Fukuoka is mild year-round and lacks the extreme winter conditions of northern Japan. Spring (March–May) is pleasant with warm temperatures and cherry blossoms at Ohori Park and Maizuru Park. The Hakata Dontaku festival in early May is one of Kyushu's largest events, with street parades throughout the city centre.
July brings the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, one of Japan's most impressive traditional festivals, culminating in the early-morning float race on July 15th. Summer is warm and humid, with the Ohori Park outdoor pools and the beaches of the Itoshima coast (about 30 minutes by train) providing relief. Autumn is dry and comfortable, with fewer crowds than spring. Winter is mild enough to be comfortable for sightseeing; the city's connection to Korea and China continues to draw Asian visitors throughout the year.