Best time to visit Osaka: Weather | Japan 2023 Guide
Updated: Sep 7, 2023
Best time to visit Osaka by season
>End of March to early April for Cherry Blossom viewing
>October to early December for Fall Foliage
>December to February to avoid crowds & cheap flights
When not to visit Osaka
>Late April to Early May to avoid the Golden Week (National Holidays) crowd
>June to July rainy & humid weather
>December 29th to January 3rd, New Year's Day, when many stores are closed
In this post, I'll go over...
Osaka Weather
Average Temperature
December to February
High: 68F (20C) to Low: 37F (3C)
March to May
High: 82F (28C) to Low: 44F (7C)
June to August
High: 98F (37C) to Low: 68F (20C)
September to November
High: 84F (29C) to Low: 44F (7C)
When is the best time to visit Osaka?
The best time to visit Osaka is in the spring when the weather is very mild, around March to May, and walking around is still great before the summer heat starts. In spring, around late March to early April, travelers will expect to see cherry blossoms blooming all over. Anyone that plans their trips to Japan around spring should aim to visit during cherry blossom season. Don't forget to visit Osaka Castle Park for a Cherry Blossom viewing because it is gorgeous!
Cherry Blossom Season
It can be hard to predict exactly when the peak cherry blossom will be, especially If you're booking your flight early in advance. However, you can always expect it to be around late March to early April every year. The date changes depending on the temperature. For example, in 2023, the cherry blossom peak bloom was slightly earlier due to warmer temperatures in Northeast America and Japan. If you're bougie enough to stay for two to three weeks during the cherry blossom season in Osaka, then you won't miss a thing!
🌸 Japan Cherry Blossom Peak Tracker: Japan Weather Association
Golden Week in Osaka
What is golden week? In short, golden week in Japan consists of four important Japanese national holidays, and most companies are closed during Golden Week! Golden Week starts from April 29th to May 5th. During this time of the year, Japanese people also take time off, as you can imagine how busy Golden Week can be in Japan. I don't recommend travelers visit during the golden week because it will be super crowded on the train, airports, and destinations. If you don't mind the crowds and bookings in advance, go for it!
Rainy Season in Osaka
The rainy season in Osaka typically occurs from June to July during the summer months. During this time of the year, there is an increase in humidity and temperature as the rain continues for days on end. The heavy downpours can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities but don't let that stop you from exploring what Osaka has to offer! There are still plenty of attractions and activities that visitors can do, even during the rainy season, such as visiting temples, shopping at local stores, or trying out delicious Japanese cuisine.
Summer Weather in Osaka
I do not recommend visiting Osaka during those humid summers because it is rainy, hot, and humid. Unless you're a fan of that, then I will not stop you from going. If you've experienced the humidity in Asia during summer, you know exactly what I'm talking about. For people with a more flexible schedule, please try to visit during off seasons or cooler months. Also, plane tickets are pricey during summer because kids are out of school, and traveling is more expensive. But like I've said before, even if it is hot and rainy out, there are still a lot of activities to do around town!
Fall Foliage in Kansai Region:
Osaka Autumn Leaves
Fall foliage around Osaka is stunning, especially with the backdrop of the Osaka Castle and the gardens around it. Around October to early December is usually when the leaf-peeping season starts, with peak colors around mid-November. It's also a great time to visit Koyasan (a World Heritage site) to see some fall leaves and the nearby castles in Himeji or Okayama!
Osaka in Winter: Should you visit?
Yes! Why? Osaka during December, January, and February are considered the off-season for travelers, which means cheaper plane tickets and fewer crowds! Ding, Ding, Ding! Winter in Osaka is not bad, with cooler weather and light snow. There are festivals like Toka Ebise Festival and shrines like Heian-jinja Shrine in Kyoto.
You might be wondering...
What is the best month to go to Japan?
The best month to go to Japan largely depends on your preferences and why you are traveling. If you are looking for Cherry Blossom viewing, late March to early April is a great time to visit Osaka. For fall foliage, October to early December would be ideal for visiting the Kansai region. December to February would be best to avoid crowds and find cheap flights. However, these months should be avoided if possible due to Golden Week in Late April/Early May and the rainy season around June/July.
What is the rainiest month in Osaka?
The rainiest month in Osaka is June when the city experiences around 125mm of rainfall on average. The other months that experience a high amount of rain are July (117mm), September (113mm), and August (95mm). During these months, it's best to come prepared for wet weather, such as carrying an umbrella or water-resistant clothing.
Overall, the best time to visit Osaka depends on what kind of activities you are looking for. If you want to experience Cherry Blossom viewing or fall foliage in the Kansai region, then late March to early April and October through early December would be ideal.
For those who don't mind a little cold or snow and are looking for cheaper flights and fewer crowds, visiting during the off-season from December through February is also an option.
Remember that Golden Week (April/May) and the rainy season (June/July) should be avoided due to increased prices, traffic congestion, and bad weather conditions. Whatever your preference may be, there's no wrong choice when it comes to exploring Osaka!
