Fukui Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Japan

Hot and Humid Summers

Fukui experiences hot and humid summers from late June to early September. The average temperature during this time ranges from 17°C (63°F) in July to 20°C (68°F) in August. The humidity level is also high, often exceeding 60%. Frequent thunderstorms occur, bringing heavy rainfall and occasional hail. Visitors should prepare for the heat and carry an umbrella for protection from the rain.

Cold and Snowy Winters

Winters in Fukui are characterized by cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. From December to February, the average temperature drops below freezing point, reaching -1°C (30°F) in January. Snowfall is common, with an average accumulation of around 2 meters (6.5 feet) throughout the winter. Strong winds and icy roads can create challenging conditions for walking or driving. Visitors should dress warmly and be aware of the potential for weather-related disruptions.

Average Temperature in Fukui, Japan – Introduction

Fukui, a city nestled on the Sea of Japan coast, boasts a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. The average temperature in the city fluctuates throughout the year, influenced by the interplay of maritime and continental air masses. During the summer months, Fukui experiences warm and humid conditions, with average temperatures ranging between 25°C to 28°C. Conversely, winters in Fukui can be cold and dry, with average temperatures hovering around 2°C to 5°C.

Average Temperature Variations by Season

Summer in Fukui coincides with the months of July and August, when the city witnesses its warmest conditions. The average temperature during this period peaks at around 28°C, accompanied by high humidity levels. The heat can be particularly oppressive, especially during the afternoons. In contrast, winter in Fukui lasts from December to February, with average temperatures dropping significantly. During this time, the city experiences cold and dry conditions, with frequent snowfall and average temperatures ranging from 2°C to 5°C. Spring and autumn in Fukui are transitionary seasons, with average temperatures gradually rising from around 10°C in March to 25°C in June, and gradually falling from 25°C in September to 10°C in November.

Clouds in Fukui, Japan

Fukui Prefecture, nestled in the central region of Japan’s Honshu Island, boasts a diverse and captivating cloud cover. Owing to its coastal location along the Sea of Japan, Fukui experiences frequent fronts and atmospheric disturbances, resulting in a dynamic and ever-changing skyscape. Among the most prevalent cloud formations observed in Fukui are cumulus and stratus clouds. Cumulus clouds, characterized by their puffy, cotton-like texture, are often spotted during fair weather conditions, while stratus clouds, appearing as a uniform gray layer, frequently accompany overcast skies and precipitation.

During the colder months, Fukui witnesses the arrival of awe-inspiring nimbostratus clouds, which produce persistent rainfall or snowfall. These clouds extend across vast areas of the sky, obscuring the sun and creating a somber and atmospheric ambiance. Occasionally, Fukui is graced by the presence of towering cumulonimbus clouds, which can develop into formidable thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning, heavy rainfall, and occasionally hail. These towering clouds often dominate the skyline, their anvil-shaped tops reaching impressive heights.

Seasonal Variation of Precipitation

Fukui, Japan experiences significant variation in precipitation throughout the year. The wettest season is from June to August, when the warm, humid air from the Pacific Ocean brings frequent rainfall. Monthly precipitation during these summer months typically exceeds 200 mm, with July being the wettest month, averaging over 300 mm of rain. In contrast, the driest season occurs from December to February, when cold, dry air from Siberia dominates the region. During this period, monthly precipitation drops below 50 mm, and snowfall is common.

Geographic Distribution of Precipitation

Precipitation in Fukui shows a distinct geographical distribution. The coastal areas receive more rainfall than the inland regions. This is due to the orographic effect, where the coastal mountains force the moist air from the ocean to rise, leading to condensation and rainfall. As a result, cities like Obama and Tsuruga, located on the coast, receive annual precipitation exceeding 2,500 mm. In contrast, the inland areas, such as Sabae and Echizen, experience less rainfall, with annual totals ranging from 1,500 mm to 2,000 mm.

Average Rainfall

Fukui, Japan, experiences a humid subtropical climate with significant rainfall throughout the year. The average annual precipitation in Fukui is approximately 2,500 millimeters (98 inches). The rainfall is relatively evenly distributed over the different seasons, although it tends to be slightly higher during the summer months from June to September. During these months, the city is affected by the seasonal monsoon, which brings warm and humid air from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in frequent rainfall.

Seasonal Variations

The wettest month in Fukui is September, which receives an average of over 300 millimeters (12 inches) of rainfall. The driest month is February, which receives less than 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rainfall. During the winter months, Fukui experiences occasional snowfall, with the highest snowfall typically occurring in January. However, snow accumulation is generally light, and the city rarely experiences severe winter storms.

