Matsuyama Weather in May 2026: what to expect (7.8/10)

The month in detail

What to expect in May

Spring marks the start of the good season in Matsuyama. Temperatures rise (22.0°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Expect rain on 33.0% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if September (7.9/10) 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 (7.9/10), 0.1 pt higher than May.

See September →See all 12 months →

Context

Our verdict

Matsuyama, capital of Shikoku (the smallest of the 4 main islands of Japan ) on the Seto Inland Sea: 510,000 inhabitants. Largest city in Shikoku , cultural capital of the island 4 times on the list of the most beautiful castles in Japan.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

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Stay

Hotels & rentals · Matsuyama

Expedia →

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Activities

Tours, tickets, experiences

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Flights

Multi-airline comparator

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🎟️ Activities & tours · Matsuyama

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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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 · 52%

🏖️ 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.

Similar climate

Nearby

BusanSouth Korea369 km

Other top picks

Hawaii / MauiUnited States7.8

MaseruLesotho7.8

MauiUnited States7.8

El HierroSpain7.9

Gold CoastAustralia7.9

← April June →

🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map

Location

Where is Matsuyama ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World

🔍 Geographic context

Japan

Temperate oceanic climate with a 7.9 → 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?

May is the best month with 72°F highs, 59°F lows, 6.6h of sunshine and 33.0% rainy days. The months of May & September offer comparable conditions.

How many hours of sunshine does Matsuyama get in May?

Matsuyama averages 6.6 sunshine hours per day in May. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.3/10.

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 May?

In May, overnight lows reach 59°F, while afternoon highs average 72°F.

Is Matsuyama good in winter?

In winter (December-February), Matsuyama scores 4.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains May with a score of 7.3/10.

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.