From early to mid-July, Nagano Prefecture, like other areas of Honshu, experiences a rainy season called “Tsuyu”. Late July ushers in full-blown summer. In the basin areas such as Nagano City and Matsumoto City, the maximum temperature rises as in Tokyo. However, the mornings and evenings are slightly cooler. In the mountainous areas and highlands such as Kamikochi, Hakuba, and Karuizawa, the sun is relatively strong but the temperature is cooler, making these areas popular summer resorts.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Nagano Prefecture’s climate (year-round)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Weather in Nagano Pref. in early July
- Weather in Nagano Pref. in mid-July
- Weather in Nagano Pref. in late July
- Reference: Current weather and temperature in Nagano, forecast for the next 7 days
- Monthly weather in Nagano Pref.
- Weather in tourist destinations around Japan
Overview of Nagano Prefecture’s climate (year-round)
NAGANO, JAPAN – 17 July 2021: Kappa Bridge in Kamikoch. Nagano’s mountainous regions such as Kamikochi, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, and Karuizawa are very popular as summer retreats and tourist destinations = Shutterstock
In Nagano prefecture, there is a big difference in climate depending on the location such as mountainous areas and basins. So, first, let’s get an overview of the climate of Nagano prefecture throughout the year.
Mountainous areas are cold and snowy
In Nagano prefecture in the central region of Honshu, mountainous areas (Japanese Alps) with an altitude of 2,000 to 3,000 m are connected from north to south, and major cities such as Nagano City and Matsumoto City are located in the basin. Mountainous areas such as Hakuba, Kamikochi, and Shiga Kogen are cold and ideal as summer resorts, but in winter it is very cold and it snows a lot.
Basins have relatively little snow
On the other hand, in Nagano City, Matsumoto City, Suwa City, Iida City, etc., which are located in the basin, the maximum temperature is as high as in Tokyo during the daytime in summer, but it is cool in the morning and evening. It doesn’t snow as much as in the mountains in winter, but it’s colder than in Tokyo and Osaka.
Karuizawa does not get much snow in winter
Karuizawa, an hour away from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, is a popular highland resort area as a summer resort. However, Karuizawa has much less snow than Hakuba and Shiga Kogen. The entire area of Nagano has less rainfall than other areas such as Tokyo. The cherry blossoms bloom a little later than in Tokyo and after early April.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Nagano Prefecture in July?
In July, it is hot and humid in Nagano Prefecture, so summer clothes are preferable. Umbrellas are essential as there are many rainy days until the rainy season ends. In late July, it is hot during the daytime. However, in the mountainous areas and highlands, it is cooler and more comfortable than in Tokyo and Osaka, so a light jacket is a must. For more information on summer clothing, please refer to the article below.
Is July the best season for sightseeing in Nagano Prefecture?
July is the summer tourist season in Nagano Prefecture. Please note, however, that the rainy season continues in early and mid-July. The full-blown tourist season begins in late July. Make reservations for hotels and trains as early as possible.
Weather in Nagano Pref. in early July
| Average temperature Highest temperature (Lowest temperature) |
Total precipitation (Total snowfall depth) |
|
| Nagano City | 23.1℃ (73.6°F) 28.3℃ (82.9°F) 19.4 ℃ (66.9°F) |
52.9 mm (2.08 inch) – |
| Matsumoto | 23.2 ℃ (73.8°F) 28.8℃ (83.8°F) 19.0 ℃ (66.2°F) |
17.5 mm (2.23 inch) – |
| Hakuba | 20.4 ℃ (68.7°F) 25.6℃ (78.1°F) 16.8 ℃ (62.2°F) |
118.7 mm (4.67 inch) – |
| Karuizawa | 19.0 ℃ (66.2°F) 24.0℃ (75.2°F) 15.6 ℃ (60.1°F) |
72.7 mm (2.86 inch) – |
※ Source: All figures are the average for 30 years of 1991-2020 announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency
>> Click here for a [quick reference] converted from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Weather in Nagano Pref. in mid-July
komoro,nagano/Japan-13 July 2019- Crowds of people down Street during Festival Matsuri in komoro city = Shutterstock
July 13, 2018: A western family gathers around a Japanese vending machine in Nagano, Japan＝Shutterstock
| Average temperature Highest temperature (Lowest temperature) |
Total precipitation (Total snowfall depth) |
|
| Nagano City | 20.5℃ (68.9°F) 26.2℃ (79.2°F) 16.1 ℃ (61.0°F) |
35.3 mm (1.39 inch) – |
| Matsumoto | 20.2℃ (68.4°F) 26.3℃ (79.3°F) 15.4 ℃ (59.7°F) |
42.8 mm (1.69 inch) – |
| Hakuba | 17.7 ℃ (63.9°F) 23.6℃ (74.5°F) 13.3 ℃ (55.9°F) |
60.9 mm (2.40 inch) – |
| Karuizawa | 16.1 ℃ (61.0°F) 21.4℃ (70.5°F) 12.0 ℃ (53.6°F) |
64.4 mm (2.54 inch) – |
※Source: All figures are the average for 30 years of 1991-2020 announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency
Weather in Nagano Pref. in late July
Nagano, Japan. july 25, 2022. Entrance to Zenkoji Temple with two monks walking in the summer heat = Shutterstock
| Average temperature Highest temperature (Lowest temperature) |
Total precipitation (Total snowfall depth) |
|
| Nagano City | 21.6℃ (70.9°F) 26.9℃ (80.4°F) 17.8 ℃ (64.0°F) |
55.1 mm (2.17 inch) – |
| Matsumoto | 21.6 ℃ (70.9°F) 27.3℃ (81.1°F) 17.3 ℃ (63.1°F) |
38.9 mm (1.53 inch) – |
| Hakuba | 19.0 ℃ (66.2°F) 24.2℃ (75.6°F) 15.1 ℃ (59.2°F) |
19.0 mm (66.2 inch) – |
| Karuizawa | 17.5 ℃ (63.5°F) 22.3℃ (72.1°F) 14.0 ℃ (57.2°F) |
61.1 mm (2.41 inch) – |
※ Source: All figures are the average for 30 years of 1991-2020 announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency
Reference: Current weather and temperature in Nagano, forecast for the next 7 days
Monthly weather in Nagano Pref.
Below are articles about the weather in Nagano Prefecture. Click on the month of interest to see articles about that month.
| January | February | March |
| April | May | June |
| July | August | September |
| October | November | December |
Weather in tourist destinations around Japan
Below are pages showing the climates of various regions in Japan at the same time of the year.
| Tokyo | Osaka | Kyoto |
| Hokkaido | Sendai | Nagano |
| Nagoya | Hiroshima | Fukuoka |
| Okinawa |
Now, let’s plan to make your vacation in Japan the best experience ever!
