When Is the Best Time to Visit Osaka? 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: 10.3℃ / 50.54°F
Average low: 3.1℃ / 37.58°F
Average rainfall: 46.0 mm

Like most of Japan, January is generally the coldest month in Osaka. Down jackets or heavy coats, scarves, gloves, and other winter items are a must. Rainfall is fairly low, and sunny or cloudy, dry days are frequent. There are occasional bouts of sleet and snow, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out, and bring an umbrella and waterproof clothing if necessary.

One of the most popular January events in Osaka is the Toka Ebisu Festival held at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine between January 9 - 11. The shrine venerates Ebisu, the deity of commerce, and worshippers pray for success in business, befitting Osaka’s history as a merchant town. Lucky bamboo branches called “fukuzasa” are given out for free, and you can buy talismans and have the beautifully dressed “fukumusume” women attach them to the branch for you! Food stalls line the shrine grounds, selling Osaka specialties like takoyaki.

February

Average high: 11℃ / 51.8°F
Average low: 3.7℃ / 38.66°F
Average rainfall: 33.5 mm

Osaka weather in February is much the same as January, so typical winter clothes like down jackets, gloves, beanies, and scarves should keep you warm. If you’re really struggling, stop by convenience stores to pick up hot drinks like tea and coffee, as well as “kairo” heat packs, which you can stick onto the insides of your clothes to apply heat directly to your body.

Winter days are given color by dainty plum blossoms, and Osaka Castle Park boasts the largest plum garden in Osaka City. It contains over 1,200 plum trees of around 100 varieties that bloom over January to March. February 3 is also Setsubun in Japan (the day before the first day of spring according to the traditional calendar), where Japanese people will perform rituals like throwing beans to banish bad luck and invite good fortune. You can see and join in these rituals in Osaka at places like Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

March

Average high: 18.3℃ / 64.94°F
Average low: 8.3℃ / 46.94°F
Average rainfall: 76.0 mm

March is when spring arrives in Osaka and warmer days can be enjoyed. However, the cold does persist, so we recommend packing warm coats and other winter clothes, too. From the middle of March, days can reach tops of 20℃ (68°F), so a jacket that can be easily taken off when it gets too hot is the best bet.

Every March, the Edion Arena Osaka (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium) hosts the Sumo Spring Basho Tournament, where you can watch matches between sumo wrestlers. Tickets are available at the Japan Sumo Association website. If you’re not around for the tournament, you can experience sumo anytime at THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA.

April

Average high: 20.9℃ / 69.62°F
Average low: 11.6℃ / 52.88°F
Average rainfall: 196.5 mm

April is when spring truly shines, and the mild Osaka weather makes it ideal for outdoor sightseeing and activities. A light coat or sweater is all you’ll need to stay comfy, and a t-shirt should be fine on particularly sunny days. However, temperatures still drop at night, so it’s wise to head back to your hotel to change before going out for dinner. Rainfall is also frequent in April in Osaka, so be sure to regularly confirm the latest weather forecast.

April in Osaka is synonymous with “hanami,” which is the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing. Cherry blossoms in Osaka tend to bloom for around one to two weeks from late March to early April. The best places for cherry blossoms in Osaka include the “Cherry Blossom Walkthrough” at the Osaka Mint, Osaka Castle Park, and Expo Commemorative Park. You can check out other must-visit Osaka cherry blossom spots here.

May

Average high: 24.9℃ / 76.82°F
Average low: 15.9℃ / 60.62°F
Average rainfall: 232 mm

May promises cool, refreshing Osaka weather before the rainy season sets in and the summer heat follows. Sunny days can get as warm as the late 20s, so be careful not to overdress. But do keep checking the weather forecast to be prepared for the occasional drop back into the teens. The temperature difference between day and night isn’t as stark as April, but there is still a noticeable chilliness once the sun goes down, so be sure to prepare a warm change of clothes.

