Yamagata, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Yamagata, Japan? If you're planning to go to Yamagata, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Yamagata
- Important essentials for Yamagata
- Activities for Yamagata
- Yamagata in January: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata in February: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata in March: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata in April: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata in May: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata in June: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata in July: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata in August: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata in September: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata in October: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata in November: weather and what to pack
- Yamagata 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 Yamagata, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Yamagata, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Yamagata, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Yamagata, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may become worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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).
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
For families with young children
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Yamagata. 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.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most areas, but check with your hotel.
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Yamagata, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Yamagata is freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Heavy socks
Such as:
Heavy jacket
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
Our choice: here
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Sweaters
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
February
February in Yamagata can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Warm pants or jeans
Sweaters
Heavy jacket
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
Heavy socks
Such as:
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
March
March in this region can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Heavy jacket
Warm pants or jeans
Gloves
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
Sweaters
Heavy socks
Such as:
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Cold weather footwear
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
April
April in Yamagata is crisp. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are 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 recommend:
May
May in Yamagata is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
June
If you go to Yamagata in June, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Light skirts
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you vacation in Yamagata during July, you will probably find that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
August
August here is really hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
September
If you visit Yamagata during September, you will probably notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
October
If you visit Yamagata during October, you might find that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
November
November in Yamagata is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
December
December here can be brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Heavy jacket
Gloves
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
Heavy socks
Such as:
Sweaters
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
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