Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Kanazawa, Japan is a charming blend of warm temperatures and springtime beauty. With a maximum temperature reaching 27°C (80°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F), the month offers pleasant days perfect for exploring the city’s renowned gardens and historic sites. However, be prepared for a bit of rain, as May sees about 124 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over 12 days, contributing to the region’s lush greenery. The elevated humidity levels at 85% enhance the vibrant atmosphere, making this a delightful time to experience the cultural richness of Kanazawa amidst blooming landscapes.
In May, Kanazawa experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, with temperatures showcasing a remarkable shift. The minimum temperature rises to 8°C (46°F), while the average climbs to a comfortable 18°C (64°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). This month marks a significant leap from the chill of early spring, as blossoms flourish and outdoor activities become increasingly enjoyable. The gradual increase in warmth hints at the upcoming summer, creating the perfect setting for visitors and locals alike to revel in the beauty of Kanazawa's gardens and vibrant culture. As the city basks in milder days, May unveils a refreshing charm that captivates the senses.
May in Kanazawa marks a transition into the wetter months, with precipitation amounting to 124 mm (4.9 in) over 12 days of rain. This is a noteworthy drop compared to the heavier rainfall seen earlier in the year, such as January's 195 mm and July's striking 286 mm. The decrease in May's precipitation signals a slight easing before the onset of the summer deluge, evident in the upward spike that occurs in June. This month serves as a gentle reminder of Kanazawa's fluctuating weather patterns, balancing between the remnants of spring and the approaching intensity of the rainy season. Overall, May offers a brief respite, characterized by milder rainfall and a lush, vibrant landscape in the heart of Japan.
In Kanazawa, Japan, May marks a notable increase in humidity, rising to 85% from the slightly lower levels of the preceding months. This upward trend continues into the summer months, with humidity peaking at 93% in July. Such heightened moisture levels in May create a lush and vibrant environment, setting the stage for the region's famous cherry blossoms. As spring transitions into summer, residents and visitors alike experience the rich, refreshing air that defines this coastal city. In contrast, the late autumn months begin a gradual decline, averaging 81% in October, providing a comfortable respite before winter sets in. Overall, May’s humidity not only signifies the arrival of warmer weather but also heralds a vibrant and flourishing landscape.
As spring gives way to summer, May in Kanazawa, Japan, sees the UV Index holding steady at 10, indicating a very high exposure category with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This pattern mirrors April's UV levels, highlighting a significant increase in sun intensity as the year progresses. Transitioning from a moderate exposure in the early months of the year, the rapid rise in UV readings showcases the importance of sun protection during this period. Anticipating the upcoming months, where June will reach an extreme UV Index of 11, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to remain vigilant against the sun's rays. For more detailed insights, check out the Kanazawa UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May is a radiant month in Kanazawa, Japan, where the sun graces the city with 303 hours of glorious sunshine. This delightful surge marks a peak in the spring season, following a steady rise from 164 hours in January to 281 hours in April. As nature awakens, May not only boasts the most sunlight in the year but also paves the way for the warmer, sunnier days of summer. Interestingly, while June and July offer significant sunshine as well, with 296 and 286 hours respectively, it's May that captures the essence of spring, inviting locals and visitors alike to revel in the vibrant blooms and flourishing landscapes under the benevolent sun. The gradual decline post-August reminds us of the fleeting beauty of this season, making May a truly magical time in Kanazawa.
In Kanazawa, Japan, the likelihood of sunny weather follows an intriguing seasonal pattern. May, with a 31% chance of sunshine, sits in a transitional phase, showing a decline from the brighter days of April when the chances peaked at 48%. This dip is part of a broader trend where the spring months generally see higher probabilities of sun, reaching their zenith in late April, before slightly waning as temperatures rise into the summer. Interestingly, while June closely follows with a 32% chance of sunshine, the sunny spells are often interspersed with rain, typical of the region's humid climate. As we approach summer, the weather oscillates, reminding residents and visitors alike that while May offers moderate sun, the golden rays become more elusive as the season progresses.
In Kanazawa, Japan, daylight duration experiences a steady transformation throughout the year, reflecting the changing seasons. Starting with a modest 9 hours in January, daylight gradually increases, reaching 14 hours by May. This month signifies a vibrant seasonal shift, as the longer days invite people outdoors to bask in the blossoming spring. The daylight remains consistent at 14 hours through June and July, maximizing the opportunities for exploration and adventure. As summer wanes, daylight begins to taper off, declining to 13 hours in August and further to 12 hours in September. This gradual decrease continues, ultimately returning to 9 hours by December. Overall, the trend showcases a lively crescendo of daylight in the spring and summer months, followed by a gentle retreat as the year progresses toward winter.
In May, Kanazawa experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 4.2 m/s (9 mph), marking a slight decrease from the preceding months. This reduction follows the slightly higher winds of April, which averaged 4.4 m/s (10 mph), yet it still holds a comfortable charm that complements the city's lush spring scenery. Notably, this trend of fading winds continues into June, where speeds drop further to 2.6 m/s (6 mph), signaling the onset of a more tranquil summer. Overall, May serves as a transitional month, balancing the freshness of spring with the upcoming calm of summer, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy the serene landscape that Kanazawa has to offer.
Weather in Kanazawa varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Kanazawa, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a mild 8°C (46°F) at night to a pleasant 27°C (80°F) during the day, with an average of 18°C (64°F). The month sees some rainfall, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) over approximately 12 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 85%. In contrast, January experiences much colder conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -3°C (28°F) and only reaching a maximum of 15°C (60°F), averaging around 5°C (40°F). This month is wetter overall, with precipitation of 195 mm (7.7 in) spread across 22 days, though humidity is slightly lower at 80%. For more detailed information, you can check out the Kanazawa weather in January.
