Tsuruoka, Yamagata Weather by Month and Climate Averages
Monthly normals · Rain · Snow
Sunshine · Freeze dates · Records · Best time to visit
What is the weather like in Tsuruoka, Yamagata?
Tsuruoka, Yamagata gets 1825 mm of precipitation a year over about 172 rainy days. August is the warmest month (average high 29°C) and January the coldest (average low -4°C).
Humid continental climate
Tsuruoka, Yamagata has warm summers and cold winters. Daytime highs range from about 2°C in January to 30°C in August. December is usually the wettest month. The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 22°C.
| Season | Months | Avg low | Avg high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec–Feb | -3° | 3° |
| Spring | Mar–May | 3° | 14° |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | 18° | 27° |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 9° | 18° |
How much rain does Tsuruoka get?
Tsuruoka gets 1825 mm of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 172 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 95% of Japan.
December is the wettest month, with 246 mm. April is the driest, with 85 mm. January has the most rainy days, about 24.
The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 14 days, to July 14, 2022.
From October 2025 to September 2026 Tsuruoka got 1815 mm of rain, against a normal of 1825 mm for those months. September 2026 had the most, with 973 mm.
Tsuruoka weather by month
Tsuruoka weather in January
In January, Tsuruoka averages a high of 2°C and a low of -4°C. It gets 236 mm of precipitation over about 24 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 21% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The January record high is 13°C (1979) and the record low is -16°C (1975).
Tsuruoka weather in February
In February, Tsuruoka averages a high of 3°C and a low of -4°C. It gets 145 mm of precipitation over about 19 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 25% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The February record high is 17°C (2024) and the record low is -20°C (1976).
Tsuruoka weather in March
In March, Tsuruoka averages a high of 7°C and a low of -2°C. It gets 115 mm of precipitation over about 16 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 32% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The March record high is 21°C (2021) and the record low is -14°C (1984).
Tsuruoka weather in April
In April, Tsuruoka averages a high of 14°C and a low of 2°C. It gets 85 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 41% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The April record high is 30°C (1983) and the record low is -9°C (1984).
Tsuruoka weather in May
In May, Tsuruoka averages a high of 21°C and a low of 9°C. It gets 92 mm of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 37% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The May record high is 34°C (2019) and the record low is -1°C (1976). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Tsuruoka weather in June
In June, Tsuruoka averages a high of 24°C and a low of 14°C. It gets 108 mm of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 32% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The June record high is 34°C (2018) and the record low is 4°C (1972). June is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Tsuruoka weather in July
In July, Tsuruoka averages a high of 28°C and a low of 19°C. It gets 192 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 30% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The July record high is 37°C (2017) and the record low is 8°C (1976).
Tsuruoka weather in August
In August, Tsuruoka averages a high of 29°C and a low of 20°C. It gets 172 mm of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 37% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The August record high is 37°C (1978) and the record low is 12°C (2018).
Tsuruoka weather in September
In September, Tsuruoka averages a high of 25°C and a low of 16°C. It gets 122 mm of precipitation over about 11 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 34% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The September record high is 36°C (2023) and the record low is 6°C (2003). September is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Tsuruoka weather in October
In October, Tsuruoka averages a high of 18°C and a low of 8°C. It gets 141 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 32% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The October record high is 30°C (2018) and the record low is -1°C (1978). October is one of the most comfortable months to visit.
Tsuruoka weather in November
In November, Tsuruoka averages a high of 11°C and a low of 3°C. It gets 173 mm of precipitation over about 16 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 32% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The November record high is 22°C (1979) and the record low is -6°C (1983).
Tsuruoka weather in December
In December, Tsuruoka averages a high of 4°C and a low of -2°C. It gets 246 mm of precipitation over about 21 rainy days. Estimated sunshine is 21% of daylight hours, derived from ERA5 cloud cover. The December record high is 17°C (2004) and the record low is -15°C (1970).
Sunshine, humidity and wind in Tsuruoka
April is the sunniest month in Tsuruoka, with estimated sunshine of 41% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. January is the cloudiest, at 21%. The annual cloud-cover estimate is 31% of daylight hours; it is not a measurement of sunshine duration. Tsuruoka is cloudier than 95% of Japan.
