The best times to visit Kanazawa are from March to May and November. During these months, the city showcases its beauty with stunning cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage, making them the ideal times to visit Kanazawa.
Summer in Kanazawa could be hot and humid but the landscape is at its lushest, offering a different charm. Winter, on the other hand, is damp and cold. However, if snow-covered scenery is what you're after, visiting from December to February could be a dream come true.
Kanazawa has distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Read on to find more information to fulfill your travel plan.
- What's the Weather Like in Kanazawa?
- When Is the Best Time to Visit Kanazawa?
- 1) Kanazawa in Spring (March, April, and May)
- 2) Kanazawa in Summer (June, July, and August)
- 3) Kanazawa in Autumn (September, October, and November)
- 4) Kanazawa in Winter (December, January, and February)
- FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Kanazawa
What's the Weather Like in Kanazawa?
Located on the east side of the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is deeply affected by the monsoons, resulting in a moist environment. Spring is the driest season, while autumn tends to be more humid. However, both seasons offer warm days and cool nights, making them pleasant times to visit.
Kanazawa's summer is hot and humid but not as hot as Tokyo and Osaka, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). August is the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F).
In winter, Kanazawa becomes cold and damp, with an average temperature of 3°C (37°F) and it rains or snows almost every day. The abundant snowfall has even earned this area, including Shirakawa-go, the nickname Snow Country (Yukiguni). January is the coldest month of the year, with an average low of 1°C (34°F) and a high of 6°C (43°F).
When Is the Best Time to Visit Kanazawa?
Spring (March to May) and November are the best times to visit Kanazawa. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with warm days that are perfect for outdoor sightseeing and leisurely strolls.
Cherry blossoms in Kanazawa usually bloom from late March to early April, about a week later than in Tokyo. In 2025, the cherry blossoms are expected to begin blooming around April 1st, reaching full bloom by April 7th.
Autumn foliage begins to change in late October, with peak colors around mid-November, transforming the city into a vibrant display of fall.
What Is the Peak Tourist Travel Season in Kanazawa?
Peak time:
- January to February (for snow views)
- March to April (for cherry blossoms)
- November to December (for autumn foliage)
Mild time:
- July to August (summer vacation tourists)
Off time:
- May to June (between the cherry blossom season and summer rush)
- September to October (typhoon season)
Times to Avoid
The following are peak holiday travel periods in 2025 for Japanese people. During these times, attractions could be crowded, and travel costs increase. So these are considered the worst times to visit Kanazawa, and it's best to avoid them:
- Japan's Golden Week: April 29th to May 5th.
- The Obon Festival: August 13th to 16th.
- Japan's Silver Week: September 13th to 23rd.
- New Year Holiday: December 30th to January 3rd. Some local businesses might be closed during this period.
Kanazawa in Spring (March, April, and May)
The stunning cherry blossoms in Kanazawa, Japan- Recommended rate: 5 stars
Spring in Kanazawa is mild and characterized by clear days, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 17°C (45–63°F). There is a significant temperature difference between day and night, so be sure to take a jacket or coat if your itinerary extends into the evening.
March and April are the months for cherry blossoms in Kanazawa. In 2025, the blossoms are expected to bloom from April 1st to 7th, lasting about a week.
During this time, Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle are at their most beautiful. With the cherry blossoms in full bloom, these historic sites come alive, showcasing their rich heritage. After sunset, scenic spots like Ishikawa Gate in front of Kanazawa Castle will be illuminated, filling the air with a romantic atmosphere.
May is typically an off-peak month to visit Kanazawa, except for the first part of Golden Week. Although the cherry blossoms have fallen by May, local parks like Kenrokuen Garden are lush and vibrant, with flowers in full bloom and greenery all around. It's a quiet time to visit, allowing you to enjoy these beautiful spots almost to yourself.
Kanazawa in Summer (June, July, and August)
Gold-leafing Experience in Kanazawa, Japan- Recommended rate: 2 stars
There is a local saying in Kanazawa: "You can forget your lunch, but never your umbrella." Starting in June, Kanazawa experiences abundant rainfall, leading to a rainy and muggy summer, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75–86°F).
While much of Japan sees large amounts of travelers during the summer vacation, Kanazawa remains relatively less crowded. Popular attractions are quiet and you don't need to wait to enter them.
Although the muggy weather could make outdoor sightseeing challenging, you could still explore the famous Myoryu-ji (Ninja Temple) and immerse yourself in the intriguing ninja culture and history.
Additionally, Kanazawa is renowned for its gold-leaf cuisine. Enjoying a cool, frosty gold leaf soft-serve ice cream on a hot summer day would surely be a memorable highlight of your trip.
- Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival
The Hyakumangoku Festival is Kanazawa's most significant event, taking place on the first weekend of June. In 2025, this vibrant celebration will occur from June 6th to 8th over 3 days.
Thousands of participants would dress in traditional costumes and parade from Kanazawa Station to the castle. The streets would come alive with traditional dances, musical performances, tea ceremonies, and various activities.
If you prefer a quieter experience, it's best to avoid visiting during this time as Kanazawa would be bustling with crowds.
Kanazawa in Autumn (September, October, and November)
Illuminated Kenrokuen garden at night during momijigari season in Kanazawa, Japan- Recommended rate: 4 stars
Japan is affected by typhoons in September, while October is relatively cooler with more dry days, but it is still cloudy, with temperatures dropping from 26°C to 11°C (79°F down to 52°F).
The foliage starts to change color in late October and reaches its peak around mid-November. Enjoying the historical buildings surrounded by red leaves in autumn shows why Kanazawa is called "Little Kyoto". The vibrant colors enhance the charm of the streets and historic buildings, making you feel like you've stepped back into the Edo period.
This is the perfect time to visit Higashi Chaya District and enjoy a private geisha performance. You could watch geishas dance and play taiko drums, and, during the performance, you may even have the chance to interact with the geishas and immerse yourself in Japan's unique art and culture.
GeishaAutumn is also an excellent season for enjoying fresh fish. If you're a seafood lover, don't miss the chance to visit Omicho Market, Kanazawa's most famous fish market, which dates back to the Edo period. There, you could experience the bustling atmosphere and sample some of the region's finest seafood.
It should be noted that this is also the peak period for visiting Kanazawa, so it's advisable to book your flights and accommodation at least 3 months in advance to secure better deals.
Kanazawa in Winter (December, January, and February)
The beautiful snowfall scenery in Kenrokuen Garden- Recommended rate: 4 stars
Kanazawa experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months, particularly in January and February, with temperatures hovering just above 0°C (32°F).
Locals begin their winter preparations in November, traditionally laying a thick layer of straw on the earthen walls of the Nagamachi samurai houses. During this time, Kenrokuen Garden also begins constructing beautiful yukitsuri, which are ropes designed to support tree branches and prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow.
By late December, the yukitsuri (snow ropes), snow-covered roofs, and stone streets beautifully recreate the atmosphere of the Edo period. After sunset, thousands of lights illuminate Omicho Market, Korinbo, Katamachi, and the surrounding areas, creating a romantic setting for a snowy stroll.
While winter in Kanazawa is breathtaking, the weather could be unpredictable. Be prepared for the possibility of bad weather, which may cause delays or cancellations of transportation, including high-speed trains and flights.
- Kanazawa City Fire Fighting New Year's Ceremony
To celebrate the new year, Kanazawa firefighters uphold traditions from the Edo period with an impressive show on January 5th, 2025. They perform breathtaking ladder acrobatics, culminating in a stunning finale that involves unleashing a torrent of water into the air using fire hoses.
- Shirakawago Winter Light-Up Events
Shirakawago Winter Light-Up Event, JapanDuring your visit to Kanazawa, consider spending a day in Shirakawa-go, renowned as Yukiguni (Snow Country), where the entire village is blanketed in up to 2 meters (7 feet) of snow.
To enhance the experience, the village organizes special illumination events on selected Sunday evenings in January and February. During these light-up events, warm lights shine upon the snow, creating a dreamy, fairy-tale atmosphere.
In 2025, reservations for these events are already full. However, you could still pay a visit to see the stunning scenery or just start planning your trip with Asia Highlights now. We will help make your dream journey a reality.
FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Kanazawa
Is Kanazawa Cold in Winter?
Yes, Kanazawa is quite cold in winter, with daily temperatures typically just above 0°C (32°F). Unlike Tokyo, which is affected by the heat island effect, Kanazawa experiences much colder temperatures despite being relatively close.
Be prepared for the heavy snow with down jackets and cotton-padded clothes to keep warm, and take an umbrella to prevent getting wet and catching a cold.
Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting in November?
Absolutely! November is one of the best times to visit Kanazawa, thanks to its vibrant autumn foliage. During this month, the city is decorated with stunning fall colors, enhancing the beauty of its historical buildings. This makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
How to Plan a Kanazawa Tour?
For a first visit to Kanazawa, you would need at least a full day for the landmarks including Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and a gold leaf souvenir experience. Stay in a traditional onsen ryokan hotel for the night before departing to the next destination.
You could easily spend 2 days there based on the previous itinerary. For another day, stroll around Higashi Chaya District, Nagamachi Samurai District, and Omicho Market, and explore Myoryu-ji for fun.
To include Kanazawa in your Japan itinerary, check out the following tours for inspiration:
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