Climate Overview
The climate in Niigata is temperate. The average annual temperature is 15°C and approximately 1849mm of precipitation falls per year. Niigata receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Niigata is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, July, September. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 3°C. Snowfall occurs from January to December, with around 70cm accumulating over the season.
Temperature
Temperatures in Niigata vary considerably across the year, with a 26°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is August, when average highs reach 29°C and the mean temperature sits around 27°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 3°C and an average of 5°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 4°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between September and October, with a 6°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Niigata is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1849mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 154mm per month. The wettest month is December, averaging 224mm of rainfall. July and January also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is May, with just 104mm. That's 120mm less than December, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around. Snowfall is a regular feature from January to December, with around 70cm accumulating over the season. January typically sees the most snow at around 37cm.
Wind
Niigata is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 25km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 33km/h, which can feel quite blustery and may affect outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in July, with average winds dropping to 18km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 15km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 32km/h in winter, 24km/h in spring, 19km/h in summer, 25km/h in autumn.
Seasons
89 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Niigata, which began on March 20, 2026. Niigata is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in August at around 29°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 3°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 6 to 19°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 319mm across the season with a monthly average of 106mm. Winds are moderate at around 24km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 19 to 29°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 524mm across the season with a monthly average of 175mm. Winds are moderate at around 19km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 11 to 26°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 476mm across the season with a monthly average of 159mm. Winds are moderate at around 25km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 3 to 9°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 529mm across the season with a monthly average of 176mm. Expect around 67cm of snow accumulation during this period. Winds are strong, averaging 32km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Niigata based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.