Many people who are going to Japan’s southernmost main island want to know when the best time to visit Kyushu is. Kyushu is a place that changes with the seasons. It has a subtropical climate, beautiful volcanic landscapes, hot springs, beautiful beaches, and lively cultural festivals. Some places are best to visit in just one month, but Kyushu is great all year round.
This guide breaks down Kyushu’s weather, festivals, and one-of-a-kind experiences by month so you can pick the best time to go. Kyushu has something to offer all year long. You can see cherry blossoms in the spring, fireworks in the summer, fall leaves in the fall, and hot springs in the winter.
Why Timing Is Important in Kyushu
The geography of Kyushu has a big effect on its climate and the best times of year to visit. The island has different weather patterns in different parts of it. For example:
- Mount Aso is a mountain.
- Nagasaki and Kagoshima are coastal areas.
- Yakushima and Amami Oshima are subtropical islands.
The south is usually warmer and more humid, while the north has colder winters.
The difference between the following can be made by planning your trip well:
- In March, walking under cherry blossoms in Fukuoka
- In the summer, watching amazing fireworks in Hakata
- In the fall, you can see beautiful red maple leaves in Oita
- In the winter, you can soak in hot springs in snowy villages like Beppu
A Guide to Kyushu by Month
The following is a full month-by-month guide to help you choose the best time to go to Kyushu based on what you like.
January: Peaceful Winter and Hot Springs
- Weather: Temperatures usually stay between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius. On the coast, snow is rare, but it happens a lot in higher places like the Kuju and Mount Aso Mountains.
Important points:
- In Beppu, Yufuin, and Kurokawa, winter is the best time to enjoy onsen (hot springs). The way steaming baths feel against the cold winter air is something you’ll never forget.
- The snow-covered mountains are great places to hike in the winter because of the beautiful scenery.
- This month is peaceful for sightseeing because there are fewer tourists.
Events and Festivals:
- The Toka Ebisu Festival is held at the Toka Ebisu Shrine in Fukuoka. It celebrates good luck and prosperity for the new year.
👉 Best for people who want to travel in peace and quiet, with hot springs and fewer people.
February: Lantern Festivals and Early Flowers
- Weather: It’s still cold, with temperatures ranging from 6 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Key Points:
- Kyushu is starting to see the first signs of spring. Plum blossoms bloom in temples and gardens, especially at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
- Couples who want to enjoy beautiful walks and warm hot springs should visit this time of year.
Events and Festivals:
- Nagasaki Lantern Festival: To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Nagasaki is lit up with more than 15,000 colorful lanterns, parades, and cultural shows.
👉 Best for people who like cultural festivals and flowers that bloom in the early spring.
March: The Start of Cherry Blossom Season
- Weather: The temperature goes up to 10–15°C. Days get sunnier and nicer.
Main points:
- In Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki, cherry blossoms usually bloom in late March. Maizuru Park in Fukuoka and Kumamoto Castle are two of the most popular places to visit.
- People can start to use the hiking trails around Mount Aso and Kirishima.
Events and Festivals:
- Hina Matsuri, or Doll Festival, is when towns like Yanagawa put up elaborate doll displays in their homes and stores.
👉 Best for people who are going to Kyushu for the first time and want to see how the landscapes change in the spring.
April: The Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms and Go on Outdoor Adventures
- Weather: The weather is mild, between 13 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Some of the best parts are:
- Cherry blossoms are at their best in early April, which is one of the best times to go to Kyushu.
- Great for outdoor activities like biking in Kagoshima, hiking in the Kuju Mountains, and exploring Yakushima’s old cedar forests.
Events and Festivals:
- Hakata Dontaku is one of Japan’s biggest festivals. It takes place in Fukuoka from late April to early May and includes parades, performances, and traditional music.
👉 Best for people who love beautiful places and festivals.
May: Golden Week and Beautiful Green Landscapes
- Weather: 17 to 24 degrees Celsius, warm and comfortable.
Some of the best parts are:
- May is a great month to explore Kyushu’s outdoors because the skies are clear and the plants are green.
- Takachiho Gorge is a great place to see waterfalls and go for nature walks.
- The tea fields in Saga and Kagoshima are at their most colorful.
Events and Festivals:
- Golden Week is a series of national holidays. Even though it’s busy, there are lots of local celebrations and a festive mood.
👉 Best for people who love nature and like to travel.
June: The Start of the Rainy Season
- Weather: The weather is humid, with temperatures between 20 and 27 degrees Celsius. Expect rain and typhoons to hit the area later this month.
