When to go · Matsushima
Matsushima, month by month
The best months for Matsushima: Apr, May, Oct, Nov. Months to avoid: Jan, Feb.
Month by month
- JanuaryAvoidListed as a month to avoid: Jan–Feb (cold, some boats cut), Golden Week and Obon crowds.6 °C / -2 °C, 8 rain days43 °F / 28 °F, 8 rain daysCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- FebruaryAvoidListed as a month to avoid: Jan–Feb (cold, some boats cut), Golden Week and Obon crowds.7 °C / -2 °C, 7 rain days45 °F / 28 °F, 7 rain daysCrowds: Low
- MarchGoodOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Blossom arrives late in the month: prices jump, book early.11 °C / 0 °C, 9 rain days52 °F / 32 °F, 9 rain daysCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- AprilGreatInside Matsushima's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.17 °C / 5 °C, 9 rain days63 °F / 41 °F, 9 rain daysCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
- MayGreatInside Matsushima's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.21 °C / 11 °C, 10 rain days70 °F / 52 °F, 10 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- JuneMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Rainy season in Honshū: grey, humid, fewer tourists; Hokkaidō is at its best.24 °C / 15 °C, 12 rain days75 °F / 59 °F, 12 rain daysCrowds: Low
- JulyMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Rain ends mid-month then the heat begins; festivals everywhere.27 °C / 19 °C, 14 rain days81 °F / 66 °F, 14 rain daysCrowds: Medium
- AugustMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.29 °C / 21 °C, 12 rain days84 °F / 70 °F, 12 rain daysCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- SeptemberMixedOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Still hot; typhoon peak can cancel flights and ferries for a day or two.25 °C / 17 °C, 12 rain days77 °F / 63 °F, 12 rain daysCrowds: Medium
- OctoberGreatInside Matsushima's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.20 °C / 10 °C, 9 rain days68 °F / 50 °F, 9 rain daysCrowds: Medium
- NovemberGreatInside Matsushima's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.14 °C / 4 °C, 8 rain days57 °F / 39 °F, 8 rain daysCrowds: High
- DecemberGoodOutside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Cold and clear until the New Year shutdown from 29 Dec.9 °C / 0 °C, 8 rain days48 °F / 32 °F, 8 rain daysCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday