Climate and monthly weather forecast
Niigata, Japan

Niigata, located in northeastern part of Japan, is classified as Cfa, or Humid subtropical, according to the Köppen climate classification. There are no identified dry seasons and variances are minimal and smooth in this part of the country. The varied weather parameters map out a beautiful landscape of alternating seasonal signatures throughout the year.

The sea temperature remains calm, peaking at 26.8°C (80.2°F) in August and dropping to the lowest mark of 9.8°C (49.6°F) in March. Meanwhile, daylight hours fluctuate between 9.9 hours in January to a maximum of 14.8 hours in the month of June. Certain patterns begin to emerge from these climatological data. Winter months, for example, exhibit shorter daylight hours and cooler sea temperatures, while summer months yield extended sunlight durations and a significant rise in sea temperatures.

Weather conditions are unique to each season with distinctive features. For instance, the longest days are seen in June, while the warmest sea temperatures are registered in August. These nuances create an interesting spectrum of weather conditions, perfectly balanced between light and temperature.

Considering the annual sea temperature and daylight hours, the best time to visit Niigata spans from July to September. During these months, tourists can enjoy sea temperatures between 24.2°C (75.6°F) and 26.8°C (80.2°F). Furthermore, daylight hours range within the enticing interval of 13.6 hours to 14.5 hours, inviting extended outdoor activities and exploration opportunities. Summer festivities, traditionally popular in Japan, are an added bonus during this period.

The chillier months of December through February would be the least favored time for a visit to Niigata. Sea temperatures dip from 12°C (53.6°F) to 9.8°C (49.6°F) during this period, marking the coldest in the year. Coupled with shorter daylight hours falling within the 9.6 to 10.8-hour range, it limits outdoor activity, presenting less attractive conditions for tourists.

The spring season, from March to May, provides a mild weather experience in Niigata. Sea temperatures begin to rise, starting from 9.8°C (49.6°F) in March and reaching up to 14.3°C (57.7°F) in May. Similarly, daylight hours extend from 12 hours in March to 14.2 hours in May. The gradual upswing in weather parameters sets a serene atmosphere for the bloom of cherry blossoms, a renowned Japanese spectacle.

Niigata, during summer months from June to August, basks in abundant daylight and warmer sea temperatures. From a delightful 14.8 daylight hours in June, the length of the day reaches its peak then gently tapers off to 13.6 hours by August. Sea temperature, witnessing a substantial climb, fluctuates warmly from 20.1°C (68.2°F) in June, peaking at 26.8°C (80.2°F) in August.

Autumn in Niigata, spanning September to November, sees a decline in both daylight duration and sea temperature. Daylight hours gradually ease from 12.4 hours in September down to 10.2 hours in November, while the sea gets cooler, dipping from 25.2°C (77.4°F) in September to 17.7°C (63.9°F) in November. The fall foliage, highlighted against the increasingly shorter days, offers an appealing landscape during these months.

Winter in Niigata extends from December to February, characterized by the coldest sea temperatures and shortest daylight hours. With daylight downtime of 9.6 hours to 10.8 hours, the days are at their shortest. Sea temperatures, reflecting the cooling trend, drop from 13.9°C (57°F) in December to a year-low of 9.8°C (49.6°F) in February, marking the coldest weather of the year. Combined with the soft fall of snow common in this region, Niigata in winter provides a serene setting of quiet beauty.

The Niigata city in Japan is characterized by the coldest month of January. Rain is a rare phenomenon, yet the humidity can make the 12°C (53.6°F) sea temperatures feel colder than it is. The city's daylight hours, amounting to 9.9 hours, provide a limited window for outdoor activities. Weather in January »

In contrast to January, February in Niigata experiences a slight drop in sea temperature to 9.9°C (49.8°F). Cold prevailing winds continue into February contributing to the cold bite in the air. There is an increase in daylight hours to 10.8 hours, providing a sliver of hope for the spring that’s soon to arrive. Weather in February »

March in Niigata sees the lowest sea temperature of 9.8°C (49.6°F), making it a less preferred period for water activities. The daylight hours extend to 12 hours, signaling the impending onset of spring. The weather tends to transition towards a warmer, but still crisp, terrain. Weather in March »

The weather in Niigata city in April starts to turn pleasant with the sea temperature rising to 11.2°C (52.2°F). A marked shift from the chill of March, April begins to beckon the warmth of the coming summer months. The city receives 13.2 hours of daylight, comforting the city after the cold winter. Weather in April »

Sea temperatures in Niigata city warm up considerably in May, reaching 14.3°C (57.7°F). This month sees the final days of spring giving way to the early onset of summer. A significant amount of daylight, a high of 14.2 hours, makes for longer, sun-filled days. Weather in May »

In Niigata, June brings along soaring sea temperatures, registering a significant rise to 20.1°C (68.2°F). This month can be considered the onset of summer, departing from the pleasant times of May. With 14.8 hours of daylight, the longest in the year, June offers ample time for outdoor activities. Weather in June »

July is the height of summer in Niigata, with the sea boiling at a blistering 24.2°C (75.6°F). The city is scorched under the summer sun, but the slightly shortened daylight hours of 14.5 hours provide a small respite. July stands out for being the hottest and often the most sultry month of the year. Weather in July »

Niigata's weather in August records the highest sea temperature at 26.8°C (80.2°F). Even though the daylight hours contract to 13.6 hours, the city experiences relentless heat throughout the day. Transitioning from the peak heat of July, August bears the remaining brunt of summer. Weather in August »

Sea temperatures in Niigata start to drop facetly in September, sliding to 25.2°C (77.4°F). This transition in the air and water signals the commencement of the milder, more pleasant autumn. The gradual decline in daylight hours to 12.4 displays the approaching end of longer summer days. Weather in September »

October in Niigata witnesses a further slump in the sea temperatures, sliding down appreciably to 21.1°C (70°F). Daylight hours come down to 11.2 hours, carving its way towards the shorter, crisper autumn days. While the air is considerably cooler than September, October offers the city a comfortable mildness before the harshness of winter. In October, the average sea temperature in Niigata, Japan, is 21.1°C (70°F). Note: For the majority of people, swimming in water at 21.1°C (70°F) is not enjoyable. Weather in October »

In November, sea temperatures in Niigata fall markedly to 17.7°C (63.9°F). The days shorten to 10.2 hours of daylight, setting a clear pathway to the onset of winter. The weather transitions noticeably from October, as the crispness in the air gives way to a definite chill. Weather in November »

December in Niigata is noted for a significant drop in sea temperature to 13.9°C (57°F), marking the return of winter. Daylight hours are cut further to 9.6 hours, the shortest in the year. It deviates greatly from the mild temperatures of November, marking the beginning of the snowy season. Weather in December »