Winter in Fukuoka brings a mix of mild days, chilly winds, and the occasional light snow. You won’t face the deep freezes up north, but you should expect cool, damp conditions that shape daily life along Kyushu’s northern coast. Average winter temperatures range from about 3 °C (37 °F) at night to around 10 °C (50 °F) during the day, with rain showing up more often than snow.
You’ll see plenty of cloudy skies and those short winter days, but sometimes crisp, clear weather surprises you. Heavy snow almost never happens, though you might wake up to light flurries or a frosty morning in January. Coastal winds cut right through, making it feel colder than the numbers say.
If you’re planning to explore the city in winter, you’ll notice the season has its own rhythm. From December through February, the weather stays pretty manageable if you dress right. Honestly, the cool air can make sightseeing a lot more pleasant than the muggy summer.
Overview of Winter Climate in Fukuoka
Fukuoka’s coastal location, humid subtropical climate, and those persistent monsoon winds really shape winter here. Expect mild but damp days, the occasional cold snap, and a dusting of snow now and then—nothing like the full-on blizzards you’ll find elsewhere.
Location and Geography
Fukuoka sits on Kyushu’s northern coast, facing the Sea of Japan. Its spot near the Asian continent means cold air from Siberia sweeps in during winter.
The city’s low latitude, about the 33rd parallel, gives it milder winters than you’d get further north. The coast helps out too, keeping temperatures from dropping too far.
There’s hardly any elevation—just over 8 meters above sea level. Since there aren’t any mountains here, you won’t see heavy snow piling up like in other parts of Japan. Instead, winter is more about chilly winds and damp air than deep snow.
Humid Subtropical Climate Characteristics
Fukuoka has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), so winters stay short, cool, and moist. You won’t get those endless freezing days like inland areas. January’s average highs sit around 9–10 °C (48–50 °F), and lows hover near 3–4 °C (37–39 °F).
Snow sometimes falls but it’s usually just a dusting. Every so often, a cold surge brings sleet or a thin layer of snow, but it melts fast. Rain is the main story, with about 70–80 mm in both January and February.
Humidity hangs around 60–65%, making the air feel chillier than the actual temperature. Don’t expect much sunshine—just 3–4.5 hours a day in midwinter—so gray skies are the norm.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The northwest monsoon takes over in winter. Cold winds blow across the Sea of Japan, picking up moisture before they hit Fukuoka. This brings lots of cloudy days, light rain, and sometimes a bit of snow.
Cold spells do happen, and some nights dip below freezing. The record low sits around -4 °C (25 °F). Still, daytime highs usually bounce back above 10 °C (50 °F) during milder stretches.
Rain falls on about 10–11 days each winter month, but totals are way less than the summer rainy season. December to February actually ends up being the driest stretch of the year for total precipitation, though it still feels damp.
Sea temperatures near Fukuoka in winter range from 16–17 °C (61–63 °F). That’s too cold for swimming, but it helps keep coastal air from getting too frigid.
Typical Winter Temperatures and Precipitation
Fukuoka’s winters are cool, but they don’t get harsh like other parts of Japan. You’ll see mild daytime highs, chilly nights, and light, steady rain. Snow hardly ever piles up.
Average Day and Night Temperatures
Fukuoka’s humid subtropical climate means winters are pretty mild. January and February highs range from 9–11 °C (48–52 °F), and nighttime lows drop to 3–4 °C (37–39 °F). December’s a bit warmer, with highs near 12 °C (54 °F).
Freezing nights aren’t common, but they can happen. On the coldest nights, temperatures slip just below 0 °C (32 °F). Extended cold snaps almost never show up, so most days hover above freezing.
If you’re sensitive to cold, brace yourself for brisk evenings. Still, compared to northern Japan, Fukuoka’s winters feel gentler—nice for getting outside.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | 12 °C / 54 °F | 5 °C / 41 °F |
| January | 10 °C / 50 °F | 3 °C / 37 °F |
| February | 11 °C / 52 °F | 4 °C / 39 °F |
Rainfall and Snowfall Trends
Winter rainfall is moderate—about 70–90 mm per month over 10–11 days. Showers tend to be light or steady, not heavy downpours. Winter’s actually one of the drier times in Fukuoka, especially compared to the summer monsoon.
Snow happens, but it’s usually just a sprinkle. You might catch a few flakes or brief sleet a couple times each winter, but it doesn’t stick around. Thin snow patches might show up on cold mornings, but they melt fast.
If you’re visiting, expect more rain than snow. Honestly, a small umbrella is much more useful than snow boots.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Winter humidity averages 60–65%, which feels much better than the muggy summer. The air is cool, but not painfully dry, so spending time outside is pretty comfortable.
Winds usually blow in from the northwest, bringing cold air from the continent. Average wind speeds sit at 12–14 kph (7–9 mph). The breeze isn’t extreme, but it can make things feel colder, especially by the water.
Clouds stick around most days, and skies often look gray or partly overcast. Sunshine averages 3–5 hours per day. Short daylight and limited sun are just part of winter here. This mix of cool air, light wind, and moderate humidity creates a winter that’s brisk but not too tough.
Monthly Breakdown: December, January, February
Fukuoka’s winter stays pretty mild compared to a lot of inland Japanese cities. You’ll notice cool temps, shorter days, and barely any snow, with rain spread out pretty evenly.
December Weather Summary
In December, temperatures usually range from 5°C to 12°C (41–54°F). Nights feel crisp but rarely go below freezing.
Rainfall is light to moderate, averaging about 65 mm over 10 rainy days. Snow is rare, though you might spot a flurry or two on cold mornings.
Daylight is short, so plan your outdoor stuff earlier. Humidity is moderate, so the air doesn’t feel as damp as summer. Sometimes the wind picks up from the north, adding an edge to the evenings.
For clothes, you’ll want a medium-weight coat, sweaters, and long pants. A scarf and gloves come in handy on windy days, but you won’t need heavy winter gear. If you’re hitting shrines or parks, wear shoes that can handle damp paths.
January Weather Summary
January brings Fukuoka’s coldest weather. Average temps run from 3°C to 10°C (37–50°F), with early mornings at the colder end.
Despite the chill, weather stays pretty stable, and the city avoids heavy snow. Rainfall is light, about 60–70 mm, making January one of the driest months.
You might see a little frost in the suburbs, but downtown rarely freezes. Sunshine is limited, so days feel short and gray. Sometimes winds off the Sea of Japan add a sharper chill, but serious storms are rare.
Pack a warm coat, layered tops, and insulated shoes. A hat and gloves help if you’re outside for a while. If it’s too cold, indoor spots like shopping centers and museums make for good escapes.
February Weather Summary
By February, things warm up just a bit, averaging 4°C to 12°C (39–54°F). The worst of the cold is over, but mornings and nights still feel brisk.
Rainfall is modest, around 60 mm, and snow remains uncommon. The air is drier than other seasons, so cold days feel a bit easier to handle.
Sunshine hours start to tick up, giving you more daylight for getting out. Wind still bites, especially by the coast, so dress to keep the chill out.
You’ll want layered clothing, medium to heavy coats, and sturdy shoes. February also kicks off plum blossom season in some places, so if you bundle up, parks and shrines can be lovely.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine in Winter
Fukuoka’s winter brings shorter days and less direct sun than other seasons. You’ll get limited daylight and more overcast skies, which shapes outdoor plans and the general mood of the season.
Average Day Length
December gives you about 10 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:10 AM and sunset near 5:10 PM. January’s a bit shorter at 9.9 hours. By late February, you’re back up to about 11 hours.
So mornings and evenings stay pretty dark, but you’ve still got a decent chunk of daylight for sightseeing. Compared to summer, though, you’re missing almost 4–5 hours of light.
The short days and cooler temperatures slow things down. If you’re planning outings, aim for the middle of the day when the sun’s highest.
