Last updated: January 18, 2025
Kagoshima, Japan, exhibits a Cfa Köppen-Geiger climate classification, characterized by a humid subtropical climate. The region experiences a wide temperature range, with winter lows plummeting to -6°C (21°F) in January, contrasting sharply with the scorching summer highs reaching 36°C (98°F) in August. The average annual temperature hovers around 19°C (67°F), reflecting a climate that fosters both temperate winters and hot, humid summers, contributing to the rich biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems of this coastal locale.
Kagoshima, Japan, experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns that transition from the chill of winter to the warmth of summer. January and February reveal the coldest months, with minimum temperatures at their lowest, reaching -6°C (21°F) and -4°C (25°F), respectively. As spring approaches in March, temperatures begin to rise, moving towards a mild average of 15°C (59°F). The transition continues into April and May, where temperatures notably increase, with highs peaking at 31°C (88°F) in May. The onset of summer in June through August brings significant warmth, with August reaching maximum temperatures of 36°C (98°F), while nighttime lows remain relatively mild. This summer heat starts to dissipate in September, transitioning to the cooler autumn temperatures of October to December, where the cycle of falling temperatures resumes, culminating in the winter months where lows drop again to -1°C (30°F) in November and -4°C (25°F) in December.
Minamikyushu experiences a temperature range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) in January to a warm maximum of 35°C (95°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Minamikyushu. In comparison, Kagoshima records slightly colder January temperatures with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and higher summer heat with a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in August, as noted in the monthly temperatures in Kagoshima. Meanwhile, Ibusuki has a January minimum of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in August, which can be referenced in the monthly temperatures in Ibusuki.
Kagoshima, Japan, showcases a marked seasonal variation in precipitation, with a clear peak during the summer months. January starts the year with relatively low rainfall at 74 mm (2.9 in), gradually increasing through February and March where precipitation rises to 117 mm (4.6 in) and 175 mm (6.9 in), respectively. As the spring transitions into summer, April and May witness substantial accumulations, with May receiving 247 mm (9.7 in). The wettest month is June, characterized by a dramatic spike to 422 mm (16.6 in), coinciding with the onset of the rainy season and an increase to 18 rainy days.
Following June, rainfall remains elevated in July at 347 mm (13.7 in) before tapering off in August to 205 mm (8.1 in). The autumn months see a reduction in precipitation, with September and October recording 257 mm (10.1 in) and 149 mm (5.8 in), respectively. By late autumn, rainfall decreases further, culminating in November and December, with 115 mm (4.5 in) and 103 mm (4.1 in). Overall, Kagoshima experiences a pattern where most of its annual precipitation is concentrated during the summer months, highlighting its humid subtropical climate's influence on rainfall distribution.
Kagoshima, Japan, experiences a clear seasonal pattern in sunshine duration, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter into summer. Starting the year, January records just 178 hours of sunshine, which gradually climbs through the following months. By February, the total rises to 222 hours, and March sees a further increase to 261 hours. This upward trend continues into spring, with April and May providing a substantial boost, reaching 281 hours and 282 hours, respectively, as the days grow longer and the region experiences more favorable weather conditions.
The summer months bring the most abundant sunshine, peaking in August with an impressive 316 hours of sunlight, making it the sunniest month of the year. Following this peak, sunshine hours begin their gradual decline, yet still remain significant with 277 hours in September and 264 hours in October. The transition back to winter in the closing months reflects a decrease, ultimately landing at 215 hours in December. Overall, Kagoshima’s sunshine patterns exemplify a vibrant seasonal cycle, marked by bright summers that contrast with the dimmer winter months, creating a captivating climate that is both dynamic and varied.
Kagoshima, Japan, presents a striking variation in UV Index levels throughout the year, with the highest values typically occurring during the spring and summer months. January starts with a UV Index of 7, categorized as high, necessitating a burn time of 25 minutes for unprotected skin. As the year progresses, February sees an increase to 8, marking the beginning of the very high exposure category. March ushers in a notable surge, reaching 11 and signaling extreme conditions, which continue unabated through April and May with UV Index values peaking at 12 and climbing to 13 by June—indicative of a pronounced risk for sunburn and skin damage within just 10 minutes of exposure.
