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Chubu & Hokuriku Weather Guide

Shirakawa-go Weather & What to Wear

Shirakawa-go, Gassho-zukuri Farmhouses, Ogimachi Observatory, Gokayama

A mountain village preserving World Heritage gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The Ogimachi Observatory offers a view over the whole village, and more gassho-zukuri houses survive in Gokayama on the Toyama side. It's one of the snowiest areas in Japan, with an average maximum snow depth in February of 173 cm (temperatures are from the Shirakawa observation station).

January low
−4.4℃
August high
29.6℃
Max snow depth
173cm
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Forecast

Forecast: Today & the Next 7 Days

JMA forecast issued Oct 22, 11 AM

Every 3 Hours: Today & Tomorrow

  1. Today
    3 PM
    Sunny
    ☂ 0%
    6–9m/s
  2. 6 PM
    Cloudy
    ☂ 0%
    3–5m/s
  3. 9 PM
    Cloudy
    ☂ 0%
    0–2m/s
  4. Tomorrow
    12 AM
    Cloudy
    ☂ 0%
    0–2m/s
  5. 3 AM
    Cloudy
    ☂ 0%
    0–2m/s
  6. 6 AM
    Sunny
    ☂ 0%
    0–2m/s
  7. 9 AM
    Sunny
    ☂ 0%
    3–5m/s
  8. 12 PM
    Sunny
    ☂ 0%
    6–9m/s
  9. 3 PM
    Sunny
    ☂ 0%
    3–5m/s
  10. 6 PM
    Cloudy
    ☂ 10%
    3–5m/s
  11. 9 PM
    Cloudy
    ☂ 10%
    0–2m/s

Weather and wind are for the wider area; temperature is for the main forecast point. Chance of rain is for the 6-hour period. There is no 3-hourly temperature forecast for this area, so temperatures are not shown.

  1. Today
    10/22(Thu)
    Sunny, then cloudy
    ☂ 0%
  2. Tomorrow
    10/23(Fri)
    Sunny, cloudy at times
    ☂ 10%
  3.  
    10/24(Sat)
    Rain
    ☂ 90%
  4.  
    10/25(Sun)
    Cloudy, rain at times
    ☂ 70%
    Reliability A
  5.  
    10/26(Mon)
    Cloudy, rain at times
    ☂ 70%
    Reliability A
  6.  
    10/27(Tue)
    Cloudy, rain at times
    ☂ 60%
    Reliability B
  7.  
    10/28(Wed)
    Cloudy, sunny at times
    ☂ 30%
    Reliability A
  • ☂ Chance of rain
  • From day 3, the weekly forecast covers a wider prefecture-level area.
  • Reliability of the weekly forecast (A: high, B: fairly high, C: fairly low)
  • There is no temperature forecast point for this area, so temperatures are not shown.
  • Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (weather forecast)
Best Season

Best Time to Visit Shirakawa-go

For snow scenery

The season when the gassho-zukuri houses are buried in snow. The village is illuminated on a few days each January and February (advance reservation required).

JanFeb

For fresh greenery and rural scenery

In May and June the fresh greenery is beautiful, and highs of around 22–25°C make it a pleasant season for walking.

MayJun
Climate

Shirakawa-go Temperature & Snow Through the Year

Monthly high / low temperature (°C)

HighLow
-10-505101520253035JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec29.6℃−5.0℃Jan High 2.8℃ / Low −4.4℃Feb High 3.8℃ / Low −5.0℃Mar High 8.3℃ / Low −2.3℃Apr High 15.6℃ / Low 2.7℃May High 21.8℃ / Low 8.6℃Jun High 24.9℃ / Low 14.1℃Jul High 28.2℃ / Low 18.6℃Aug High 29.6℃ / Low 19.2℃Sep High 25.1℃ / Low 15.2℃Oct High 19.2℃ / Low 8.8℃Nov High 12.9℃ / Low 2.8℃Dec High 5.9℃ / Low −1.7℃

Monthly max snow depth (cm)

