Shiga, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Shiga, Japan? If you're planning to go to Shiga, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Shiga
- Important essentials for Shiga
- Activities for Shiga
- Shiga in January: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in February: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in March: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in April: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in May: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in June: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in July: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in August: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in September: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in October: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in November: weather and what to pack
- Shiga in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Shiga, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Shiga, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for Shiga, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shiga, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Shiga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Shiga, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Shiga is brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
February
February in Shiga can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
March
March here is cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
April
If you go to Shiga in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
May
If you visit Shiga during May, you may find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
June
June in Shiga is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
July
If you go to Shiga in July, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
August
August in Shiga is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
September
If you are traveling to Shiga in September, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
October
If you vacation in Shiga during October, you will probably find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
November
If you are traveling to Shiga in November, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
December
If you visit Shiga during December, you will probably see that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
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