Mount Fuji Breaks Record for October Without Snow: A Reflection of Climate Change?

Japan’s Mount Fuji, one of the world’s most iconic active volcanoes, is missing a key part of its usual scenery: snow. The 12,000-foot peak, located on the island of Honshu, recorded its longest stretch in October without any measurable snow—a record in the 130 years since data collection began in 1894, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Warm Temperatures Prevent Snowfall

October’s higher-than-average temperatures played a major role in Mount Fuji’s bare peak. During the first week of the month, temperatures at the summit hovered around 60°F, with nighttime lows around 50°F—well above what’s typically needed for snowfall to accumulate. An observation map by the JMA showed the bare peak, breaking the previous record set in 1955 and matched in 2016, when snow first appeared as late as October 26. Normally, snow begins to settle around October 2, with last year’s snow falling on October 5.

Climate Change’s Role in Fuji’s October Heat

The ongoing warmth may be linked to climate change. Recent analysis from Climate Central, a nonprofit research group, indicated that Japan’s October heat was made three times more likely by human-caused global warming. A new study published in Nature shows that warming trends are shrinking snowpacks across much of the Northern Hemisphere, moving snow lines to higher altitudes. Research also reveals that Japan’s average maximum temperature at Mount Fuji between June and September has risen from 43°F to nearly 46°F since 1970.

A Global Pattern: Melting Snowcaps on Iconic Peaks

Similar patterns are appearing worldwide. Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the Andes in South America, and other high-altitude locations have seen significant snowpack reduction. Professor Karen Prestegaard, a geology expert at the University of Maryland, attributes part of this trend to warmer ocean temperatures, which increase atmospheric warmth and precipitation. This precipitation, instead of forming snow, tends to fall as rain, further eroding any snow that might accumulate.

The Cultural and Environmental Implications for Japan

Mount Fuji’s snowcapped peak is a beloved symbol of Japan, often visible from Tokyo 90 miles away on clear days. Its significance in Japanese culture is deep-rooted, immortalized in ancient poetry that marveled at its summer snow. Andrew Bernstein, a history professor researching Mount Fuji’s cultural impact, noted the volcano has been a longstanding symbol of continuity for Japan, making its recent lack of snow unsettling for many Japanese people.

While Mount Fuji is expected to regain snow later in the year, the delayed snowfall raises awareness of the broader effects of climate change. As Prestegaard notes, “Eventually, I’m sure they will get more snow on Fuji this year,” but such late arrivals reflect the shifting climate patterns affecting alpine regions worldwide.