Season by season
Spring (March–May)
Cherry blossom arrives later than in Tokyo: usually early to mid-April at Chureito Pagoda and around the lake. From mid-April to late May the Fuji Shibazakura Festival carpets fields near Lake Motosu in pink moss phlox. Visibility is fair, crowds heavy.
Summer (June–August)
The climbing season, and lavender at Oishi Park in late June and July. But this is the cloudiest time: the summit is often hidden for days and has lost its snow.
Autumn (September–November)
Clear days become frequent from October, the first snow usually dusts the summit, and maples around the lake peak in the first half of November. One of the two best times to come.
Winter (December–February)
The clearest, sharpest views of the year with a deep snow cap; “Diamond Fuji” sunsets and a winter fireworks series at the lake. Cold, often below freezing in the morning, and the 5th Station road may close.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C | -6°C | Quiet |
| February | 6°C | -5°C | Quiet |
| March | 10°C | -1°C | Busy |
| April | 16°C | 4°C | Very busy |
| May | 21°C | 9°C | Very busy |
| June | 23°C | 14°C | Busy |
| July | 27°C | 18°C | Very busy |
| August | 28°C | 19°C | Very busy |
| September | 24°C | 15°C | Busy |
| October | 18°C | 8°C | Very busy |
| November | 13°C | 2°C | Very busy |
| December | 8°C | -3°C | Quiet |
Temperatures are approximate long-term averages; individual years vary.
Festivals & events
- Mid-April: cherry-blossom festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park and around Lake Kawaguchiko
- Mid-April–late May: Fuji Shibazakura Festival
- Late June–mid-July: Kawaguchiko Herb Festival, with lavender at Oishi Park
- Early July–early September: official Mount Fuji climbing season
- 26–27 August: Yoshida Fire Festival in Fujiyoshida, marking the end of the climbing season
- November: Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival at the Momiji Corridor
Our advice
If Fuji matters to you, come between November and February, stay a night and get up for sunrise. If you can only come in summer, keep your expectations modest and choose a tour with free cancellation.
