May · Japan
Best time to visit Matsumoto in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Matsumoto in May
Average temperature 13°C, 157 mm of rain, about 24 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 75% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
6.7/10
Ranked #1 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 13°C
- Rainfall
- 157 mm
- Humidity
- 75%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 24
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
May in Matsumoto scores 6.7/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - the single best month of the year. Expect around 13°C, 157 mm of rain, and roughly 24 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Matsumoto's black-walled castle and the Japanese Alps make it a gateway to the northern highlands.
May in Matsumoto tops the year's climate scores
Temperatures hover around 13°C (55°F) — the kind of month where neither heat nor cold forces the schedule.
157 mm of rain makes this a wet month here, though with about 24 days with 6+ hours of sunshine there is still bright weather between the fronts.
On our climate-comfort scale this is the top-ranked month of the year for Matsumoto at 6.7/10 — the reference point every other month on this page is measured against.
Pack layers you can shed by midday plus one warm layer for the evening, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Expect peak pricing, and crowds are moderate. You are paying the year's highest rates for the year's best conditions — book early or shift a few weeks either side.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Matsumoto in May?
- In May, Matsumoto averages 13°C, 157 mm of rain, and about 24 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 6.7/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Matsumoto?
- May earns a 6.7/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Matsumoto in May?
- Expect about 157 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 75% and there are about 24 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Matsumoto
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Matsumoto
Matsumoto, Japan. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.