Hakone sits at elevations ranging from 100 metres in Yumoto to over 1,000 metres around Owakudani, which means its weather is noticeably cooler than Tokyo, just 80 km to the east. The town’s position in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gives it four distinct seasons, with summer highs rarely exceeding 28°C (82°F) and winter lows dropping below freezing at higher elevations. Lake Ashi, at 723 metres above sea level, moderates temperatures near the waterfront but also creates persistent fog and cloud cover that can obscure Mount Fuji on up to 60% of days, even when surrounding areas are clear. Read our best time to visit Hakone guide to pick the right season. This Hakone travel guide covers everything you need to plan your trip.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7 / 45 | -2 / 28 | 65 | 8 | 5.5 |
| February | 7 / 45 | -2 / 28 | 75 | 9 | 5.5 |
| March | 11 / 52 | 1 / 34 | 135 | 13 | 5.5 |
| April | 17 / 63 | 6 / 43 | 150 | 13 | 5.5 |
| May | 21 / 70 | 11 / 52 | 160 | 14 | 5.5 |
| June | 23 / 73 | 15 / 59 | 235 | 18 | 3.5 |
| July | 27 / 81 | 19 / 66 | 215 | 18 | 4.0 |
| August | 28 / 82 | 20 / 68 | 230 | 17 | 5.0 |
| September | 24 / 75 | 16 / 61 | 260 | 18 | 3.5 |
| October | 18 / 64 | 10 / 50 | 185 | 14 | 4.0 |
| November | 14 / 57 | 4 / 39 | 100 | 10 | 4.5 |
| December | 9 / 48 | 0 / 32 | 55 | 7 | 5.5 |
Hakone Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
March starts cold at higher elevations, with Owakudani often still snow-dusted through mid-month. Temperatures at Lake Ashi hover around 5-11°C (41-52°F). By late March, plum blossoms appear in Hakone Yumoto, followed by cherry blossoms in April, typically peaking around April 5-12 at lower elevations and April 12-18 around Lake Ashi and Gora. April brings 150mm of rain over 13 days, so pack a waterproof layer even on sunny mornings. May is one of the best months for hiking the old Tokaido road, with daytime highs of 21°C (70°F) and fresh green foliage across the national park. Rhododendrons bloom near Owakudani in late May. Our things to do in Hakone covers all the major sights.
Hakone Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
June brings tsuyu, the rainy season, with 235mm of rainfall over 18 days and humidity climbing past 80%. Mount Fuji visibility drops to its annual low, around 15-20% of days. July and August are warmer but rarely oppressive, with highs of 27-28°C (81-82°F) compared to Tokyo’s 31°C (88°F). The elevation keeps nights comfortable at 19-20°C (66-68°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are common in August, typically rolling in around 15:00. Hydrangea (ajisai) blooms along the Hakone Tozan Railway line from mid-June through mid-July, turning the trackside into a flower corridor best viewed from the slow switchback train between Hakone Yumoto and Gora. The Hakone events and festivals calendar has dates and details for seasonal celebrations.
Hakone Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September is the wettest month with 260mm of rain, much of it from typhoon remnants that sweep up from the Pacific. Hakone’s mountain position amplifies rainfall from these systems, and the Hakone Ropeway and pirate ship cruises on Lake Ashi may suspend operations during typhoon conditions. October is a sweet spot: rainfall drops to 185mm over 14 days, temperatures settle at a pleasant 10-18°C (50-64°F), and autumn colour begins in the higher elevations. November is the prime koyo (autumn leaf) month, with foliage peaking around November 10-20 at Lake Ashi and November 15-25 in Hakone Yumoto. Clear days increase, and Mount Fuji visibility improves to roughly 40% of days. November has 100mm of rain over 10 days, the driest autumn month. Our Hakone neighborhoods guide explains each area in detail.
Hakone Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
December through February brings the driest conditions of the year, with just 55-75mm of monthly rainfall. Days are crisp and often sunny, with highs of 7-9°C (45-48°F) and overnight lows dipping to -2°C (28°F) at Lake Ashi and colder at Owakudani. Snow falls several times each winter, typically 3-5 light accumulations of 5-15cm that melt within a day or two at lower elevations. The real draw is Mount Fuji visibility: clear winter air means the mountain is visible on up to 70% of mornings, making December and January the best months for those classic Fuji reflection shots across Lake Ashi. Onsen baths feel especially welcome when outdoor temperatures hover near freezing, and many ryokan offer open-air rotenburo with snow-dusted surroundings in January and February. See where to stay in Hakone for recommendations by area and budget. For practical information, check our Hakone travel tips and FAQ.
