The best time to visit Osaka, Japan, is in autumn (October and November) and spring (April and May). In these spring and fall months, temperatures are more moderate than in the more extreme summer or winter seasons. You’ll enjoy plenty of pleasant sunny days with the added bonus of experiencing Osaka’s epic spring cherry blossoms or beautiful fall foliage.
Summers in Osaka are hot and humid. It’s also the wettest season on average, with plenty of days splattered with torrential rain. The summer also falls with Japan’s typhoon season, which runs from May to October and peaks in August and September. Despite all this, summer is the high tourist season in Osaka and one of the busiest times of the year to visit the city.
Need more help figuring out when to travel to Osaka? Speed up your travel planning with this complete Osaka weather guide, including what to expect and what to wear by season and by month!
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Weather in Osaka: An overview
Osaka falls within the humid subtropical climate zone, characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Seasonal temperature differences here are noticeable, but aren’t as extreme as in other Japanese destinations like the much cooler northern island of Hokkaido or even Tokyo, just four hundred kilometres northeast.
Thanks to its temperate climate, Osaka is a year-round destination. For the ideal combination of weather and (for the most part) smaller crowds, try to plan your trip to Osaka in spring (April/May) or fall (October/November). Temperatures during these months are still mild to warm, and conditions tend to be drier.
In late March and early April, Osaka’s spring cherry blossoms begin to emerge. Although it’s one of the busiest times of year, it’s well worth dealing with the big tourist crowds to see the blossom’s in action. Likewise, Osaka’s beautiful fall foliage begins to make its appearance in late October. It’s a wonderful scene that every traveller to Japan will cherish!
Although they’re not ideal times to travel to Osaka, summer and winter aren’t no-gos either. Summer is generally quite hot, humid, and wet. But even in the height of Osaka’s rainy season between mid-June and late-June, rain doesn’t fall every day. You’ll often get to enjoy unfettered sunny days—even if it’s a little sweaty. Winter is likewise relatively comfortable for most travellers. The winter temperatures don’t often dip to sub-zero lows.
Moving on after Osaka? Plan out the rest of your Japan itinerary with help from this guide to the best time to go to Japan!
Osaka Weather by Season
Spring
When is spring in Osaka?
Spring in Osaka is from March to May.
What to expect in spring
Spring is perhaps the loveliest time of year in Osaka. In spring, the cooler winter temperatures give way to sunny, mild days. At the end of March and the beginning of April, we get our first look at cherry blossoms in Osaka. This season is cherished by Osakans as they shake their winter blues and enjoy the newfound spring life throughout the entire city.
What to wear in spring
Even with the temperatures picking up from the winter, daytime low temperatures can still be a little chilly into mid-spring. Bring along a warm softshell jacket to stay warm. As always in Japan, it’s a good idea to keep a rain jacket and umbrella handy.
Summer
When is summer in Osaka?
Summer in Osaka is from June to August.
What to expect in summer
As spring comes to a close, temperatures start to heat up coming into the hot summer season. Mid-June sees the first signs of what’s to come as the rainy season begins to rear its head. In general, summer is hot and humid. The worst of the summer rains fall between mid-June and late July.
What to wear in summer
With the hot temperatures, you’ll want to dress in lightweight clothing to keep cool. Either shorts or breathable, lightweight travel pants are a good idea. Stuff a lightweight waterproof jacket into your daypack for emergencies. It’s always a good idea, even if the morning looks promising.
Autumn
When is autumn in Osaka?
Autumn in Osaka is from September to November.
What to expect in autumn
Along with spring, autumn is an ideal time of the year to visit Osaka. Temperatures at the beginning of fall are warm. You’ll enjoy plenty of pleasant days with blue, sunny skies. When things start to cool down in October, the leaves begin to change colour. The classic fall scenes throughout the city are a must-see!
What to wear in autumn
In early fall, you’ll often get away with your usual summer wear. As the temperatures begin to drop, it’s a good idea to carry along a warm softshell jacket to keep you toasty outside. September is the second rainiest month of the year, so you’ll want to grab a rain jacket to stay dry.
Winter
When is winter in Osaka?
Winter in Osaka is from December to February.
What to expect in winter
As much as your instincts would tell you to stay away from Japan in winter, Osaka isn’t so bad compared to other Japanese cities like Sapporo. Snow is rare in Osaka, although temperatures will dip below zero from time to time. Winter is the driest time of year, with plenty of sunny skies to prove it.
What to wear in winter
In addition to your usual travel garb, you’re going to want to bring along some warmer clothes. A warm hardshell jacket is a smart idea for outdoor activities, along with a winter hat, scarf, and a pair of gloves.
Osaka Weather by Month
January
January is the second driest month of the year in Osaka. In the winter month of January, you should expect cool, sunny days. There’s a chance of snow throughout the month. It’ll rarely stick around for more than a few hours, though.
- Average Temperature: 6°C / 43°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 3°C / 37°F
- High Temperature (Average): 9°C /48°F
- Rainfall: 50mm
Visiting on a time crunch? Maximize your time with this complete one-day Osaka itinerary and our guide to the best places to stay in Osaka!
February
The last full month of winter in Osaka, February brings more cool temperatures with (mostly) blue skies to the city. No major public holidays fall in February, so it’s a quiet time of the year for the tourist industry. If the cooler temperatures don’t bother you, you’ll find good deals on accommodations and airfares in February.
