Nagasaki has a humid subtropical climate. Summer (June to early September) is hot, sticky, and includes the rainy season in June and typhoon risk in August–September. Winter is mild but can be grey. The best months are late March to mid-May for cherry blossom and clear skies, and October to early November for autumn colour and the city's biggest festival.
The Nagasaki Kunchi (7–9 October) is the autumn festival of Suwa Shrine — wildly energetic dances combining Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences, performed by neighbourhood teams that rotate every seven years. The Lantern Festival (Chinese New Year, late January or February) drapes Chinatown and the city centre in 15,000 lanterns and is genuinely spectacular. Peace Memorial Ceremony is held annually at the Peace Park on 9 August.