Nara Weather by Month: Average Temperature, Rain and Crowds

Quick answer

For mild temperatures of 18°C to 24°C and dry skies, visit Nara in April, May, October, or November. The wettest months are June and September, while August is the hottest with highs reaching 33°C. Avoid the first week of November and the last week of March if you want to bypass peak crowds at Todai-ji and Nara Park.

January

Expect crisp, cold days with highs of 9°C. While Nara rarely sees heavy snow, a light dusting on the roof of Todai-ji is possible. The air is dry, making it suitable for city walking if you wear a thermal base layer and a heavy coat. Crowds are thin after the New Year period (1-3 January). Visit the Kasuga Taisha shrine for Shinto ceremonies; the 45-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station is manageable in the cold as long as you have gloves.

February

Temperatures remain around 10°C. This is the best time for the Nara Tokae Lantern Festival (winter edition) and seeing plum blossoms at the Nara Park Manyo Botanical Garden. Entry is approximately ¥500 ($3.30). Wear layers, as the wind off the mountains can feel sharp. It is the driest month, making it excellent for photography of the free-roaming deer without the background of umbrellas.

March

Weather fluctuates wildly between 4°C and 14°C. The Omizutori (Sacred Water Drawing) ceremony occurs at Nigatsu-do from 1-14 March. It involves large torches being carried across the balcony; it is spectacular but requires standing outside in the cold for several hours. Late March marks the start of cherry blossom season. Wear a medium-weight jacket and waterproof shoes as rainfall increases to 110mm.

April

Average highs of 20°C make this the peak season for city walking and exploring the 1,200 deer in Nara Park. Cherry blossoms usually peak in the first week. Expect heavy foot traffic on Sanjo-dori. Planning should account for hotel price surges; a standard room near the station can rise from ¥12,000 ($80) to over ¥25,000 ($165). Light clothing with a light cardigan for evenings is sufficient.

May

With temperatures reaching 25°C, May is the premier month for hiking the Yamanobe-no-Michi trail, an 11km ancient path starting near Tenri Station. The humidity is still low, and the fresh greenery (shinryoku) is out. Avoid the Golden Week holiday (late April to early May) when local domestic travel makes trains extremely crowded. A t-shirt and light trousers are appropriate.

June

Tsuyu (rainy season) brings 210mm of rain and 72% humidity. While temples like Toshodai-ji look lush, walking between sites is difficult. The moss gardens at Isuien are at their most vibrant. Bring a sturdy umbrella and breathable waterproofs. Hiking trails become slippery and are not recommended this month. It is the cheapest time for accommodation, often under ¥10,000 ($66) for mid-range hotels.

July

Highs reach 32°C with high humidity. Outdoor activities should be limited to early mornings or late afternoons. Spend midday in the Nara National Museum (approx. ¥700 / $4.60) which is climate-controlled. Drink plenty of water; vending machines are every 200 metres in the town centre. Wear linen or moisture-wicking fabrics. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

August

Nara is hot and sticky at 33°C. The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival occurs in mid-August, where thousands of candles light up Nara Park after dusk. This is a good time for evening city walking. Daimonji Okuribi (bonfire) on Mount Takamado happens on 15 August. If you are hiking Mount Wakakusa, start at 6:00 am to avoid heatstroke. The entry fee is ¥150 ($1).

September

Rainfall peaks again at 190mm due to typhoon season. Check the Japan Meteorological Agency website for wind warnings. If a typhoon is approaching, Kintetsu and JR lines may suspend service between Nara and Kyoto or Osaka. Temperatures remain warm at 29°C. Planning should include indoor alternatives like the Kofuku-ji National Treasure Museum.

October

October is the best month for outdoor enthusiasts. Highs of 23°C and lower humidity are perfect for the 3.5km walk to the Kasuga Primeval Forest. The annual deer antler cutting ceremony (Shika-no-Tsunokiri) takes place at the Rokune-en enclosure. Wear comfortable walking shoes and light layers. Most days are sunny and clear.

November

Autumn foliage peaks in mid-to-late November. Highs drop to 17°C. The maples at Ukimido Pavilion are a primary draw. This is the busiest month for photography. You will need a sweater and a windbreaker. Book the limited express Aoniyoshi train (Nara to Kyoto/Osaka) weeks in advance, as it sells out during the leaf-peeping season. Expect large groups near Todai-ji's Nandaimon Gate.

December

Cold, dry air returns with highs of 12°C. The Onmatsuri festival at Kasuga Taisha (15-18 December) features traditional costumes and performances. It is an excellent month for budget travellers as crowds disappear and hotel rates drop significantly. Clear skies provide great views from the Nigatsu-do balcony. Wear a warm coat and thermal socks.

Common mistakes

• Not checking the rain forecast before walking the Yamanobe-no-Michi trail; parts are unpaved and turn to mud.
• Wearing heavy boots in July; the humidity makes your feet swell, so breathable trainers or walking sandals are better.
• Underestimating the time needed to walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station to the temples; it is a 20-minute uphill walk to Todai-ji.
• Forgetting that Mount Wakakusa is closed to hikers from mid-December to mid-March.
• Planning to see deer in the rain; they often retreat into the woods, leaving the main park areas empty.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner uses this monthly climate data to build your specific Nara itinerary. It calculates walking times between Kintetsu-Nara Station and Sarusawa Pond based on the month's average temperature, adjusts your budget for seasonal hotel price hikes, and suggests indoor galleries if your dates fall during the June rainy season. Check the official site for the most current event schedules before you go.

FAQ

What is the best month for cherry blossoms in Nara? Blossoms usually appear in the last week of March and peak during the first week of April. Saki-cho and Nara Park are the primary viewing spots.

Does it snow in Nara during winter? Snow is rare and usually light. It occurs most often in January and February but rarely stays on the ground for more than a day.

Is Nara too hot to visit in August? With highs of 33°C and 72% humidity, it is very uncomfortable for long walks. Plan for indoor activities between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.

When is the rainy season in Nara? Nara's rainy season typically runs from early June to mid-July, with another spike in rainfall during September's typhoon season.