050100150200Jan 148cmJanFeb 173cmFebMar 125cmMarApr 32cmAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov 5cmNovDec 84cmDec173cm
Month by Month

Month-by-Month Weather & What to Wear

MonthHighLowPrecip.Max snow depthWhat to wear
Jan2.8℃−4.4℃281.8mm148cmWinter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves, waterproof shoes
Feb3.8℃−5.0℃204.5mm173cmWinter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves, waterproof shoes
Mar8.3℃−2.3℃195.8mm125cmWinter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves, waterproof shoes
Apr15.6℃2.7℃151.6mm32cmLong sleeves + jacketLong sleeves with a light jacket or hoodie
May21.8℃8.6℃128.8mm—T-shirt + layerT-shirt, plus light long sleeves for mornings and evenings
Jun24.9℃14.1℃187.1mm—T-shirtT-shirt, with a light layer for evenings and air conditioning
Jul28.2℃18.6℃277.7mm—T-shirtT-shirt, with a light layer for evenings and air conditioning
Aug29.6℃19.2℃190.5mm—T-shirtT-shirt, with a light layer for evenings and air conditioning
Sep25.1℃15.2℃214.5mm—T-shirtT-shirt, with a light layer for evenings and air conditioning
Oct19.2℃8.8℃167.9mm—Long sleeves + jacketLong sleeves with a light jacket or hoodie
Nov12.9℃2.8℃181.6mm5cmWarm jacketLight down or winter coat, sweater
Dec5.9℃−1.7℃282.8mm84cmWinter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves, waterproof shoes

Clothing tips are based on the normal high temperature and snow depth. Bring an extra layer for mornings and evenings.

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Shirakawa-goPR

PRSee more places to stay near Shirakawa-go on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Seasons

Shirakawa-go Through the Seasons

🌸

Spring

Mar–May

Snow still lingers in March and April, and even in April mornings are around 3°C. By May, highs reach around 22°C and the season of fresh greenery arrives.

☀️

Summer

Jun–Aug

August highs are around 30°C, but mornings drop to around 19°C. July is rainy, so don't forget rain gear.

🍁

Autumn

Sep–Nov

October is chilly, with highs of 19°C and mornings around 9°C. November mornings are around 3°C — time to get ready for winter.

❄️

Winter

Dec–Feb

January highs are around 3°C, with mornings around -4°C. Snow covers everything from December to March, so you'll need waterproof shoes, gloves and a hat.

Events

Events & festivals in Shirakawa-go

January–February

Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Shirakawa-go

Usually a few days in January–February (fully reservation-only)

2027 (41st): 4 days, Jan 11 (Mon, holiday), Jan 17 (Sun), Jan 24 (Sun) & Jan 31 (Sun)

See all events →
Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in Shirakawa-go

Famous single tree

Shokawa-zakura

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Shokawa, Gifu

🌸 Typical peak: Late Apr – Early May

See all cherry blossom spots →
Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Shirakawa-go

See all winter scenery spots →
Travel Passes

Travel passes you can use in Shirakawa-go

🚄 JR

Japan Rail Pass

Nationwide ・ Three types: 7, 14 or 21 days. The period of use cannot be extended or changed

From ¥50,000

See all travel passes →
Plan Your Trip

Plan Your Shirakawa-go TripPR

🏨Hotels in Shirakawa-goCompare places to stay in the Shirakawa-go areaHotels.com🎫Shirakawa-go tours & activitiesSightseeing tours and activities in Shirakawa-goKlook📱eSIM for JapanGet online as soon as you landAiralo
Other Areas

Weather in Other Areas

NagoyaKanazawaTakayamaGero OnsenToyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine RouteMatsumoto / KamikochiHakubaNagano / Yudanaka-Shibu OnsenKiso Valley (Tsumago & Magome)

Back to the Chubu & Hokuriku Weather Guide (all months & areas) →

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperature and snow figures are normals from the Shirakawa station; actual weather varies from year to year.

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