FebruaryNagasaki Lantern Festival
Kyushu ・ Nagasaki
Usually around February, at the time of the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) (17 days from February 5 to 21 in 2027)
2027: Feb 5 (Fri) – Feb 21 (Sun), 17 days
Kyushu Weather Guide
Kyushu: Weather & What to Wear Guide
Kyushu's lowlands are mild, with winter highs above 10°C even in Fukuoka and Kagoshima, but summers are hot and humid, with average August highs of 32.5°C in Fukuoka and 33.3°C in Kumamoto. The rainy season from June to mid-July brings very heavy rain, and typhoons are a concern, especially in August and September. Meanwhile, highland areas such as Aso and Yufuin are cooler than the lowlands and drop below freezing in winter. Yakushima is a very rainy island, with annual rainfall reaching 4,652 mm. This guide covers 10 areas popular with travelers, with monthly temperatures based on Japan Meteorological Agency climate normals, plus what to wear and what to see.
By Month
Kyushu Weather by Month
January
The coldest month of the year: the best season for hot springs
Fukuoka 10.2℃ / 3.9℃
February
Plum blossoms peak at Dazaifu, plus the Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Fukuoka 11.6℃ / 4.4℃
March
Cherry blossoms open late in the month as spring arrives
Fukuoka 15.0℃ / 7.2℃
April
Cherry blossoms last into early April; warm, comfortable weather
Fukuoka 19.9℃ / 11.5℃
May
Hakata Dontaku and fresh greenery; the rainy season starts in southern Kyushu at the end of the month
Fukuoka 24.4℃ / 16.1℃
June
Rainy season brings very heavy rain, and Miyama Kirishima azaleas bloom in the mountains
Fukuoka 27.2℃ / 20.3℃
July
Hakata Gion Yamakasa; full-blown summer after the rainy season ends
Fukuoka 31.2℃ / 24.6℃
August
The hottest month of the year: the season for beaches and surfing
Fukuoka 32.5℃ / 25.4℃
September
Watch out for lingering heat and typhoons: the peak time for typhoons to approach
Fukuoka 28.6℃ / 21.6℃
October
Nagasaki Kunchi and clear autumn skies for sightseeing
Fukuoka 23.7℃ / 16.0℃
November
Autumn leaves at their peak, and Takachiho's Yokagura night dances begin
Fukuoka 18.2℃ / 10.6℃
December
Winter begins: the season for hot springs and Yokagura
Fukuoka 12.6℃ / 5.8℃
Fukuoka high / low (climate normals).
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
♨️
Hot Springs
November–March
Kyushu is a treasure trove of hot springs, from Beppu and Yufuin to Kurokawa Onsen, Ureshino Onsen and the sand baths of Ibusuki. The cold season is the best time to go, but Ibusuki's sand bath hall, Saraku, is open year-round.
🌸
Plum & Cherry Blossoms
Late January–Early April
The roughly 6,000 plum trees at Dazaifu Tenmangu are at their best from late January to early March. Cherry blossoms usually open around March 22 in Fukuoka and Kumamoto and around March 26 in Kagoshima, peaking from late March to early April.
🌿
Fresh Greenery & Miyama Kirishima
May–Mid-June
In the mountains of Oita Prefecture, pink Miyama Kirishima azaleas usually bloom from early May to mid-June. They peak in the signature Kuju Mountains from late May to mid-June, perfect to combine with a hike through the fresh greenery.
🏮
Festivals
February, May, July & October
Kyushu's signature festivals are the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, timed to the Lunar New Year; the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival on May 3–4; the Hakata Gion Yamakasa from July 1 to 15; and Nagasaki Kunchi from October 7 to 9. Mid-November to early February is the season for Takachiho's Yokagura night dances.
🍁
Autumn Leaves
November
The colors peak at the Kokonoe Yume Grand Suspension Bridge in early November, and at Takachiho Gorge from early to late November. Gorges and highlands get chilly in the mornings and evenings, so bring a jacket.
🏄
Beaches & Surfing
July–September
Miyazaki's Aoshima Beach is usually open for swimming from early July to late August. You can surf Miyazaki's coast year-round, and from August, swells from offshore typhoons bring bigger waves in the high season.
