Niigata's winters are chilly, with temperatures rarely rising above 14°C in January and December, and often dipping below freezing. Spring arrives around March, bringing mild temperatures that gradually warm up, reaching an average of 21°C by April. Summers are warm to hot, with July and August being the hottest months, but temperatures still rarely exceed 38°C. Autumn is a comfortable season, with September being one of the warmer months before the temperature cools down in October.