Japan Weather in October

October is a pleasant month in autumn. The weather of Japan becomes mild: most regions are warm or cool, though the northernmost Hokkaido turns somewhat chilly already. The typhoon season largely ends by the latter half of the month. Consequently, precipitation levels see a slight decrease overall, remaining at a moderate level. It is one of the best months for travelling in Japan, with beautiful autumn leaves that can be admired in most regions by late October. You can check our Japan Tours if you want to have a trip in October 2026.

Cooling Down Temperature

Overall, the temperatures of Japan in October are very comfortable for sightseeing, with a noticeable cooling trend. However, pay attention that, due to Japan’s wide latitude span, temperatures vary a lot from south to north.

Cool and Cozy Hiroshima in October

Southern Japan remains warm throughout the month. For instance, temperatures in Okinawa are around 26-30 degrees Celsius (79-86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the first half of the month, and drop slightly to approximately 23-25°C (73-77°F) in the second half.

In October, central regions, including Tokyo, enjoy a warm first half and a cool second half. Specifically, temperatures range from 20-25°C (68-77°F) in the first half, and you can still wear summer clothes during sunny daytime. By the second half, temperatures drop to 15-20°C (59-68°F), a cozy and pleasant level.

The northern regions, which experience the lowest temperatures in Japan, see a significant decline in temperature this month. From the beginning to the end of the month, daily highs drop from around 20°C (68°F) to 10°C (50°F), while daily lows fall from about 15°C (59°F) to 5°C (41°F). The first half of the month can be described as pleasantly cool, but the latter half begins to feel noticeably cold, especially at night, when the temperatures potentially drop to just 1-2°C (34-36°F) sometimes. Furthermore, in October, the daily temperature variation in these regions can occasionally reach around 10°C (18°F), meaning that you should dress more warmly if you plan any evening visits.

End of Typhoon Season, Still Moderate Precipitation

October in Japan generally sees precipitation levels that are neither exceptionally high nor particularly low, with an average of 9 rainy days this month.

On the one hand, rain falls more frequently in the first half of the month than in the second half. Besides, if you travel to Japan in the first half, you are more likely to encounter some heavy rains that may produce relatively large influence to your trip. This is because typhoon activity is more active in the first half. By the latter half, typhoon activity begins to subside and gradually comes to the end, and sunny days become more common.

Sunny Second Half Month of October

On the other hand, southern areas receive more precipitation than northern areas, and eastern areas receive more than western areas. The south experiences more precipitation because it faces a higher risk of typhoon impacts. For example, Okinawa at the southernmost tip and Sapporo in Hokkaido at the northernmost tip receive 153 mm and 119 mm of rainfall respectively in October on average. The eastern regions receive more precipitation due to monsoon influences. For instance, Tokyo in the east and Osaka in the west receive an average of 200 mm and 110 mm of rainfall respectively in October.

Does Japan Snow in October?

In October, most cities in Japan do not see snowfall as temperatures remain mild. However, by late month, some high-altitude mountain areas may experience their first snowfall, such as Mount Fuji and Asahidake in Hokkaido.

Daylight Hours/Sunshine Hours

In October, daylight hours continue to shorten, from around 11.5-12 hours at the beginning of the month to just 11-11.5 hours by month’s end. And, by late October, the sun sets early and before 17:00 in places like Hokkaido and Tokyo. As a result, attractions like Senso-ji Temple begin shortening their operating hours. If you plan to visit Japan this month, you may need to plan a more compact itinerary to include more attractions within certain periods.

This month, Japan’s average sunshine hours are around 5 per day.

Fall Foliage Season

As temperatures drop, stunning autumn foliage begins to appear across Japan from north to south from early to late October, one of the most recommended months to visit fall leaves in Japan. 

In early October, Hokkaido begins to take on autumn hues. By mid-October, Hokkaido’s autumn leaves reach their peak viewing period, while leaves in the Tohoku region, such as Aomori, start to change color. By late October, colorful autumn leaves are extremely attractive in Tohoku, have yet to fall completely in Hokkaido, and begin to show up in the Chubu region, like Tokyo.

Note that the exact timing of leaves turning their color varies annually due to temperature fluctuations. For instance, in 2025, influenced by high summer temperatures, the peak time to see autumn foliage is about 10 days later than usual nationwide. 

You May Like: Japan Fall Foliage Forecast

Fall Foliage Season of Japan

Is A Trip to Japan in October Crowded/Expensive?

In October, Japan does see an increase in tourist numbers due to the arrival of the fall foliage season. However, since the areas with vibrant autumn leaves are somewhat limited and there are no major public holidays in Japan this month, it’s noticeably less crowded compared with November. At the same time, travel expenses - including hotel costs and airfare - are indeed higher than usual, but they also remain significantly lower than in November.

Is October A Recommended Month to Visit Japan?

Yes. As mentioned above, although typhoons can still occur in Japan during early October, this month offers pleasant temperatures, stunning representative fall foliage, not very crowded attractions, and more affordable costs, making it highly recommended for visiting Japan. Additionally:

1. October in Japan offers a wealth of festival experiences. Among the most famous and highly recommended are: (1) The Takayama Autumn Festival, which is held around October 9th-10th in Takayama. During this event, you have a chance to see 11 handcrafted and exceptionally exquisite floats parade through the streets. At night, these floats will be illuminated by lanterns mounted on them. (2) The Jidai Matsuri Festival, which is held in Kyoto on October 22nd every year. Its signature feature is the famous parade through Kyoto’s streets, where participants portray historical figures and reenact scenes from major stories across different eras. 
2. In late October, Mount Fuji typically experiences its first snowfall, and snow begins to accumulate on its summit.
3. As temperatures gradually drop, enjoying the onsen in Japan is recommended in October. What’s more, this month, while experiencing some open-air hot springs, you also have chances to admire the autumn foliage.

Autumn View of Japan

Mount Fuji in October

What to Wear When Visiting Japan in October

 Clothing for central Japan like Tokyo and Kyoto: During the first half of the month, you can still wear short-sleeved tops with long pants, but bring a few light jackets for cooler rainy days and evenings. In the latter half, you can wear a thin hoodie alone or pair a long-sleeved T-shirt with a light jacket on top, while wearing jeans or sweatpants for the lower body.

 Clothes for northern Japan like Hokkaido: In these areas, temperatures are noticeably cooler. In early October, you are recommended to wear long-sleeved T-shirts and jeans with windbreakers during the daytime, and switch to warmer windproof jackets at night. By late October, pack knitwear, hoodies, and a lightweight down jacket to keep warm.

 Clothes for southern Japan like Okinawa: T-shirts, short shirts, thin long pants, and long skirts are still OK throughout the month. However, be sure to bring jackets or long-sleeved shirts for nights.

 Shoes: Except for Okinawa in the south, where you can bring cool and convenient flip-flops or sandals, it’s recommended to bring sneakers or other comfortable flat shoes for other destinations.

 Others: Considering that the climate of Japan is still not stable in October, especially in early October, rain gear, like umbrellas and waterproof shoe covers, is still needed to pack.

Tips for Visiting Japan in October 

1. Early October remains the peak season for typhoons. If your itinerary is set for this period, you are advised to check weather forecasts frequently on the one hand and book hotels that can be canceled on the other. This way, if a typhoon is forecast at your destination during your planned dates, you can promptly cancel your trip or change your destination.

2. You are recommended to book hotels and purchase airline tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit popular destinations for autumn foliage in October, like Hokkaido.