Fall in Fukuoka really signals the end of that hot, muggy summer. You’ll notice cooler, more comfortable conditions pretty quickly. Daytime highs start in the mid-80s °F in early September but slide down to the upper 50s °F by late November. Nights become crisp, even refreshing. That steady shift makes autumn one of the best times to see the city.
As the season goes on, rain eases up and the sky clears out. You’ll get more chances to be outside without worrying about downpours. Humidity drops too, so that sticky summer air gets replaced by something much drier and way more pleasant.
Late fall feels calm and stable, with crisp mornings and mild afternoons. It’s a nice change if you ask me.
Shorter daylight hours, cooler evenings, and less rain make fall in Fukuoka practical for travel and pretty enjoyable for everyday life. Whether you’re wandering the city or checking out the autumn scenery, the weather shapes your whole experience.
Overview of Fall Weather in Fukuoka
Fukuoka’s fall season brings a steady drop in temperatures, clearer skies, and less rain than the humid summer. Days get shorter, evenings cool off, and the air feels a lot more comfortable. Outdoor activities suddenly seem a lot more appealing.
What Defines Fall in Fukuoka
Fall in Fukuoka runs from September through November. During these months, daily high temperatures drop from around 86°F (30°C) in early September to about 58°F (14°C) by late November.
Nighttime lows also fall fast, going from about 74°F (23°C) to 45°F (7°C).
Humidity, which hits hard in summer, drops off sharply. Muggy conditions go from over 80% in early September to almost nothing by December.
That shift makes a huge difference—you’ll really feel the relief from all that summer stickiness.
Daylight shrinks by almost three hours across the season. Sunrises move from before 6:00 AM in early September to after 7:00 AM by late November. Sunsets shift from almost 7:00 PM to just after 5:00 PM.
Seasonal Transition from Summer to Autumn
Fukuoka transitions from summer to fall pretty quickly. September still feels warm, since the sea surface temperature is near 80°F (27°C), keeping evenings mild.
By October, the air cools and you start to get those crisp mornings and nights.
Rainfall drops sharply as typhoon season winds down. Early September can bring heavy showers—over 7 inches (190 mm) of rain in a 31-day stretch isn’t unusual.
By late November, you’re looking at closer to 2–3 inches (50–75 mm) for the month.
Cloud cover changes too. Early fall skies stay overcast more than half the time. By late October, though, you’ll see clear or partly cloudy skies about 70% of the time.
That means brighter days and a lot more sun.
Typical Weather Patterns
Expect a steady cooling trend as the season moves along. Early fall stays warm and humid. Mid-fall is mild and pleasant, and late fall turns cool with crisp air.
October really feels like the sweet spot for comfort.
Average wind speeds go up a bit, from about 7.5 mph (12 km/h) in September to 9 mph (14 km/h) in November. Winds usually come from the north later in the season, which adds to that cooler feel.
Water temperatures near Fukuoka also drop, from about 80°F (27°C) in early fall to 66°F (19°C) by late November.
Swimming season ends, but it’s perfect for coastal walks and sightseeing.
Monthly Breakdown: September, October, and November
Fall in Fukuoka brings a steady move from late-summer heat and humidity to cooler, crisper days. Rainfall, temperature changes, and seasonal events all shape how you’ll experience the city during these months.
September Weather Characteristics
September still feels pretty warm, with average highs near 27–28°C (81–82°F) and lows around 20–21°C (68–70°F). Humidity sticks around, so the air can feel muggy, especially at the start of the month.
Rain is frequent, averaging 170–200 mm, with about 12 to 14 rainy days. Typhoons are most likely now, so you should expect some heavy downpours and strong winds.
Even with the unsettled weather, you’ll get plenty of sunny breaks between showers. If you stay flexible, outdoor plans are still possible.
By late September, the heat eases off and evenings start to feel more comfortable. That’s when fall really kicks in.
October Weather Characteristics
October is easily one of the most comfortable months in Fukuoka. Highs drop to 21–23°C (70–73°F), and lows cool to around 14–15°C (57–59°F).
The air feels drier and fresher—such a relief after September.
Rainfall drops to 100–120 mm, spread over about 9 to 11 days. Typhoon risk falls off, and the weather gets a lot more stable.
You’ll see longer stretches of clear skies and moderate sunshine.
Autumn colors start to show up in higher elevations around Kyushu. In the city, parks and gardens begin changing by the end of the month.
Sightseeing is a lot more comfortable now, and you can walk further without dealing with humidity or heat.
