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When to go · Nagano

Nagano in January

Good month. Outside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Cold, dry and clear in the cities after 3 Jan; ski season in Hokkaidō and the Alps.

Key facts

Verdict
Good
Temperature
4°C (39°F) / −4°C (25°F)
average high / low
Rain days
12
Crowds
Low
Japan overall
Prices
Low
Japan overall

Verdict

GoodJapan month rating

Outside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Cold, dry and clear in the cities after 3 Jan; ski season in Hokkaidō and the Alps.

Is another month better than January?

January is rated good. These months rate higher:

Weather in January

Long-term averages
  • NaganoHighs around 4 °C (39 °F), lows around -4 °C (25 °F), rain on about 12 days

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

  • New Year (Shōgatsu) big impact

    29 Dec – 3 Jan · Japan

    Shops, museums and many restaurants close; shrines packed on 1–3 Jan; trains full on 29–30 Dec and 2–3 Jan.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Japan overall
Low
Prices · Japan overall
Low

Japan overall: Cold, dry and clear in the cities after 3 Jan; ski season in Hokkaidō and the Alps.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Nagano, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Jan: Good

    Apr: Great (better)

  • Daytime high

    Jan: 4 °C (39 °F)

    Apr: 17 °C (63 °F)

  • Night low

    Jan: -4 °C (25 °F)

    Apr: 5 °C (41 °F)

  • Rain days

    Jan: 12

    Apr: 10 (better)

  • Crowds

    Jan: Low

    Apr: High

  • Prices

    Jan: Low

    Apr: High

  • Festivals listed

    Jan: 1

    Apr: 2

January: Outside the best window (Apr–May, Oct–Nov). Across Japan: Cold, dry and clear in the cities after 3 Jan; ski season in Hokkaidō and the Alps.

April: Inside Nagano's best window: Apr–May, Oct–Nov.

Nagano: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Japan in January →