When Is the Best Time to Visit Fukuoka? Weather and Climate by Month

*The data for each month's average high, average low, and average rainfall was taken from the Japan Meteorological Agency's 2023 records.

January

Average high: 10.7℃ / 51.2°F
Average low: 3.9℃ / 39°F
Average rainfall: 97 mm

January is the coldest month in Fukuoka. With the seasonal winds and the short daylight hours, the weather can be a little difficult. The average temperature is around 7°C (approximately 45°F), with highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F). You'll need to have a down jacket or thick coat with you. Mufflers, gloves and tights are helpful too. There's also more snow than Tokyo. Do watch out for ice on the roads! 

Fukuoka is illuminated with Christmas decorations and filled with a lively atmosphere from late-November to Christmas day. Between December 29th and January 4th, many businesses will not be operating as January 1st, New Year's Day, is the most important holiday of the year in Japan. Temples and shrines such as Kushida Shrine, Sumiyoshi Shrine, and Hakozaki Shrine, however, will be bustling with people from January 1st, as many locals come for hatsumode, the first temple/shrine visit of the new year.

One of the representative events of Fukuoka's winter, the Tamaseseri Festival, is held at the Hakozaki Shrine. It's a festival where people pray for the year's harvest and for a good catch at sea. Groups of men compete fiercely to get hold of large wooden balls while being drenched with cold water as part of the festival tradition.

February

Average high: 13.1℃ / 55.6°F
Average low: 5.5℃ / 41.9°F
Average rainfall: 60. mm

February is as cold as January. The average temperature is around 7°C (approximately 45°F), with highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F). However, that's already close to freezing point. If you're heading outdoors, dress warmly and wear a down jacket, muffler, or knit hat to guard against the cold.

On February 3, vibrant Setsubun celebrations are held at shrines throughout the city! Take part in the "mamemaki" bean-throwing ceremony at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine's Setsubun Festival or visit Kushida Shrine to see the giant mask of Otafuku (a popular figure in Japanese folk tales) decorating the entrance, which is said to bring good luck! 

Another thing that is very heavily associated with February in Japan is strawberries. Fukuoka is among one of the top strawberry producers in the country and is considered to have one of Japan's best brand of strawberries, the Amaou brand, which are a must-try when visiting the city!

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March

Average high: 18.4℃ / 65.1°F
Average low: 9.6℃ / 49.3°F
Average rainfall: 89.5 mm

In March, there are still traces of winter in Fukuoka. The average temperature is around 13°C (55.4°F), and it goes as high as 18°C (65°F) and as low as 9°C (49°F). A light coat, jacket, sweater or windbreaker is good to have.

The Kyokusui No En Festival is held in the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. In this festival, people dress up in traditional costumes, like the "junihitoe" kimono (an elaborate type of traditional garment worn by court women). They recite poems and drink sake. It's a recreation of an event that used to be held during the Heian period (794 -1185). The shrine's beautiful garden and grounds are also quite a sight as they are usually dotted with the blossoms of 6,000 plum trees around the beginning of March!

The best viewing time for cherry blossoms is usually around late March. During the sakura season, visitors to Fukuoka can enjoy flower viewing at beloved spots like Maizuru Park and Nishi Park. 

April

Average high: 21℃ / 69.8°F
Average low: 12.8℃ / 55°F
Average rainfall: 182 mm

The average temperature in April is around 17°C (62.6°F). The highest temperature is around 21°C (69.8°F) and the lowest is at around 12°C (55°F). It might rain and there are still some cold days, so long sleeves and windbreakers are a good idea.

Cherry blossoms continue to adorn Fukuoka throughout early April. Other top flower viewing spots include Hosshin Park and the Kurume Castle Ruins, featuring cherry blossom trees that have a long history and are well-known to locals. April is also a great month to enjoy other flowers such as azaleas blooming beautifully on Nokonoshima Islands or the sea of blue nemophila that blanket Uminonakamichi Seaside Park. Fukuoka also boast some spectacular wisteria gardens like Kawachi Wisteria Garden with its 100-meter-long tunnels covered in curtains of wisteria flowers.

May

Average high: 24.5℃ / 76°F
Average low: 16.6℃ / 61.8°F
Average rainfall: 246 mm

When May comes, it feels like Fukuoka suddenly becomes much warmer. The average temperature is at around 20.5°C (68.9°F), with highs at 24°C (75°F) and lows at 16.6°C (61.8°F). It is much warmer, but it's probably still too soon to go out in short sleeves. You can make good use of long sleeved shirts and cardigans. You'll be able to sightsee comfortably if you have a top that offers just enough coverage.

The Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is one of the representative festivals for May. During the festival people dressed in elaborate costumes dance through the streets of Fukuoka. There are also wonderful taiko performances, bringing fun and entertainment to all!

June

Average high: 28.3℃ / 82.9°F
Average low: 21.5℃ / 70.7°F
Average rainfall: 169.0 mm

Temperatures average at around 24.9°C (76.8°F) in June, and go as high as 28.3°C (82.9°F) and as low as 21.5°C (70.7°F). Temperatures continue to rise in this month. As Fukuoka enters the rainy season, expect frequent rainfall and high humidity, and you'll start to feel the stuffiness. If you're heading outdoors, waterproof jacket or umbrella are essential!

Yomiya Park plays host to the Tobata Shobu Matsuri Festival, where 20,000 stalks of iris flowers (approximately 50 varieties) can be seen.  June is also the best time for viewing hydrangea flowers around Fukuoka. Popular spots include Hakozaki Shrine. You can enjoy both flowers that are unique to the rainy season at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine too. During hydrangea season, the shrine even decorates its "chozuya" (stone basin filled with water where visitors purify themselves before prayer) with floating flowers of hydrangea.

July

Average high: 32.9℃ / 91.2°F
Average low: 25.8℃ / 78.4°F
Average rainfall: 536.5 mm

July is another month that sees much rainfall. It's humid and stuffy - very much an accurate representation of Japan's summers. Average temperatures are at around 29.3°C (84.7°F). The highest temperatures are around 32.9°C (91.2°F). It doesn't get much colder than 25.8°C (78.4°F). It generally feels hot, so short sleeves are fine when heading outdoors. Do be careful though, as the air conditioning indoors, as well as in buses and trains, can be a little cold.

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival takes place in Kushida Shrine. During the Yamakasa Matsuri, a number of beautifully decorated festival floats, called "kazariyama," are displayed around the city, while another type of one-ton-heavy floats, called "kakiyama," are raced through town as part of the celebrations. It's really an amazing sight! Other exciting festivals also happen all around Fukuoka Prefecture such as the Tobata Gion Oyamagasa Festival where, at night, the 10-meter-tall festival floats are decorated with paper lanterns which cover the 12-tiered floats and transform them into pyramids of light!

In July, Japan also celebrates the Tanabata Festival, you can enjoy a sea of colorful Tanabata decorations at Dazaifu Tenmangu!

August

Average high: 33.9℃ / 93°F
Average low: 26.9℃ / 80.4°F
Average rainfall: 164 mm

August marks the full transition into summer. The average temperature is 30.4°C (86.7°F), and temperatures range between 33.9 (93°F) and 26.9°C (80.4°F). There's gradually less rain during this period, but it's as hot as July. Be sure to bring water with you when you're out and about! Do note, however, that the air conditioning in places like movie theaters might be a little chilly. It's a good idea to bring a long-sleeved top with you for that reason.

The Nishinihon Ohori Fireworks Festival is perhaps one of the most famous summer fireworks festivals in Fukuoka. The large scale festival sees more than 420,000 visitors every year. You'll be able to to see 6,000 bursts of fireworks from various parts of the city. August is also when Obon is celebrated in Japan, so don't miss the chance to wear a yukata and join the bon odori dances at the Hakata Natsu Matsuri. 

September

Average high: 30.7℃ / 87.3°F
Average low: 24.1℃ / 75.3°F
Average rainfall: 104.5 mm

In September, there's still some lingering summer heat. Temperatures average at 27.4°C (81.3°F) and go as low as 24.1°C (75.3°F), but it can still get as hot as 30.7°C ( 87.3°F). However, starting from mid-September, you'll feel that it's becoming cooler. It might be a little too cold to wander around in short sleeved tops. Bring some long-sleeved shirts with you and it should be fine!

In autumn, there's the Hojoya Festival that's held at Hakozaki Shrine. It's a festival where people show their gratitude to the land and sea for their riches. This festival has a long history of over 1,000 years! Be there and enjoy the festive atmosphere together with the many worshipers who attend the event! During September "higanbana" (red spider lilies) bloom in Fukuoka. At the Ataka Tanada Higanbana Festival, the hinganbana tinging in crimson the three hectares of rice terraces in Fukuoka's Ataka area are a sight not to be missed!

