What to Wear in Fukui: Seasonal Weather Guide and Travel Tips for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Characteristics of Fukui's Climate

Fukui Prefecture belongs to the climate on the Sea of ​​Nihon Sea side, and is characterized by heavy snowfall and cold winters, and hot, humid and muggy summers. According to the 2024 data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average annual temperature in Fukui City is 14.6°C, the annual precipitation is around 2,500 mm, and there is a lot of snowfall especially from December to February.

Monthly temperatures and clothing guidelines

Here is a guide to temperatures and clothing recommended for January through December.
The standard is Fukui Prefecture Fukui City Prefecture. The snowfall will be heavier along the mountains, and the temperature will be colder. Also, the wind will be stronger along the coast, so the temperature will feel lower. Please use this as a reference.

January to March | Bitterly cold winter. Be sure to take precautions against the cold.

January Average temperature: 4.6℃ (Maximum 8.5℃ / Minimum 1.2℃)

February Average temperature: 6.1℃ (Maximum 10.4℃ / Minimum 2.7℃)

March Average temperature: 7.1℃ (Maximum 11.6℃ / Minimum 3.2℃)

Snow often accumulates during this time of year, so cold weather items such as snow boots, gloves, a thick coat, and a knit hat are essential. Heattech innerwear and non-slip shoes are also recommended. Katsuyama City , where Ski Jam Katsuyama and the Dinosaur Museum are located, receives a lot of snow from January to February, and the snowy scenery spreads across the land.

Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama

911-0000 Fukui Prefecture , Katsuyama City, 170-70 Ski Jam Katsuyama

This hotel is attractive for its magnificent view of the Hakusan mountain range. Located at the front of the Ski Jam Katsuyama, you can enjoy the pure white snow world in winter, and mountain biking, Segway riding, barbecues, and other outdoor activities throughout the seasons from spring to autumn. The large Sasayuri hot spring bath is famous for its beauty-enhancing waters, and the sunset view from the open-air bath is a must-see. It is also conveniently located about 10 minutes by car from the Dinosaur Museum.

Hotels near Hotel Harvest Ski Jam Katsuyama

Hotel Harvest Skijam Katsuyama

Fukui Prefecture > Katsuyama

4.1 /5

Very Good

12 reviews

$114～

Skijam Katsuyama

170-70 Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-0000

Skijam Katsuyama is the largest snow resort in western Japan. The longest running distance is about 5,800m! The slopes consist of three areas for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, and there is also a kids park. There are plenty of activities that you can enjoy not only during the winter season, but throughout the year. Segway experience, cycling, park golf, paragliding, etc. After playing to your heart's content, please soothe your tired body in the large hot spring bath "Sasayuri". The magnificent view from the open-air bath will make you feel refreshed.

Hotels near Skijam Katsuyama

Hotel Harvest Skijam Katsuyama

Fukui Prefecture > Katsuyama

4.1 /5

Very Good

12 reviews

$114～

April to June | From cherry blossoms to fresh greenery. Stay comfortable in spring-like clothing

April Average temperature: 15.8℃ (Maximum 21.3℃ / Minimum 10.9℃)

May Average temperature: 18.4℃ (Maximum 23.7℃ / Minimum 13.3℃)

June Average temperature: 23.6℃ (Maximum 28.6℃ / Minimum 19.4℃)

Early April is cherry blossom season. If you go out to see the cherry blossoms or tour the area, it can still be chilly outside, so you'll need a light coat or cardigan. From May onwards, it can get hot during the day, so a long-sleeved shirt with a light jacket is just right, and in June it's a good idea to bring a folding umbrella and water-repellent shoes in preparation for the rainy season. During this period, from May to July, Heisenji Hakusan Shrine in Katsuyama is at its best. Cherry blossoms are also at their best in various parts of Fukui Prefecture from late March to mid-April, and Benten Sakura is especially recommended.

Bentenzakura

〒911-0805 Tachikawa Town, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

About 450 Somei Yoshino cherry trees stretch for about 1.5 km on the right bank of the Kuzuryu River, and are called Hitome Senbon.

Heisenji Hakusan Shrine

56 Heisenji, Heisenjicho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture 911-0822

"Heisenji" is a base temple for worshiping Hakusan, located at the entrance to the Echizen side of the sacred Mt. Hakusan (altitude 2,702m). In the Middle Ages, it became one of the most influential in the Hokuriku region, and it is said that there were dozens of temples and shrines and thousands of temples in the precincts, which were much larger than the current Hakusan Shrine. However, in the 2nd year of Tensho (1574), the whole mountain was destroyed by fire during the battle against the Ikko Ikki, and most of the things that tell of the past have been lost. However, a full-scale excavation survey that began in 1989 revealed that the remains of the former precincts remain splendidly. The full picture of Heisenji in its glory in the Middle Ages is now being revealed little by little.