Snowfall in Fukui, Japan

Fukui, Japan, is a prefecture located in the Hokuriku region on the Sea of Japan coast. The prefecture is known for its heavy snowfall during the winter months. The snowfall in Fukui is caused by the combination of cold, moist air from the Sea of Japan and the mountains that surround the prefecture. The mountains force the air to rise, which causes it to cool and condense, forming snow.

The average annual snowfall in Fukui is around 2 meters (6.5 feet). However, some areas of the prefecture receive much more snow. For example, the city of Ono receives an average of 4 meters (13 feet) of snow per year. The heavy snowfall in Fukui can cause significant disruptions to transportation and daily life. Roads can become impassable, and schools and businesses may be closed. However, the snowfall also attracts tourists to the prefecture, who come to enjoy the winter scenery and participate in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

Sunrise and Sunset Times in Fukui

Fukui, Japan, experiences varying sunrise and sunset times throughout the year due to its geographical location and the Earth’s tilt. During the summer months, the sun rises earlier and sets later, resulting in longer daylight hours. In contrast, during the winter months, the sun rises later and sets earlier, leading to shorter daylight hours.

On average, the sun rises between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM in Fukui, Japan, depending on the time of year. The earliest sunrise occurs in late May or early June, while the latest sunrise occurs in late December or early January. Similarly, the sun sets between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM, with the latest sunset occurring in late June or early July, and the earliest sunset occurring in late December or early January.

Moonrise and Moonset

In Fukui, Japan, the moonrise and moonset times vary throughout the year, reflecting the Earth’s changing position relative to the sun and moon. During the summer months (June-August), the moon rises between 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm, and sets between 5:00 am and 6:30 am. In the winter months (December-February), the moon rises earlier, between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm, and sets later, between 6:30 am and 8:00 am.

Full Moon and New Moon

The full moon, occurring when the entire moon is illuminated, and the new moon, when the moon is not visible from Earth, are predictable events. In Fukui, the full moon typically occurs around the middle of each month, while the new moon occurs approximately two weeks after the full moon. These lunar phases have cultural and religious significance in Japan, with festivals and ceremonies often held to mark their occurrence.

Humidity in Fukui, Japan

Fukui, Japan, experiences significant humidity throughout the year, with average annual humidity levels hovering around 70%. The humid subtropical climate of the region results in warm, moist summers and cool, damp winters.

In the summer months (June to August), humidity levels in Fukui typically reach their peak, climbing above 80%. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can lead to discomfort and increased heat stress for residents. During this time, it is advisable to stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting clothing, and seek shelter in air-conditioned areas.

Wind Patterns in Fukui

Fukui, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, experiences a distinctive wind pattern characterized by both strong seasonal variations and the frequent occurrence of local winds. During the winter months, the region is subjected to strong northwesterly winds known as the “Echigo-kaze,” which originate from the cold and dry Siberian air masses. These winds can reach speeds of up to 30 meters per second and often bring heavy snowfall to Fukui. Conversely, during the summer, southwesterly winds known as the “Tsukushi-kaze” become more prevalent, bringing warm and humid air from the Yellow Sea.

Local Wind Phenomena

In addition to the seasonal wind patterns, Fukui is also known for its unique local wind phenomena. The “Wakasa Bay Wind,” which occurs near the city of Obama, is a strong and persistent east wind that blows across Wakasa Bay. This wind is generated by the pressure difference between the relatively warm waters of the bay and the colder air above the surrounding mountains. Another notable local wind is the “Katayama-kaze,” which is a strong and gusty wind that occurs in the mountainous areas of Fukui Prefecture. This wind is created by the interaction between the prevailing winds and the topography of the region, resulting in a localized acceleration of airflow.

Spring (March-May):

Spring in Fukui is a season of vibrant colors and pleasant temperatures. The cherry blossoms start to bloom in late March, painting the landscapes in shades of pink and white. April is the peak season for cherry blossom viewing, and visitors can enjoy picnics under the blooming trees in numerous parks and gardens, such as Asuwa River Park and Fukui Castle Ruins Park. May brings warmer weather and lush greenery, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. The Washi Flower Park is a must-visit during this time, showcasing a vibrant display of irises and other spring blooms.

