Last updated: January 18, 2025
Nagasaki, Japan, is characterized by a Cfa Köppen-Geiger climate classification, denoting a humid subtropical climate. The city experiences a notable range in temperatures, with January witnessing a minimum plunge to -2°C (28°F), contrasting sharply with the sweltering maximum of 39°C (102°F) recorded in August. The average annual temperature rests around 18°C (64°F), highlighting the region's climatic diversity. This unique blend of temperatures makes Nagasaki a fascinating case study in understanding the effects of seasonal shifts on local weather patterns and ecosystems.
Nagasaki, Japan, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year. Winter months, notably January and February, see minimum temperatures dipping to -2°C (28°F) and -2°C (29°F), respectively, with averages of 8°C (48°F) and 9°C (48°F). As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, with March marking a transition as minimum values increase to 2°C (37°F) and averages reaching 12°C (54°F). By April and May, the city experiences a marked warming, with averages climbing to 16°C (60°F) and 19°C (67°F). The summer months of June, July, and August reveal the peak of Nagasaki's warmth, showcasing maximum temperatures soaring up to 39°C (102°F), accompanied by averages in the mid to upper 20s°C (70s°F). In fall, temperatures begin to cool, with October and November averaging 21°C (69°F) and 16°C (60°F), before closing the year with the chilly December averages dropping to 10°C (51°F). This cyclical temperature variation reflects the humid subtropical climate, with significant shifts that define each season in Nagasaki.
In the Nagasaki region, Shimabara experiences the most extreme temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) in January and a scorching maximum of 39°C (102°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Shimabara. Sasebo shares the same winter low of -2°C (29°F) but has a slightly lower summer high of 37°C (99°F), according to the monthly temperatures in Sasebo. Meanwhile, Nagasaki has a milder winter minimum of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum summer temperature of 33°C (93°F), as outlined in the monthly temperatures in Nagasaki.
Nagasaki experiences a notable variation in precipitation throughout the year, characterized by a distinct monsoonal pattern. The wettest months are typically July and June, with July recording a significant 381 mm (15.0 in) of rainfall, occurring over approximately 16 days, while June follows closely with 225 mm (8.9 in) across 12 days. The early summer leads into a peak in precipitation, making these months particularly crucial for understanding the region's hydrology and ecosystem dynamics.
In contrast, the winter months of January and February feature decidedly lower precipitation levels, with January receiving 63 mm (2.5 in) over 7 days and February slightly higher at 90 mm (3.5 in) over 9 days. Other months, such as April and October, also reveal moderate precipitation, with April averaging 129 mm (5.1 in) over 8 days and October at 117 mm (4.6 in) across 8 days. This distribution highlights a seasonal trend, where spring and summer months are far wetter than the drier winter, significantly influencing the local climate and agricultural practices in the region.
Nagasaki, Japan, experiences a clear seasonal variation in sunshine duration, showcasing a steady increase from winter to summer. In January, the city receives a mere 170 hours of sunlight, which gradually rises through February and March, reaching 227 hours and 263 hours respectively. This trend continues into April and May, where each month boasts over 280 hours of sunshine, reflecting the burgeoning warmth of spring as the landscape comes to life. The peak sunshine month occurs in August, with an impressive 306 hours, signaling the height of summer when residents bask in abundant daylight and enjoy longer outdoor activities.
As summer wanes into autumn, sunshine hours begin to decline, with September slightly dropping to 258 hours and October maintaining the same level. November experiences further contraction to 235 hours, while December marks a reduction to 200 hours, ushering in the winter months with their shorter days. The overall pattern of increasing sunlight from the depths of winter into early summer, followed by a gradual decrease into the colder months, not only impacts the region's weather and climate but also influences seasonal activities, agriculture, and the overall mood of the local populace.
The UV Index in Nagasaki, Japan, fluctuates significantly throughout the year, reflecting seasonal changes in sun exposure and potential skin damage risk. In the winter months of January and December, the UV Index remains relatively low at 4, categorized as moderate, allowing for a more lenient sun exposure time of 30 minutes before risks escalate. As the year progresses into February, the index rises to 6, indicating high exposure levels, which compels residents to take more precautions against UV radiation as the burn time decreases to 25 minutes.
