When to visit Hakone without the crowds
Hakone (Japan) is calmest in January, February, June, July and September: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in August and November. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with June and September: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
Jan–Feb, Jun & Sep
When everyone heads home
The second week of December.
Tip
Mount Fuji is clearest in dry winter air; in summer it hides in clouds.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm | 9 °C (48 °F) | New Year's Day, Coming of Age Day |
| February | 1/5 · calm | 10 °C (49 °F) | Foundation Day, The Emperor's Birthday |
| March | 3/5 · moderate ✦ | 14 °C (56 °F) | Vernal Equinox Day |
| April | 3/5 · moderate ✦ | 18 °C (64 °F) | Shōwa Day |
| May | 3/5 · moderate | 22 °C (71 °F) | Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, Children's Day |
| June | 1/5 · calm ⚠ | 25 °C (77 °F) | |
| July | 2/5 · calm | 29 °C (84 °F) | Marine Day |
| August | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 30 °C (86 °F) | Mountain Day |
| September | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 26 °C (80 °F) | Respect for the Aged Day, Autumnal Equinox Day |
| October | 3/5 · moderate | 21 °C (69 °F) | Sports Day |
| November | 4/5 · busy | 16 °C (61 °F) | Momiji, autumn leaves (November), Culture Day, Labour Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 3/5 · moderate | 11 °C (52 °F) |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up. ✦ = something special to see.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Rainy season (tsuyu): rain most days until mid-July.
- Typhoon season (Aug–Sep): flights and trains can be cancelled.
What to see, and when
- Cherry blossoms (late March–early April).
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (e-Stat, Kanagawa Prefecture, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Hakone without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually February and June (crowds 1/5). In June the average high is 25 °C (77 °F). All the calm months: January, February, June, July and September.
When is Hakone most crowded?
The busiest season is August and November. The second week of December.
What is the weather like in Hakone?
Average highs range from 9 °C (48 °F) in January to 30 °C (86 °F) in August, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Hakone?
Rainy season (tsuyu): rain most days until mid-July. Typhoon season (Aug–Sep): flights and trains can be cancelled.
What is there to see in Hakone by season?
Cherry blossoms (late March–early April).
What festivals are there in Hakone?
The main ones: Momiji, autumn leaves (November) (November).
More places in Japan
- Kyoto calm in January, February and June; busiest in March, April, May and November
- Tokyo calm in January, February, June and September; busiest in April
- Osaka calm in January, February and June; busiest in March, April, May, August and November
- Hiroshima & Miyajima calm in January, February, June and December; busiest in April, May, August and November
- Nara calm in January, February, June and December; busiest in April, May, August, October and November
- Sapporo (Hokkaido) calm in March, April, May and November; busiest in February, July and August
- Naha (Okinawa) calm in January, February, April, June and December; busiest in July and August
- Kanazawa calm in January, February, June and July; busiest in May, August and November
- Nikko calm in January, February, March, April, June and December; busiest in August, October and November
- Fukuoka calm in January, February and June; busiest in May, August and November
- Kawaguchiko (Mount Fuji) calm in January, February, March, June, October and December; busiest in August