Temperature
Average Temperature by Area and Month
Average temperature normals (°C). Blue is colder, deeper orange is warmer. Tap a month to see the full guide.
| Area | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fukuoka & Dazaifu | 6.9 | 7.8 | 10.8 | 15.4 | 19.9 | 23.3 | 27.4 | 28.4 | 24.7 | 19.6 | 14.2 | 9.1 |
| Nagasaki | 7.2 | 8.1 | 11.2 | 15.6 | 19.7 | 23.0 | 26.9 | 28.1 | 24.9 | 20.0 | 14.5 | 9.4 |
| Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch | 7.0 | 7.8 | 11.0 | 15.3 | 19.7 | 23.0 | 26.8 | 28.0 | 24.8 | 20.0 | 14.4 | 9.2 |
| Karatsu, Arita & Ureshino Onsen | 4.5 | 5.6 | 8.9 | 13.8 | 18.4 | 21.9 | 26.0 | 26.6 | 22.8 | 17.2 | 11.5 | 6.4 |
| Kumamoto & Aso | 6.0 | 7.4 | 10.9 | 15.8 | 20.5 | 23.7 | 27.5 | 28.4 | 25.2 | 19.6 | 13.5 | 8.0 |
| Beppu & Yufuin | 6.5 | 7.2 | 10.2 | 14.8 | 19.3 | 22.6 | 26.8 | 27.7 | 24.2 | 19.1 | 13.8 | 8.7 |
| Takachiho | 3.7 | 5.0 | 8.4 | 13.2 | 17.6 | 20.9 | 24.7 | 25.0 | 21.8 | 16.2 | 10.6 | 5.4 |
| Miyazaki & Nichinan | 7.8 | 8.9 | 12.1 | 16.4 | 20.3 | 23.2 | 27.3 | 27.6 | 24.7 | 20.0 | 14.7 | 9.7 |
| Kagoshima, Sakurajima & Ibusuki | 8.7 | 9.9 | 12.8 | 17.1 | 21.0 | 24.0 | 28.1 | 28.8 | 26.3 | 21.6 | 16.2 | 10.9 |
| Yakushima | 11.8 | 12.3 | 14.6 | 17.8 | 21.0 | 23.7 | 27.0 | 27.5 | 25.7 | 22.2 | 18.2 | 13.9 |
Areas
10 Areas of Kyushu
Fukuoka & Dazaifu→
Station: FukuokaFukuoka, Hakata, Tenjin, Dazaifu Tenmangu
- Jan low
- 3.9℃
- Aug high
- 32.5℃
- Max snow depth
- 1cm
TodaySunny23° / 18°
Nagasaki→
Station: NagasakiNagasaki, Mt. Inasa, Glover Garden, Meganebashi Bridge
- Jan low
- 4.0℃
- Aug high
- 31.9℃
- Max snow depth
- 2cm
TodaySunny24° / 16°
Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch→
Station: SaseboSasebo, Huis Ten Bosch, Kujukushima Islands
- Jan low
- 3.6℃
- Aug high
- 31.8℃
- Max snow depth
- 1cm
TodaySunny23° / 16°
Karatsu, Arita & Ureshino Onsen→
Station: UreshinoUreshino Onsen, Karatsu, Arita, Imari
- Jan low
- 0.2℃
- Aug high
- 32.1℃
- Max snow depth
- —
TodaySunny
Kumamoto & Aso→
Station: KumamotoKumamoto, Kumamoto Castle, Aso, Kurokawa Onsen
- Jan low
- 1.6℃
- Aug high
- 33.3℃
- Max snow depth
- 1cm
TodaySunny26° / 14°
Beppu & Yufuin→
Station: OitaBeppu, Yufuin, Beppu Hells Tour, Mt. Yufu
- Jan low
- 2.6℃
- Aug high
- 32.2℃
- Max snow depth
- 1cm
TodaySunny24° / 18°
Takachiho→
Station: TakachihoTakachiho, Takachiho Gorge, Takachiho Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine
- Jan low
- −1.0℃
- Aug high
- 30.6℃
- Max snow depth
- —
TodaySunny25° / 12°
Miyazaki & Nichinan→
Station: MiyazakiMiyazaki, Aoshima, Nichinan Coast, Udo Jingu
- Jan low
- 3.0℃
- Aug high
- 31.6℃
- Max snow depth
- —
TodaySunny25° / 17°
Kagoshima, Sakurajima & Ibusuki→
Station: KagoshimaKagoshima, Sakurajima, Ibusuki, Sengan-en
- Jan low
- 4.9℃
- Aug high
- 32.7℃
- Max snow depth
- 2cm
TodaySunny27° / 17°
Yakushima→
Station: YakushimaYakushima, Shiratani Unsuikyo, Jomon Sugi, Yakusugi Land
- Jan low
- 8.9℃
- Aug high
- 30.9℃
- Max snow depth
- —
TodayCloudy
Max snow depth is the normal for the snowiest month of the year.
