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Best time to visit Kanazawa
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
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Best time to visit Kanazawa, Japan
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1-7°C, cold with occasional snow | low | low |
⚠ Many smaller shops and restaurants may close for New Year's until around the 3rd. | |
| February | 2-9°C, cold and often cloudy with some snow | low | low |
⚠ Still quite cold, but fewer tourists. | |
| March | 6-14°C, crisp and often sunny | low | low |
⚠ Transition month, can still be chilly. | |
| April | 11-20°C, mild and pleasant with blooming flowers | high | high |
⚠ Peak cherry blossom season attracts large crowds and drives up prices. | |
| May | 15-23°C, warm and agreeable with moderate sunshine | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Golden Week (late April/early May) can still be busy and expensive. | |
| June | 19-25°C, humid with frequent rain (tsuyu season) | moderate | moderate |
⚠ The rainy season (tsuyu) typically runs from early June to mid-July, expect damp conditions. | |
| July | 23-29°C, hot and humid, some rain | high | high |
⚠ Summer heat and humidity can be intense, especially mid-month. | |
| August | 25-31°C, hot and humid with a chance of typhoons | high | high |
⚠ Typhoon season can disrupt travel plans. Very hot and humid. | |
| September | 21-27°C, warm with decreasing humidity and typhoon risk | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Post-summer lull before autumn peak, weather is generally pleasant. | |
| October | 16-23°C, crisp, sunny, and ideal for sightseeing | moderate | moderate |
⚠ One of the best months for clear skies and comfortable temperatures. | |
| November | 10-18°C, cool and often sunny | low | moderate |
⚠ Cooler temperatures but still pleasant for outdoor activities. | |
| December | 3-10°C, cold and often cloudy with a chance of light snow | low | low |
⚠ Cold weather, and many attractions may have reduced hours or be closed for holidays towards the end of the month. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
June
Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival
A large festival celebrating the city's founder, Maeda Toshiie, with parades and performances.
July
Kanazawa Festival
A summer festival featuring traditional music, dance, and a fireworks display.
November
Kaga Yuzen Kimono Festival
Showcases the exquisite Kaga Yuzen silk dyeing technique with kimono fashion shows and exhibitions.
January
New Year's Holidays
Many traditional shops and restaurants close for a few days after January 1st for family and rest.
April
Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms, particularly in Kenrokuen Garden, with evening illuminations.
Insider timing tips
- •The rainy season (tsuyu) in June and early July brings high humidity and frequent rain, but also lush greenery and fewer crowds than peak summer.
- •August is prone to typhoons, which can cause significant travel disruptions. It's also the hottest and most humid month.
- •While April is ideal for cherry blossoms, book accommodations and flights months in advance as prices surge and availability plummets.
- •October and November offer a sweet spot with beautiful autumn colors, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds than spring.
- •Kanazawa experiences a distinct lull in tourism in January and February, making it a budget-friendly option if you can tolerate the cold.
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