May 5 is a public holiday called Children’s Day, where Japanese people pray for their children’s happiness. Leading up to Children’s Day, colorful carp streamers called “koinobori” are strung up throughout Japan, particularly in parks and along riversides. One of the most famous koinobori events in Osaka is the Koinobori Festa 1000, held between late April and May 5 in Takatsuki City, on the outskirts of Osaka City. Here 1,000 koinobori fly in the sky above the Akuta River.

June

Average high: 27.8℃ / 82.04°F
Average low: 20.4℃ / 68.72°F
Average rainfall: 262 mm

While June is the start of summer, the rainy season (called “tsuyu”) hits Osaka and the Kansai region from early June, bringing high humidity, cloudy skies, and lots of rain. Daytime temperatures in the high 20s/low 30s let you walk around with a t-shirt and shorts, and nighttime temperatures remain in the 20s, getting rid of that post-sunset chill. While not scorching hot, the high humidity makes it feel muggy and unpleasant, so be sure to stay cool.

June is the season for hydrangeas, and there are a number of places to see these beautiful puffy flowers in Osaka. Famous hydrangea spots in Osaka City include Hotel Lodge Maishima, Osaka Castle Park, and the Nagai Botanical Garden.

July

Average high: 33.7℃ / 92.66°F
Average low: 25.6℃ / 78.08°F
Average rainfall: 100.5 mm

The rainy season in Osaka will continue until around mid-July, after which the weather grows hotter and sunnier, although high humidity remains throughout the summer. Days peak in the mid 30s and only cool down to the mid-20s at night, letting you dress lightly both day and night. You should also remember to drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes to avoid getting heatstroke.

Between July 24 and 25, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine hosts Osaka’s biggest celebration: the Tenjin Festival. This is considered one of Japan’s top three festivals, and includes a riveting parade of 3,000 people, a procession of 100 boats up the Okawa River, and an explosive fireworks finale.

August

Average high: 35.2℃ / 95.36°F
Average low: 26.8℃ / 80.24°F
Average rainfall: 163.5 mm

August is the hottest month in Osaka, so the same light clothing as July is recommended. Osaka’s famously hot and humid summers will make anyone sweat at a moment’s notice, so you should always be carrying a hand towel to wipe yourself down. Daytime temperatures over 35℃ (95°F) are frequent, and dense urban areas can feel even hotter due to the heat island effect.

Instead of being outside, August is a suitable time to escape the city for the mountains in rural Osaka Prefecture, or opt for indoor sightseeing like at Osaka Castle, Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, and Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan). Typhoons can also make landfall in Osaka in August, so keep an eye on the news.

August is packed with fireworks shows all across Osaka. Popular Osaka fireworks displays include the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival and the Senshu Yume Hanabi.

September

Average high: 32.5℃ / 90.5°F
Average low: 24.8℃ / 76.64°F
Average rainfall: 44 mm

The heat of August lingers well into September in Osaka, so short-sleeved and breathable clothing is still recommended. The weather grows gradually cooler towards the end of the month, and late September is often very agreeable. However, there are typhoons in September, so always check the weather forecast, and make alternative plans if a typhoon is approaching.

The first stage of the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, one of Osaka’s most popular celebrations, kicks off around mid-September in Kishiwada and Haruki. Here, teams of men vigorously wheel around giant “danjiri” (portable shrines weighing more than four tons) and perform the “yarimawashi,” where they take corners at full speed.

October

Average high: 24.0℃ / 75.2°F
Average low: 15.6℃ / 60.08°F
Average rainfall: 77.5 mm

October is still warm during the day but it can get chilly at night, so you’ll need to cover up after dark. Rainfall is often low, and sunny days are common, so it’s an excellent month to explore the outdoors (but be sure to regularly look up the weather forecast in case of typhoons).

The second stage of the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival starts in mid-October. So, if you missed it in September, this is your chance!