The peak UV Index reaches 12 during the summer months of July and August, categorizing these periods as extreme, with a burn time of merely 10 minutes—a warning for outdoor enthusiasts to exercise vigilance. A similar extreme UV Index of 11 can also be seen in April, May, June, and September, highlighting a prolonged risk throughout the summer season. As autumn approaches, the UV levels taper off, dropping to 8 in October and returning to 6 in November, before settling back to moderate levels in December. Understanding these UV trends is crucial for residents and visitors alike to ensure adequate sun protection throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Nagasaki, Japan, displays a clear seasonal pattern, with variations closely tied to the changing seasons. In the winter months of January and February, residents experience around 10 hours of daylight, providing a subdued light environment. March marks a subtle increase as spring approaches, extending daylight to 11 hours. This trend accelerates notably in April, where the duration reaches 12 hours, and continues to expand into May, peaking at 13 hours—a sign of the burgeoning warmth and vitality that spring brings.
As summer commences, both June and July enjoy the maximum daylight coverage of 14 hours, promoting longer days filled with outdoor activities. However, as summer wanes into autumn, daylight begins to decline, with September seeing a reduction to 12 hours, followed by October and November stabilizing the duration at 11 hours and 10 hours, respectively. Finally, December closes the year with the shortest daylight duration at just 9 hours, wrapping up the annual cycle and ushering in the darker winter months. This gradual shift in daylight underscores the influence of seasonal changes on daily life in Nagasaki.
Goto, Japan experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. January sees temperatures ranging from 2°C to 20°C, while July’s highs reach up to 29°C. Precipitation is significant, peaking in July with 293 mm, contributing to a lush environment. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially in summer months like August, which boasts 314 hours. For more details, visit Goto climate.
Hirado, Japan, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter months, particularly January and February, feature temperatures ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 19°C (66°F) and moderate precipitation, peaking at 82 mm in February. Summer brings higher temperatures, with July and August seeing averages around 28°C (83°F) and significant rainfall, reaching up to 349 mm in July. Sunshine is abundant during the summer, with August receiving the most at 306 hours, while winter months have less sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Hirado climate.
Nagasaki, Japan experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. January sees temperatures ranging from 0°C to 18°C, while July can soar to between 21°C and 32°C. The region receives substantial rainfall, especially in July with 442 mm, contributing to its lush landscapes. Despite the precipitation, Nagasaki enjoys notable sunshine, peaking in August at 302 hours. For more detailed information, visit Nagasaki climate.
Sasebo, Japan experiences a diverse climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. January sees temperatures ranging from -2°C to a maximum of 18°C, while July can reach up to 36°C. The region receives significant precipitation, particularly in July with 361 mm, contributing to a lush landscape. Sunshine is plentiful, especially in August with 306 hours of sunlight, enhancing the overall charm of the area. For more detailed information, visit Sasebo climate.
Shimabara, Japan experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and hot, humid summers. January temperatures range from a chilly -2°C to a mild 19°C, while summer months see highs soaring up to 39°C in August. Precipitation is notably heavy, particularly in July, which receives approximately 475 mm of rainfall. Despite the rain, Shimabara enjoys a good amount of sunshine, with August boasting around 300 hours. For more details, visit Shimabara climate.
Tsushima, Japan, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters (January to February) are cold, with average temperatures around 8°C (47°F) and notable precipitation, peaking in March and September at 127 mm (5.0 in) and 296 mm (11.7 in), respectively. Summers (July to August) are warm, featuring highs of up to 31°C (87°F) and abundant sunshine, especially in August with 313 hours of sun. The transitional months of spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, averaging between 15°C (58°F) in April and 16°C (60°F) in November. For more details, visit Tsushima climate.
Unzen, Japan, experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters (December to February) are chilly with temperatures ranging from -2°C (29°F) to 19°C (66°F) and moderate snowfall. Summers (June to August) are warm and humid, featuring high temperatures between 27°C (82°F) and 39°C (102°F) and substantial rainfall, particularly in July, with up to 475 mm (18.7 in) of precipitation. This region enjoys a good amount of sunshine, peaking in August with 300 hours. For more detailed weather information, visit Unzen climate.
In conclusion, Nagasaki, Japan, exhibits a dynamic and varied climate that encompasses a wide range of temperatures, precipitation levels, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. From the humid subtropical conditions that yield hot, sunny summers to the chilly, shorter days of winter, the region’s weather patterns significantly influence both the local environment and the activities of its residents. The marked seasonal transitions—from the abundant sunlight and extreme UV exposure in summer to the moderate conditions of winter—underscore the importance of adapting to these changes for health and well-being. Understanding these climatic factors not only enhances our appreciation of Nagasaki's natural beauty but also informs effective planning for agriculture, tourism, and daily life in this captivating city.