Local Guide
Check out the four seasons, temperatures, and clothing in the Kanazawa area (including Kaga)!

Photo courtesy of Kanazawa City

Kanazawa is the largest city in Hokuriku and is steeped in the culture of Kaga Hyakumangoku, founded by the Maeda family. Since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line, Kanazawa has developed into a major tourist city that attracts many visitors not only from Japan but from all over the world.
As the saying goes, "Don't forget your umbrella even if you forget your lunch box," Kanazawa has the fourth highest annual precipitation in Japan and the highest number of thunderstorm days in Ishikawa Prefecture in many years. Although there are many sunny days in early summer, rain, hail, and snow are common in the rest of the year, which is a typical characteristic of the Sea of Japan climate.
Yamashiro and Yamanaka hot springs, located on hills and terraces at the foot of the Nomi Mountains, tend to receive even more snow than Kanazawa City.
It is recommended to carry rain gear when visiting Kanazawa throughout the year.

Annual Temperatures in Kanazawa Area

Nishi-chaya-gai (Photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)
Nishi-chaya-gai (Photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)

March in Kanazawa is the season of melting snow. The average temperature is 7.4°C, and the budding of trees and other signs of spring begin to arrive. The cherry blossoms at Kenrokuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, are at their best from late March to early April. The garden is open to the public free of charge, and you can enjoy the cherry blossoms lit up at night. The lowest temperature during this season is around 5°C, so if you go out at night, you will need to wear a coat over your knitwear to protect yourself from the cold.
The average temperature in April is 11.9°C, and in May it is 17.6°C. The temperature difference from Tokyo is about 2°C. You can wear the same clothes as in Tokyo. Especially in May, sunny days make it the perfect time to enjoy walking around the city's rich history, such as visiting the teahouse district, samurai residences, temples, and shrines.

Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival: Kaga Yuzen Lantern Festival (Photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)
Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival: Kaga Yuzen Lantern Festival (Photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)

The average temperature in June is 22.2℃. The average minimum temperature is a comfortable 19.0℃, but there are many rainy days and it can feel chilly. The first week of the month is the "Hyakumangoku Festival," Kanazawa's major event. The "Hyakumangoku Procession," a reenactment of Toshiie Maeda's entry into Kanazawa Castle, attracts more than 400,000 visitors every year.
The average temperature in July and August is about 27°C, the same as in Tokyo. The high average maximum temperature of over 30°C, combined with the humidity of the region's abundant rainfall, makes it hot and humid enough to make even those in sleeveless or short sleeves break out in a sweat. The temperature difference between outdoors and indoors is also large, so be sure to bring a breathable jacket.
To fully enjoy summer in Kanazawa, visit the two major rivers. The Asanogawa River is a riverside resort, and the Saigawa River hosts a fireworks display every year.

Autumn leaves in Kenrokuen Garden (Photo provided by Kanazawa City)
Autumn leaves in Kenrokuen Garden (Photo provided by Kanazawa City)

Until mid-September, the average maximum temperature remains above 25°C (77°F), and you can spend the day in short sleeves. It gradually starts to feel cooler in October. The average temperature is 17.8°C, with some days in late September when the average minimum temperature is less than 10°C. In November, when the average temperature drops to 12.0°C, the snow crab fishing season opens. In Yamanaka hot spring, the autumn leaves of great natural beauty can be seen along the Daishoji River in Tsurusenkyo, a walking trail along the Daishoji River. In Kanazawa City, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa andthe D.T. Suzuki Museum of Fine Arts offer a great opportunity to enjoy the autumn colors of art.
Dress for this time of year: long sleeves and a parka or unlined outerwear are sufficient, but in the mornings and evenings, it is a good idea to prepare something that can be layered, such as a knit to wear over a shirt.

Omemachi Market (Photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)
Omemachi Market (Photo courtesy of Kanazawa City)

In December, Kanazawa's kitchen , Omimachi Market, is even more crowded with seasonal winter delicacies such as crab, cold yellowtail, and sweet shrimp. The average temperature is 6.0℃. In January and February, there is about 60 cm of snow in most years and 20 cm in less years. In Yamashiro and Yamanaka hot springs, the snowfall is 1.5 to 2 times larger. Snow with high water content tends to freeze easily, and when it melts, the roads become muddy, so waterproof boots or boots are recommended for footwear. If you are going to see snow hangings and other picturesque scenery, wear a heavy coat or down coat. Be sure to bring warm clothes and gloves to protect yourself from the cold.

The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.