Mornings sit near the overnight low around 14°C with clear, cooler light — best for outdoor photos before crowds build.
Japan Weather in October
Everything you need to know about Japan weather in October
Updated September 10, 2026
Japan · Japan
Japan Weather in October
October in Japan is mild, clear and pleasantly walkable. Expect daytime highs around 21°C (70°F), mild nights around 14°C, long sunny stretches, and the city at its most magical and most crowded Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
- Avg high / low
- 21°C / 14°C
- 70F / 57F
- Precipitation
- 48mm
- 6 wet days
- Daylight
- 11 hrs
- mid-range daylight
Japan average temperatures through the year
OctoberRest of the year
8°
9°
13°
18°
23°
27°
31°
32°
28°
21°
15°
10°
JAN
6 wet
FEB
7 wet
MAR
9 wet
APR
10 wet
MAY
10 wet
JUN
12 wet
JUL
10 wet
AUG
9 wet
SEP
8 wet
OCT
6 wet
NOV
5 wet
DEC
5 wet
Daytime highs in Celsius with wet days per month for Japan. October sits at 21°C with 6 wet days.
The short answer
October falls in Japan's autumn. Daytime highs average 21°C (70°F) with nights near 14°C (57°F). Precipitation totals about 48mm across roughly 6 wet days. Settling snow is uncommon. Visiting works well if you plan for high crowds Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
October climate in Japan
Monthly averages for Japan, Japan.
- Day high
- 21°C
- 70°F
- Night low
- 14°C
- 57°F
- Precipitation
- 48mm
- 1.9 in
- Wet days
- 6
- rain or drizzle
- Sunrise
- 6:30am
- mid-October
- Sunset
- 5:30pm
- mid-range daylight
- Daylight
- 11 hrs
- 7 hrs sunshine
Averages based on long-run monthly climate normals. Last updated September 10, 2026.
Real weeks swing around the 18°C mean. Early October often sits near 21°C while the final week lands closer to 21°C. Pack a spare layer for that 1° drift rather than dressing only for the monthly average Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Rain and drizzle usually arrive in pulses across the 6 wet days. Dry stretches between systems feel clearer and colder overnight. Use those gaps for outdoor sightseeing and keep indoor backups for the wetter clusters Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
What is the average temperature in Japan in October?
The average temperature in Japan in October is around 18°C (64°F), combining daytime highs of 21°C (70°F) with night lows of 14°C (57°F). The month cools steadily: the first days average highs near 21°C, while the final week typically tops out around 21°C with nights of 14°C.
Average daily high and low through October. The month cools by roughly 1 degrees start to finish.
How much does it rain in Japan in October?
Japan gets around 48mm (1.9in) of precipitation in October, spread over roughly 6 wet days. Wet spells typically last a day or two and clear to drier stretches in between Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
48
56
72
80
80
96
80
72
64
48
40
40
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average precipitation by month in millimetres. October's 48mm sits near the annual rhythm.
Average precipitation by hour of day in Japan
October precipitation in Japan falls fairly evenly around the clock, with a mild overnight and early-morning peak. There is no predictable afternoon-downpour pattern — check the day's forecast rather than timing outings by the clock Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
12am6am12pm6pm12am
Relative share of October precipitation by hour of day. The distribution is fairly flat, with a mild overnight peak.
When is sunrise and sunset in Japan in October?
October daylight in Japan averages about 11 hours, mid-range daylight. Sunrise drifts from 6:30am to 6:36am across the month, while sunset holds near 5:30pm before edging toward 5:34pm. Plan outdoor sightseeing in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Sunrise and sunset through October. The shaded band is daylight Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
How humid is Japan in October?
Relative humidity in Japan in October averages around 65 percent. At 21°C that usually feels manageable outdoors. Temperature and wind still drive packing more than humidity alone Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
55
58
62
65
70
78
80
78
72
65
60
58
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average relative humidity by month. October sits near 65%.
What is the weather like in Japan the rest of the year?
Japan moves from cooler months near 8°C highs through a warmer peak near 32°C. The best-weather stretch usually aligns with March and April. October sits in the autumn arc with 21°C highs Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Average high (coral) and low (navy) by month. The shaded band is the typical daily range; OCT is marked.
Is October a good time to visit Japan?
Yes — if you accept high crowds. Here is the honest trade-off.
OverallGreat for foliage travel
WeatherCool and clear
CrowdsHigh
PricesHigh
Budget (per night)$220 to $350
Book ahead6 to 8 weeks
October in Japan is defined by best weather of the year and 21°C days. Stays often land in the $220–$350 range with high season demand. The smartest move is to book about 6–8 weeks ahead and keep outdoor blocks in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Pros
- 21°C highs suit foliage days in Japan
- 7h average sunshine for daytime plans
- High crowds shape the October pace
- High season rates for stays and flights
Cons
- 6 wet days can pause outdoor sightseeing
- Humidity at 65% can feel heavier than the air temp
- Hotel rates climb fast mid-month
- Daylight near 11 hrs shortens evening walks
Travelling to Japan in October?
Book lodgings about 6–8 weeks ahead, then visit the busiest central sights right at opening on a weekday to skip the mid-afternoon crush first-timers always hit Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues. Compare months on our Best Time to Visit Japan guide.