October

Average high: 24.3℃ / 75.7°F
Average low: 16.1℃ / 60.9°F
Average rainfall: 23 mm

In October, temperatures average at around 20.2°C (68.3°F). The summer is truly over, and the weather becomes cool. The highest temperatures are at around 24.3°C (75.7°F), while it gets as low as 16.1°C (60.9°F). It's almost time to bring out jackets and coats! It gets particularly chilly in the mornings and evenings, so take care to stay warm when you sleep.

The Hakata Okunchi Festival happens in October, and is a festival where people pray for a great rice harvest. This festival is representative of Fukuoka's autumns, and has a long history of over 1,200 years. Participants carry portable shrines and parade through the town! If you happen to visit Fukuoka in October also don't miss the Nakasu Festival. Highlights are the Nakasu Kunihiro Women Mikoshi (a portable shrine carried by women) and the Oiran Dochu (courtesans parade).

October is the best month for admiring cosmos flowers. Especially beautiful are the cosmos flower fields on Nokonoshima Island!

November

Average high: 19.5℃ / 67.1°F
Average low: 11.2℃ / 52.2°F
Average rainfall: 52 mm

In November, you'll experience typical fall weather, and sometimes you might feel the chill. Average temperatures are at around 15.3°C (59.5°F), with highs of 19.5°C (67.1°F) and lows of 11.2°C (52.2°F). You'll need to have a jacket or coat with you when sightseeing. You'll also find mufflers, gloves and knit hats to be useful.

In early November, the red autumn foliage can be seen throughout Fukuoka. You can enjoy the breathtaking scenery at famous spots like Yusentei Park, Katsuyama Park, and Kamado Shrine. Particularly at the Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Temple, you'll be able to see large maple trees that are over 400 years old!

December

Average high: 13.5℃ / 56.3°F
Average low: 6.8℃ / 44.2°F
Average rainfall: 44.5 mm

December is when it starts to get really cold. The average temperature is 10.2°C (50.3°F) and doesn't get much higher than 13.5°C (56.3°F). It can also dip to around 6.8°C (44.2°F). There's also a cold sea breeze coming in from the Sea of Japan. Be prepared with a down jacket or thick coat to guard against the cold. The heating in trains and buses can sometimes be a little too warm though.

The Bayside Illumination is a must-see during winter in Hakata. The beautiful light-up at the bay area in Hakata has a wonderfully mystical atmosphere. The view from the other side of the bay is a wonderful contrast to the beauty of the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Weather and Climate in Fukuoka

When Is the Best Time to Visit Fukuoka?

Spring (March to May) is a popular time to visit Fukuoka as that’s when the cherry blossoms, wisteria, azaleas, and nemophila flowers bloom, beautifully dotting the city with colorful carpets of flowers. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, but there are many summer festivals and events to enjoy, such as the vibrant Hakata Dontaku Port Festival  or the lively Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. Fall (September to November) is a lovely time to visit as the weather is mild, flowers such as higanbana and cosmos are in season, and the autumn foliage is stunning. Finally, winter (December to February) can be chilly, but the festive atmosphere and winter illuminations make it a great time to explore Fukuoka.

Is Fukuoka Warmer Than Tokyo?

Average temperatures in Fukuoka are slightly higher than Tokyo with August being the hottest month in Fukuoka. Temperatures in summer average up to 31.7℃ / 89°F. The summer months are also particularly humid, making the heat feel even more intense. Be sure to pack light, moisture-wicking clothing and apply sunscreen regularly. Here are some other ways the Japanese keep cool during the hot, sweltering summer!

Does It Snow in Fukuoka?

Winters (December to February) in Fukuoka are relatively mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 3.5℃ / 38.3°F, with the coldest month usually being January. Fukuoka does, however, occasionally experience snowfall in the winter.

Does It Rain a Lot in Fukuoka?

Rainfall is more frequent from March through October,  which includes rainy season in (mid-May to late July depending on the year) and typhoon peak season (August to September). Be sure to pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella if you are planning to visit Fukuoka during the aforementioned months!

Enjoy Fukuoka Throughout the Year

Fukuoka is much further southwest from Tokyo, so there are some differences in the culture and weather. Arm yourself with knowledge about the climate throughout the year, and take your Fukuoka trip to the next level!

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