Humidity peaks in July at 85% and is lowest in April at 71%.
Tsuruoka has about 12 days a year above 32°C. Tsuruoka is cooler than 66% of Japan.
First and last freeze in Tsuruoka
The first fall freeze in Tsuruoka typically comes around November 13, and the last spring freeze around April 19. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 208 days.
Tsuruoka weather records
These records cover SHINJO during 1970–2026. Earlier records or other stations in the city may differ.
The hottest temperature on record at the Tsuruoka station is 37°C, on August 3, 1978. The coldest is -20°C, on February 14, 1976.
The wettest day in the available station history brought 317 mm of precipitation, on August 30, 2026.
43 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.
The best time to visit Tsuruoka
The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 22°C.
Winter (December–February) is cold, with average highs around 3°C and lows near -3°C.
Spring (March–May) is mild, with average highs around 14°C and lows near 3°C.
Summer (June–August) is warm, with average highs around 27°C and lows near 18°C. It can feel humid.
Autumn (September–November) is mild, with average highs around 18°C and lows near 9°C.
Monthly climate
| Month | Average low | Average high | Precip | Rain days | Humidity | Estimated sunshine | Record high | Record low |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -4° | 2° | 236 mm | 24 | 78% | 21% | 13° | -16° |
| February | -4° | 3° | 145 mm | 19 | 75% | 25% | 17° | -20° |
| March | -2° | 7° | 115 mm | 16 | 72% | 32% | 21° | -14° |
| April | 2° | 14° | 85 mm | 12 | 71% | 41% | 30° | -9° |
| May | 9° | 21° | 92 mm | 10 | 76% | 37% | 34° | -1° |
| June | 14° | 24° | 108 mm | 9 | 82% | 32% | 34° | 4° |
| July | 19° | 28° | 192 mm | 12 | 85% | 30% | 37° | 8° |
| August | 20° | 29° | 172 mm | 10 | 82% | 37% | 37° | 12° |
| September | 16° | 25° | 122 mm | 11 | 79% | 34% | 36° | 6° |
| October | 8° | 18° | 141 mm | 12 | 75% | 32% | 30° | -1° |
| November | 3° | 11° | 173 mm | 16 | 76% | 32% | 22° | -6° |
| December | -2° | 4° | 246 mm | 21 | 81% | 21% | 17° | -15° |
Station: SHINJO, 43 km from the city. Temperature normal baseline: 1991–2020, calculated from available NOAA GHCN-Daily observations. Available station history: 1970–2026; record values refer to this station and period, not the entire city’s history. Precipitation includes rain and the water equivalent of frozen precipitation; snowfall depth is shown separately when available. Sources and methods
From ERA5 reanalysis. Sunshine is estimated from cloud cover.
Tsuruoka climate questions
How much rain does Tsuruoka get?
Tsuruoka gets 1825 mm of precipitation in an average year, over about 172 rainy days.
What is the wettest month in Tsuruoka?
December is the wettest month in Tsuruoka, with 246 mm. April is the driest, with 85 mm.
How many rainy days does Tsuruoka have a year?
Tsuruoka has about 172 days with measurable rain in an average year. January has the most, about 24.
What is the hottest month in Tsuruoka?
August is the warmest month in Tsuruoka, with an average high of 29°C.
What is the coldest month in Tsuruoka?
January is the coldest month in Tsuruoka, with an average low of -4°C.
What is the record high temperature in Tsuruoka?
Within the available 1970–2026 station history, the record high at the Tsuruoka station is 37°C, set on August 3, 1978. The record low is -20°C, on February 14, 1976.
What is the sunniest month in Tsuruoka?
April is the sunniest month in Tsuruoka, with estimated sunshine of 41% of daylight hours from ERA5 cloud cover. January is the cloudiest.
When is the first frost in Tsuruoka?
The first fall freeze in Tsuruoka typically comes around November 13. The last spring freeze is around April 19.
What is the best time to visit Tsuruoka?
The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to June and September to October, when daytime highs sit near 22°C.