If you’re planning a trip to Sendai in the fall, you’ll get to enjoy one of Japan’s most comfortable seasons. Average fall weather in Sendai means mild temperatures, lower humidity, and less rain compared to the hot summer months.
From September through November, you’ll notice a steady shift from warm late-summer days to crisp, cool evenings. That really brings out the beauty of the season.
Daytime highs start in the upper 70s °F (mid-20s °C) in early September. By late November, they drop to around 50 °F (10 °C).
Nights cool off fast, which creates a perfect atmosphere for exploring the city or heading to the nearby mountains. Rainfall drops as the season moves along, so outdoor plans get a lot more reliable.
Fall in Sendai is more than just weather—it’s about the whole vibe. Clearer skies, colorful autumn leaves, and fresh breezes make this one of the best times to check out the Tohoku region.
Whether you’re into local festivals, nature walks, or just comfortable sightseeing, the climate really sets the stage for a balanced, pleasant experience.
Overview of Fall Weather in Sendai
Fall in Sendai brings a steady drop in temperature, less humidity, and clearer skies compared to summer.
Days get shorter pretty quickly, rainfall decreases, and cooler winds show up more often as winter approaches.
Typical Autumn Climate Patterns
You’ll notice a clear cooling trend from early September through late November. Average daytime highs fall from around 78°F (25°C) in early September to about 50°F (10°C) by the end of November.
Nighttime lows drop even more, going from the upper 60s°F (about 20°C) to the mid-30s°F (2°C).
Rainfall drops off too. September gets about 5 inches (135 mm) of rain, but by late November, monthly totals are closer to 2–3 inches (50–75 mm).
The chance of a rainy day falls from over 40% in early fall to about 35% by the end.
Humidity levels go down quickly, so the air feels much drier and more comfortable than in summer. By November, muggy conditions have pretty much disappeared.
Winds pick up, averaging 7–10 mph (11–16 km/h), which can make late fall days feel colder than you’d expect.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Sendai feels cooler, less humid, and less rainy. Summer highs often reach the 80s°F (27–30°C), and the humidity can be tough.
In fall, you get milder temperatures, clearer skies, and way fewer muggy days.
Winter in Sendai is colder and drier than fall. Average highs are in the upper 30s°F (3–4°C) and lows often dip below freezing.
Snow doesn’t fall as much as it does in northern Tohoku, but it’s still possible. Fall acts as a transition, easing you from summer’s heat into winter’s chill.
Spring warms up more gradually, with daylight increasing and humidity rising. Fall, though, loses daylight fast—over 3 hours between September and November.
Evenings arrive much earlier than in spring, which can catch you off guard if you’re not used to it.
Geographical Influences
Sendai’s spot on the Pacific coast of Honshu really shapes its fall weather. The city sits close to the ocean, so temperatures stay milder than inland areas.
Sea surface temperatures start near 74°F (23°C) in September and cool to about 59°F (15°C) by November. That helps moderate the climate.
The Ou Mountains to the west also play a role. These ranges block some weather systems, which means less snowfall than inland Tohoku, but stronger seasonal winds can get through.
You’ll feel more frequent breezes, especially later in the season.
Elevation matters too. Central Sendai is about 174 feet (53 m) above sea level, but nearby hills and valleys create microclimates.
In the surrounding mountains, autumn temperatures drop faster, and colorful foliage shows up earlier than in the city center.
Monthly Breakdown: September to November
Temperatures in Sendai shift fast during fall, moving from late-summer warmth in September to a near-winter chill by November.
Rainfall and humidity also go down, so sightseeing gets more comfortable as the season moves on.
September Weather Overview
Early September in Sendai can still feel like summer. Daytime highs often reach 27–30°C (81–86°F), especially during the first week.
Nights cool off to around 17–18°C (63–65°F), so mornings and evenings offer a refreshing break from midday heat.
Rainfall averages about 185 mm (7 in), and humidity stays high at nearly 78%. The air can feel sticky.
Typhoon season is still active, so you might run into storms or heavy showers, especially near Sendai Airport.
By mid to late September, the weather turns more pleasant. Average daytime temperatures drop to 20–24°C (68–75°F), and humidity eases up.
It’s a good time for walking tours and outdoor attractions.
Light clothing works early in the month, but you’ll want a jacket or cardigan for evenings and late September.
Closed shoes are better than sandals once the nights start to feel chilly.
October Weather Overview
October brings a real shift. Average highs fall to about 19°C (66°F), while lows drop to 11°C (52°F).
The air gets crisp, and humidity dips to around 72%, making it one of the most comfortable months for outdoor activities.
Rainfall drops to roughly 120 mm (4.7 in), so you’ll see more clear days compared to September.
