Last updated: January 18, 2025
Toyama, Japan, experiences a climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Cfa (humid subtropical) and Dfb (humid continental). This dynamic climate results in a minimum temperature plummeting to -12°C (11°F) in February, while the average temperature hovers around 14°C (57°F) throughout the year. The region sees maximum temperatures soaring up to 40°C (104°F) in August, creating distinct seasonal variations that shape local weather patterns and influence the region's ecology and human activities.
Toyama, Japan, showcases a pronounced seasonal variation in temperature, characterized by chilly winters and warm summers. In the winter months, January and February record minimum temperatures as low as -12°C (11°F), with averages barely surpassing freezing at 2°C (36°F). As spring arrives in March and April, temperatures gradually rise; March sees averages of 7°C (44°F), while April can reach 11°C (52°F), heralding the transition to milder weather. The warmth intensifies by late spring and into summer, with May exhibiting a significant jump to an average of 17°C (63°F) and maximums peaking at 32°C (91°F). The height of summer in July and August brings sweltering heat, with averages reaching 27°C (80°F) and maximum temperatures soaring up to 40°C (104°F). As autumn approaches, September through November marks a cooling trend, with averages dipping back to 10°C (51°F) by November, reflecting a continuous cycle from the coldest peaks of winter to the high summer warmth.
Toyama experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with February seeing a minimum of -6°C (22°F) and August reaching a maximum of 35°C (96°F). This significant variation highlights the region's diverse climate, making it essential for residents and visitors to be prepared for both cold winters and hot summers. For more detailed information on monthly temperatures in Toyama, you can check out the link: monthly temperatures in Toyama.
Toyama, Japan, experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with a distinctive peak during the summer months. January begins the year with substantial precipitation at 190 mm (7.5 in), followed closely by February and March, consistently contributing around 176 mm (6.9 in) and 173 mm (6.8 in), respectively. As spring transitions into summer, April sees a slightly lower precipitation level of 182 mm (7.2 in), ultimately leading to a notable uptick in June with 196 mm (7.7 in). The summer months reach their zenith in July, where an astonishing 364 mm (14.3 in) falls, making it the wettest month of the year.
August follows with a decrease in rainfall to 275 mm (10.8 in), while September still retains considerable precipitation at 244 mm (9.6 in). The autumn months, particularly October and November, reflect a gradual decline in rainfall, recording 223 mm (8.8 in) and 143 mm (5.6 in), respectively. December experiences a notable 229 mm (9.0 in) of rainfall, effectively rounding out the year. Rainfall days vary seasonally, with 22 days in July being the most frequent, while the colder months involve fewer rainfall days, ranging from 14 to 23 days, providing a clear annual pattern in Toyama’s precipitation dynamics.
In Toyama, Japan, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, showcasing a steady increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. January begins the year with only 151 hours of sunshine, gradually climbing to 206 hours in February and reaching 260 hours by March. This upward trajectory continues into spring, where April brings 280 hours and May peaks at 302 hours, indicating that the region is significantly sunnier during this time. As summer approaches, June maintains a robust 293 hours before experiencing a peak in sunshine during August, with 304 hours, highlighting this month as the brightest of the year.
As the year transitions into autumn, sunlight hours start to taper off, with September witnessing a decrease to 251 hours, followed by further declines in October at 231 hours and a modest 220 hours in November. December closes out the year with 192 hours of sunshine, too, reflecting the typical cloudy conditions often encountered in winter. Overall, Toyama's climate reveals a distinct pattern where summer months enjoy the most sunshine, offering a vibrant contrast to the shorter, darker days of winter, thereby shaping seasonal activities and the local environment.
The UV Index in Toyama, Japan, exhibits significant seasonal variations, reflecting changes in solar intensity as the year progresses. In the winter months of January and December, the UV Index stands at 4, categorized as moderate, allowing for a burn time of approximately 30 minutes with minimal sun protection. February sees an increase to 6, classifying the exposure as high with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. However, the most striking changes occur during the spring and summer months, where the Index escalates dramatically, peaking at 11 in May and June, indicating extreme exposure levels and necessitating protective measures for just 10 minutes before sunburn may occur.
By mid-summer, both July and August record a maximum UV Index of 12, also categorized as extreme, reinforcing the need for immediate sun protection. The trend slightly declines in September to a UV Index of 10, then further down to 7 in October, followed by 5 in November as cooler temperatures set in. This gradual decrease culminates in winter, returning to a moderate exposure level by late fall and early winter. Understanding the changing UV Index in Toyama is crucial for residents and visitors alike to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues, particularly during the peak months of intense sunlight.
UV Risk Categories
In Toyama, Japan, daylight duration varies considerably throughout the year, showcasing a clear seasonal rhythm. The year begins with 9 hours of daylight in January, which then increases to 10 hours in February. By March, daylight hours extend to 11, and this upward trend continues into spring, where April experiences 13 hours and May reaches its peak with 14 hours of daylight. June maintains this light-filled momentum, providing residents and visitors with 14 hours of sunlight as they embrace the warmth of summer.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight duration begins to decline, with July and August still offering 14 hours, but falling to 13 hours by late summer. September sees a further reduction to 12 hours, gradually descending to 11 hours in October and 10 hours in November. The daylight cycle returns to 9 hours in December, marking the winter solstice, and completing the yearly pattern. This rhythmic fluctuation in daylight duration not only influences daily activities in Toyama but also accentuates the beauty of the changing seasons throughout the year.
Toyama, Japan experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters (January to March) are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -3°C to 7°C, accompanied by heavy precipitation peaking in July (357 mm). Summers (June to August) are warm and humid, featuring average temperatures between 21°C and 27°C and significant sunshine, particularly in May and August with over 300 hours of sun. The city sees substantial rainfall throughout the year, making it vital to prepare for wet conditions, especially in the summer months. For more details, visit Toyama climate.
In conclusion, Toyama, Japan, exhibits distinct climatic and environmental patterns that profoundly influence the region's weather, temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The interplay between cold winters and warm summers, alongside significant rainfall and variable sunshine, shapes not only the local ecosystem but also the lifestyle of its residents. The seasonal variation in UV exposure and daylight duration reinforces the importance of awareness and adaptation to changing conditions. Collectively, these climatic attributes underscore Toyama's unique character, making it a fascinating area for study and appreciation of seasonal dynamics in a changing world.