Events
Events & festivals in Kyushu
February
April–May
MayHakata Dontaku Port Festival
Kyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu
Every year May 3 and 4 (eve festival on May 2)
JulyHakata Gion Yamakasa
Kyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu
Every year July 1–15 (the Oiyama race starts at 4:59 in the early morning of the 15th)
September
OctoberNovember–FebruaryHuis Ten Bosch Winter Illumination
Kyushu ・ Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch
Usually early November to late February
2026–27 season: Nov 6 (Fri) – Feb 25, 2027 (Thu)
November–FebruaryTakachiho Yokagura (Night Kagura)
Kyushu ・ Takachiho
Usually mid-November to early February the following year (dates differ by village)
NovemberOhara Festival
Kyushu ・ Kagoshima, Sakurajima & Ibusuki
Every year November 2 (Yoru Matsuri) and 3 (Hon Matsuri)
2026: Nov 2 (Mon) Yoru Matsuri & Nov 3 (Tue, holiday) Hon Matsuri
NovemberKaratsu Kunchi
Kyushu ・ Karatsu, Arita & Ureshino Onsen
Every year November 2–4 (Yoiyama on the 2nd, Otabisho Shinko on the 3rd, Yokujitsu-sai town tour on the 4th)
2026: Nov 2 (Mon) – Nov 4 (Wed), 3 days
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu
Castle
Castle
CastleFukuoka Castle Ruins (Maizuru Park)
Kyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu
🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr
✦ Night sakura
Avenue & old town
CastleWinter Scenery
Winter Scenery in Kyushu
Rime ice
Frozen waterfall & iciclesFireworks
Fireworks festivals in Kyushu
🎆 JulyNagasaki Minato Matsuri (Fireworks)
Kyushu ・ Nagasaki, Nagasaki
🎆 Usually in late July (July 25 (Sat) and 26 (Sun), 2026)
About 10,000 shells (official tourism website)
🎆 AugustKanmon Straits Fireworks Festival (Moji side)
Kyushu ・ Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
🎆 Usually mid-August (Thursday, August 13 in 2026)
Paid seats
🎆 AugustKagoshima Kinkowan Summer Night Fireworks Festival
Kyushu ・ Kagoshima, Kagoshima
🎆 Usually late August (Saturday, August 29 in 2026)
About 15,000 shells (official)Paid seats
🎆 AugustOita Yume Hanabi Fireworks
Kyushu ・ Oita, Oita
🎆 Usually in late August (August 29 (Sat), 2026)
About 8,000 shells (official)Paid seats
Onsen
Onsen towns in Kyushu
♨ OnsenBeppu Onsen
Kyushu ・ Beppu, Oita
♨ Day use Regular bath: adults ¥300, children ¥100, preschoolers free / Sand bath: ¥1,500 (as of October 2026)
♨ Onsen
♨ OnsenKurokawa Onsen
Kyushu ・ Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto
♨ Day use Adults ¥800, children ¥600 (as of October 2026)
Private baths
♨ OnsenUreshino Onsen
Kyushu ・ Ureshino, Saga
♨ Day use Adults ¥450, elementary school students ¥220, preschoolers free with a guardian (as of October 2026)
Private baths
♨ OnsenIbusuki Onsen
Kyushu ・ Ibusuki, Kagoshima
♨ Day use Sand bath: adults ¥1,500, children ¥800 / Hot spring only: adults ¥800, children ¥400 (as of October 2026)
Private baths
♨ OnsenUnzen Onsen
Kyushu ・ Unzen, Nagasaki
♨ Day use Adults ¥500, children ¥250, age 3 and under free (as of October 2026)
Private baths
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Kyushu
Mountain & highland🍁 Typical peak
Temple
Gorge
GorgeTemple
ShrineAttractions
Attractions in Kyushu
ZooKyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari
Kyushu ・ Usa, Oita
A safari park in Ajimu, Usa City, Oita Prefecture, where you tour free-roaming animals by car or bus. You can explore in two ways: the My Car Safari, driving your own car through the Safari Zone with lions, elephants, and more, or the Jungle Bus, which moves along as you feed the animals. It's about 7 minutes by car from Beppuwan Smart IC, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Beppu and Yufuin.