November Weather Characteristics
November brings a real drop in temperature. Highs reach 16–18°C (61–64°F), and lows hit 9–11°C (48–52°F). Evenings get chilly, so you’ll want a light jacket.
Rainfall is moderate, averaging 80–100 mm, with about 8 to 10 wet days. Skies clear up, and you get more sunshine than earlier in the season.
Autumn foliage peaks in November, especially in Fukuoka’s parks, temples, and nearby mountains. Bright red and yellow leaves make for some of the year’s best scenery.
Cool, stable weather makes this month perfect for walking tours, cultural festivals, and day trips across Kyushu.
Temperature Trends and Variations
Fall in Fukuoka means a steady drop in temperatures, shorter days, and less humidity. You’ll start with warm weather and end up with much cooler days by late November.
The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures gets more noticeable as the season goes on.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
In September, average highs reach about 30°C (86°F), while lows stay near 23°C (73°F).
It still feels warm and humid, especially early in the month.
By October, things cool down quickly. Highs average around 23°C (73°F), and lows drop to about 15°C (59°F).
October is a sweet spot for exploring the city.
In November, it gets even cooler. Highs are near 17°C (63°F), and lows often reach 10°C (50°F) or a bit lower. You’ll probably need a light jacket, especially after dark.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F |
| November | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 50°F |
Record Temperatures in Fall
Averages give you a general idea, but extremes do happen. In early September, highs have sometimes hit 33°C (91°F), which feels a lot like summer.
On the flip side, late November can bring lows near 4°C (39°F). These colder nights aren’t rare, especially when clear skies let heat escape after sunset.
Fukuoka never hits freezing during fall, but the drop from summer heat to late autumn chill is pretty dramatic. If you’re staying a while, packing layers is a smart move.
Daily and Nighttime Temperature Differences
As fall goes on, the gap between daytime and nighttime temps widens. In September, the difference is usually 6–7°C (10–12°F), so evenings stay fairly mild.
By October, the swing grows to about 8–10°C (14–18°F). Warm afternoons are still nice, but mornings are much cooler.
In November, the gap can reach 7–12°C (13–22°F). Nights cool down fast, especially with clear skies and lower humidity. Expect crisp evenings, even if the afternoon felt sunny.
That daily variation is one of the most noticeable things about Fukuoka’s fall weather.
Rainfall, Humidity, and Sunshine
Autumn in Fukuoka means a steady shift from summer’s heavy rains to drier and clearer days. Temperatures drop, rain decreases, and daylight gets shorter, but you still get a good balance of sun and comfortable air.
Average Precipitation and Rainy Days
Rainfall drops sharply after the summer peak. September still has higher totals, averaging around 175 mm (6.9 in), but by November, it falls to about 81 mm (3.2 in).
That steady decline makes late autumn feel much drier.
You’ll also notice fewer rainy days as fall goes on. September averages 10–12 wet days, while November usually has 6–7 days of measurable rain.
That makes it easier to plan outdoor stuff.
Typhoons are still possible in early September, though less often than in August. By October, the risk is low, and November is generally calm.
If you want to avoid heavy rain, the second half of autumn is more dependable.
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~175 mm | 10–12 |
| October | ~120 mm | 8–9 |
| November | ~81 mm | 6–7 |
Humidity Levels in Autumn
Humidity in Fukuoka drops after that sticky summer. In September, relative humidity hangs around 70%, which can still feel muggy when it’s warm.
By October, it’s closer to 65%, and by November, it averages near 60%.
That gradual drop makes it way more comfortable for walking or sightseeing. You won’t get that heavy, damp feeling that summer brings.
The city’s coastal location means humidity never gets super low. Even in November, mornings can feel cool and a little damp, especially near the waterfront.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Daylight hours shrink through autumn, but you still get a decent amount of sun. September brings about 12.4 hours of daylight, dropping to 10.4 hours by November.
Actual sunshine averages around 5–6 hours per day in September and October. November usually sees 4–5 hours.
Cloud cover increases later in the season, but skies are still clearer than in the rainy summer.
This mix of sun and cooler air makes autumn a great time for outdoor activities. You get enough daylight to explore, without the harsh glare or humidity of midsummer.
Wind, Typhoons, and Other Weather Events
During fall in Fukuoka, you’ll notice shifting winds, the chance of typhoons in early autumn, and the occasional heavy rain.
These seasonal patterns can definitely affect your travel plans, outdoor activities, and even your daily routine.
Typical Wind Patterns in Fall
Winds in Fukuoka aren’t as strong as in winter, but they do pick up compared to summer. Average speeds range from about 8.5 mph in September to 9.1 mph in October, then rise a little more in November.
