Last updated: January 18, 2025
Tottori, Japan, exemplifies a humid subtropical climate (Köppen-Geiger classification Cfa), characterized by distinct seasonal variations. The region experiences minimum temperatures plummeting to a chilly -14°C (8°F) in February, while average annual temperatures hover around a comfortable 15°C (59°F). In stark contrast, the summer months can soar to a sizzling maximum of 36°C (97°F) in August, emphasizing Tottori's diverse climatic profile and providing a unique backdrop for both its natural and cultural phenomena.
Tottori, Japan, experiences a marked seasonal temperature variation that reflects its humid subtropical climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, are characterized by chilly conditions, with minimum temperatures dipping to -14°C (8°F) and an average around 5°C (41°F). As spring arrives in March and April, a gradual warming trend emerges, leading to average temperatures reaching 12°C (54°F) by April and maximums of 26°C (79°F). The transition into summer is evident by May, where temperatures rise significantly, averaging 17°C (63°F) and peaking at 30°C (86°F). The summer months of July and August are the warmest, with average temperatures soaring to 27°C (80°F) and maximums hitting 36°C (97°F). As the year progresses into autumn, temperatures begin to cool, with September remaining relatively warm at 23°C (73°F), before dropping to average highs of 24°C (75°F) in November and 18°C (64°F) by October, thus reflecting a comprehensive annual temperature cycle that signifies Tottori's distinct climatic transitions.
In Misasa, the weather varies significantly throughout the year, with a minimum temperature of -3°C (27°F) recorded in February, highlighting the region's cold winter months. In contrast, the summer sees a peak temperature reaching up to 32°C (90°F) in August, illustrating the warm and often humid conditions typical of the season. For more detailed information on the monthly temperatures in Misasa, you can visit monthly temperatures in Misasa.
Tottori, Japan, experiences distinct seasonal precipitation patterns throughout the year, with considerable rainfall concentrated in the summer months. January marks the start of the year with significant precipitation at 137 mm (5.4 in) over approximately 18 days, while February sees a slight decrease to 124 mm (4.9 in) over 16 days. As spring unfolds, March experiences an uptick with 144 mm (5.7 in) over 13 days, but it is during the summer that Tottori faces the highest rainfall, particularly in July when a staggering 297 mm (11.7 in) falls over 18 days, making it the wettest month of the year.
As the season transitions into late summer and autumn, August and September continue to bring substantial rainfall, measuring 252 mm (9.9 in) and 238 mm (9.4 in), respectively. October experiences a moderate decrease to 207 mm (8.2 in), while November significantly drops to only 82 mm (3.2 in) across 12 days. This sets the stage for December, where precipitation rises again to 170 mm (6.7 in) over 20 days, illustrating Tottori's varied rainfall distribution that peaks in the warm months but can also be prevalent in winter.
In Tottori, Japan, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with an impressive increase from the cold depths of winter into the warmth of summer. January begins with a modest 165 hours of sunlight, which gradually climbs through February to 206 hours and continues to rise as spring approaches. By March, Tottori basks in 251 hours, and by April, this figure reaches 278 hours, culminating in May with an outstanding 294 hours of bright sunshine—indicating the region's transition into its sunniest period.
The summer months reinforce this trend, particularly August, which shines the brightest with a remarkable 297 hours of sunshine. Notably, while July also contributes generously with 271 hours, the overall sunshine peaks in August before entering a gradual decline in September and October. Autumn months like September (242 hours) and October (233 hours) maintain decent sunshine levels, yet they signal the onset of shorter days. As the year draws to a close in November and December, Tottori experiences a decrease in sunlight hours, concluding with 222 hours in November and 202 hours in December, illustrating the cyclical nature of sunshine duration across the seasons.
Tottori, Japan, experiences significant fluctuations in its UV Index throughout the year, reflecting the impact of seasonal changes on sun exposure. The year begins with a moderate UV Index of 4 in January, where a burn time of 30 minutes is advisable. As February rolls in, this increases to 6, classified as high, thereby reducing the burn time to 25 minutes. March marks a notable rise to 8, with a very high exposure category and a burn time of just 15 minutes. This trend accelerates dramatically in April and May, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, necessitating careful sun protection measures, as burn times dwindle to just 10 minutes.
The intensity of the UV radiation continues its peak through the summer months, hitting an index of 12 in both July and August, where even brief exposure can lead to skin damage. As summer fades into autumn, the UV Index decreases but remains notable, descending to 10 in September and further to 7 in October, both requiring elevated caution. By November and December, the UV Index reduces to moderate levels of 5 and 3 respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes. This cyclical variation underscores the importance of sun safety awareness in Tottori, particularly during the height of summer.
UV Risk Categories
In Tottori, Japan, daylight duration fluctuates distinctly with the changing seasons, beginning with relatively shorter days during the winter months. Both January and February offer a consistent 10 hours of daylight, providing a stark contrast to the longer days that emerge as spring approaches. By March, daylight extends to 11 hours, marking the commencement of a steady increase as the region shifts toward sunnier, warmer months. The peak daylight is observed in May and June, reaching 14 hours, aligning with the vibrancy of late spring and early summer.
As summer transitions into autumn, the daylight duration begins to taper off. Although July maintains 14 hours of daylight, August sees a slight decrease to 13 hours. By September, daylight drops further to 12 hours, and it continues to decline into October with 11 hours. The reduction becomes more pronounced in the final months of the year, as November returns to 10 hours, ultimately culminating in December with just 9 hours of daylight. This annual cycle highlights Tottori's dynamic relationship with daylight, tied closely to the rhythms of nature and the changing seasons.
Misasa, Japan experiences a temperate climate characterized by distinct seasons. Winter temperatures range from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in February to a maximum of 14°C (58°F) in January, while summer sees highs reaching 32°C (89°F) in July and August. Precipitation is significant, particularly in July, averaging 286 mm (11.3 in) amid longer daylight hours during the summer months. Sunshine is plentiful, peaking at 295 hours in both May and August. For more details, visit Misasa climate.
In conclusion, Tottori, Japan, presents a fascinating interplay of climatic and environmental factors that shape its weather, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The region's humid subtropical climate ensures distinctive temperature variations, with humid summers and cool winters, while significant seasonal shifts in precipitation patterns highlight its diverse weather profile. Furthermore, the ultraviolet radiation levels and daylight duration further influence residents' daily activities and outdoor pursuits, necessitating awareness and adaptation to mitigate sun exposure risks, particularly during peak months. Ultimately, understanding Tottori’s climate and associated variables not only enriches our appreciation of its natural beauty but also emphasizes the importance of seasonal adaptation for health and recreation.