ZooAso Cuddly Dominion
Kyushu ・ Kumamoto & Aso
A zoo in Aso City where you can interact with 350 animals of 60 species. It centers on animal shows and close-contact facilities with bear cubs, capybaras, and penguins. It's about 1.5 km from JR Aso Station, and highway buses between Kumamoto and Oita/Beppu stop in front of the park.
ExperienceBeppu Jigoku Meguri (Hells of Beppu)
Kyushu ・ Beppu & Yufuin
A Beppu sightseeing classic: touring the seven hot spring sources known as jigoku (hells) in the Kannawa and Kamegawa areas of the hot spring town of Beppu. The hells each differ in color and form, from the cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku and the red Chinoike Jigoku to Tatsumaki Jigoku, which erupts at regular intervals. A combined ticket covers all seven, and you can tour them in about 2.5 hours including travel.
Theme parkHuis Ten Bosch
Kyushu ・ Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch
A theme park resort in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, recreating Dutch townscapes. Attractions, shops, restaurants, and hotels are spread across large grounds laced with canals. It's about a 5-minute walk from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station and about 1 hour 45 minutes by limited express from Hakata, so a day trip from Fukuoka is possible.
AquariumIo World Kagoshima City Aquarium
Kyushu ・ Kagoshima, Sakurajima & Ibusuki
An aquarium in Honkoshin-machi, Kagoshima City, themed on Kagoshima's seas, from Kinko Bay to the Nansei Islands. It displays about 800 species, and the large Kuroshio tank with its whale shark and the dolphin programs are popular. It's about 15 minutes by streetcar from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, making it easy to drop by while sightseeing in the city.
AquariumKujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara
Kyushu ・ Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch
An aquarium in Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort in Sasebo. It focuses on sea life from the Kujukushima Islands, and its jellyfish exhibit and dolphin shows are popular. The Kujukushima sightseeing boat pier is in the same resort, so you can enjoy it together with a cruise.
AquariumMarine World Uminonakamichi
Kyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu
An aquarium themed on the seas of Kyushu, located at Uminonakamichi in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City. It mainly shows sea life from the four seas surrounding Kyushu, and also holds dolphin and sea lion shows and a penguin parade. From Hakata Station it's one transfer by JR, and you can also get there by boat from Bayside Place Hakata.
AquariumNagasaki Penguin Aquarium
Kyushu ・ Nagasaki
An aquarium specializing in penguins, keeping 9 of the world's 18 penguin species. It's said to keep the most penguin species in the world and has one of Japan's largest penguin pools. Admission is an affordable ¥800 for adults, and it can be reached by bus from central Nagasaki.
Botanical gardenSun Messe Nichinan
Kyushu ・ Miyazaki & Nichinan
A park on a hill overlooking the Nichinan coastline, known for its seven Moai statues, reproduced with permission from the Council of Elders of Easter Island. The highlights are the Moai standing with their backs to the sea and the views across the spacious grounds. It's about 40 minutes by car from Miyazaki Airport and can also be reached by local bus from Miyazaki Station.
AquariumOita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
Kyushu ・ Takasakiyama, Oita
An aquarium near Mt. Takasaki in Oita City, themed on becoming friends with animals. Performances by dolphins, walruses, and others are held many times a day, and you can get close to the animals. It can be reached by bus from Beppu Station and Oita Station, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Beppu.
