Climate & Weather in Fukuoka

Post date: Tuesday, June 6, 2017

For foreign expats moving to Fukuoka City from overseas countries as well as ones moving to the city from other areas in Japan, we here provide the guidance on Fukuoka weather.  It will make us happy if it can help you to prepare for your seasonal clothing and more for your life in Japan.

Fukuoka City, like most of the rest of the world, has a fair amount of seasonal variation in its weather patterns.  Although the city faces Japan Sea, the climate of the city is classified in that of the Pacific coast side representing warm climate all year round with high precipitation in the summer and low in the winter. In the winter season, it is warm under the influence of Tsushima Current (warm current) flowing through the Sea of Genkai. But the climate sometimes shows the characteristic of that of Japan Sea side such as few daylight hours in the winter.  For the most part, the weather is fairly mild and generally quite pleasant though there is a typhoon (also known as a hurricane or tropical cyclone) season that runs from May to December when the weather can get very bad, very quickly if a storm is passing by.

Rainfall Level & Average Temperature in Fukuoka (2019)

The below is the Rainfall Level and Average Temperature in Fukuoka City. Rainfall is more frequent from March through October, during which includes Rainy Season in June-July and Typhoon peak season in August-September in the city. As the city lies on low latitudes and faces the bay, it has severe heat regardless of night and day in the summer and high humidity throughout four seasons under the influence of wet sea breeze.

  Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Rainfall Level (mm) 54.5 41.5 99.5 103 42 94 295.5 497 136 136.5 29 80
Max.Temp ( °C) 11.7 13.3 16.1 19.8 26.4 27.8 29.9 31.9 29.9 24.4 19.4 14.1
Ave.Temp ( °C) 8 9.4 11.9 15.4 21.1 23.4 26.4 28 25.9 20.5 14.9 10.3
Min.Temp ( °C) 4.4 6.3 8.3 11.9 16.7 20.2 24 25.2 23 17.3 11 6.9

Average Temperature & Humidity in Fukuoka (2019)

  Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Ave.Temp ( °C) 8 9.4 11.9 15.4 21.1 23.4 26.4 28 25.9 20.5 14.9 10.3
Ave.Temp ( °F) 46.4 48.92 53.42 59.72 69.98 74.12 79.52 82.4 78.62 68.9 58.82 50.54
Humidity (%) 65 65 63 67 58 74 81 76 76 73 68 68

It has been really unlike the average data for these past several years that the days of intense heat and the highest temperature more than 35 degree continue in summer due to global warming and heat island effects, and so we cannot spend a day without air conditioner. Fukuoka summer has one of the most remarkable heat island effect observed as well as one of the highest discomfort index and heat index calculated due to high humidity under the influence of wet sea breeze. So careful attention and preparation is necessary for preventing heat strokes.

Seasonal Clothing (for Sendai & Vicinity)

  • Spring (Mar. - May.): Topcoat, jacket, sweater
  • Summer (Jun. - Aug.): Light clothing, short sleeves
  • Autumn (Sep. - Nov.): same as Spring
  • Winter (Dec. - Feb.): Down jacket, wool coat, warm sweater, scarf, gloves

The best times to visit are April-May, for the well-known blooming of cherry blossoms with pleasant climate, and October-November for autumn leaves changing and enjoyable climate. It can get hot and extremely muggy in July-August. Winter seldom brings snow and only a few days per year the temperatures drop below freezing. It is also helpful for you to see Seasonal Clothing idea above.

The Weather in Fukuoka and Advice for Every Season

Fukuoka City is a big city and most people get around using public transit, bikes, or their feet. Here are a few tips & tricks to make surviving close encounters with Mother Nature a little easier:

■ Precipitation:

Always check the forecast before you leave for the day and pack an umbrella if rain is predicted.

It's no fun being caught in a downpour and waiting under the corner of a ramen shop's roof waiting for the rain to pass.

o Pro tip: If weather forecasts aren't to your liking, stick your head outside before you leave for the day and see if others are carrying umbrellas and follow their lead. If you do get stuck in the wet, you can always duck into the nearest convenience store for a cheap umbrella—they're everywhere!

■ Heat:

It can get quite hot in Fukuoka City so dress accordingly. The city is a concrete jungle that displays the "heat island" effect common in big metropolitan areas.

o Pro tip: If you're going to work, check and see if your office follows a "cool biz" dress code which is a set of comparatively relaxed dress guidelines encouraged by the Japanese government to help make life more comfortable for office-workers in the summer.