January · Japan
Best time to visit Kanazawa in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Kanazawa in January
Average temperature 3°C, 191 mm of rain, about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 75% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
4.4/10
Ranked #11 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 3°C
- Rainfall
- 191 mm
- Humidity
- 75%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 19
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
January in Kanazawa scores 4.4/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #11 of 12. Expect around 3°C, 191 mm of rain, and roughly 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Kanazawa preserves a castle town's geography, with Kenrokuen garden, the Higashi Chaya teahouse district, and the Nagamachi samurai lanes intact.
January in Kanazawa: expect compromises
At 3°C (38°F) this is proper winter weather in January: layer up and split the day between outdoor highlights and indoor stops.
191 mm of rain signals a properly wet month, with only about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine to count on — build indoor options into the schedule.
That is 4.4/10 on the same scale — 11th of 12 months, versus 7.1/10 for the best month here.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Budget for low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, May is materially better in Kanazawa — 2.7 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Kanazawa in January?
- In January, Kanazawa averages 3°C, 191 mm of rain, and about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.4/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Kanazawa?
- January earns a 4.4/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Kanazawa in January?
- Expect about 191 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 75% and there are about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Kanazawa
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Kanazawa
Kanazawa, Japan. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.