Airport Access
Getting to Kyushu from the airport
Compare trains, buses and taxis from the airport by travel time and fare.
Travel Passes
Travel passes you can use in Kyushu
🚄 JRSanyo-San'in Area Pass
Chugoku & Shikoku ・ 7 consecutive days (from 0:00 on the first day to 24:00 on the last day)
From ¥23,000
🚄 JRJR KYUSHU RAIL PASS (All Kyushu / Northern Kyushu / Southern Kyushu)
Kyushu ・ 3, 5 or 7 consecutive days (Southern Kyushu is 3 days only; Northern Kyushu is 3 or 5 days)
From ¥22,000
🚌 BusSUNQ PASS
Kyushu ・ Paper passes are valid for 3 or 4 consecutive days. Digital passes: the 3-day pass covers any 3 days within 5 days from the start date, and the 4-day pass any 4 days within 7 days (each day runs from 3:00 to 26:59)
🚄 JRJapan Rail Pass
Nationwide ・ Three types: 7, 14 or 21 days. The period of use cannot be extended or changed
From ¥50,000
Getting Around
Getting to and from Kyushu
Osaka → Fukuoka (Hakata)
Fastest: About 2 hr 30 min (e.g. Mizuho No. 601 departs Shin-Osaka 6:00 → arrives Hakata 8:28)
🚄 Shinkansen
Fukuoka (Hakata) → Nagasaki
Fastest: Fastest about 1 hr 20 min (including transfer time at Takeo-Onsen Station)
🚄 Shinkansen🚌 Highway bus
Fukuoka (Hakata) → Kumamoto
Fastest: Fastest 32 min (about 40 min on the Sakura)
🚄 Shinkansen🚌 Highway bus
Fukuoka (Hakata) → Kagoshima (Kagoshima-Chuo)
Fastest: About 1 hr 20–35 min (e.g. Mizuho No. 601 departs Hakata 8:30 → arrives 9:53; Sakura No. 741 departs 9:06 → arrives 10:39)
🚄 Shinkansen🚌 Highway bus
FAQ
FAQ
Q. When is the best time to visit Kyushu?＋
For the most comfortable weather, we recommend April to May and October to November. For cherry blossoms, go from late March to early April; for autumn leaves, in November. The rainy season from June to mid-July brings lots of rain, and typhoons most often approach in August and September, so leave some slack in your plans at those times.
Q. Is Kyushu cold in winter? Does it snow?＋
The lowlands are mild, with average January highs of 10.2°C in Fukuoka and 13.1°C in Kagoshima, and snow rarely settles. The highlands are a different story: January mornings drop below freezing, to -2.7°C in Aso (Aso-Otohime station) and -2.2°C in Yufuin (Yufuin station), so dress warmly and watch out for icy roads.
Q. How hot is summer in Kyushu?＋
Average August highs are 32.5°C in Fukuoka, 33.3°C in Kumamoto and 32.7°C in Kagoshima, and the high humidity makes it feel muggy. The highlands are a little cooler, at 29.3°C in Aso-Otohime and 29.8°C in Yufuin. Take frequent breaks when sightseeing during the day.
Q. When is the rainy season in Kyushu?＋
In northern Kyushu (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Oita), the rainy season usually starts around June 4 and ends around July 19. In southern Kyushu (Miyazaki and Kagoshima), it starts around May 30 and ends around July 15. June rainfall in Kagoshima is 570.0 mm, making it the wettest time of the year.
Q. How much rain does Yakushima get?＋
Yakushima's average annual rainfall is 4,652 mm, about 2.8 times that of Fukuoka (1,687 mm). The mountains get even more rain and the weather changes quickly, so a two-piece rain jacket and pants are essential in any season. Snow can settle in the high mountains from December to February.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Kyushu TripPR
More Guides
Weather Guides for Other Regions
🗾 Japan Weather →Hokkaido Weather & What to Wear Guide →Tohoku: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Tokyo & Around: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Chubu & Hokuriku: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Kansai: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Chugoku & Shikoku: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Okinawa: Weather & What to Wear Guide →
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.