November

Average high: 18.9℃ / 66.02°F
Average low: 10.5℃ / 50.9°F
Average rainfall: 92.5 mm

As winter approaches, cold winds and a declining temperature necessitate cozy autumn clothes like sweaters and light jackets. Sunshine is still frequent, so don’t hesitate to plan outdoor activities, but the temperature will often drop below 10℃ (50°F) at night.

November is when the colors of autumn peak in Osaka, with foliage from maples, ginkgo, beech, zelkova, and more bearing brilliant hues. Osaka Castle Park is a must-visit in November, as is the Midosuji Ginkgo Avenue, which is lined by hundreds of ginkgo trees that bathe the roadside in gold from late November to early December.

December

Average high: 13.6℃ / 56.48°F
Average low: 5.6℃ / 42.08°F
Average rainfall: 19.5 mm

Osaka weather in December is cold but often sunny and with very low rainfall. This makes it a superb time to explore the city streets and go on hikes. Snowfall is rare, but nighttime temperatures will approach 0℃ (32°F) by late December, so winter clothing is a must.

Winter in Japan is all about “illumination” festivals, and Osaka's main illumination is the Festival of the Lights between November and January. Attractions include the stunning Midosuji Illumination on Midosuji Avenue and the spellbinding light-up art at the OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance running from Osaka City Hall to Nakanoshima Park between December 14 – December 25. There is also the equally breathtaking Osaka Castle Illuminage, which generally takes place from late November to late February. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Weather and Climate in Osaka

What Is Osaka’s Coldest Month?

The coldest month in Osaka is January, with an average low of 3.1℃ / 37.58°F in 2023. Early to mid-February is also roughly the same in terms of weather, while late December can also get just as cold. If you're planning a trip to Osaka during the winter months, be sure to pack warm clothing such as a down jacket, gloves, a scarf, and a hat. While in Japan, try out some Japanese ways of staying warm.

Need help planning your Osaka trip? Check out our Osaka sample itinerary!

What Is Osaka’s Hottest Month?

August is the hottest month in Osaka, with an average high of 35.2℃ / 95.36°F in 2023, and it is also very humid. The heat can also spike in July, and early September often feels like August never left. Even nighttime is warm, so you can pack lightly and leave the thicker clothing at home unless you’re continuing on to the more alpine or northern regions of Japan. Summers are overall notoriously hot and sticky in Osaka, so be sure to read about how the Japanese keep cool!

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Go to Osaka?

While rainfall is common, the spring months of March, April, and May have pleasant high temperatures of around 20℃ (68°F), and are when flowers like plum blossoms, tulips, cherry blossoms, and wisteria bloom.

The autumn months of late September, October, and November have similarly agreeable temperatures, and without as much rainfall, making it great for outdoor activities (just keep an eye on the news for typhoons). Winter in Osaka (December, January, February) is cold but far from unbearable if you dress in typical winter gear, particularly at night, and the sunny days, crisp air, low rainfall, and lack of snow make it easy to get around.

For those who can’t handle hot, muggy weather, we advise avoiding Osaka during the midsummer months of July, August, and even early September. The flat basin terrain of the Osaka Plain makes it very easy for heat and humidity to accumulate, and the dense urban streets can result in the intense and even dangerous heat island effect. Rainfall is also high in June, so it’s difficult to enjoy the outdoors. On the plus side, there are many traditional festivals during the summer in Osaka, filling the region with a joyous, fun-filled atmosphere.

Tip: If you’re planning to visit Tokyo after Osaka, be sure to read our guide to Tokyo weather!

Get to Know Osaka Weather Before Your Trip!

With all the intriguing attractions and scrumptious local foods on offer, it’s no wonder Osaka is so popular with international tourists. However, Osaka weather is very different depending on the month, which will have a big impact on your trip. Plan where you want to go and what you should pack with this Osaka weather guide to guarantee your time in Osaka is as perfect as possible!