Outlook for Snow Conditions at Japan’s Ski Resorts in Winter 2025/26: Snowfall Amounts Are Expected to Be Near or Above Average in January and February, and Near or Below Average in March

2025.12.25

Snowfall amounts at Japan’s ski resorts during the winter of 2025/26 are expected to be around average or slightly above average overall.

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Overview of the Snow Outlook for Japan’s Ski Resorts during Winter 2025/26

On the Sea of Japan side of northern and eastern Japan, snowfall amounts in January and February are expected to be near or above average, while in March they are likely to be near or below average.

Temperatures in January and February 2026 are expected to be near average in northern and eastern Japan, and near average or slightly below average in western Japan. Snowfall amounts on the Sea of Japan side are expected to be near or above average.

In March, temperatures are expected to be near average or higher, and snowfall amounts on the Sea of Japan side are likely to be near or below average.

Meteorological Factors Affecting Snowfall

Due to the influence of Sea of Japan sea surface temperatures and passing low-pressure systems, heavy snowfall and large temperature fluctuations may occur when cold air flows in.

Currently, sea surface temperatures in the Sea of Japan are higher than average, increasing the possibility of heavy snowfall during periods when cold air intrudes. In western Japan, temperatures may drop below average at times, so attention to cold conditions is also necessary.

In northern Japan, periodic passages of low-pressure systems could lead to significant temperature swings

Regional Snowfall Outlook and Characteristics

Snowfall Amount Trends on the Sea of Japan Side

Snowfall amounts on the Sea of Japan side in northern, eastern, and western Japan are expected to be around average or above average. At many ski resorts, snowfall amounts are likely to be near or above normal.

Weather Patterns and Snow Characteristics in Northern Japan

In northern Japan, large temperature fluctuations are expected, and as a result, there may be periods when wetter snow falls.

Characteristics of Areas with Many Sunny Days in Winter

At ski resorts in areas that tend to have many sunny days in winter, winter-type pressure patterns are expected to occur frequently, while low-pressure systems passing along the Pacific coast are likely to be less frequent than usual.

Monthly Snow Outlook

Snow Outlook for the Year-End and New Year Period

While there may be days with rain toward the end of the year, fresh snow is expected to accumulate after cold air moves in.

Toward the end of 2025, warm air is more likely to flow in, and rain is expected on some days even at ski resorts. After the passage of low-pressure systems, cold air is expected to move in, allowing fresh snow to accumulate. Caution is required as slope conditions may change. As the risk of avalanches increases, off-piste skiing will be dangerous.

Snow Outlook for January

In January, snowfall is expected to be around average or above average, particularly at ski resorts on the Sea of Japan side.

At ski resorts on the Sea of Japan side of northern and eastern Japan, snowfall amounts are expected to be near or above normal. Temperatures will be near average in many areas, and dry powder snow may fall at times.

In northern Japan, some areas may experience wet snow when low-pressure systems pass through. During periods of low-pressure passage or strong cold air inflow, conditions may deteriorate at times due to heavy snowfall or blizzards.

At ski resorts that typically experience many sunny days in winter, snowfall is expected to be lower than average due to more frequent clear weather.

Snow Outlook for February

In February as well, snowfall on the Sea of Japan side is expected to remain around average or above average.

At ski resorts on the Sea of Japan side of northern and eastern Japan, snowfall is expected to be near or above normal. Temperatures will be near average or lower in many areas, and dry snow may fall at times.

When low-pressure systems pass through northern Japan, warm air may temporarily move in, resulting in wet snow. At ski resorts with many sunny winter days, snowfall is expected to be lower than average.

Snow Outlook for March

In March, temperatures are expected to be higher, and snowfall amounts will likely be around average or below average.

Winter-type pressure patterns are not expected to persist for long, and pressure patterns are likely to change in a more cyclical manner. In addition, temperatures are expected to remain higher than average.

As a result, at ski resorts in the Sea of Japan–side regions of northern and eastern Japan, the number of days with snowfall is expected to gradually decrease, and snowfall amounts are likely to be around average or below average. Because temperatures will also be higher, wet snow will become the dominant type. Rainfall is also possible, so caution is required regarding slope conditions.

The number of days when low-pressure systems pass south of Japan is expected to be fewer than usual. At ski resorts that typically experience many sunny days in winter, the likelihood of snowfall may be lower than in usual years.

*For weather and snow accumulation information at individual ski resorts, please click: 【tenki.jp】Ski Resort & Snow Information (Only Available in Japanese)

How Should Travelers and Skiers Prepare for Japan’s 2025–2026 Winter?

When planning travel or ski trips, it is important to check the latest weather information and prepare based on snow conditions and potential transportation impacts.

In particular, due to the inflow of cold air and the passage of low-pressure systems, slope conditions may change significantly over a short period of time, making careful attention to safety necessary.

Snow can affect not only tourism but also many industries, including logistics, energy, and retail.
For information on winter risk management and the use of weather data for businesses, please click: Japan’s 2025–2026 Winter Snow Risks: Business Impacts and Solutions for Logistics, Energy, and Retail

For an introduction of snow conditions in Japan, please click: Snow in Japan Explained
For further details, please Contact Us.

*For an overview of Japan’s winter weather trends in 2025–2026, please click: Winter 2025 Arrives Early: Be Alert for Severe Cold and Heavy Snow from December – What Are the Impacts on Business?【Weather Marketing Report】

*For year-end and New Year weather information, please click: 2025–2026 Year-End and New Year Weather Forecast: Rain or Snow at Year-End, and a Possible Heavy Snow Event on the Sea of Japan Side During the New Year Cold Wave (Only Available in Japanese)

*To learn about the characteristics of fall and winter weather in Japan, please click: Fall and Winter Weather in Japan: What Global Companies Need to Know (Beyond Travel Tips)