Author:Aura RuggeriPublished: June 28, 2025 (Updated: July 2, 2025)
This article was fact checked and it's 100% helpful.
Typhoon season in Japan usually starts in May and lasts through October. Most typhoons happen between July and September. These storms, called taifu in Japanese, form over the Pacific Ocean. They are much like hurricanes and can bring heavy rain and strong winds. Japan has good safety systems and strong buildings, so it is still possible to visit during typhoon season if you are prepared and stay updated on the weather.
Typhoons are common in Japan, especially in the southern parts of the country. Knowing when and where these storms typically occur can help travelers plan their trips if they are visiting Japan in the summer or early fall months.
When Does Typhoon Season Start and End?
Typhoon season in Japan goes from May to October. This half year covers both summer and early autumn. Warm water in the Pacific helps make these storms stronger during this time. While it’s rare, typhoons can sometimes happen outside these months, but most form and come near Japan between May and October.
Typhoons get stronger later in the season. If you visit Japan in the summer or early fall, always check the weather for possible typhoons and plan ahead for changes.
Which Months Have the Most Typhoons in Japan?
The biggest number of typhoons hit Japan in August and September. During these two months, Japan usually sees two or three large typhoons either come ashore or pass close by. This is when the heavy rain, strong winds, and travel delays are most likely to happen.
The southern regions, like the Okinawa Islands and Kyushu (including Fukuoka, Beppu, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima), are hit the most. Okinawa gets an average of seven to eight typhoons each year. Shikoku is the next most affected area. The farther north you go, the fewer typhoons you’ll find, with Hokkaido seeing almost none. Big cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka sometimes get heavy rain and wind from typhoons, but they are not as badly affected as the southern areas. These cities often just experience gray skies and rain when a typhoon passes.
Average Typhoons by Region (Per Year)
Region
Typhoons per Year
Okinawa
7-8
Kyushu (not including Okinawa)
5
Shikoku
5
Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto
Few, mostly rain/wind
Hokkaido
Very rare
Has the Timing of Typhoon Season Changed in Recent Years?
The typhoon season in Japan still runs from May to October, with most storms in August and September. Some scientists believe typhoons could become stronger or slightly shift in timing due to global climate change. Right now, the main change has been in the strength of storms rather than the exact months when they happen.
Weather experts watch these changes closely. They use satellites, computer models, and special planes to check the path and strength of typhoons. Even with better technology, sometimes storms change speed or direction quickly, making it hard to predict exactly where they’ll go. That’s why people in Japan pay close attention to updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency during typhoon season. Every storm is different, so it’s best to watch the weather news if you are in Japan at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Typhoons in Japan
How Many Typhoons Hit Japan Every Year?
Each year, about 30 typhoons or tropical storms form in the Pacific Ocean. Not all of these come close to Japan. Normally, around 11 typhoons move near Japan, but only about 3 usually make landfall on the main islands.
The number of typhoons isn’t the same all over Japan. The Okinawa Islands get the most, usually seven or eight each year. Other southern areas, such as Kyushu and Shikoku, see about five. In the north, such as Hokkaido, direct hits are very rare.
Even if a typhoon does not hit the land directly, it can still bring strong winds and heavy rain, causing train and flight delays. Japan is well-prepared for typhoons. Buildings are built to withstand strong winds and earthquakes, and sea walls protect against high waves. Local agencies hold drills and have guidebooks, some in English, to help people know what to do. Visitors should always check local news and weather during typhoon season, and make safe choices based on official advice.
Hi, I’m Aura Ruggeri and I want to make sure that no one makes the same mistake that I did.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, do exactly that - plan! Read up on all of the amazing things to do here to make the most of your time. I can bet that you’ll still return home feeling like you could’ve explored much more.
