Kanazawa’s fall season brings crisp air, colorful scenery, and shifting weather patterns that really shape your experience in the city.
You’ll see daytime highs gradually cool from the upper 70s°F in September to the upper 50s°F by November. Nights often dip into the 40s°F, so you’ll want to bring a jacket.
This steady drop in temperature pairs with changing leaves, making autumn honestly one of the most scenic times to wander around Kanazawa.
Rainfall sticks around as a regular part of fall, and cloudy days pop up a lot, especially as November gets closer.
The wet weather might mess with your plans, but it also deepens the colors in the gardens and old districts, creating an atmosphere you just don’t get in drier months.
Along with cooler air and frequent rain, daylight hours shrink and sunshine gets a bit scarce as autumn goes on.
These changes in temperature, rain, and light set the pace for daily life and shape how you plan your visit.
Maybe you’ll stroll through Kenrokuen Garden or tuck into seasonal foods that just hit differently in the crisp fall air.
Overview of Kanazawa’s Fall Climate
Fall weather in Kanazawa shifts quickly from humid late summer to cooler, wetter days as winter creeps in.
You’ll notice temperatures dropping, frequent rainfall, and shorter daylight hours that affect both daily routines and travel.
General Climate Characteristics
Kanazawa sits in a temperate monsoon climate, and fall really shows this with mild but steadily cooling weather.
Average daytime highs drop from about 83°F (28°C) in early September to around 53°F (12°C) by late November.
Nighttime lows fall from 71°F (22°C) to about 42°F (6°C).
Cloud cover hangs around, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies nearly half the time.
Rainfall stays consistent, averaging about 6 inches (150 mm) per month.
Wet days get more frequent as the season goes on, and late November feels noticeably wetter than early September.
Humidity drops a lot during fall.
Early September can feel muggy, but by late fall, the air turns crisp and dry.
This shift makes outdoor activities feel more comfortable, even as it gets colder.
Seasonal Changes from Summer to Fall
Fall in Kanazawa kicks off with a pretty quick cooling trend.
Early September sometimes still feels like summer, with warm, humid air and the odd hot day.
By October, the heat’s gone, and evenings call for a light jacket.
Daylight shrinks by over 3 hours from early September to late November.
Sunsets move from about 6:20 PM to 4:40 PM, so you’ll have less time for outdoor sightseeing.
Winds pick up as fall deepens.
Average speeds climb from about 9 mph (14 km/h) in early fall to nearly 13 mph (21 km/h) by late November, usually blowing in from the north or west.
This makes things feel chillier, especially near the coast.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels less humid and a lot more comfortable for exploring the city.
Summer can get oppressively hot and sticky, but fall brings cooler air and clearer views, especially in October.
Winter in Kanazawa is much colder and wetter than fall.
Snow starts piling up from late December, while fall mainly brings rain and almost no snow.
You can still enjoy the outdoors without bundling up in heavy winter gear.
Spring warms up gradually, while fall cools down.
Cherry blossoms bloom in April, and fall’s highlight is the colorful foliage in November.
Both seasons draw travelers, but fall offers lower humidity and a more dramatic weather shift.
Average Fall Temperatures in Kanazawa
Autumn in Kanazawa means a steady drop in both daytime highs and nighttime lows.
The season starts out warm and humid in early September, then turns crisp and cool by late November.
Monthly Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
In September, daytime highs usually hit the upper 70s to low 80s °F (25–28°C).
By November, highs fall to the low to mid-50s °F (11–13°C).
That steady decline makes early autumn feel like late summer, but late autumn feels pretty close to winter.
Nighttime lows follow suit.
September nights average in the upper 60s °F (19–21°C).
By November, lows drop into the low 40s °F (5–7°C).
Sometimes, you might even see the upper 30s °F (around 3°C) toward the end of the season.
The difference between early and late fall is pretty stark.
Packing light layers works in September, but by November, you’ll need warmer clothes, especially after dark.
Temperature Trends from September to November
Seasonal cooling in Kanazawa happens fast.
Temperatures drop by about 30°F (17°C) from early September to late November.
It’s one of the most noticeable transition periods all year.
Early September still feels humid and warm, almost like midsummer.
October brings more comfortable weather, with highs in the 60s to low 70s °F (16–22°C) and cooler nights.
By late November, daytime highs hover in the low 50s °F (11–12°C), and winter starts to feel close.
This progression shapes local activities.
October is great for outdoor sightseeing, but by late November, you’ll want heavier clothing and probably shorter outings as daylight fades.
Daily Temperature Fluctuations
Daily temperature swings in Kanazawa are moderate but get more noticeable as fall goes on.
In September, the gap between daytime highs and nighttime lows is usually 10–15°F (6–8°C).
By November, it widens to 15–20°F (8–11°C).
Mornings and evenings can feel chilly, even if afternoons warm up a bit.
For example, an October day might start at 50°F (10°C), climb to 68°F (20°C) in the afternoon, then drop back to the low 50s °F (10–12°C) after sunset.
These swings mean you’ll want to dress in layers.
A light jacket or sweater is fine at midday, but you’ll need it in the evening.
Rainfall Patterns and Rainy Days in Autumn
Kanazawa’s autumn weather brings steady rain, lots of cloudy days, and cooler temperatures.
You’ll get both light showers and heavier rain, so it’s smart to plan your time outdoors with this in mind.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Kanazawa stays pretty high through autumn.
September often gets around 200–240 mm, making it one of the wetter months.
October usually brings 160–180 mm, and November averages 200 mm or more as winter moisture starts to build.
Kanazawa’s spot along the Sea of Japan means moist air currents keep rainfall totals up, even when other places dry out.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~200–240 |
| October | ~160–180 |
| November | ~200+ |
You should expect some rain in autumn, even if the day starts off clear.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Kanazawa rarely goes long without rain in autumn.
September usually brings 14–16 rainy days, October averages 13–15 days, and November can see 17 or more.
That’s nearly half the month with measurable rain.
Rain isn’t always heavy.
Most days just get short, light showers instead of all-day downpours.
Still, it’s smart to carry an umbrella or a light rain jacket whenever you’re out.
Rainy days pick up as November nears, hinting at the snowy winter ahead.
Impact of Rain on Travel Plans
Rain changes how you move around Kanazawa’s old districts and gardens.
Streets in places like Higashi Chaya or Nagamachi can get slick, so shoes with good grip are a must.
A compact raincoat or umbrella helps you stay flexible when showers pop up.
At the same time, autumn rain adds something special to places like Kenrokuen Garden.
Wet stone paths and reflections in ponds really make the fall colors pop.
You might have to adjust your outdoor sightseeing, but you can still enjoy museums, cultural spots, and covered markets when it’s wet.
Planning for rain means you can make the most of your visit.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Humidity in Kanazawa plays a big role in how fall feels.
The air often comes off as damp, and changes in relative humidity can shift how warm or chilly it feels.
Average Relative Humidity Levels
Kanazawa averages about 75% relative humidity year-round, so the air holds a lot of moisture most of the time.
During fall, it stays elevated, though not as extreme as summer.
In September, humidity often sits near 75–78%.
Paired with highs still above 25°C (77°F), the air can feel warmer and heavier.
By October, levels usually slide down to 72–74%, which feels more comfortable as temperatures drop into the high teens Celsius (mid-60s °F).
In November, relative humidity typically ranges between 70–73%.
It’s lower than early fall, but cooler temperatures around 12–15°C (54–59°F) and frequent rain make the air feel damp and chilly.
| Month | Avg. Relative Humidity | Typical Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|
| September | 75–78% | 18–26°C (64–79°F) |
| October | 72–74% | 12–20°C (54–68°F) |
| November | 70–73% | 7–15°C (45–59°F) |
Humidity Variation Throughout Fall
You’ll notice the biggest humidity shift from early to late fall.
September still carries summer’s sticky air, especially on cloudy or rainy days.
This makes being outside feel warmer than the thermometer says.
By October, things change.
Humidity stays high, but cooler air makes it less heavy, and sightseeing feels more pleasant.
Still, overcast skies keep the air from feeling totally crisp and dry.
In November, humidity and falling temperatures combine for a damp chill.
Even though relative humidity drops a bit, the colder air holds less moisture, so the dampness feels sharper.
That’s why layers and waterproof clothes really come in handy as fall goes on.
Rainfall also plays a part.
