Weather Osaka , Japan
Most of Japan, with Osaka included, lies in the Northern Temperate Zone. The city features the subtropical climate without a distinctively dry season. Winters are mild, with temperatures occasionally dropping below the freezing point, while summers are hot and humid. The second largest metropolis of Japan is located in the Kansai region. It accesses the Osaka Bay and has many rivers and canals flowing through the city. High mountains and other cities of the Osaka Prefecture, including Kobe and Kyoto, surround the metropolis.
We could point out that winters are cold in the port city of Osaka, but not much. Average daily temperatures range from 1C (33.8F) to 12C (53.6F), only occasionally dropping below the freezing point. Summers are warm for the most part, and hot intervals (over 29C/84.2F) are predominant during the afternoon hours from July to September. Transitional seasons (spring and autumn) typically feature pleasant temperatures. Statistics state that January 27 is the coldest day (low temperature is 1C/33.8F) during the year. August 7 (high temperature is 33C/91.4F) is the hottest.
The city receives around 1300 mm/51.2 in of precipitation during the year. The driest season is winter (approx. 11% of received rainfall), the wettest is summer (around 35%). June is the month featuring the most abundant rainfall while December receives the lowest amounts of precipitation. In summer, rain takes the form of thunderstorm, while winter features light snow, sleet or sporadic rain. June 28 is the rainiest annual day, January 1 is rainy the least.
You can get to this destination by airplane and boat from abroad. Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport are principal international gateways. Some destinations covered by airlines landing on Kansai Airport are Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, China. Kansai Airport is well connected with the city by a railway. By boat, you can travel to Osaka, Japan, from Busan in South Korea.
Best times for visiting this Japanese metropolis are in late spring and late autumn. Then, weather conditions are best, travel-related expenses are moderate and nature is most beautiful (cherry blossoming or stunning autumn scenery). If you travel to the city to remain indoors (shopping and museums), any time of the year is good. In this regard, February might be the best month because of low hotel rates. Summer features high temperatures, rainfall and humidity, and August is among the most expensive months. If you don't mind lower temperatures, you will enjoy coming here in winter.
The Osaka city and the prefecture boast extraordinary attractions. Some of the most noteworthy ones are the Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, Aquarium, Sumiyoshi Taisha, Abeno Harukas and Minoo Park. Cities Kobe and Kyoto and the magnificent Himeji Castle make great destinations for day trips.
Winter weather in Osaka (December-February)
January is the coldest month in the winter season in Osaka, the capital of the Osaka prefecture. During this month, temperatures typically range between 3C (37.4F) and 10C (50F). In December and February, daily temperatures are for a degree or two higher. The lowest ever recorded temperature in the metropolis was -5C (23F), just in January.
Also, this Japanese destination receives fairly low amounts of precipitation during winter. The number of rainy days, in general, varies between 5 and 7 on the monthly basis. Sporadic rain, light snow and sleet are the most common forms of precipitation. In regard to humidity, the winter season mostly features dry conditions.
If you don't mind cold temperatures, you will enjoy sightseeing in the main city of the Osaka Prefecture in winter. Getting around the city is easy by means of the highly-organized and efficient public transport. Plus, a cruise in the Osaka Bay offers a great perspective of many cities surrounding the bay, which are the part of the prefecture. Christmas decorations are visually stunning both on the streets and indoors. Some attractions you should check out this time of year are the Hep Five Ferris Wheel and the Osaka Castle with its majestic gardens.
Spring weather in Osaka (March-May)
Average daily temperatures are slightly higher in March than during the winter. Yet, May tends to feature temperature averages characteristic of summer. Average daily highs rise up to 13 C/55.4F in March, 20C/68F in April and to 24C/75.2F in May. Daily lows still might dip below 0C (32F) in March. Sunny periods are on the rise, too, increasing from around 4:30 hours per day in winter to more than 6 hours in May.
Still, the precipitation is also on the significant rise this time of year. The number of rainy days per month alternate between 10 and 11, in general. March is the least rainy month in spring (somewhat over 100 mm/3.94 in) while May is the wettest (around 150 mm/5.9 in). Except May, which is comfortable in terms of humidity levels, March and April are somewhat dry for the most part. The possibility of cloudy weather increases over 50% from April to May.