Number of Sunny Days
Winter skies in Fukuoka tend to be cloudy. January gets about 103 hours of sunshine, or just 3.4 hours per day. December and February are only a little brighter, with 3.5–4.5 hours daily.
That means you’ll see more gray days than blue ones. Sunshine is limited, but most weeks do get a few bright spells.
Less sun makes the air feel colder, even if the thermometer says it’s not so bad. If you like crisp weather with the occasional sunny break, winter in Fukuoka is easy to handle.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions
Winter in Fukuoka cools the sea and brings steady coastal winds. You’ll notice the change in both water and air, which affects comfort, travel, and outdoor plans along the shore.
Winter Sea Water Temperatures
Fukuoka’s coastal waters cool steadily from December to February. Sea surface temperatures drop from about 16–17°C in December to 14°C in January, then hit their lowest near 13°C in February.
That’s definitely too cold for swimming, but it’s milder than northern Japan, thanks to Kyushu’s western coast. Local fishing boats still head out, since the water stays above freezing and marine conditions remain steady.
For reference:
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp. |
|---|---|
| December | ~16.7°C |
| January | ~14.3°C |
| February | ~12.9°C |
If you’re planning a coastal walk or boat trip, dress for damp, chilly air. The sea holds onto heat longer than the land, so evenings by the shore often feel just a bit less cold than further inland.
Coastal Winds and Weather
In winter, cold winds blow into Fukuoka from the northwest. They sweep across the Sea of Japan and bring cool, dry air that makes the coast feel even colder.
You’ll probably notice the breeze, especially if you’re near Hakata Bay or any open area.
Daytime highs usually sit between 9–11°C in winter. At night, temperatures often fall to 5°C or below.
The wind can make it feel a lot colder than what the numbers show.
Rain doesn’t come down hard in winter, with only about 4–5 rainy days per month. But you’ll still see gray skies and passing showers more often than not.
The combination of wind, short daylight, and damp air brings a kind of chill that really gets to you. If you plan to spend time outdoors near the water, layered clothing isn’t just smart—it’s practically necessary.
How to Prepare for Winter in Fukuoka
Fukuoka’s winters feel mild compared to northern Japan, but chilly days and damp air still show up. Sometimes, light snow falls too.
You’ll want to dress in layers and keep in mind that days are short. Travel delays can happen, so planning ahead never hurts.
Clothing Recommendations
Most days in winter, Fukuoka’s temperatures hover between 5°C and 12°C (41°F–54°F). Nights sometimes get close to freezing, though heavy snow almost never happens.
Since the air stays damp, the cold feels sharper than you’d expect.
Pack layered clothing so you can adjust when things change. Start with a warm base layer, add a sweater or fleece, then top it off with a windproof, water-resistant jacket.
This setup keeps you comfortable whether you’re walking along Hakata Bay or checking out the shops in Tenjin.
Bring comfortable shoes with good grip because sidewalks get slippery when they’re wet. You probably don’t need heavy snow boots, but waterproof footwear really helps on rainy days.
Gloves, a scarf, and a hat make a big difference, especially when the wind picks up from the Sea of Japan.
Indoors, places often crank up the heat, so dressing in layers lets you stay comfortable when moving between inside and outside.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Winter in Fukuoka feels like the driest season, but honestly, light rain and cloudy skies still show up. You’ll probably want to toss a compact umbrella in your bag, because sudden showers can catch you off guard.
Public transport usually runs on time, but trains and buses get packed during New Year holidays. If you’re heading out of the city, take a minute to check schedules ahead—some rural routes cut back service in winter.
Daylight sticks around for about 10 hours in January, so it’s smart to start sightseeing early. You’ll find popular spots like Ohori Park or Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine quieter in winter, which makes wandering around way more relaxing.
Thinking about hitting up hot springs nearby? Bring a small towel and some slippers for extra comfort. If the weather changes, staying flexible with your plans will make things a lot smoother.