Does It Snow in Yokohama? Winter Weather, Snowfall Data & Travel Tips
Does It Snow in Yokohama and Yokosuka?
The short answer: yes, but rarely, and almost never enough to matter. Both Yokohama and Yokosuka sit on Tokyo Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture, where the coastal position and relatively mild winters keep snowfall to a minimum. If you are planning a winter visit and wondering whether snow will affect your trip, the odds are strongly in your favor.
According to climate data from Weather Atlas, Yokosuka averages just 0.7 snow days per year with a total annual snowfall of only 17mm. Yokohama, located slightly north of Yokosuka, experiences similar conditions — a handful of snow days per winter at most, with accumulation that rarely exceeds a few centimeters before melting. For a broader look at Yokohama's year-round climate, see our complete Yokohama weather guide, and for the full Kanagawa weather overview.
Snowfall Data: How Often and How Much
Monthly Snowfall Breakdown
Snow in the Yokohama-Yokosuka area is concentrated in a narrow window. Based on historical climate data:
| Month | Avg Snowfall (Yokosuka) | Snow Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | ~4mm | 0.1 | Extremely rare |
| January | ~3mm | 0.1 | Occasional light flurries |
| February | ~10mm | 0.5 | Most likely month for snow |
| March | Trace | <0.1 | Almost never |
| April-November | 0mm | 0 | No snowfall |
February is the month with the highest chance of seeing snow, but even then, Yokosuka averages only 0.5 snow days — meaning snow falls in February roughly every other year. Yokohama's numbers are comparable, though the city occasionally sees slightly more accumulation due to its inland position relative to Yokosuka.
What Snow Actually Looks Like Here
When snow does fall in coastal Kanagawa, it is almost always light — 1 to 5cm (0.4-2 inches) of wet, heavy snow that melts within 24 hours. The kind of deep, persistent snow you see in Hokkaido or the Japan Alps simply does not happen here. On the rare occasions when Tokyo Bay area snow makes national news, it is precisely because it is so unusual.
The Japanese term sekissetsu (積雪) refers to accumulated snowfall depth. In Yokohama and Yokosuka, meaningful sekissetsu events — where snow actually stays on the ground — might happen once every few years.
Yokohama vs Yokosuka: Winter Weather Compared
Both cities share a similar coastal climate, but there are subtle differences:
| Yokohama | Yokosuka | |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Northern Tokyo Bay | Southern Kanagawa coast |
| January avg high | ~10°C (50°F) | 9.8°C (50°F) |
| January avg low | ~2-3°C (36-37°F) | 5.3°C (42°F) |
| Annual snow days | ~3-8 (varies by source) | 0.7 |
| Snow character | Light, wet, melts fast | Even lighter, melts faster |
Yokosuka is further south and more directly exposed to the moderating influence of the ocean, which keeps it slightly warmer in winter. According to Weather Spark, Yokosuka's winter lows rarely drop below 6°C (43°F). Yokohama sits slightly more inland and can see marginally colder overnight temperatures.
For practical purposes, neither city requires heavy winter gear. Standard cold-weather layers are sufficient for both.
How Snow Affects Winter Travel in Kanagawa
Train Disruptions: JR and Keikyu Lines
When snow does fall in the Yokohama-Yokosuka area, public transport is the main concern. JR Yokosuka Line and Keikyu Main Line services may experience brief delays during snow events, but outright cancellations are uncommon. Japanese rail operators are cautious — trains slow down in snow conditions even when accumulation is minimal.
If you are traveling during a snow event, check real-time service status through the JR East app or the Keikyu website. Most delays resolve within a few hours as snow melts. For more on checking weather conditions and planning around disruptions, see our Yokohama weather forecast tips.
Walking and Sightseeing in Winter
Winter sightseeing in Yokohama and Yokosuka is generally comfortable. December and February are among the driest months, averaging about 39mm of rainfall in Yokosuka — less than half of summer months. Clear, crisp winter days are common and can offer excellent visibility for views from spots like Yokohama's Landmark Tower or the Yokosuka waterfront.
The main concern is wind chill near the bay. Coastal areas can feel several degrees colder than the actual temperature, especially on windy days. A windproof outer layer makes a noticeable difference.
What to Pack for a Winter Visit
Yokohama and Yokosuka winters are mild by most standards — comparable to San Francisco or Sydney in winter, though with lower humidity.
- Outerwear: A medium-weight jacket or coat. Down or insulated options for comfort, but you do not need heavy arctic gear
- Layers: Long sleeves and a light sweater or fleece. Temperatures can swing 5-10°C between morning and afternoon
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Waterproof is helpful for occasional rain but snow boots are unnecessary
- Accessories: A scarf and light gloves for evening walks near the bay. A compact umbrella is always worth carrying in Japan
- What you can skip: Thermal underwear, heavy boots, snow chains, and anything you would pack for a ski trip
Winter temperatures in the area average highs of 9-15°C (48-59°F) and lows of 2-6°C (36-43°F). Indoor spaces including trains, shopping centers, and restaurants are well heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often does it snow in Yokohama?
- Yokohama averages a few snow days per year, concentrated in January and February. Accumulation rarely exceeds 1-5cm and typically melts within 24 hours. Yokosuka, further south on the coast, averages only 0.7 snow days annually with 17mm total snowfall per year.
- Will snow disrupt my train travel in Yokohama or Yokosuka?
- Rarely. When snow does fall, JR Yokosuka Line and Keikyu Main Line services may experience brief delays, but full cancellations are uncommon. Check real-time service status through the JR East app or Keikyu website on heavy snow days. Most delays resolve within a few hours.
- Do I need heavy winter gear for Yokohama in January?
- No. January highs average around 10°C (50°F) with lows around 2-5°C (36-41°F). Standard cold-weather layers — a warm jacket, scarf, and comfortable walking shoes — are sufficient. The key addition for coastal Kanagawa is a windproof outer layer for bay-area walks.
- Is Yokosuka colder or snowier than Yokohama?
- Yokosuka is actually slightly warmer, with winter lows rarely dropping below 6°C (43°F) thanks to its more southern coastal position. It averages only 0.7 snow days per year compared to Yokohama's slightly higher count. For practical travel purposes, winter conditions in both cities are very similar.