Kanazawa averages 139–282 mm of precipitation per month, and a lot of that comes in fall.
This steady rain keeps the ground wet and the air feeling moist.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight During Fall
You’ll notice shorter days and less direct sunshine as fall rolls on in Kanazawa.
The season starts off pretty bright, but then slides into cloudier skies and earlier sunsets.
Average Daily Sunshine
In September, you get about 4–5 hours of direct sunshine per day.
That’s a noticeable drop from those long summer days, but still enough for outdoor plans.
By October, sunshine dips to around 3–4 hours daily.
Cloud cover gets more common, and Kanazawa’s reputation for rain means you shouldn’t expect many clear skies.
November is the darkest fall month, with only 2–3 hours of sunshine each day.
Overcast days dominate, and sunlight is limited, making the city feel cooler and dimmer even at midday.
For reference, Kanazawa gets about 1,660 hours of sunshine annually, which is less than Tokyo’s 1,930 hours.
You’ll really notice the difference in fall and winter, when gray skies just stick around.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight hours drop off fast during fall. In early September, you’ll see the sun come up around 5:30 AM and set by 6:00 PM, which gives you about 12.5 hours of daylight.
By mid-October, you get just about 11 hours of daylight. Sunrise shifts to near 6:00 AM, and sunset sneaks in before 5:30 PM. That’s a pretty big change, and honestly, it can really affect your plans for sightseeing.
Late November brings even shorter days, with daylight shrinking to 10 hours or less. The sun doesn’t show up until after 6:30 AM and disappears before 4:45 PM. Suddenly, evenings feel a lot longer.
As daylight slips away and sunshine hours get fewer, the whole season turns cooler and dimmer. If you want to make the most of your trip, it’s a good idea to start your activities earlier in the day.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kanazawa in Fall
Autumn in Kanazawa feels pretty special. You get mild weather and gorgeous scenery, which makes it a fantastic time to visit.
If you want to plan well, it helps to know when the leaves hit their peak, what to wear as temperatures change, and how to get ready for outdoor adventures that really show off the season.
Best Times for Autumn Foliage
Kanazawa’s autumn colors usually start popping up in late October. They reach their brightest from mid to late November.
The timing can shift a bit every year, depending on the weather, but November is your best bet for those bold, vibrant leaves.
Some of the best places to see fall colors are Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and Gyokusen-en Garden. These spots mix history with stunning foliage, which is honestly hard to beat.
If you’d rather avoid the crowds, try going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon. Evening light-up events in the gardens give you a whole different vibe, with glowing trees reflected in the ponds.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Period | Foliage Stage | Recommended Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Late Oct | Early color | Avenue of American Maples |
| Early Nov | Mid-color | Kanazawa Castle Park |
| Mid–Late Nov | Peak | Kenroku-en, Gyokusen-en |
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
During fall, daytime temperatures usually sit between 10°C and 18°C (50°F to 64°F). Mornings and nights? They can get pretty chilly.
It’s smart to bring layered clothing so you can add or remove pieces as the temperature changes.
A light jacket or fleece works for most days, but in November, you’ll want a warmer coat, especially if you’re out after sunset.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes since you’ll probably spend a lot of time exploring gardens and castle grounds. An umbrella or compact rain jacket comes in handy too, since light rain showers aren’t rare.
For packing, think about bringing:
- Layers: T-shirts, sweaters, light jacket
- Outerwear: Warm coat for November evenings
- Footwear: Waterproof walking shoes
- Accessories: Umbrella, gloves if visiting late November
Considerations for Outdoor Activities
Kanazawa’s fall weather usually feels pretty mild, though you never really know when it might change. Sometimes rain just shows up out of nowhere, so having waterproof gear on hand really keeps you comfortable.
If you want to wander through gardens, shrines, or along walking paths, plan for a little extra time. Fallen leaves can make things slippery, and honestly, sturdy shoes with a decent grip help a lot.
Evening events like the illuminations at Kenroku-en get chilly once the sun goes down. Tossing a scarf or gloves into your bag can make a big difference.
Cycling gives you another way to see the city, but watch out for those wet roads. If walking’s more your thing, most of the cultural spots sit pretty close together, so you can easily mix sightseeing with checking out the autumn leaves.