Unprecedented Snowless Streak on Mount Fuji Continues into Late October

Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, is experiencing an unprecedented lack of snowfall this year due to soaring temperatures, with no snow reported as the region transitions into November for the first time since records began in 1894.

Mount Fuji is experiencing an unprecedented snowless period for this late in the year, marking the longest stretch without a snowcap in recorded history. As of late October 2023, Japan's iconic mountain remains bare, surpassing the previous latest date of October 26, recorded in both 1955 and 2016. The typical onset of snow at Fuji usually occurs by early October, but this year, the warm weather has disrupted the seasonal snowfall pattern.

Japan has just experienced its hottest summer on record, with average temperatures soaring 1.76°C (35.1°F) higher than normal during June through August. Even in September, the heat persisted, influenced by a shift in the sub-tropical jet stream that enabled warm air to flow from the south. The Japan Meteorological Society recorded nearly 1,500 regions nationwide facing extremely hot conditions, with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F).

While October has shown a slight reduction in temperatures, they remain above average. The continued absence of snow raises concerns about climate variability, as the temperature must drop near freezing for rainfall to transition into snow. Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776m (12,460 ft) and located southwest of Tokyo, serves as a critical symbol of Japan’s natural heritage, famously depicted in numerous artistic works throughout history. Yearly, the mountain attracts thousands of climbers; last year, over 220,000 trekked its trails during the peak season from July to September.

As Japan continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the snowless Mount Fuji serves as a striking reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices and policies to combat rising temperatures and protect the environment.