July to September | Hot and humid summer. Don't forget to take precautions against heatstroke

July Average temperature: 27.8℃ (Maximum 32.3℃ / Minimum 24.3℃)

August Average temperature: 29.1℃ (Maximum 33.8℃ / Minimum 25.5℃)

September Average temperature: 27.1℃ (Maximum 32.2℃ / Minimum 23.4℃)

In midsummer, it is basic to wear breathable clothing such as short sleeves, shorts, and sandals. August can be particularly hot, so sunscreen, a hat, and hydration are essential. Bring a light jacket to protect yourself from the air conditioning. Since it is summer vacation, the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is a popular place to visit. It is popular with families, and the air-conditioned interior is cool. Katsuyama's specialty products, Katsuyama Salmon and Kuzuryu River Katsuyama Ayu, are also in season.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

911-8601 51-11 Terao, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture is known nationwide as a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils. Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world's leading dinosaur museums. The vast, immersive space is filled with exhibits of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, specimens, dioramas, reconstructed models, and more, allowing you to see impressive dinosaurs up close. The area surrounding the museum is also full of experiences such as fossil excavations and play equipment, making it an area that the whole family can enjoy. The Dinosaur Tower, which reopened in July 2023 and appeared in the new small egg hall, is a must-see. In the atrium of the new building, there is a 13m-tall monument called the Dinosaur Tower, which features five species of dinosaurs and one species of bird discovered in Fukui. In addition, the facility has been upgraded to be a facility that can be enjoyed in all seasons, including the impressive ``3-sided Dino Theater'' and the ``Fossil Research Experience'' .

Katsuyama Dino Park

911-0023 Fukui Prefecture, Katsuyama City, Muraoka-cho Terao 51-11 Kat...

Located within Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest, this is a leisure land with a dinosaur theme.

October to December | Autumn leaves and winter preparations. Dress in layers to regulate your body temperature

October Average temperature: 19.7℃ (Maximum 24.7℃ / Minimum 15.8℃)

November Average temperature: 12.5℃ (Maximum 17.4℃ / Minimum 8.5℃)

December Average temperature: 5.4℃ (Maximum 8.7℃ / Minimum 2.9℃)

In October, long-sleeved shirts and light jackets are comfortable, but from November onwards thick outerwear and knitwear will be required. In December, the cold weather hits in earnest, and the first snowfall and snow accumulation can be seen in Katsuyama City.

Recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves are the Echizen Great Buddha（Echizen Daibutsu)(Daishizan Seidaiji temple) from mid-October to mid-November, and the area around Lake Kuzuryu from late October to early November.

Daishizan Seidaiji temple Echizen Great Buddha

911-0811 50-1-1 Katase , Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture

The model for the Great Buddha is a seated statue in the Longmen Grottoes on the outskirts of Luoyang, Henan, China, the origin of Buddhism. It is 17 meters tall. It is larger than the Nara Great Buddha (16.2 meters in documents, 14.98 meters in actual measurement). In addition, the halo is 23 meters, and the 3-meter lotus pedestal is placed on a 2-meter stone base, making the total height 28 meters. While the Nara Great Buddha is stocky, the Echizen Great Buddha is characterized by its slender and gentle face and neck. It is made of copper, with a total weight of 200 tons. In addition, 1,281 stone and gold Buddhas are enshrined on the three walls on the left, right, and back of the Great Buddha, and two arhat statues (10.3 meters) and two bodhisattva statues (11.2 meters) are enshrined on each side of the Great Buddha as attendant Buddhas.

FAQ

How cold is winter in Fukui?

Although it depends on the region, in the north and mountainous areas (e.g. Katsuyama City), there are many days when the temperature drops below freezing and there is a lot of snow. Cold weather gear and non-slip shoes are essential. Highly insulating outerwear and jackets are also essential.

Is Fukui hot in the summer?

The humidity is unique to the Nihon Sea coast. There are also extremely hot days, so please take adequate measures against heatstroke and sunburn. It is a good idea to bring a hat, drinks, a portable fan, and cooling materials.

What is the best season to visit?

Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are recommended as the weather is mild, but December-February are also attractive for enjoying the snowy scenery and skiing in winter.

summary

Fukui Prefecture has four distinct seasons, and each season offers different ways to enjoy it. When traveling, be sure to prepare appropriate clothing and belongings according to the temperature and weather, and enjoy a comfortable trip to Fukui.