Main Points:
- It rains a lot, but this is the time of year when hydrangeas bloom, especially at temples like Mikaeri-no-taki Falls.
- The rain makes Yakushima’s forests even more magical by making the green plants look even better.
Festivals and Events:
- Kumamoto Castle Festival: Traditional shows, food stands, and displays of culture.
👉 Best for people who don’t mind a little rain and want to see beautiful, green scenery.
July: Festivals and Fireworks
- Weather: The weather is hot and humid, between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius.
Important points:
- The beaches in Miyazaki and Amami Oshima are great for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
- Summer is also the best time for fireworks and traditional matsuri (festivals).
Events and Festivals:
- Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Fukuoka) is a UNESCO-recognized festival where huge floats are carried through the streets of the city.
- Fireworks Festivals: Amazing fireworks light up the skies all over Kyushu.
👉 Best for people who want to have fun and go to the beach.
August: The Height of Summer and Island Getaways
- Weather: It’s very hot and humid, with temperatures often above 30°C.
Main points:
- Great for beach and marine adventures on Kyushu’s islands, like Yakushima, Amami Oshima, and Goto Islands.
- Festivals are still going on in the summer.
Events and Festivals:
- Obon Festival: A Buddhist holiday that honors ancestors with dances and ceremonies.
- The Kumamoto Fireworks Festival is one of the biggest in the area.
👉 This is great for people who love islands and cultural festivals.
September: The End of Summer and Typhoon Season
- Weather: 23–29°C, warm but not stable. There could be typhoons.
Main points:
- Even though storms are possible in September, there are fewer tourists.
- In higher elevations, the colors of fall start to show in late September.
Events and Festivals:
- Preparations for the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (early October) begin in late September with rehearsals and community events.
👉 Best for people who are on a budget and don’t mind the weather being unpredictable.
October: Fall Colors and Nice Weather
- Weather: 15–23°C, cooler.
Main points:
- One of the best times to go to Kyushu is in the fall when the weather is nice and the leaves are beautiful.
- The red and orange landscapes of the Kuju Mountains and Mount Aso are amazing for hiking.
- Tea and rice harvest festivals bring a lot of life to rural areas.
Events and Festivals:
- The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival is a big event with dragon dances, floats, and parades that show off Kyushu’s diverse history.
👉 This is the best place for hikers and people who like to learn about other cultures.
November: The Best Time to See Fall Leaves
- Weather: The weather is cool and crisp, between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius.
Main points:
- In November, the leaves on the trees in Kyushu are at their best.
- Yufuin, Takachiho Gorge, and Mount Aso are some of the most well-known places.
- This time of year, onsen towns have a special atmosphere.
Events and Festivals:
- Karatsu Kunchi Festival (Saga): The town was filled with huge floats for the festival.
👉 Best for people who love nature and want the best mix of festivals and nature.
December: Lights and Winter Onsen
- Weather: Temperature: 5–12°C, cool to cold.
Key points:
- Cities in Kyushu, like Fukuoka and Nagasaki, light up with winter lights.
- This is a great time of year to soak in hot springs, especially in mountain towns that are covered in snow.
- Yakushima and southern Kyushu are still pretty mild for exploring outside.
Events and Festivals:
- Fukuoka’s Canal City Hakata has one of the most beautiful Christmas and New Year light displays in Japan.
👉 Best for winter onsen getaways and holiday lights.
A Seasonal Guide to the Best Time to Go to Kyushu
- Spring (March to May): The best time to see cherry blossoms, enjoy nice weather, and go to festivals.
- Summer (June to August): Great for beaches, fireworks, and lively festivals, but it’s hot and humid.
- Autumn (September to November): The best time for hiking, seeing fall leaves, and going to cultural festivals.
- Winter (December–February): Great for hot springs, lights, and quiet travel.
How to Pick the Best Time to Go to Kyushu
- To see cherry blossoms, go from late March to early April.
- July (Hakata Gion Yamakasa) and October (Nagasaki Kunchi) are the best months for festivals.
- Late October to November is the best time to see autumn leaves.
- The best time to visit hot springs is in the winter, from December to February.
- Amami Oshima, Miyazaki, and Yakushima are great places to go to the beach in July and August.
Final Thoughts
When you want to go to Kyushu depends on what you want to do there. March and April are the best months for cherry blossoms. Summer is the best time for colorful matsuri and fireworks. If you like hiking and colorful landscapes, fall is the best time to go. And if you want peace and relaxation, Kyushu’s hot springs in the winter will not let you down.
Kyushu really does have things to do all year long, and this month-by-month guide will help you plan a trip that fits your interests.
Don’t Miss:
