Gifu, located in central Japan and bordered by the Japanese Alps, experiences a humid subtropical climate with dramatic seasonal changes. Summers are hot, humid, and rainy, while winters are cold and can bring snow, especially in mountainous areas. The city enjoys distinct seasons, with spring and autumn offering mild, pleasant weather ideal for travel.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colors of the months:
The color shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the color is shows the travel season: full color means high season, soft color means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The gray info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Gifu’s climate features four distinct seasons, shaped by its inland location and proximity to the Japanese Alps. Summers (June–September) are hot and humid, with average highs reaching 32°C in August and lows around 23°C. The rainy season peaks in June and July, with July being the wettest month, averaging 285–338 mm of rainfall and high humidity above 80%. Typhoons may occasionally affect the region from late summer into early autumn, bringing intense but short-lived storms.
Winters (December–February) are cold, with average highs of 8–9°C in January and lows near 0°C. Snowfall is possible, particularly in the mountains, but the city itself sees only occasional snow. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are considered the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures (15–25°C), lower humidity, and abundant sunshine. Annual precipitation is high, with over 2,200 mm, and the region enjoys generous sunshine, peaking at nearly 300 hours in August. Daylight ranges from 10 hours in winter to 14 hours in summer, and winds are generally light, though stronger gusts can occur during storms or in mountain valleys.
Gifu’s climate supports lush greenery in summer, vibrant cherry blossoms in spring, and colorful foliage in autumn. The city’s weather is dynamic, offering a variety of experiences for travelers, from summer festivals to winter snow sports in the nearby Alps.
| Average climate data for Gifu, Japan | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°F) | 48 | 50 | 57 | 68 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 91 | 84 | 74 | 63 | 53 | 91 |
| Average minimum temperature (°F) | 33 | 33 | 39 | 49 | 58 | 66 | 73 | 76 | 69 | 57 | 46 | 37 | 33 |
| Average precipitation (inch) | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 72 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 128 |
| Average snowfall (inch) | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 18 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 9 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 25 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 67 | 64 | 60 | 60 | 66 | 72 | 73 | 69 | 72 | 66 | 68 | 68 | 67 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
The best times to visit Gifu are in spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November). These months offer mild temperatures, low humidity, and abundant sunshine, making them ideal for sightseeing, enjoying cherry blossoms or autumn foliage, and outdoor activities. Rainfall is moderate and weather conditions are generally stable.
The least favorable time to visit Gifu is during the rainy season in June and July, when humidity and rainfall are at their highest. Summer (July–August) can also be uncomfortably hot and humid, with occasional typhoons disrupting travel plans. Winter is less attractive for those seeking warm-weather activities, though it is ideal for snow sports.
Gifu’s average annual temperature is around 15–16°C. The coldest month is January (average high 8–9°C, low 0°C), while August is the hottest (average high 32°C, low 23°C).
Yes, Gifu receives over 2,200 mm of precipitation annually. The wettest months are June and July, with heavy rainfall during the rainy season. Winter months are much drier.
Snow is possible in Gifu, especially in the mountains, but the city itself sees only occasional snowfall. Winters are cold but generally dry, with most snow falling in January and February.
Cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to early April in Gifu. This is a popular time for visitors, with many parks and riverside areas hosting hanami (blossom viewing) events.
Typhoons can occasionally impact Gifu, especially from August to September. While direct hits are rare, travelers should monitor weather forecasts during this period for potential disruptions.
Pack light layers for spring and autumn, breathable clothing and rain gear for summer, and a warm jacket for winter. An umbrella is essential if visiting during the rainy season.
Gifu enjoys generous sunshine, with the sunniest months from April to September. August sees nearly 300 hours of sunshine, while winter months are cloudier but still have bright days.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (91.3 °F). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (48 °F). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 69.3 °F.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (75.8 °F). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (33 °F). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 52.9 °F.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is July (10.4 inch). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is December (2.3 inch). Over the whole year there are 72 inch of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is July (13.8 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is November (8.1 days). Over the whole year there are 127.6 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is January (7.4 inch). The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 inch). Over the whole year there are 18.1 inch of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is January (9.4 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are May, June, August and September (0 days). Over the whole year there are 24.6 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is July (73.5 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is April (60 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 67.1 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is April (Average sunshine: 6.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 5 h). Over the whole year there are 5.3 h of sunlight per day on average.