Autumn (September-November):

Autumn in Fukui is equally picturesque, marked by vibrant foliage and crisp autumn air. The leaves of maple trees turn into dazzling shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning spectacle. One of the best places to experience the fall colors is Eiheiji Temple, one of the main temples of the Soto Zen sect of Buddhism. The temple grounds are surrounded by beautiful forests that transform into a kaleidoscope of colors during autumn. September and October offer the most vibrant foliage, with November marking the start of the “Momiji Matsuri” (Autumn Foliage Festival), featuring cultural performances and stunning nighttime illuminations.

Solar Potential and Development

Fukui Prefecture in Japan boasts significant solar energy potential, with an average of 4.4 peak sunlight hours per day. This makes it an attractive location for solar photovoltaic (PV) system installations. The prefecture has been actively promoting solar energy development, establishing a “Fukui Solar City” initiative to encourage the adoption of solar power. As a result, Fukui has witnessed a steady increase in its installed solar capacity, with a total of 543 megawatts (MW) as of 2022.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the strong solar potential, Fukui faces certain challenges in its solar energy development. One challenge lies in the prefecture’s mountainous terrain, which limits the availability of suitable land for large-scale solar farms. Additionally, the prefecture’s cold and snowy winters can impact the efficiency of solar PV systems. However, Fukui is actively exploring innovative solutions to overcome these challenges, such as pursuing floating solar installations and investigating the use of snow-resistant solar panels. The prefecture also recognizes the economic opportunities associated with solar energy, aiming to create jobs and boost local industry by supporting solar-related businesses and research institutions.

Mountains and Hills

Fukui Prefecture boasts a diverse topography with rugged mountains and gentle hills. The eastern region is dominated by the Ryhaku Mountains and the Hida Mountains, which form a natural border with neighboring Gifu and Toyama Prefectures. These mountains are known for their steep slopes, deep valleys, and stunning alpine scenery. The western part of Fukui is characterized by the Echizen Mountains, which are lower in elevation and offer more rolling hills and plateaus. The highest peak in Fukui is Mount Ichiburei, located in the Ryhaku Mountains, which stands at an impressive 1,628 meters (5,341 feet) above sea level.

Rivers and Lakes

Fukui is home to an extensive network of rivers and lakes that play a vital role in the prefecture’s natural environment and economy. The largest river is the Kiso River, which flows from Nagano Prefecture through Fukui and empties into Ise Bay. The Kiso River has been a major transportation route for centuries and its fertile floodplains support extensive rice cultivation. Other notable rivers in Fukui include the Kuzuryu River, the Asuwa River, and the Arakawa River. The prefecture also boasts numerous lakes, the largest of which is Lake Mikata, a brackish-water lagoon located on the border with Shiga Prefecture. Lake Mikata is renowned for its rich birdlife and is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Komatsu Airport (KMQ)

Komatsu Airport is the nearest airport to Fukui, Japan. The airport is located in the city of Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of Fukui city. Komatsu Airport is a regional airport that serves domestic flights to major cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo. The airport also has limited international flights to Seoul, South Korea.

Getting to Fukui from Komatsu Airport

There are several ways to get from Komatsu Airport to Fukui city. The most convenient option is to take the airport shuttle bus, which departs from the airport every 30 minutes and takes about 45 minutes to reach Fukui Station. The fare for the shuttle bus is 1,000 yen (about $9). Another option is to take the train from Komatsu Station, which is located a short walk from the airport. The train ride to Fukui Station takes about 30 minutes and costs 680 yen (about $6).

History and Culture

Fukui is a city steeped in history and cultural traditions. Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century, when it was founded as a castle town by Shibata Katsuie, a renowned samurai general. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Fukui prospered as the capital of Fukui Domain, ruled by the powerful Matsudaira clan. The city played a crucial role in the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which marked the beginning of modern Japan. Fukui’s rich cultural heritage is showcased in its numerous temples, shrines, and historical sites. Notable landmarks include the Fukui Castle ruins, the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, and the Maruoka Castle, one of Japan’s 12 preserved original castles.

Economy and Industry

In the 20th century, Fukui transitioned from a traditional textile industry to a center for modern manufacturing. Today, the city is a major hub for optical instruments, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Leading companies based in Fukui include Hoya Corporation, one of the world’s largest optical equipment manufacturers, and Shimadzu Corporation, a pioneer in analytical instrumentation. Fukui is also home to a growing biotech and renewable energy industry. The city’s strategic location near the Sea of Japan and its well-educated workforce contribute to its economic vitality.