People pack for Osaka's heat and forget the rain. From June to September the city hits 27°C (81°F) to 34°C (93°F) with 13 to 16 rain days a month, so the real problem is being hot and wet at the same time. And you'll take your shoes off more than you think, so pack socks you're happy to show.
Osaka weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 9°C48°F | 10°C50°F | 14°C57°F | 20°C68°F | 23°C73°F | 27°C81°F | 33°C91°F | 34°C93°F | 32°C90°F | 24°C75°F | 17°C63°F | 12°C54°F |
| Low | 1°C34°F | 1°C34°F | 5°C41°F | 10°C50°F | 14°C57°F | 20°C68°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 24°C75°F | 16°C61°F | 8°C46°F | 3°C37°F |
| Rain days | 6 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 6 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs are only 9°C (48°F) to 12°C (54°F) and lows drop to 1°C (34°F) to 3°C (37°F). It's dry and bright, with 6 to 9 rain days a month. Bring a warm coat, gloves and layers you can peel off on heated trains and in department stores.
Spring
March–MayIt warms from 14°C (57°F) in March to 23°C (73°F) in May, with 12 or 13 rain days a month. Cherry blossom at Osaka Castle draws big crowds in early spring. Pack a light jacket and a rain shell, and expect cool evenings.
Summer
June–AugustJune is the start of the rainy season, then July and August turn hot at 33°C (91°F) and 34°C (93°F), with lows of 25°C (77°F) and 26°C (79°F). August is the wettest month with 16 rain days. Pack quick-drying clothes, a rain shell and something to cool you down.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still hot at 32°C (90°F) with 13 rain days. October drops to a comfortable 24°C (75°F) and November to 17°C (63°F), which is the best walking weather of the year. Bring layers and a light jacket for the evenings.
What to bring to Osaka
0 of 19 packedSummer in Osaka brings 14 to 16 rain days a month on top of 33°C (91°F) heat, and an umbrella is a pain in a Dotonbori crowd. It's a light, packable women's rain shell that's easy to keep in a day bag.
Same deal for him. A light shell that lives in your day bag for the afternoon storms, and you'll actually use it. Get one before June.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
August highs hit 34°C (93°F) with warm 26°C (79°F) nights, and the walk from the station to your hotel will soak your shirt. A handheld fan helps more than you'd expect.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
You'll lean on your phone for train maps all day, and this plugs straight into a USB-C phone with no cable. It fits a pocket. Bring it.
- Bellroy Lite SlingBags & Luggage
Crowded trains and packed food streets are no place for a big backpack. This low sling holds your wallet, phone and keys and stays out of everyone's way.
Small hotel rooms, station stairs and smaller cabin limits on many Asian carriers all point to a 19-inch bag. It's light and softside, and you give up a bit of space. Worth it.
Clothing
- Breathable quick-dry shirts · 4Jun–Sep highs of 27–34°C
- Light layers · 2
- Warm coat · 1Winter lows drop to 1°C
- Socks without holes · 5 pairsShoes come off at restaurants and temples
Footwear
- Slip-on shoes · 1 pairEasy on and off
- Water-resistant sneakers · 1 pairUp to 16 rain days in August
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1
- Small towel or handkerchief · 1For humid summer days
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Cooling body wipesHot and wet at the same time
Documents and money
- Passport
- IC transit card · 1
Tech
- Phone charging cable · 1
What shoes should you pack for Osaka?
Comfortable slip-on sneakers. You'll walk miles through Namba, Umeda and the train stations, and you'll take your shoes off at some restaurants, temples and traditional inns. Laces get old fast when you do that several times a day.
What do people wear in Osaka?
Osaka is more relaxed than Tokyo, but people still look put together. Clean casual clothes are the norm, and tank tops and beachwear look out of place outside the parks. Bring decent socks without holes, people will see them.
What plugs does Osaka use?
Japan uses type A and B plugs at 100V. US plugs fit, but many outlets are two-pin only, so a three-pin plug may need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers work at 100V, but check the label on hair tools.
Tours and things to do in Osaka
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Osaka.
What should you leave at home for Osaka?
Leave the big suitcase at home if you can. Hotel rooms are small and train stations have long stairs and crowded platforms. Skip heavy jeans in summer, they stay wet for hours after a downpour.
Around Osaka
Packing for Osaka: questions people ask
What should I wear in Osaka in summer?
Light, quick-drying clothes, comfortable shoes and a packable rain jacket. Highs reach 34°C (93°F) in August and it rains on about half the days.
What should I wear in Osaka in October?
Light layers and a thin jacket. October averages a 24°C (75°F) high and 16°C (61°F) low, with 12 rain days.
Do I need an adapter in Osaka?
Not if you have US-style plugs, since Japan uses type A and B. Travelers from the UK, EU or Australia need one.
Does it snow in Osaka?
Rarely enough to matter. Winter lows average 1°C (34°F) in January and February, so it's cold, but it's mostly dry.
When is the rainy season in Osaka?
It starts in June, and the wet stretch runs through the summer. August had the most rain days, 16 on average.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.