The extreme UV Index persists through the hottest summer months of July and August, maintaining a steady 13, before tapering off slightly to 9 in October and 8 in November, both still categorized as very high. As winter approaches, the UV Index drops to 6 in December, which is characterized as high again, allowing for a return to a safer level of sun exposure yet still necessitating caution. This annual cycle highlights the importance of sun safety in Kagoshima, particularly during the late spring and summer months when UV radiation poses a significant risk to skin health.
UV Risk Categories
Kagoshima, Japan, experiences a distinct rhythm of daylight duration throughout the year, showcasing the natural ebb and flow of light. In January, the city enjoys approximately 10 hours of daylight, a pattern that gradually shifts as the months progress. By February and March, daylight holds steady at 11 hours, heralding the approach of spring. The increase becomes more pronounced in April, when daylight extends to 12 hours, and continues to rise, peaking at 14 hours in June, the longest day of the year.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight begins to decrease. July and August maintain a generous 13 hours of light, allowing for ample time to enjoy the vibrant outdoor activities of summer. However, from September onward, daylight begins its steady decline, returning to 12 hours in September, 11 hours in October, and waning back to 10 hours by November and December. This cyclical change in daylight duration highlights Kagoshima's seasonal variations, providing an essential framework for understanding the region's climate and lifestyle throughout the year.
Amami, Japan experiences a mild climate with distinct seasonal variations. Temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) in February to a maximum of 31°C (87°F) in July and August. The region receives substantial rainfall, particularly in June, with precipitation peaking at 433 mm (17.0 in). Despite high rainfall, Amami enjoys significant sunshine, especially in the summer months, with up to 323 hours in August. For more detailed information, visit Amami climate.
The climate in China and Japan shows significant seasonal variation. Temperatures range from a mild January minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a peak of 30°C (87°F) in July and August. Precipitation is heaviest in June, reaching 403 mm (15.9 in), while the sunniest months are July and August, with over 300 hours of sunshine. This combination of warmth and rainfall supports a lush environment. For more detailed insights, refer to China climate.
Ibusuki, Japan, experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. January's temperatures range from a low of -1°C to a high of 21°C, while August sees peaks up to 34°C. The area receives significant rainfall, especially in June, averaging 455 mm. Sunshine hours are abundant in summer, with August enjoying around 315 hours. For more details, visit Ibusuki climate.
Kagoshima, Japan experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. January sees temperatures ranging from -2°C to 21°C, while summer months like July and August can reach highs of 34°C and 36°C, respectively. The region receives substantial rainfall, peaking in June with 423 mm, and shows considerable sunshine, especially in August with 315 hours. This climate creates an environment for diverse flora and fauna, making it an intriguing destination. For more detailed information, visit Kagoshima climate.
Kirishima, Japan experiences a diverse climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Winters are chilly, with January temperatures ranging from -5°C to 20°C, and increased precipitation peaking in the spring with March receiving 169 mm. As summer approaches, temperatures can soar up to 36°C in August, accompanied by considerable rainfall, especially in June and July, when over 400 mm can fall. Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant, particularly in August with 311 hours recorded. To learn more about this unique climate, visit Kirishima climate.
Koshima, Japan, experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in winter months to about 28°C (82°F) in summer. Precipitation is substantial, particularly during the summer, peaking in June with 491 mm (19.3 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, especially from June to August, with the longest days providing over 300 hours of sunlight in July and August. For more detailed information, visit Koshima climate.
Minamikyushu, Japan, experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. January sees average temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F), while July peaks at an average of 27°C (81°F) and can reach 33°C (92°F). Rainfall is significant, particularly from June to August, with June receiving the most precipitation at 455 mm (17.9 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, peaking in August with 318 hours. For more detailed insights, visit Minamikyushu climate.
Miyanoura, Japan experiences a temperate climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The average temperatures range from a low of 5°C (42°F) in January to a high of 30°C (87°F) in July and August. Rainfall is notably high during the summer months, peaking at 484 mm (19.1 in) in June, while sunshine hours are abundant, with August receiving up to 319 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Miyanoura climate.
In conclusion, Kagoshima, Japan, offers a diverse climatic experience characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The humid subtropical climate provides warm summers with ample sunshine and significant rainfall, especially during the peak of the rainy season. As we observe the transition from the chilly winters to the vibrant summers, the patterns of daylight and UV exposure necessitate a proactive approach to sun safety and outdoor activities. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for both residents and visitors, enabling them to effectively embrace the unique seasonal offerings of this picturesque coastal region.