May presents a much milder climate compared to February, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a pleasant average of 18°C (64°F) and peaking at 27°C (80°F). In contrast, February has a much colder temperature range, with lows dipping to -2°C (28°F) and an average of only 5°C (41°F), though it can still reach highs of 17°C (62°F). Additionally, May experiences less overall precipitation, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) over about 12 rainy days, while February sees more rainfall at 162 mm (6.4 in) spread across 20 days. Surprisingly, February has a lower humidity level at 78% compared to the 85% humidity in May. For a detailed look at February weather, you can check Kanazawa weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we find noticeable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. March experiences cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to 1°C (34°F) and an average of only 8°C (47°F), while May brings milder conditions with minimums at 8°C (46°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F). Although May sees less precipitation than March—124 mm (4.9 in) compared to March's 145 mm (5.7 in)—it is notable that March has rain on more days, with 16 days of precipitation against May's 12 days. Additionally, May's humidity is higher at 85%, compared to March's 76%, giving the late spring month a more humid feel overall. For more detailed weather information, you can visit Kanazawa weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, it is evident that May experiences a noticeable increase in average temperatures, with lows of 8°C (46°F) and highs reaching up to 27°C (80°F), compared to April's range of 3°C (37°F) to 23°C (74°F). However, April has slightly higher precipitation levels, totaling 161 mm (6.3 in) over 13 days, while May sees 124 mm (4.9 in) of rainfall across 12 days. Additionally, the humidity in May is higher at 85%, compared to April's 77%. For more details on April weather, you can visit Kanazawa weather in April.
May and June showcase a gradual transition in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F). The month sees around 124 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over 12 days, with humidity levels at 85%. In contrast, June brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). Precipitation increases to 147 mm (5.8 in) over the same number of days, accompanied by slightly higher humidity at 89%. For a more detailed look at the weather in June, check out Kanazawa weather in June.
In comparison to May, July experiences noticeably higher temperatures, with minimums averaging around 20°C (68°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (92°F), compared to May's more moderate range of 8°C (46°F) to 27°C (80°F). Additionally, July sees a significant increase in precipitation, totaling 286 mm (11.3 in) over 18 days, whereas May has a total of 124 mm (4.9 in) spread over 12 days. Humidity levels also rise in July, averaging at 93%, slightly higher than May's 85%. For more detailed information on the weather conditions, you can visit Kanazawa weather in July.
May and August present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool 8°C (46°F) at night to a pleasant average of 18°C (64°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). The month also sees significant rainfall, with 124 mm (4.9 in) falling over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity at 85%. In contrast, August is much warmer, with minimum temperatures starting at 19°C (66°F) and an average reaching 27°C (82°F), soaring up to 35°C (95°F) at its highest. Rainfall in August is more pronounced, accumulating to 237 mm (9.3 in) over 16 days and pushing humidity levels up to 92%. For more details about the weather in August, check out Kanazawa weather in August.
May and September present distinct weather contrasts. In May, temperatures range from a pleasant minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a comfortable average of 18°C (64°F), peaking at 27°C (80°F). However, this month also sees considerable rainfall, with 124 mm (4.9 in) falling over 12 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 85%. In contrast, September experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 15°C (60°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F), reaching highs of 34°C (94°F). This month is also wetter, with precipitation totaling 213 mm (8.4 in) across 16 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 84%. For more details on September weather specifically, you can visit this link: Kanazawa weather in September.
May and October present distinct weather patterns, with both months showing an average temperature of around 18°C (64°F), but differences arise in their extremes. May typically features milder nights with a minimum temperature of 8°C (46°F) compared to October’s warmer minimum of 10°C (51°F). October reaches a higher maximum temperature of 30°C (86°F), making it feel warmer during the day compared to May's peak of 27°C (80°F). Additionally, October experiences more precipitation, totaling 191 mm (7.5 in) over 15 days, whereas May has 124 mm (4.9 in) over 12 days. Despite slightly lower humidity levels at 81% in October compared to 85% in May, the overall atmosphere remains quite humid throughout both months. For a deeper dive into October weather specifics, check out Kanazawa weather in October.
May typically showcases more warmth and a greater temperature range compared to November, with average temperatures hovering around 18°C (64°F) and maximums reaching up to 27°C (80°F). In contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, averaging 13°C (55°F) and peaking at 24°C (75°F). While May is characterized by higher humidity levels at 85% and significant rainfall totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) over 12 days, November brings slightly less humidity at 77% but sees increased precipitation of 147 mm (5.8 in) spread over 15 days. For more detailed insights, you can check Kanazawa weather in November.
May and December present quite contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a pleasant maximum of 27°C (80°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). The month sees about 124 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over 12 days and maintains a high humidity level of 85%. In stark contrast, December experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and an average of 7°C (46°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is significantly higher in December, totaling 240 mm (9.5 in) across 24 rainy days, while humidity drops slightly to 79%. For more specific insights on December weather in Kanazawa, you can check this link: Kanazawa weather in December.
As May unfolds in Kanazawa, the weather presents a delightful transition into warmer days, marked by an inviting average temperature of 18°C, significantly higher than the cooler months that precede it. The maximum temperature can soar to 27°C, bringing the promise of sunshine and pleasant outdoor activities. However, visitors should be prepared for some damp days, as May sees about 12 days of rainfall with a total precipitation of 124 mm, contributing to a humid atmosphere that's characteristic of this season. This combination of warmth and moisture sets May apart from the more temperate preceding months, creating a unique climate perfect for experiencing the blossoming beauty of the region. For a deeper dive into the weather patterns throughout the year, explore Kanazawa Climate.