Wind direction shifts with the season. Early fall brings breezes from the south and west, carrying leftover humidity.
By late fall, winds turn cooler and come from the north, hinting that winter’s on its way.
Expect breezy conditions near the coast. Inland spots are calmer, but gusts can still affect cycling or walking.
Stronger winds in November might make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, mornings usually stay calmer, while afternoons bring more gusts. That’s pretty typical along Kyushu’s northern shoreline, where Fukuoka sits.
Typhoon Season and Its Impact
Fall in Japan overlaps with the tail end of typhoon season. The biggest risk comes in September when storms from the Pacific often reach Kyushu.
By October, storms show up less often, but you might still get heavy rain and strong winds from the occasional system. Typhoons can mess up travel plans, sometimes causing delays for flights, trains, or ferries.
Coastal spots sometimes see strong surf and local flooding. Even if a storm doesn’t hit directly, the outer rainbands can soak the city with sudden downpours.
In September, Fukuoka usually gets about 6.1 inches of rain, which is pretty telling. October’s average drops to 4.2 inches, but a passing typhoon can easily push totals higher.
If you’re visiting during this season, keep an eye on local weather updates. Most typhoons move through quickly, but staying flexible with your plans really helps dodge travel headaches.
Other Notable Weather Phenomena
Fall in Fukuoka isn’t just about wind and typhoons. September sometimes brings sudden heavy showers—locals call them guerilla rainstorms. These bursts don’t last long, but they can flood low streets before you know it.
Humidity sticks around in early fall, hovering at about 78% in September. It drops to roughly 74% in October and down to 70% by November. This gradual change makes late fall a lot nicer for walking around.
By November, skies clear up a bit more. You’ll notice more sunshine than in summer, and the air feels crisper as the humidity dips. Honestly, it’s a good time to be outside.
Snow doesn’t show up in fall, but the nights in late November can get cold enough for frost in the countryside outside Fukuoka. If you’re staying in the city, rain and wind are bigger worries than cold snaps.
Travel Tips and Recommendations for Fall
Fukuoka’s autumn brings mild days, cooler evenings, and colorful leaves everywhere. If you prep for the changing temps, you’ll enjoy the cultural events and famous foliage spots in the city and nearby areas.
What to Pack for Autumn in Fukuoka
October days usually feel warm, but nights cool off fast. By November, mornings and evenings can get pretty chilly, especially if you’re near the coast or up in the mountains. You’ll want a light jacket or sweater for layering.
Pack some long-sleeve shirts, a medium-weight jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Locals might stick with short sleeves in early October, but by the end of the month, you’ll probably want something warmer.
A small umbrella comes in handy since showers can pop up without much warning. If you plan to visit shrines or gardens, bring shoes that slip on and off easily.
For hikes, grab sturdy shoes and maybe a light scarf or hat for windy days. Dressing in layers makes it easy to stay comfy as the weather shifts.
Best Outdoor Activities and Festivals
Autumn is a favorite season for outdoor sightseeing in Fukuoka. Clearer skies and cooler air invite you to explore parks, temples, and the coast. Hiking at Aburayama or Raizan feels especially good in the fall.
Cultural events pop up all over. Many shrines host autumn festivals with food stalls, music, and traditional performances. The Momiji Festival at Momiji Hachimangu Shrine lights up the maple trees at night, which makes the whole place feel kind of magical.
Seasonal food fairs and harvest celebrations add to the fun. Local treats like mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and fresh seafood taste even better in the cooler months. Outdoor markets and night illuminations also make autumn in Fukuoka a bit more special.
Popular Spots to Experience Fall Foliage
Fukuoka has plenty of great spots to check out the autumn leaves, both in the city and just outside it. Right in central Fukuoka, Maizuru Park and Ohori Park let you stroll among maple and ginkgo trees, and the paths here are perfect for a quick walk.
If you’re after a more scenic vibe, head over to Nishi Park. This spot gives you a nice view of Hakata Bay. Or maybe you’d rather relax at Yusentei Park, a classic Japanese garden where you can sip tea and watch the leaves turn. Rakusuien Garden sits close to Hakata Station and feels pretty peaceful if you want a quieter break.
Thinking about a short trip out of town? Raizan Sennyoji Temple in Itoshima and Chikushi Yabakei Valley in Nakagawa both burst with vibrant maples set against the mountains. The best colors usually show up from early to late November, though sometimes you’ll catch them hanging on into early December, depending on where you go.