Weather in Wakayama

Climate and Weather in Wakayama-shi, Japan

Wakayama-shi is a city located in the Kii Peninsula of Japan, and it experiences a humid subtropical climate. The region is known for its mild winters, hot and humid summers, and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Let's take a closer look at the climate and weather patterns in Wakayama-shi throughout the year.

Temperature

Wakayama-shi experiences four distinct seasons, with noticeable variations in temperature between them. The summer season, which lasts from June to September, is the hottest time of the year. During this period, temperatures can soar up to an average high of around 31°C (88°F). It is not uncommon for the mercury to rise above 35°C (95°F) on some days. The nights are also warm, with average lows around 23°C (73°F). Winter in Wakayama-shi, which spans from December to February, is relatively mild compared to other parts of Japan. The average high temperatures during this season range from 11°C to 14°C (52°F to 57°F), while the average lows hover between 2°C and 4°C (36°F to 39°F). Snowfall is rare in the city, but it is not uncommon to see frost on colder mornings. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons in Wakayama-shi, with pleasant temperatures. During the spring months of March to May, the average high temperatures range from 16°C to 21°C (61°F to 70°F), while the average lows range from 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F). Likewise, during autumn (September to November), the average high temperatures range from 21°C to 25°C (70°F to 77°F), with average lows ranging from 13°C to 17°C (55°F to 63°F).

Precipitation

Wakayama-shi experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being June and September. The city receives an average annual precipitation of around 2,000 to 2,500 millimeters (79 to 98 inches). The rainy season, known as "Tsuyu" in Japanese, typically occurs in June, bringing heavy showers and high humidity. The summer months of July and August also see a fair amount of rainfall, mainly due to the influence of typhoons that can affect the region. These tropical cyclones can bring strong winds and intense rainfall to Wakayama-shi and other parts of Japan. During the winter months, the precipitation in Wakayama-shi is relatively lower compared to other seasons, but it still receives moderate rainfall. Snowfall is rare, and when it does occur, it is usually light and melts quickly.

Sunshine Hours

Wakayama-shi enjoys a reasonable amount of sunshine throughout the year, with an annual average of around 1,800 to 2,000 hours. The sunniest months are typically during spring and autumn when the weather is generally pleasant. During the summer months, the city experiences longer daylight hours, but it is often accompanied by cloud cover due to the high humidity and frequent rainfall.

Wind

Wakayama-shi experiences relatively calm winds throughout the year, with occasional gusts during typhoon events. The prevailing winds in the region are influenced by the surrounding topography and the movement of weather systems. During the summer months, sea breezes can provide some relief from the heat and humidity.

Conclusion

Wakayama-shi, Japan, has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall throughout the year. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with the summer season being the hottest and the winter season being relatively mild. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months being June and September. Despite the rainfall, Wakayama-shi enjoys a reasonable amount of sunshine, and the region experiences relatively calm winds, except during typhoon events. Whether you visit during the cherry blossom season in spring or enjoy the autumn foliage, Wakayama-shi offers a diverse climate and weather experience throughout the year. Sources: - Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) - Weather Atlas - World Weather Online