Mornings can feel chilly, especially near the coast or around Sendai Airport, where winds add to the coolness.
By late October, fall foliage starts to spread through the city and mountains. You’ll want a sweater or light coat for outings, and layering is smart as temperatures can jump around during the day.
Thin tights or stockings help if you plan to stay outside for long periods. Sneakers or sturdy shoes work best for walking in parks and leaf-viewing spots.
November Weather Overview
By November, Sendai feels a lot closer to winter. Average highs reach about 13–14°C (55–57°F), while lows dip to 5°C (41°F).
The air is drier, with humidity near 68%, and rainfall drops to only 65 mm (2.5 in). It’s one of the least rainy months of the year.
Cold winds become common, especially in open areas near Sendai Airport and along the rivers. Even with clear skies, the chill can be sharp in the mornings and evenings.
You’ll need a heavy coat or thick jacket for comfort. A scarf helps too, though gloves usually aren’t necessary until late in the month.
Women wearing skirts often add thick tights for warmth.
November is also peak time for autumn colors in city parks and nearby spots. With the right clothing, you can enjoy long walks without worrying much about rain or extreme cold.
Temperature Trends and Variations
During fall in Sendai, temperatures drop fast from late-summer warmth to early-winter chill. You’ll notice steady drops in both daytime highs and nighttime lows, and the air gets drier as dew points fall.
These changes create a season that starts mild and ends crisp, with bigger swings between day and night temperatures.
Average Highs and Lows
In early September, average highs sit near 78°F (25°C), and lows hover around 68°F (20°C).
By late November, highs fall to about 50°F (10°C), and lows dip to 35°F (2°C).
That’s a 29°F drop in highs and a 33°F drop in lows across the season. Nights can sometimes drop below 42°F (6°C), and late fall mornings may feel close to freezing.
The cooling trend matters if you’re planning outdoor activities. Early autumn is fine for light clothing, but by November you’ll need layers and a coat.
The range between highs and lows grows, so evenings feel much colder than afternoons.
Daily Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature swings between day and night get more noticeable as fall goes on. In September, days and nights feel pretty balanced, but by November, the difference can go over 15–20°F.
For example:
- September: Highs ~77°F, Lows ~65°F, so the difference is small
- November: Highs ~50°F, Lows ~35°F, which is a sharper contrast
This bigger gap affects how you feel depending on the time of day. Afternoon walks might feel mild, but evenings cool off quickly.
If you’re out late, expect a brisk drop in temperature once the sun sets.
Daily patterns also change with shorter daylight hours. Earlier sunsets mean cooler evenings show up faster, so you get less time to enjoy the day’s warmth.
Dew Point Changes
The dew point falls steadily through the season, signaling drier, less humid air.
In early September, muggy conditions still happen, with dew points above 65°F (18°C) on many days.
By late October, the air feels much drier, and by November, dew points often sit near 40°F (4°C) or lower.
This drop makes a big difference in comfort. High dew points in September can make afternoons feel sticky, even when temperatures aren’t that high.
By November, the crisp, dry air is cooler but also more refreshing, with no lingering humidity.
As muggy days fade away, you’ll notice clearer skies and sharper visibility. The decline in dew point also means the growing season ends, as plants and crops react to the drier, cooler air.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
In Sendai, autumn brings steady rainfall that shifts in both amount and frequency as the season goes on. By late fall, colder air starts to replace the humid summer patterns, and the first hints of winter snowfall can appear.
Rainfall Amounts by Month
Rainfall in Sendai during fall is moderate, but it doesn’t spread evenly across the months.
September is the wettest, averaging 195 mm of precipitation. That’s mostly from lingering summer monsoon activity and the occasional typhoon.
By October, rainfall drops to about 150 mm. November sees a sharper decline to around 60 mm.
So you get wetter conditions early in the season, followed by much drier, cooler weather as winter nears.
Here’s a quick look at typical rainfall amounts:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 195 |
| October | 150 |
| November | 60 |
September is less predictable for outdoor plans, while November is often clearer and more stable.
Rainy Days Frequency
The number of rainy days changes a lot through autumn.
In September, you can expect about 13 days with measurable rain. October averages 10 days. November is the driest with only 7 days.
Rain in September often comes in heavier bursts, sometimes from tropical systems. October and November bring shorter, lighter showers.
This shift affects how you plan activities. Early fall may need flexible scheduling, while late fall usually gives you more reliable dry days.
Transition to Snowfall
As November moves along, the chance of snowfall starts to rise, though rain still happens more often.
The city averages about 60 cm of snow per year, but most of it falls between December and February.
In late November, you might see the first light snow or sleet, especially at night when temperatures get close to freezing.
