When to go · Matsushima
Matsushima, month by month
The best months for Matsushima: Apr, May, Oct, Nov. Months to avoid: Jan, Feb.
Month by month
- JanuaryAvoidListed as a month to avoid: Jan–Feb (cold, some boats cut), Golden Week and Obon crowds.6 °C (43 °F) / -2 °C (28 °F), 8 rain days43 °F (6 °C) / 28 °F (-2 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- FebruaryAvoidListed as a month to avoid: Jan–Feb (cold, some boats cut), Golden Week and Obon crowds.7 °C (45 °F) / -2 °C (28 °F), 7 rain days45 °F (7 °C) / 28 °F (-2 °C), 7 rain daysCrowds: Low
- MarchGoodOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Blossom arrives late in the month: prices jump, book early.11 °C (52 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 9 rain days52 °F (11 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 9 rain daysCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- AprilGreatInside Matsushima's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.17 °C (63 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 9 rain days63 °F (17 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 9 rain daysCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
- MayGreatInside Matsushima's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.21 °C (70 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 10 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 10 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- JuneMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Rainy season in Honshū: grey, humid, fewer tourists; Hokkaidō is at its best.24 °C (75 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 12 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 12 rain daysCrowds: Low
- JulyMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Rain ends mid-month then the heat begins; festivals everywhere.27 °C (81 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 14 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 14 rain daysCrowds: Medium
- AugustMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.29 °C (84 °F) / 21 °C (70 °F), 12 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 70 °F (21 °C), 12 rain daysCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- SeptemberMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Still hot; typhoon peak can cancel flights and ferries for a day or two.25 °C (77 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 12 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 63 °F (17 °C), 12 rain daysCrowds: Medium
- OctoberGreatInside Matsushima's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.20 °C (68 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 9 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 9 rain daysCrowds: Medium
- NovemberGreatInside Matsushima's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.14 °C (57 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 8 rain days57 °F (14 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: High
- DecemberGoodOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Cold and clear until the New Year shutdown from 29 Dec.9 °C (48 °F) / 0 °C (32 °F), 8 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 32 °F (0 °C), 8 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Matsushima, side by side.
Verdict
Apr: Great
May: Great
Daytime high
Apr: 17 °C (63 °F)63 °F (17 °C)
May: 21 °C (70 °F)70 °F (21 °C)
Night low
Apr: 5 °C (41 °F)41 °F (5 °C)
May: 11 °C (52 °F)52 °F (11 °C)
Rain days
Apr: 9 (better)
May: 10
Crowds
Apr: High
May: Medium
Prices
Apr: High
May: Medium
Festivals listed
Apr: 2
May: 1
April: Inside Matsushima's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.
May: Inside Matsushima's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.
Matsushima: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.