End of the Rainy Season in Okinawa and Amami
On June 19, 2025, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that the Amami region in Kagoshima Prefecture has reached the end of its rainy season ("tsuyu"). This marks an end to the rainy period about 10 days earlier than average and 3 days earlier than last year. The rainy season in Amami began around May 19, so this year’s tsuyu lasted about one month. Okinawa also exited the rainy season at roughly the same time.
The early end of the rainy season is due to a strong Pacific high-pressure system covering Japan. The weather forecast for the next week predicts mostly sunny days for Okinawa and Amami. Typically, these regions see the end of the rainy season in late June, but this year, it has arrived a bit earlier than usual.
Current Status and Rainfall in Other Regions
Rainy Season Start Dates (2025)
Japan’s rainy season begins in the south and moves northward. Here are the main regions and their 2025 rainy season start dates (with comparison to the average year):
| Region | 2025 Start | Difference from Avg. | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okinawa | May 22 | 12 days later | May 10 |
| Amami | May 19 | 7 days later | May 12 |
| Southern Kyushu | May 16 | 14 days earlier | May 30 |
| Northern Kyushu | June 8 | 4 days later | June 4 |
| Shikoku | June 8 | 3 days later | June 5 |
| Chugoku | June 9 | 3 days later | June 6 |
| Kinki (Kansai) | June 9 | 3 days later | June 6 |
| Toukai | June 9 | 3 days later | June 6 |
| Kanto-Koshin | June 10 | 3 days later | June 7 |
| Hokuriku | June 10 | 1 day earlier | June 11 |
| Southern Tohoku | June 14 | 2 days later | June 12 |
| Northern Tohoku | June 14 | 1 day earlier | June 15 |
Rainfall Trends During the Rainy Season
- Okinawa & Amami: In 2025, rainfall was average or slightly below average. The rainy season was over 10 days shorter than usual.
- Kyushu to Tohoku: Rainfall is expected to be average or slightly above average, with the heaviest rains likely from late June to early July.
- Pacific Side of Western & Eastern Japan: Rainfall may be slightly below average, but localized heavy rain is still possible.
- Northern Japan (Tohoku & Hokkaido): Rainfall is expected to be around average, with some heavy rain days, especially on the Sea of Japan side.
Average Rainfall During the Rainy Season (by Region)
- Northern Kyushu: 500–600 mm
- Kanto-Koshin & Tokai: about 300 mm
- Note: There can be significant variation each year, with some years seeing droughts and others experiencing record rainfall.
Weather Forecasts and Outlook for the End of the Rainy Season
Expected End Dates for the Rainy Season (2025)
| Region | 2025 Expected End | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Okinawa | Mid to late June | June 21 |
| Amami | Mid to late June | June 29 |
| Southern Kyushu | Early to mid July | July 15 |
| Northern Kyushu | Mid July | July 19 |
| Shikoku | Mid July | July 17 |
| Chugoku | Mid July | July 19 |
| Kinki (Kansai) | Mid July | July 19 |
| Toukai | Mid July | July 19 |
| Kanto-Koshin | Mid July | July 19 |
| Hokuriku | Mid to late July | July 23 |
| Southern Tohoku | Mid to late July | July 24 |
| Northern Tohoku | Mid to late July | July 28 |
In 2025, the Pacific high-pressure system is expected to strengthen, so the rainy season may end earlier than usual for regions from Kyushu to Tohoku—possibly in early July. Some areas may see the end of the rainy season as early as late June.
Upcoming Weather Trends
- From late June, sunny and hot days are expected nationwide due to the Pacific high. Extreme heat is likely.
- Just before and after the end of the rainy season, humid air from the south may cause localized heavy rain and thunderstorms. Stay alert.
- At the end of the rainy season, there is a higher risk of torrential rainfall and "linear rainbands," which can cause landslides and river flooding. Be cautious.
Travel Tips for International Visitors
-
Traveling During the Rainy Season:
- Okinawa and Amami have already exited the rainy season, so now is the perfect time to enjoy beaches and marine activities.
- For Honshu (especially Kansai, Kanto, and Tohoku), the rainy season is expected to end from early to mid-July. After that, summer will be in full swing.
- During the rainy season, sudden heavy rain and high humidity are common even in urban areas. Always carry a compact umbrella or raincoat, and check the weather forecast regularly.
-
Heat and Heatstroke Prevention:
- After the rainy season ends, temperatures will rise rapidly. Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and wear hats or sunglasses to avoid heatstroke.
-
Disaster Preparedness:
- At the end of the rainy season and just after, the risk of heavy rain, landslides, and river flooding increases. If visiting mountainous or riverside areas, pay attention to the latest weather and evacuation information from local authorities.
-
Flexible Travel Planning:
- Weather can change suddenly, so have backup plans for indoor activities such as museums or shopping malls in case of rain.
Summary
- In 2025, Okinawa and Amami exited the rainy season earlier than usual, with sunny and hot weather continuing.
- For the rest of Japan, the rainy season is expected to end from early to mid-July, with rainfall amounts around or slightly above average, and the season itself slightly shorter than usual.
- After the rainy season, be prepared for extreme heat and potential heavy rain disasters.
- Travelers should check the latest weather information and plan flexibly according to the weather conditions.
Japan’s rainy season varies greatly by region. For a safe and comfortable trip, make use of weather forecasts and local information, and always stay alert to weather-related risks.
