Japan Kanazawa Weather in May — Climate Guide
May in Kanazawa is high
Kanazawa Weather in May — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 23° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 160mm · 13 days
- Crowds
- Very busy
As of 2026, Kanazawa in May averages a high of 23°C and low of 13°C with 160mm of rain over about 13 days. Early summer begins. Around 23°C/13°C. Short sleeves or a thin shirt + a light cardigan for mornings/evenings. UV 7 — sunglasses, a hat, SPF 30+.
May is high for Kanazawa.
May in Kanazawa is a top season around Japanese Golden Week. It averages 23°C/13°C with 160mm of rainfall.
The May signature is fresh greenery and Golden Week. Shirakawa-go and the Noto Peninsula are recommended for their greenery — gassho-zukuri, green mountains, and rivers. November foliage, Jan-Feb illuminations, and May greenery are Shirakawa-go's three great seasons. Prices hit yearly peaks over the holidays.
Travel score
Kanazawa May Weather Stats
Avg High
23°C
Avg Low
13°C
Rainy Days
13
160mm total
Sunshine
6h
Daily avg
Humidity
65%
comfortable
UV Index
7
High
Wind
10 km/h
Gusts 20
Crowds
Very busy
At attractions
May Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
20 μg/m³
PM10
36 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
23°C
Nighttime
13°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
10 km/h
Max gust 20 km/h
Activities Recommended for May
May Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Golden Week — a top season
- Recommended greenery in Shirakawa-go & the Noto Peninsula
- Noto Peninsula + Kagaya ryokan season
- Tokyo-in Shinkansen loop
Cons
- Yearly-peak prices over Golden Week
- Largest crowds of the year at attractions
- Slightly higher rainfall + June rainy season nears
- Book 6 months ahead
May Events & Festivals
- Japanese Golden Week (Apr 29-May 5) — surge of domestic travelers
- Children's Day (May 5) — public holiday
- Late-May fresh-greenery season (Shirakawa-go, Noto Peninsula)
- Noto Peninsula Kiriko festivals approach (Jul-Oct)
Kanazawa in May — Full Picture
May in Kanazawa is a top season around Japanese Golden Week. It averages 23°C/13°C with 160mm of rainfall.
The May signature is fresh greenery and Golden Week. Shirakawa-go and the Noto Peninsula are recommended for their greenery — gassho-zukuri, green mountains, and rivers. November foliage, Jan-Feb illuminations, and May greenery are Shirakawa-go's three great seasons. Prices hit yearly peaks over the holidays.
4-star hotels run ¥25,000-40,000; book 6 months ahead. Shirakawa-go gassho-zukuri farmhouses sell out 3-6 months ahead, and Kagaya ryokan 6 months ahead, around peak periods. The Tokyo-in Shinkansen loop also hits yearly peaks.
Late May (after Golden Week) is a value window — 30-40% cheaper with greenery intact. Rainfall is slightly higher but outdoor plans are fine.
From late May the June rainy season approaches, raising rainfall. The Noto Peninsula is appealing for May-June greenery, with the Jul-Oct Kiriko festival season ahead.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Early summer begins. Around 23°C/13°C. Short sleeves or a thin shirt + a light cardigan for mornings/evenings. UV 7 — sunglasses, a hat, SPF 30+.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
Current17.7°C
8°C
14.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.3°C
21.3°C
13.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
22°C
14°C
14/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
8°C
1°C
21.7/mo
Kanazawa Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7° | 0° | 24d·270mm | 2.5h | 75% | 1 | Moderate | Peak | |
| 7° | 0° | 19d·175mm | 3h | 75% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 12° | 3° | 17d·175mm | 4h | 70% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| April (Best) | 18° | 8° | 14d·165mm | 5.5h | 65% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| 23° | 13° | 13d·160mm | 6h | 65% | 7 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 26° | 18° | 15d·195mm | 4.5h | 75% | 8 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 30° | 22° | 14d·235mm | 5h | 75% | 9 | Busy | Peak | |
| 32° | 24° | 11d·145mm | 7h | 70% | 10 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 28° | 21° | 13d·220mm | 5.5h | 70% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 22° | 13° | 12d·165mm | 5.5h | 65% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| November (Best) | 16° | 8° | 17d·245mm | 3.5h | 70% | 3 | Very busy | Peak |
| 10° | 3° | 22d·285mm | 2.5h | 75% | 1 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Kanazawa May Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Kanazawa?
Kanazawa in May is high. Tourist crowds are very busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Kanazawa in May?
Kanazawa May averages a high of 23°C and a low of 13°C.
Does it rain much in Kanazawa in May?
Kanazawa May averages 160mm of rainfall over about 13 rainy days.
What should I wear in Kanazawa in May?
Early summer begins. Around 23°C/13°C. Short sleeves or a thin shirt + a light cardigan for mornings/evenings. UV 7 — sunglasses, a hat, SPF 30+.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Kanazawa in May?
Kanazawa May sunrise is 04:45 and sunset is 18:55, with 14h 10min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Kanazawa in May?
Kanazawa May air quality (AQI) averages 50, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 20μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Kanazawa in May?
In May, Kanazawa is great for Recommended greenery in Shirakawa-go & the Noto Peninsula, Kagaya ryokan with two meals, Tokyo-in Shinkansen loop.
Is May peak season in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa May crowds are very busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Kanazawa
View Other Months
Planning a May trip to Kanazawa?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.