C). By May, highs and lows are closer, so the weather feels more even.
As temperatures rise, plants and flowers respond fast. You’ll spot cherry blossoms in early April, then everything turns lush and green by May.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels in Spring
Spring in Hiroshima brings more rain and rising humidity as the months go by. You’ll notice the air shifting from dry and cool in early March to warmer and a bit stickier by late May.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rain picks up quickly from March to May. March gets about 85–100 mm (3.3–4 inches). By April, that jumps to 120–140 mm (4.7–5.5 inches). May usually ends up as the wettest spring month, with 150–160 mm (6 inches).
This rise in rain comes from shifting air masses. Early spring still gets some dry, cold air, but late spring brings in warmer, wetter winds from the south. That’s also what sets up the big rainy season in June.
Rain falls on a lot of days, but heavy downpours become more common by late May. You’ll also get plenty of drizzle and light rain, so expect a mix of brief showers and a few heavier bursts.
Humidity Patterns During Spring
Humidity feels fine in early March but climbs as temperatures go up. Dew points start low—around 5–7°C (41–45°F)—so the air stays crisp. By May, dew points reach 15–17°C (59–63°F), and you might notice a few humid afternoons.
You won’t run into muggy days much in March or April, but by late May, a sticky day or two can pop up. On average, the chance of muggy weather goes from 0% in early March to about 10% by late May.
This steady rise in humidity matches Hiroshima’s humid subtropical climate. The extra moisture really matters for local farms, as it signals the growing season’s start.
Rainy Days and Sunshine Hours
March sees about 8–10 rainy days, April gets 10–12, and May can reach 12–14 wet days. Not every rainy day is a washout—lots of showers are short or scattered.
Even with more rain, spring still brings a good amount of sun. Daylight stretches from about 11.5 hours in early March to over 14 hours by late May. Clear or partly sunny days are common, especially at the start of the season.
You’ll see more clouds as May goes on, but long, gloomy stretches are rare before the summer rainy season kicks off.
Notable Spring Events and Natural Phenomena
Spring in Hiroshima brings mild weather that really sets the stage for seasonal events and big changes in nature. Early spring focuses on cherry blossoms, and later on, everything shifts to bright new greenery.
Cherry Blossom Season Timing
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, usually hit full bloom in Hiroshima between late March and mid-April. The exact dates depend on how fast temperatures climb, but it’s fairly predictable.
You’ll spot the best views along rivers, near the Hiroshima Castle moat, and in Peace Memorial Park. Folks gather for hanami picnics under the blossoms, and the mood is honestly pretty cheerful.
The Flower Festival in early May keeps the party going. Even though peak blossoms are gone, you’ll find parades, music, and local food stalls that celebrate spring’s vibe.
If you’re planning to visit during bloom week, expect crowds. Hotels and trains fill up fast, so booking early is smart. Bring a light jacket too—nights can still get cool, even if days feel warm.
Spring Foliage and Local Scenery
Once cherry blossoms fade, Hiroshima’s trees burst into fresh green. By late April and May, parks and temple grounds are covered in new leaves. This part of spring is a bit quieter, but it’s perfect for relaxed walks and sightseeing.
Shukkeien Garden is a great spot to see the seasonal change. Its ponds and bridges give you a calm place to enjoy the new foliage.
Mornings stay crisp, and clear skies are common, making outdoor views easy to enjoy. With fewer crowds than blossom season, you get more space to explore.
If hiking’s your thing, the nearby Chugoku Mountains offer trails lined with blooming plants and bright greenery. May’s temperatures, usually 15–22°C, make for comfortable days outside.
Travel Tips for Visiting Hiroshima in Spring
Spring in Hiroshima brings mild days, some rain, and those famous cherry blossoms. You’ll want to plan for changing weather, dress in layers, and pick your timing to get the most out of the season.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
In spring, Hiroshima’s temperatures usually hang out between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (68°F). Early spring still feels a bit chilly, but late spring turns warmer and way more comfortable. If you pack layers, you’ll be able to handle whatever the weather decides to do.
