Shikoku, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Shikoku, Japan? If you're planning to go to Shikoku, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Shikoku
- Important essentials for Shikoku
- Activities for Shikoku
- Shikoku in January: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku in February: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku in March: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku in April: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku in May: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku in June: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku in July: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku in August: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku in September: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku in October: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku in November: weather and what to pack
- Shikoku 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 Shikoku, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Shikoku, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Shikoku, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shikoku, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist 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 frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Shikoku. 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.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Shikoku, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region is cold and extremely rainy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains almost every day and snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
February
If you vacation in Shikoku during February, you may see that it can be brisk and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
March
If you go to Shikoku in March, you will notice that it is chilly and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
April
April here is balmy and extremely rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
May
If you visit Shikoku during May, you will probably see that it is mild and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
June
If you visit Shikoku during June, you are likely to see that it is warm and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These 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 things don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you visit Shikoku during July, you may see that it is extremely warm and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
August
If you visit Shikoku during August, you might find that it is consistently hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
September
In September, Shikoku is pretty consistently hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Shikoku, with most of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
October
In October, Shikoku is a perfect temperature and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Shikoku, with most of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
November
November in Shikoku can be chilly and extremely rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain almost every day. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
December
December in Shikoku is relatively cool and extremely rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain nearly every day this month. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these 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 suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
Activities for Shikoku, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Shikoku.
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