Record Delay: Mount Fuji Remains Snowless Late into the Year

The absence of snow on Mount Fuji as October progresses sets a new record for the latest snow-less year since 1894, amidst rising temperatures attributed to climate change.

Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, standing tall at 3,776 meters (12,460 feet), is currently devoid of its usual snow blanket, marking an unprecedented delay for the region that has lasted longer than 130 years of recorded weather data. Typically, the famous peak is adorned with fresh snow come early October; however, this year, warmer weather conditions have stymied any snowfall through the first weeks of the month.

According to the AFP news agency, this year’s first snowfall was recorded on October 5, a stark contrast to the historical patterns where snow would typically grace the summit well before that date. During the summer of 2023, Japan experienced one of its hottest seasons on record, with temperatures between June and August soaring to an average of 1.76C (35.1F) above normal.

September followed suit with sustained warmer weather, as shifts in the subtropical jet stream allowed for a continued influx of warm air over the nation. This phenomenon contributed to over 1,500 areas across Japan experiencing what the Meteorological Society has classified as "extremely hot" days—indices reaching or surpassing 35C (95F).

While October has seen a relative decrease in temperatures, they remain above the historical average, prolonging the barren state of Mount Fuji. With November looming, the mountain is set to experience the longest duration of no snow on its summit since record-keeping began in 1894, surpassing the previous record observed on two occasions—October 26 in both 1955 and 2016.

Nestled just southwest of Tokyo, Mount Fuji remains a poignant symbol of Japanese culture and art, frequently depicted in historic woodblock prints. The peak is also a popular climbing destination, with over 220,000 adventurers reaching its summit between July and September last year. As the country grapples with climate shifts, the sight of a snowless Fuji further emphasizes the unfolding environmental changes.