Osaka is the third most populated city in Japan. It is situated in southern part of the Honshu Island on coast of the bay of same name. The city lies on plain ground, but similar to many other localities in Japan it is surrounded by mountains. Difference of altitude with nearby Kyoto results Osaka being slightly drier and warmer.

The city lies in the zone of humid subtropical climate. Local summers are usually hot and rainy while winters are cool and dry. Temperature rarely goes below freezing or above 33 °C (91 °F). Annual amount of precipitation is around 1280 mm (50”). There are two peaks of rainy season. First occurs between May and July and second is in September and early October.

Seasons

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Osaka

In general spring weather in Osaka is gradual warming, but during March it is uncertain. Warm days might be followed by cool or even cold ones. Starting from mid-March blossom season begins. It starts with blooming plum trees and followed by cherry blossoms. Daily temperature of March is 6-14 °C (43-57 °F). In early April Osaka is packed by domestic and foreign tourists. And it is warmer with daily range of 11-20 °C (52-68 °F).

May is less busy and filled with sunny and warm days. Temperature is in pleasant range of 16-24 °C (61-75 °F) and the city is drowning in fresh spring greenery. It is great time for sightseeing and other activities in Osaka. It rains pretty often, but general state of weather is completely comfortable.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: +13 °C (55.5 °F) Min average t°: +4.5 °C (40 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 112 mm (4.4")

April Max average t°: +18 °C (65 °F) Min average t°: +10 °C (49 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 121 mm (4.8")

May Max average t°: +23 °C (74 °F) Min average t°: +15 °C (59 °F) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 143 mm (5.6")

Spring Holidays

March – Grand Sumo March Tournament.
Around March 20 – Vernal Equinox Day.

April 22 – Shoryoue (ancient Japanese court music).
April 29 – Showa Day.

May 1-10 – Nozaki Mairi.
May 3 – Constitution Memorial.
My 5 – Children’s Day.

Summer in Osaka

June is almost hot and one of the rainiest months of a year, though it doesn’t rains every day. Daily temperature ranges between 20 °C (68 °F) and 28 °C (82 °F). Rainy season lasts through July too. Frequent afternoon showers are accompanied by growing heat of 24-31 °C (75-88 °F). During summer months Osaka is usually not crowded.

August brings significant reduction of precipitation and highest temperature range of a year. At afternoon air might warm up to 33 °C (91 °F) or even higher and at night it cools down to 25 °C (77 °F). Last summer month is hot, sunny and humid. It is completely suitable for visit if you are not concerned by heat and humidity.

Climate of the Summer Months

June Max average t°: +27 °C (80 °F) Min average t°: +19 °C (67 °F) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 197 mm (7.8")

July Max average t°: +30 °C (86 °F) Min average t°: +24 °C (75 °F) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 11 days Precipitation: 175 mm (6.9")

August Max average t°: +32 °C (89 °F) Min average t°: +25 °C (76 °F) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 118 mm (4.6")

Summer Holidays

June 14 – Otaue Shinji.
June 30-July 2 – Aizome Matsuri.

Third Monday of July – Marine Day.
July 6-7 – Tanabata.
July 24-25 – Tenjin Matsuri Festival.
July 31 – Sakai Grand Evening Fish Market.

August – Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks, Kamigata Geino Festival.
August 11 – Mountain Day.
August 24 – Gangara Fire Festival.

Autumn in Osaka

September is the second peak of rainy season. It is equally warm as June, but slightly less rainy. Temperature ranges from 22 °C (71 °F) at night to 29 °C (84 °F) at afternoon. Sunny days and cool evenings of October are the best time for visiting the city. Second autumn month is bit rainy too, but temperature of 15-23 °C (59-73 °F) is more comfortable.

November is cooler with its range of 10-17 °C (50-62 °F), but precipitation is even fewer. On top of comfortable cool weather since mid-November season of fall foliage begins. It is the time when Osaka, its parks and surrounding mountains are wearing warm-shaded cape of peaceful and vivid beauty.

Climate of the Autumn Months

September Max average t°: +28 °C (82 °F) Min average t°: +21 °C (70 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 174 mm (6.9")

October Max average t°: +22 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +15 °C (59 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 149 mm (5.9")

November Max average t°: +16 °C (61 °F) Min average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 87 mm (3.4")

Autumn Holidays

Third Monday of September – Respect for the Aged Day.
Around September 23 – Autumnal Equinox Day.

Second Monday of October – Health and Sports Day.
September-October – Danjiri Matsuri Festival.
Second Sunday in October – Midosuji Parade.

November – Autumn Leaves Viewing.
November 3 – Culture Day.
November 22-23 – Shinno Matsuri Festival.
November 23 – Labor Thanksgiving Day

Winter in Osaka

In December temperature shifts to range of 5-12 °C (41-53 °F), but days are sunny. Like in majority of countries most of businesses are shut down during New Year’s celebrations between December 29 and January 3. January is the coolest month of a year with range of average temperature between 3 °C (37 °F) and 9 °C (48 °F). There is probability of temperature below freezing, but they usually occur at night and never go below -7 °C (19 °F).

In February warming begins, but through this month air warms up to 10 °C (50 °F) at night and at night remains as cool as it was before. It main rain or snow couple of time per month, but snow won’t stick. February is cold and quiet month in Osaka.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: +11 °C (51 °F) Min average t°: +4 °C (39 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 65 mm (2.6")

January Max average t°: +8 °C (47 °F) Min average t°: +1 °C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 62 mm (2.4")

February Max average t°: +9 °C (49 °F) Min average t°: +2 °C (45 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 72 mm (2.8")

Winter Holidays

December 31 – Joya-no-Kane (New Year’s Eve Ceremony).

Second Monday of January – Coming of Age Day.
January – Osaka International Ladies Marathon.
January 2-3 – Sembon Zuki.
January 9-11 – Toka Ebisu.
January 14 – Doya-Doya.

February 11 – National Foundation Day.
February 20 – Ichiya Kanjo Matsuri Festival.