Daytime highs usually stay mild enough for rain to be more common.
This transition matters if you’re traveling, since conditions can shift fast from wet roads to slick surfaces. Snowfall is rarely heavy in November, but the mix of rain and snow signals winter’s approach.
Humidity, Wind, and Cloud Cover
During autumn in Sendai, the air gets less humid compared to summer, winds shift with the changing season, and skies can bounce between cloudy and sunny.
These factors all affect how comfortable you feel outdoors and how you plan your visit.
Humidity Levels During Fall
Humidity in Sendai drops steadily from September through November. In early September, relative humidity often sits around 75–80%, which feels pretty damp, especially after summer rains.
By October, levels usually fall to 65–70%, and the air feels more comfortable. By November, humidity averages closer to 60%, and you’ll notice the air gets much drier.
This dryness makes the cooler air crisp instead of sticky. You might still run into some rain, but overall, fall brings less moisture.
If muggy days bother you, you’ll probably find mid to late autumn a lot more pleasant. Lower humidity also means mold and dampness become less of a worry indoors, which is a relief after Sendai’s muggy summers.
Wind Speed and Direction
Winds in Sendai during fall usually stay moderate, averaging 8–12 km/h (5–7 mph). Early in the season, breezes often blow in from the southeast, carrying moisture from the Pacific.
As fall goes on, winds shift more to the northwest and bring in cooler, drier air from inland. In October, weather systems sweep across northern Japan and you might notice stronger gusts.
These winds aren’t extreme, but they can make the air feel chillier than the thermometer says. If you’re heading out for a walk along the coast or checking out a park, a light jacket should do the trick.
Wind rarely messes with travel plans, but cyclists sometimes face headwinds, especially near the river or along the shoreline.
Cloudiness and Sunshine Hours
Cloud cover sticks around in early autumn, with lots of days showing partly to mostly cloudy skies. September often brings leftover rain from late summer, so sunshine can be a bit scarce.
By October, skies start to clear up more, and you can expect 4–5 hours of sunshine per day on average. November usually has the clearest skies, with longer sunny stretches and fewer rainy days.
As autumn moves along, daylight hours get noticeably shorter. It’s a good idea to plan outdoor activities earlier in the day.
Even with cooler weather, those clearer late-fall skies give you great visibility and plenty of bright light for sightseeing or snapping photos.
Seasonal Highlights and Natural Scenery
During fall in Sendai, you’ll feel the air cool off, days get shorter, and the scenery shift. Trees start showing vivid colors, sunsets creep earlier, and outdoor spaces fill up with folks enjoying seasonal activities.
Autumn Foliage and Trees
From late September through November, leaves in Sendai turn from green to bold reds, yellows, and oranges. The city’s nickname, “the forest capital,” really fits, thanks to its tree-lined streets and parks that make fall colors easy to enjoy.
Japanese maple, ginkgo, and zelkova trees shape the scenery. Ginkgo trees, especially, line main roads with bright golden leaves.
Out in the mountains west of the city, colors show up earlier, usually starting in early October. Central Sendai peaks more toward mid or late October.
People flock to spots like Aoba Castle Park, Nishi Park, and the Akiu area, where river valleys and hot spring towns add to the view. Colorful trees next to shrines and temples let you soak in both natural beauty and local culture at once.
Daylight Hours and Sunsets
As autumn goes on, daylight keeps shrinking. In September, you still get about 12 hours of light, but by November, it’s closer to 10.
This shift means you’ll need to plan your outdoor time around earlier sunsets. Sunsets in Sendai often bring clear skies with gentle orange and pink shades.
Since the city sits near the Pacific, you can catch some stunning views of the sun setting behind the western mountains.
If you’re into photography, mid to late afternoon usually has the best light. Wide ginkgo-lined streets and higher spots like Osaki Hachimangu Shrine offer great vantage points.
With shorter days come cooler evenings, so tossing a light jacket in your bag is a smart move if you want to stay out and enjoy the view.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Fall brings cool, mild weather, and honestly, it just feels easier to get outside. People flock to hiking trails in the Zao Mountains and around Akiu Otaki Falls for the autumn leaves.
Sendai comes alive with seasonal food and cultural events. Markets fill up with chestnuts, persimmons, and mushrooms.
Some local festivals celebrate harvest traditions, and you’ll find a cozy atmosphere everywhere. Want to relax? Head to a hot spring nearby, where you can soak in warm water and stare up at those colorful trees.
If you’d rather stay in the city, try cycling along the Hirose River or wander through tree-filled parks.
The comfortable temperatures, gorgeous scenery, and local traditions really make fall one of the best times to get to know Sendai.