Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest peak, is making headlines this year for staying devoid of snow later into the year than ever before—marking a notable statistic since record-keeping began 130 years ago. Typically, Japan's iconic mountain would see its first snowfall by early October, but this year has witnessed uncharacteristically warm weather, resulting in no snowfall thus far. While the summit was first observed to have snow on 5 October in 2023, this delay sets a new benchmark.
The summer season of 2023 recorded joint-highest temperatures, with June to August averaging 1.76°C (or 35.1°F) above normal levels. These warmer conditions persisted into September, aided by a shift in the sub-tropical jet stream that allowed milder air to flow over the region. This jet stream, a powerful air current circling the Earth, forms when warm southern air meets cooler air from the north.
The Japan Meteorological Society reported that nearly 1,500 areas encountered what they classified as "extremely hot" days last month, with temperatures reaching or exceeding 35°C (95°F). The critical temperatures required for rain to convert to snow hover near freezing, yet October has continued to exhibit warmer patterns than usual.
While temperatures have slightly eased as November approaches, the absence of snow marks the longest period on record for Mount Fuji since statistical documentation began in 1894. The longest previous wait for snow, which occurred on 26 October, has only happened twice before—in 1955 and 2016—according to Yutaka Katsuta, a forecaster with the Kofu Local Meteorological Office.
Located southwest of Tokyo, Mount Fuji rises to 3,776 meters (12,460 feet) and is visible from the capital city on clear days, holding significance in numerous historical Japanese artworks, including famous woodblock prints. Last year alone, over 220,000 visitors attempted to reach its summit during the peak months of July to September.
