Fukuoka in May

In May, Fukuoka averages 23°C (74°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (152 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Fukuoka, with some rain to plan around.

23°C
Avg high
15°C
Avg low
15
Rain days
152 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Fukuoka

5th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
13 h 53 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Fukuoka (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (20°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (19°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (26°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Fukuoka

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:18 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:11 PM
Day length
13 h 53 min

Times shown for Fukuoka local time (Asia/Tokyo), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Fukuoka — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Fukuoka's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:18 AM – 4:58 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
4:58 AM – 5:58 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:31 PM – 7:31 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:31 PM – 8:11 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Fukuoka in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Fukuoka's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

May in Japan — events that affect travel

Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.

🇯🇵
Golden Week
Travel surge · high impact

Japan's biggest domestic travel week — Showa Day through Children's Day. Trains, hotels, and attractions across Japan run at peak capacity; prices spike 30-100%, reservations vanish weeks ahead.

Plan: If you're visiting Japan in late April/early May, book trains and ryokan 2-3 months out. Or avoid the window entirely.

Crowds & pricing — May in Fukuoka

High season

This is a busy month in Fukuoka — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Fukuoka

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.5
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Fukuoka in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 9°C / 48°F 3°C / 38°F 85 mm 16
February 10°C / 50°F 3°C / 38°F 78 mm 16
March 14°C / 58°F 7°C / 44°F 124 mm 16
April 19°C / 65°F 11°C / 51°F 147 mm 15
May 23°C / 74°F 15°C / 59°F 152 mm 15
June 26°C / 78°F 19°C / 67°F 246 mm 20
July 30°C / 85°F 24°C / 74°F 275 mm 24
August 31°C / 87°F 25°C / 76°F 250 mm 23
September 27°C / 80°F 21°C / 69°F 232 mm 22
October 22°C / 71°F 15°C / 59°F 94 mm 14
November 17°C / 62°F 10°C / 50°F 82 mm 14
December 11°C / 51°F 5°C / 41°F 78 mm 15

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Fukuoka in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Fukuoka in May?

In May, Fukuoka averages a high of 23°C (74°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Fukuoka in May?

May is quite rainy in Fukuoka, with about 15 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Fukuoka?

May is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Fukuoka in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Fukuoka for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Fukuoka on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.