- Average Temperature: 6°C / 43°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 3°C / 37°F
- High Temperature (Average): 9°C /48°F
- Rainfall: 70mm
March
The winter finally begins giving way to more spring-like temperatures come March. By mid-March, the plum blossoms start to show up, returning a little colour to the city streets. As the plum blossoms slip away into late March, cherry blossoms begin their reign.
The weather in March is, however, a bit of a mixed bag. Expect anything from warm, sunny days to cold, rainy ones.
- Average Temperature: 10°C / 50°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 6°C / 43°F
- High Temperature (Average): 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall: 110mm
April
April is the first true month of spring in Osaka. April brings warmer temperatures and plenty of beauty throughout Osaka. The beginning of the month sees the peak of the cherry blossom season. April is one of the busiest times of the year but one of the loveliest.
By the end of the month, the crowds have mostly dispersed, making it a more relaxed time to travel. Although April warms up nicely, there’s still a chance of cool temperatures, especially in the evenings.
- Average Temperature: 15°C / 59°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 11°C / 52°F
- High Temperature (Average): 19°C / 66°F
- Rainfall: 130mm
May
Weather-wise, Osaka is at its finest in the beautiful spring days of May. Temperatures are warm. The rainfall, although slightly higher on average than in April, is still miles away from its height during the rainy season.
The cherry blossoms are long gone by May, but the city is still in bloom. You’ll marvel at colourful flowers bursting throughout the city. Even with all its positives, Osaka isn’t overly crowded with tourists in May. The exception is Golden Week, during the first week of the month.
- Average Temperature: 20°C /68°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 16°C / 61°F
- High Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- Rainfall: 150mm
TIP: May is a great time to travel around Japan, especially by rail! Check out this guide to see if a Japan rail pass is right for your itinerary…
June
The beginning of June is still prime season for sightseeing in Osaka. The crowds aren’t too thick yet, and the days are warm without inching into the uncomfortable range.
By the end of June, things change. With the increasing humidity, the rainy season enters to throw a wrench into your plans. Unlike monsoon seasons elsewhere, however, it won’t rain every day all day long. Even in the worst of it, sunny skies will roll from time to time for some excellent travel days.
- Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 20°C / 68°F
- High Temperature (Average): 28°C / 82°F
- Rainfall: 230mm
July
Truthfully, July is mostly a miserable month to visit Osaka. Rain falls regularly until near the end of the month. By the end of July, hot & wet turns to hot & sticky for the rest of the summer.
- Average Temperature: 28°C / 82°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Rainfall: 140mm
August
Although the short rainy season is in the rearview mirror, August isn’t a great time to travel to Osaka either. Most days are sunny but uncomfortably hot and humid. If you’re used to that kind of thing, however, August isn’t so bad. You’ll find plenty of travel deals abound and fewer tourists to share the scenery.
One thing to keep in mind is that August is the peak of typhoon season in Osaka. Stay abreast of weather reports to stay safe.
- Average Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 25°C / 77°F
- High Temperature (Average): 33°C / 91°F
- Rainfall: 90mm
September
As the dog days of summer wind down, September transitions between the hot and sticky summer weather to the warm and sunny days of early autumn. There’s a slight uptick in rainfall at the beginning of the month. The rain dwindles as the temperatures cool. Tourist numbers are relatively low during September. Expect to find some good travel deals.
Like in August, typhoons are a possibility in September. Be sure to keep an eye on weather reports.
- Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 21°C / 70°F
- High Temperature (Average): 29°C / 84°F
- Rainfall: 170mm
October
October is one of the best months to visit Osaka. Temperatures are still warm, although far more moderate than in the hot and humid days of summer. Evenings cool down, offering respite from the heat.
Towards the end of the month, the true autumn season ramps up as the leaves begin to take on their fall colours.
- Average Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 15°C / 59°F
- High Temperature (Average): 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall: 110mm
November
To see Osaka near its most beautiful, visit in November. The fall season hits its peak in mid-November when the fall foliage explodes into pretty red, orange, and yellow hues. Temperatures in November are still relatively warm, with very little rain.
Along with April, November is the best time to visit Osaka.
- Average Temperature: 14°C / 57°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 10°C / 50°F
- High Temperature (Average): 17°C / 63°F
- Rainfall: 70mm
December
December is the first month of winter in Osaka. December starts out with mild to cool temperatures that slowly dip throughout the month.
December is also one of the driest months of the year in Osaka. Expect plenty of sunny skies. Although crowds are small, keep in mind that amenities might be limited near the end of the month in the days around Shogatsu (New Year’s).
- Average Temperature: 9°C /48°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 5°C / 41°F
- High Temperature (Average): 12°C / 54°F
- Rainfall: 30mm
Final recommendations
The best month to visit Osaka is April or November.
Why visit in April?
April is one of the most beautiful times of the year to go to Osaka. The end of March sees the first signs of cherry blossoms in Osaka, with their bloom peaking in early April.
The weather in April is great, too. Days warm up from their early spring lows while rainfall is still relatively low. If you still find April too chilly, both May and early June offer comfortable springtime alternatives with lighter crowds.
Why visit in November?
If you can’t make it to Osaka for the hanami in April, visiting during the fall foliage season in November is your next best option. By mid-November, the fall colours will be out in full force in Osaka. They paint the city in beautiful earthy shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Temperatures into November are still beautiful. November is only a tad cooler on average than April but with less rainfall. For warmer weather (but slightly more rain and no fall colours), October is another great autumn alternative.
