Kanagawa Prefecture Weather: Yokohama Climate, Seasons & Travel Tips

Kanagawa Prefecture Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Kanagawa Prefecture — home to Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone — has a temperate climate similar to Tokyo but with some notable differences. The coastal areas around Yokohama and Kamakura are slightly milder in winter and breezier in summer. Hakone's mountain elevation means cooler temperatures year-round and more precipitation.

This guide covers what to pack and when to visit based on Kanagawa's seasonal weather patterns.

Month-by-Month Overview

Month	Avg Temp	Rain	Notes
Jan	5°C	Low	Cold, clear; good for shrine visits
Feb	6°C	Low	Coldest month; plum blossoms begin
Mar	9°C	Moderate	Cherry blossoms late March
Apr	14°C	Moderate	Cherry blossom peak; pleasant
May	18°C	Moderate	Warm, pre-rainy season; ideal
Jun	22°C	High	Tsuyu rainy season begins
Jul	26°C	High	Hot, humid; rainy season ends late July
Aug	28°C	Moderate	Peak summer heat; beach season
Sep	24°C	Moderate	Still warm; typhoon risk
Oct	18°C	Moderate	Comfortable; autumn foliage begins
Nov	13°C	Low	Autumn foliage peak in Hakone
Dec	8°C	Low	Cool, clear; holiday illuminations

Temperatures are approximate averages for the Yokohama area. Hakone runs 5-8°C cooler.

Best Seasons to Visit Kanagawa

Spring (March-May): Cherry Blossoms and Mild Days

Spring is Kanagawa's most popular season. Cherry blossoms peak in late March to early April — Kamakura's temples and Yokohama's parks offer excellent viewing with fewer crowds than Tokyo. May is warm, dry, and arguably the best single month for visiting.

Summer (June-August): Heat, Rain, then Beach

June brings the tsuyu rainy season — expect frequent rain and high humidity. The rainy season ends in mid-to-late July, giving way to hot, sunny beach weather. Zushi and Kamakura beaches open for swimming. Yokohama's bay breezes help slightly but summer is genuinely hot.

Autumn (September-November): Foliage and Comfortable Temps

September retains summer warmth with typhoon risk. October-November is excellent — comfortable temperatures, autumn foliage in Hakone (peak November), and clear skies. Hakone is at its most scenic during fall colors.

Winter (December-February): Cold but Clear

Winters are cold but dry with clear skies. Yokohama's waterfront illuminations (November-February) and Hakone's onsen make winter visits rewarding. Snow is rare in coastal areas but Hakone occasionally gets light snow.

Hakone vs Coastal Weather Differences

Hakone sits at 600-800m elevation and is consistently 5-8°C cooler than Yokohama. It also receives more rain and fog. Pack warmer layers for Hakone even in summer — evenings get cool. In winter, expect near-freezing temperatures and occasional frost.

Coastal Kanagawa (Yokohama, Kamakura, Enoshima) benefits from the moderating effect of the Pacific Ocean — milder winters and slightly cooler summers compared to inland Tokyo.

What to Pack by Season

• Spring: Light jacket, rain gear for April showers, comfortable walking shoes
• Summer: Light, breathable clothing; umbrella for tsuyu; sunscreen for beach
• Autumn: Layers; light jacket for evenings; warmer coat for late November Hakone
• Winter: Warm coat, scarf, gloves; extra layers for Hakone; waterproof shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Kanagawa?

May — warm, dry, and comfortable before the rainy season. Late March to early April for cherry blossoms. November for Hakone autumn foliage. Each offers a different but excellent experience.

Does it snow in Yokohama?

Rarely. Light snowfall occurs 1-2 times per winter but rarely accumulates. Hakone gets occasional snow at elevation. Coastal areas almost never see significant snow.

When is rainy season in Kanagawa?

Tsuyu typically runs from early June to mid-July. Expect frequent rain and high humidity. The rest of summer (late July-August) is hot and sunny.

What is the typhoon risk?

Typhoons can affect Kanagawa from August through October, with September being peak risk. They bring heavy rain and wind but are usually tracked well in advance. Check Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts.