The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Matsuyama. Temperatures rise (72°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Expect rain on 26% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if September (8.1/10) remains theoretically better.
May ranks 2 out of 12 months in Matsuyama. Compared to April: +7°F daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
7 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
14°
Sea
18°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
13.8h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 38
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Matsuyama is September (8.1/10), 0.2 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Matsuyama
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Matsuyama
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.
Country · Japan
🗣️LanguageJapanese
💶CurrencyYen japonais (¥)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘSafe · 2/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 86°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 50°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 38%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Matsuyama ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
JapanTemperate oceanic climate with a 8.1 → 4.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
33.84°N · 132.77°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Matsuyama?
September is the best month with 81°F highs, 72°F lows, 5.5h of sunshine and 31.0% rainy days. The months of September & May offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Matsuyama get in September?
Matsuyama averages 5.5 sunshine hours per day in September. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.5/10.
What is the rainiest month in Matsuyama?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Matsuyama in September?
In September, overnight lows reach 72°F, while afternoon highs average 81°F.
Is Matsuyama good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Matsuyama scores 4.1/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains September with a score of 7.5/10.
When should you avoid Matsuyama?
January is the most difficult month to visit Matsuyama, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Matsuyama in May?
In May, the sea averages 64°F in Matsuyama: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Matsuyama in May?
The average UV index reaches 7 in May in Matsuyama (high), with about 13.8h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.