Kamakura Weather in May

May marks the end of spring in Kamakura, bringing warmer weather and plenty of sunshine. Besides, the city experiences a moderate rainfall, which will not influence your trip a lot. Therefore, Kamakura sees an increase in visitors this month. You should be aware that the beginning of May coincides with Golden Week in Japan, when hotel and flight prices tend to peak.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

Temperature

Kamakura enjoys a warm climate in May, with the average temperature ranging from 16-21°C (61-70°F). In the early morning, the temperature is a bit cool, hovering between 13-18°C (55-64°F), which is perfect for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, temperatures rise, reaching up to about 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit), and visitors would feel warmer after 10:00. Therefore, layering your clothing is essential to keep comfortable during your visit.

Slight Rainfall and Gentle Winds

In May, Kamakura experiences lower rainfall compared to the summer months, when there are about 180 mm of rainfall averagely per month. Specifically, the rainfall for May is around 143mm, with approximately 16 rainy days on average, most of which happen towards the end of the month and are light. In other words, brief showers would occur occasionally. Therefore, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast before your trip and carry an umbrella or raincoat, just in case.

The wind in May is generally mild, having little impact on outdoor activities. The refreshing sea breeze, especially along the coastline, adds to the charm of your strolls, which makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Coastal View in Kamakura

Humidity

In May, Kamakura’s weather is relatively humid, with an average level of 68%. Luckily, Kamakura generally experiences mild temperatures this month, so the weather will not be quite stuffy. Therefore, for most visitors, the humidity level won’t significantly affect their outdoor plans. If you are sensitive to the muggy environment, it is advised to stay hydrated and explore shaded areas like temples or gardens in the afternoon, when temperatures and humidity are higher on a day.

Daylight Hours and Sunshine Hours

Kamakura has longer daylight hours in May, with the sun rising at 4:28 and setting at 18:50 on average. This means visitors have more time to explore top scenic spots as much as possible, such as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Komachi Street, and Enoshima Island. But if you plan to catch a sunrise view, be prepared for the early start.

Plus, with fewer rainy days in May, there are more sunshine hours. Therefore, sun protection is important – don’t forget to pack sunscreen and sunglasses.

Lovely Weather in May

Torii at Enoshima Island

What to Wear in May

Tops: A thin shirt or long-sleeve top is perfect for the mild climate of Kamakura in May. If you prefer short sleeves, feel free to go for them, but make sure to pack a light jacket for when the early morning or evening chill sets in.

Bottoms: Lightweight summer pants or sports pants are a great choice for exploring Kamakura. If you don’t mind a bit of coolness, it’s fine to wear shorts. For ladies, skirts are also a good option, but don’t forget to pair them with thin tights or leggings to stay cozy.

Shoes: A pair of comfortable shoes will take you everywhere, from temples to beaches. If girls want to dress it up a bit, a pair of comfy leather shoes or cute flats will pair perfectly with a skirt or dress.

Travel Recommendations

Start your morning with dry and cool weather and visit some of Kamakura’s outdoor gems like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Kamakura Daibutsu, or head to Enoshima Island for a stunning sunrise over the sea.

By midday, the sun can be quite strong, so it’s a great idea to hang around at Komachi Street full of stores to grab a bite and buy some souvenirs, or visit Hasedare Temple, where the shade from the trees will keep you from the sunburn.

In the afternoon, when the sun is at its best and the temperature is dropping, head to the Shichirigahama Beach and catch a breathtaking sunset. If you cannot get up early to catch the sunrise, don’t miss the sunset view!

Besides, towards the end of May in 2026, you can catch some early blooms of hydrangea flowers at Hasedare Temple. While there are still not many flowers, they can still make for beautiful photos, and it is the perfect time when the Temple is not yet crowded with visitors to admire these flowers.

Stunning Sunset View

Komachi Street

Travel Tips

1. Golden Week, late April to early May, is the peak travel season in Japan, so it’s best to avoid visiting Kamakura during this period. Instead, you’d better choose a slightly later date so you can avoid crowded attractions and surprisingly expensive hotels and flights.
2. If you want to see Mount Fuji with its snow-capped peak, check the visibility forecast for Fuji and make sure both Kamakura and Fuji’s weather is clear.

Is May a good month to visit Kamakura?

Yes, May is generally a great time to visit Kamakura. The weather is warm and comfortable, with some light rain. Just remember to avoid the Golden Week holidays. After that, Kamakura becomes much less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.