Last updated: January 18, 2025
Yamagata, Japan, experiences a diverse climate characterized by a mix of humid continental and humid subtropical conditions, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Dfb, Dfa, and Cfa. The region endures a notable temperature range, with winter lows plunging to -16°C (3°F) in February, while summer can see sweltering highs reaching 37°C (98°F) in August. The average annual temperature hovers around a mild 11°C (53°F), highlighting the significant seasonal variation that defines this captivating locale.
Yamagata, Japan, showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns, beginning with harsh winters where January and February temperatures dip to a minimum of -16°C (3-4°F) and struggle to reach freezing during the day. As spring arrives in March, the region begins its transition, with temperatures gradually increasing, peaking at a maximum of 21°C (69°F) by the month's end. April further warms up, marking the onset of mild conditions, with average temperatures climbing to 9°C (48°F) and maximums touching 26°C (79°F). The summer months of June through August bring significant warmth, with daily averages soaring to around 24°C (76°F) and maximums peaking at an impressive 37°C (98°F). In September, temperatures start to wane, signaling the arrival of autumn, which sees a gradual decline in warmth. By November and December, the temperatures drop again, with daytime highs in November only reaching 23°C (73°F) before plunging to a maximum of 17°C (64°F) in December, reinforcing the region's strong seasonal contrasts.
Yamagata experiences a significant temperature range, with January lows reaching -16°C (4°F) and August highs peaking at 36°C (97°F) monthly temperatures in Yamagata. In contrast, Tsuruoka has milder winter temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (22°F) in January, while its summer maximum is slightly lower at 34°C (93°F) in August monthly temperatures in Tsuruoka.
Yamagata, Japan, experiences a marked variability in precipitation throughout the year, with winter months notably wet. January and February see considerable rainfall, accumulating 145 mm (5.7 in) and 138 mm (5.4 in) respectively, and are characterized by 20-21 days of rainfall. As spring unfolds, March and April maintain similar levels of precipitation at 135 mm (5.3 in) and 130 mm (5.1 in), with a slight reduction in rainy days, indicating a gradual transition towards drier weather. The lead-up to summer shows May receiving 115 mm (4.5 in) of rainfall, maintaining the trend of frequent precipitation.
The summer months, particularly July and August, present the highest rainfall totals of the year, with July registering a significant 251 mm (9.9 in) and August following closely with 220 mm (8.7 in). This increased precipitation correlates with 18 days of rain during each month, emphasizing Yamagata's wet summer climate. As autumn arrives, precipitation levels drop, with September receiving 136 mm (5.4 in) and October rising again to 166 mm (6.6 in), before tapering off to 114 mm (4.5 in) in November. December concludes the year with increased rainfall at 182 mm (7.2 in), and a notable 24 rainy days, reflecting the region's seasonal precipitation patterns.
In Yamagata, Japan, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from the depths of winter to the peak of summer. January starts with a modest 148 hours of sunshine, reflecting the shortened daylight typical of winter months. However, as February transitions to spring, the region enjoys a notable lift to 196 hours, heralding the arrival of longer days. March continues this upward trajectory, with sunshine hours rising to 246, while April sees a further increase to 267 hours, signaling that spring is truly in full swing.
The late spring and summer months see the most sunshine, with May reaching a peak of 295 hours. This abundance of sunlight continues into June, although there is a slight decrease to 284 hours, potentially due to increased cloud cover during the onset of the rainy season. The sunshine remains fairly consistent through July and August, with 271 and 286 hours respectively, making these months vibrant and radiant. However, as autumn approaches, there is a gradual decline, with September recording 250 hours and October dropping to 213 hours. By November, the sun's presence is reduced to 206 hours before December closes the year with only 176 hours, indicating a seasonal shift towards the colder months with shorter days.
The UV Index in Yamagata, Japan, reflects significant seasonal variations, with notable increases in intensity as spring progresses into summer. During the early winter months, January and February register a moderate UV Index of 3 and 5, allowing for up to 30 minutes of sun exposure without immediate risk of skin damage. However, as March arrives, the UV Index sharply escalates to 8, entering the "very high" category, reducing safe exposure time to just 15 minutes. This upward trend continues into April and May, peaking at an index of 10 in May, requiring individuals to be increasingly cautious when enjoying outdoor activities.
As summer sets in, Yamagata experiences extreme UV conditions, with July and August both reaching a staggering UV Index of 11, necessitating that skin protection measures be implemented within just 10 minutes of sun exposure. The intensity of UV radiation gradually diminishes as autumn approaches; September sees a decrease to 9, before dropping further to 7 in October, which still requires protective measures but allows for longer exposure times of up to 25 minutes. Finally, November and December revert to moderate levels of UV Index at 5 and 3, respectively, reinstating the safer exposure time of 30 minutes as winter prevails.
UV Risk Categories
In Yamagata, Japan, daylight duration fluctuates significantly with the changing seasons, reflecting the region's temperate climate. The year begins with shorter days, as January offers only 9 hours of daylight, slightly increasing to 10 hours in February. March marks the transition into spring, with daylight extending to 11 hours, a precursor to the longer days ahead. The month of April sees a further increase to 13 hours, while May reaches 14 hours, coinciding with pleasant weather that encourages outdoor activities. This peak daylight duration is sustained through June and July, maintaining an impressive 14 hours.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours gradually start to decline. In August, daylight slightly reduces to 13 hours, followed by a decrease to 12 hours in September. The descent continues through October, which sees 11 hours of daylight, before dropping to 10 hours in November. The year concludes with another cycle of shorter days, as December returns to 9 hours of daylight. This seasonal rhythm not only signifies the changes in weather but also influences daily routines and lifestyle in Yamagata throughout the year.
Tsuruoka, Japan experiences a temperate climate characterized by distinct seasons. Winter temperatures average around 2°C (36°F) in January, while summer highs reach up to 34°C (93°F) in August. Precipitation is notable, particularly in December and August, with monthly totals exceeding 300 mm (11.8 in). The city enjoys the most sunshine during the summer months, peaking at 307 hours in August. For more detailed information, visit Tsuruoka climate.
Yamagata, Japan experiences a diverse climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures of -2°C (29°F), with significant snowfall and around 159 hours of sunshine. Temperatures rise sharply from April to August, peaking in August at an average of 24°C (75°F) and receiving the highest precipitation in July, at 239 mm (9.4 in). With relatively stable conditions and notable sunshine, the best months to visit are typically from May to October. For more information, check out Yamagata climate.
In conclusion, Yamagata, Japan, presents a dynamic climate characterized by seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. The region experiences cold winters with significant snowfall and warm, humid summers, emphasizing a diverse ecological environment. These fluctuations inform a range of lifestyle practices, from outdoor activities in the sunnier and warmer months to adaptations required during the colder seasons. Understanding these climatic patterns allows residents and visitors alike to optimize their engagement with this beautiful region, ensuring a deeper appreciation of Yamagata's unique environmental offerings throughout the year.