Sightseeing in the city of Osaka and further afield is especially rewarding this time of year, especially in late spring. There are various vantage points, including Ferris Wheels and tall buildings, which reveal the city panorama in its whole majesty on a clear day. Japanese gardens feature lush greenery and exceptional beauty, especially when cherry trees blossom. The Shitennoji Temple is one of the most historic places in the metropolis.
The Osaka Castle, however, is one of the most visited attractions here. It features fortifications and gardens that are worth checking out. Amazing nature and architecture are other major reasons why tourists flock to the fortified complex.
Summer weather in Osaka (June-August)
Every important weather parameter is on the significant rise starting from June. Daily low temperatures are usually above 20C (68F) while average highs increase up to 33C (91.4F). August is the hottest month, with maximum temperatures tending to rise as far as 36C (96.8F). The highest recorded temperature in the Japanese port city of Osaka was 37.2C (99F), and it was measured in August.
June is the rainiest annual month, with over 200 mm/7.87 in of rainfall. June 28 features the highest precipitation in the course of year according to statistics. June has 12 wet days on average while July features 11 rainy days. Also, the possibility of cloud cover constantly ranges between 50% and 75% during the summer season. This destination features humid weather this time of year except for June. Then, these conditions could be anywhere between dry and oppressive.
August is the sunniest month (around 7 hours per day) while June is sunny the least (somewhat over 5 hours per day). Also, August features lower precipitation (90 mm/3.54 in) and less rainy days (up to 8) than June and July. In addition, August is one of the most expensive months for visiting Osaka, Japan.
In summer, the sea temperature rises enough for activities in the water in the Osaka Bay. Just note that some beaches have the official opening hours and are open only in July and August.
Browsing stores, visiting attractions and enjoying premium entertainment are in focus this time of year. The Dotonbori neighborhood, renowned for attractive shopping and flashing lights at night, is among the key places for attractive shopping.
The historic Osaka Castle's gardens are other great places where you can find a refuge from the heat. Finally, the Universal Studios Japan guarantees unforgettable entertainment.
Autumn weather in Osaka (September-November)
All essential weather parameters are on the decline starting from September.
The first month of autumn features a significant rise in rainfall compared to August. Around 170 mm/6.7 in of rainfall makes September the second rainiest annual month. But from then on, the amount of rainfall that Osaka receives decreases at the rapid rate. In October, the metropolis receives around 100 mm/3.94 in of precipitation, while in November, the accumulated rainfall is around 70 mm/2.76 in. The average number of rainy days is between 10 and 12 in September, 9 in October and 7 in November.
September may feature temperatures characteristic of summer while travelers coming to the city in October will enjoy pleasant temperatures. In November, warm clothes become necessary, but this month is one of the best periods for visiting this destination. On average, the number of sunshine hours is approx. 5 per day throughout autumn.
In November, average temperatures range between 10C (50F) and 17C (62.6F). The likelihood of a cloudy weather is on the decline from 44% in September to 27% in November. Also, humid conditions tend to occur in the first 2 months of autumn, while this possibility is insignificantly low in November.
The Osaka Castle is most beautiful in the autumn season. Its gardens and boardwalks feature trees with vivid colors. But, don't hurry to get inside before you take a boat tour along the moats surrounding the castle.
Dotonbori, one of the main commercial areas in the city of Osaka, is popular among locals and tourists. Finally, the Festival of Lights is one of the top events taking place in this Japanese metropolis.
Extreme weather in Osaka, Japan
Japan is regularly hit by various hazards of nature and extreme weather occurrences. These include volcanic eruptions, typhoons, earthquakes and tsunamis.
Osaka, the capital of the Osaka prefecture, lies in an area that is very susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis. These may occur anytime, so familiarizing yourself with the safety procedures is of the utmost importance before you arrive here. The intensity of the earthquake may vary widely, from barely noticeable to catastrophic (Fukushima, 2011). However, the majority of earthquakes that take place in Japan aren't particularly dangerous.
Tsunamis are natural hazards approaching from the sea. These are the consequences of underwater earthquakes that send a series of waves at high speed, which hit the coastline. When the tsunami occurs, you should attempt to be inland, on a high ground or inside a secure building.
Typhoons, also known as hurricanes in some other parts of the world, take place between June and October. These storms are the most powerful from August to early October in the port city of Osaka. However, the location of the metropolis offers shelter from these natural hazards.
Extensive flooding is also possible in this Japanese destination. These usually occur when tsunamis and typhoons reach the city.