In March, you’ll want to toss in a medium-weight jacket, sweaters, and some long-sleeve shirts. By April and May, lighter jackets, cardigans, and cotton—or any breathable fabric, really—just make life easier. Sometimes a windbreaker or trench coat comes in handy for those sneaky breezes.
Jeans or light trousers work well for most of the season. You might reach for thin thermals in early spring, but by May, lighter pants or even a skirt feel right.
Definitely go for comfortable walking shoes. You’ll spend plenty of time on your feet at places like Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island. Sneakers or cushioned shoes save your feet, and waterproof ones are a lifesaver if rain shows up.
Other handy things to pack:
- Umbrella or light raincoat for those random showers
- Mask or allergy medicine if pollen bothers you
- Camera gear or phone accessories, especially if you want cherry blossom photos
Best Times to Visit for Pleasant Weather
Spring draws lots of people to Hiroshima, probably because the weather feels mild and sightseeing outdoors is a breeze. The sweet spot is late March through April, when daytime highs stay around 15–20°C (59–68°F).
Late March means cherry blossom season is in full swing, usually peaking around March 25. Top spots for viewing? Try Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima Island, or Hijiyama Park. If you get there early in the morning, you’ll dodge most of the crowds.
If you’d rather avoid the busiest season, May is a solid choice. It’s warmer, the days are longer, and the city is full of greenery after the blossoms fade. There’s a bit more rain, but you can still get out and explore gardens, shrines, and museums without much trouble.
If you want the best of everything, aim for late March to mid-April. You’ll get comfortable weather and the best shot at catching seasonal highlights, but without sweltering heat or pouring rain.
How Hiroshima’s Spring Climate Compares Regionally
Hiroshima’s spring weather stands out, honestly. The temperatures stay mild, rainfall is steady, and the Seto Inland Sea keeps things pretty moderate. This combo gives Hiroshima a vibe that’s different from both Japan’s north and south.
Differences from Other Japanese Cities
When you stack up Hiroshima’s spring with Tokyo’s, you’ll notice Hiroshima usually feels a little warmer and less windy. Tokyo gets hit with stronger breezes and cooler nights, but Hiroshima’s inland-sea effect keeps things calmer.
Kyoto’s spring tends to have more sudden temperature changes, especially in March and April. Mornings in Kyoto can be cold, then swing warmer by afternoon. Hiroshima’s coastal spot means temperatures don’t jump around as much, day or night.
If you glance up north to Sapporo, the contrast is obvious. Sapporo can still get snow in March, with highs often stuck below 10 °C (50 °F). Hiroshima, on the other hand, usually hits 15–20 °C (59–68 °F) by April. That makes it way easier to get outside and enjoy things earlier in the season.
Down south, Fukuoka and Hiroshima share some similarities, but Fukuoka usually gets heavier spring rain. Hiroshima’s rainfall stays moderate, about 120–150 mm per month in April and May, so it doesn’t really get in the way of travel.
Influence of Geography and the Seto Inland Sea
Hiroshima sits right along the Seto Inland Sea, and honestly, you can feel how much that shapes its spring climate. The sea acts like a thermal buffer, so early spring doesn’t get painfully cold, and late spring doesn’t heat up too fast.
The Chugoku Mountains surround the area and play their part too. They block some of the cold northern air, which helps Hiroshima dodge those sharp temperature drops that hit inland regions.
So, the city ends up with a steadier spring climate. Humidity here stays moderate compared to those coastal cities on the Pacific side.
The Seto Inland Sea brings some moisture, sure, but the way the land is shaped keeps out that heavy dampness you get in places like Osaka or Kobe.
All of this means spring in Hiroshima feels pretty balanced. It’s warm, but not hot, and humid, but never overwhelming.
Honestly, it’s one of the more comfortable cities in western Japan during spring.