Spring (late April to May) and autumn (October to November) are the most pleasant times to visit. Cherry blossoms arrive on the peninsula slightly later than in Tokyo; the autumn colours in the cedar forests and hillside paddies are excellent. Summer is warm and humid but not oppressive, and the Kiriko festival season from July to September is the most culturally alive time to visit.
Winter is cold and often snowy, particularly in the north. The Sea of Japan coast receives heavy snow in January and February. Roads can be difficult and some guesthouses close. However, winter is the season for crab (particularly the red snow crab from Suzu) and for the brooding beauty of the storms rolling in off the sea.