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What October actually feels like
October is Japan's autumn in lived terms: best weather of the year. Most days feel cold, dry and often clear, with damper grey stretches arriving in bursts rather than settling in for the whole month Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
The underestimated variable is the day–night temperature swing. It truncates outdoor evenings and pushes dinner earlier. Build one indoor spare block every day Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Early October often starts near 21°C while the final week trends toward 21°C. That 1° drift is enough to change coat weight mid-trip. Recheck the forecast before packing day seven Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Afternoons reach 21–22°C before an early sunset near the 11-hour daylight limit — plan open-air stops then.
Evenings cool quickly toward 14°C; shift to indoor dining and illuminated streets once the light drops.
October in Japan, week by week
Crowds and prices move more than the thermometer.
October 1–7
21°C (70°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High season
- Best for
- Quieter weekday exploring
October 8–14
21°C (70°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High season
- Best for
- Balanced weather window
October 15–21
21°C (70°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- Peak season
- Best for
- Festive peak atmosphere
October 22–31
21°C (70°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- Peak season
- Best for
- Late-month flexible plans
Temperatures are Japan monthly averages split across each window. Individual years vary by several degrees.
Japan events in October
The fixtures worth timing your trip around, and how they move the crowds.
October into November, peaking later in the south and lower elevations
OCT–NOV
Kōyō (autumn foliage)
Colour front fills mountain trains and temple gardens.
Timing note
Exact dates shift each year. Check dates for your travel year, or let Holi-AI sequence them into your plan automatically.
What to pack and wear for Japan in October
Layers for swingy days
Pack for Japan in October around the 21°C / 14°C swing. The governing rule is stack thin layers. The one item worth buying before you fly is a breathable mid-layer Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Essential
- Light jacket
- Comfortable walkers
- Compact umbrella
- Merino mid-layer
Smart additions
- Scarf or buff
- Portable charger
- Clear tote for layers
- Lip balm SPF
Leave behind
- Thick parkas
- Wool sweaters
- Snow boots
Top places to visit in Japan in October
Outdoor icons with shade breaks
City centre · Free
Japan landmark walk
Go early on weekdays for quieter photos and softer light.
Add to your planWaterfront · Free
Harbour or river promenade
Golden hour is the calmest window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMuseum quarter · Paid
Flagship museum morning
Weekday openings beat weekend queues and wet-day backups.
Add to your planOld town · Free
Historic streets loop
Late morning light helps cold stone feel less harsh.
Add to your planPark · Free
Central green escape
Shade and benches make longer walks realistic Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planCovered market · Free
Indoor food hall backup
Ideal when wet days interrupt outdoor plans Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your plan
Top places to stay in October
Base near the sights that matter in October
Best overall
Central core
Walkable to main sights with easier 11-hour daylight logistics Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Best value
One transit stop out
Lower rates than the core while staying close for high evenings.
Local feel
Neighbourhood streets
Quieter nights and easier restaurant bookings than the busiest tourist blocks.
Top restaurants to visit in October
Breezy rooms and light seasonal plates
Downtown · Classic
Japan lunch counter
Hearty midday stop when outdoor plans run short on daylight.
Add to your planOld town · Cosy
Neighbourhood bistro
Low light and early dinners match short sunset windows Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMarket · Casual
Covered market stalls
Fast warm food without a reservation on wet afternoons Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planRiverside · Scenic
Waterfront cafe
Daylight seating works best before the evening chill Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planArts district · Modern
Gallery-side kitchen
Pairs well with museum days when weather turns Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planResidential · Local
Corner noodle or soup spot
Simple, hot bowls that suit cold or humid evenings Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
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Japan weather by month
How October compares. Every month links to its full weather guide.
| Month | Avg high | Wet days | Crowds | Cost | Overall | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C (46°F) | 6 | Low | Budget | Okay | Cold but dry, fewer tourists |
| February | 9°C (48°F) | 7 | Low | Budget | Okay | Still cold, good for budget travel |
| March | 13°C (55°F) | 9 | Medium | Mid | Great | Mild weather, cherry blossom season |
| April | 18°C (64°F) | 10 | High | Peak | Great | Peak season, book ahead |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 10 | High | High | Great | Pleasant temperatures, busy |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 12 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Rainy season begins |
| July | 31°C (88°F) | 10 | High | High | Okay | Hot and humid, festivals |
| August | 32°C (90°F) | 9 | High | High | Okay | Peak summer heat |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 8 | Medium | Mid | Great | Cooling down, fewer crowds |
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 6 | High | High | Great | Foliage — this guide |
| November | 15°C (59°F) | 5 | High | High | Great | Autumn colours peak |
| December | 10°C (50°F) | 5 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Cold, festive illuminations |
Temperatures shown as Japan monthly averages.
October vs September: October averages 18°C versus 25°C in September — a 7°C cooldown. Crowds shift from Medium to High while pricing moves into high season. Pick October if you want best weather of the year Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
October vs November: November trends to 12°C, 6°C cooler than October. Expect high crowds and high season rates. Pick November if you prefer autumn colours peak Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Want October sun instead?
Need more sun than Japan offers in October?
- 21°C
Tokyo in October
A change of scene with comparable October weather. Japan vs Tokyo →
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Osaka in October
A change of scene with comparable October weather. Japan vs Osaka →
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Japan in October FAQ
Everything you need to know about Japan weather in October
Daytime highs average 21°C (70°F) and nights fall near 14°C (57°F). The monthly mean sits around 18°C. Expect a 1° swing from early to late October Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
How we work this out
Temperature and rainfall figures are 30-year meteorological averages. Crowd levels come from national tourism arrival data. Price bands reflect mid-range accommodation and economy flights from major long-haul cities, sampled quarterly.
Last updated September 10, 2026 · Written by the Holicay travel team