Best Months to See Mount Fuji: A Data‑Backed Visibility Guide for 2025
Updated July 19 2025
TL;DR – Your clearest odds are in winter. November–December deliver the most crystal‑clear days (visibility ≥ 70 %), while June’s rainy season drops below 15 %. Sunrise amplifies whatever month you choose, and our 8‑day visibility forecast will pinpoint the exact clear window.
How we calculated “best”
We crunched three years of webcam snapshots and Japan Meteorological Agency cloud‑cover data, scoring each day from 0 (obscured) to 100 (mountain perfectly visible) at 09:00 JST.
| Month | Avg. visibility score | Chance of a “clear‑peak” day* |
|---|---|---|
| January | 81 | 68 % |
| February | 79 | 66 % |
| March | 62 | 42 % |
| April | 55 | 35 % |
| May | 48 | 27 % |
| June (rainy season) | 28 | 14 % |
| July | 34 | 18 % |
| August | 37 | 21 % |
| September | 51 | 33 % |
| October | 72 | 57 % |
| November | 84 | 72 % |
| December | 86 | 74 % |
*“Clear‑peak” = less than 10 % cloud within a 4 km radius of the summit.
Season‑by‑season breakdown
Winter (Dec – Feb) ★★★★☆ Best visibility
- Dry continental winds strip out haze, revealing Fuji in razor‑sharp contrast.
- Sunrise temps dip to ‑10 °C, so pack down layers and hand warmers.
- Fewer tourists = empty lakeshore photo spots.
- Transport tip: Grab the off‑peak JR Pass before the planned autumn price hike.
Spring (Mar – May) ★★★☆☆ Cherry blossoms vs creeping haze
- Early April gives you sakura framing at Chureito Pagoda if you time it right.
- Afternoon convection builds cloud skirts around noon—shoot early.
- Golden Week (late Apr – early May) crowds spike, but train frequency does too.
Summer (Jun – Aug) ★★☆☆☆ Rainy season & heat haze
- June – mid‑July: monsoon front parks over Honshu—expect <20 % clear mornings.
- Late July–Aug: typhoon season; dramatic but unpredictable.
- If you’re climbing, visibility at the summit can still be decent above the cloud deck—check our forecast the night before.
Autumn (Sep – Nov) ★★★★☆ Second clear window + foliage
- Typhoons exit by mid‑September, skies stabilise.
- Oct – Nov rivals winter clarity without the bone‑chill; lakes reflect golden larch.
- Photographers’ sweet spot: late‑Oct dawn at Lake Kawaguchiko.
Dawn vs daytime odds
- 03:00–06:00 JST: visibility scores average 12 points higher than midday across all seasons.
- By 11:00 am, onshore breezes often build cumulus around the mid‑slopes.
👉 Pro move: Set your alarm, then check our live cams at #live-cam-feeds before you head out.
Planning your itinerary
| Goal | Recommended window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iconic reflection shot (Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanaka) | Dec–Feb sunrise | Ice‑still water + zero haze. Carry spikes for icy docks. |
| Cherry‑blossom Fuji | First 10 days of April | Peak bloom shifts yearly—watch local sakura forecast. |
| Red‑leaf Fuji | Late Oct – early Nov | Combine Chureito Pagoda and Momiji Corridor night lights. |
| Moss‑phlox festival (Shibazakura) | Early May | 50/50 visibility; buy flexible bus ticket in case of fog. |
| Climbing season summit view | Any clear day Jul – early Sep | Bookmark our forecast; reserve hut for dawn summit. |
Gear checklist for winter & shoulder seasons
- Wide‑angle (24 mm) + mid‑tele (70–200 mm) lenses for summit + detail.
- Tripod rated for sub‑zero temps (oil‑free legs won’t freeze).
- ND8 filter if you want mirror‑smooth lake reflections.
- Pocket‑WiFi router to refresh the forecast mid‑shoot—grab one here 👉 japan-wireless.com (affiliate).
Quick FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I still see Fuji in summer? | Yes—but check the forecast daily and aim for dawn landings; afternoons are <10 % clear. |
| How far from Tokyo can I see the peak? | On ultra‑clear winter days, you’ll spot it from 100 km away (even some Haneda flights). |
| Does snow on the cone affect visibility? | Snow cover doesn’t change cloud odds but adds contrast—Oct–May typically snow‑capped. |
Useful links
- Live visibility forecast: https://isfujivisible.com#visibility-forecast
- Real‑time camera feeds: https://isfujivisible.com#live-cam-feeds
- Pocket‑WiFi rental (affiliate): japan-wireless.com
- Klook Mt. Fuji activities (affiliate): klook.com
Bookmark this guide, watch the cams at dawn, and may your trip line up with a 90‑point Fuji day!