Fall in Hiroshima feels like a breath of fresh air after the sticky, sweltering summer. Daytime highs start out in the mid-80s °F in September, but by late November, you’ll notice they’ve dropped to the upper 50s °F. Nights turn crisp and so much more refreshing.
This shift makes autumn one of the nicest times to see the city’s mix of urban energy and natural beauty.
As the weeks go by, rain lets up and skies clear, especially toward late November. Humidity drops off, so you won’t feel that heavy summer air anymore.
Shorter days and a steady breeze from the north and west add to the fall vibe. If you’re looking for that classic autumn feeling in western Japan, this is it.
With these milder conditions, you can get out and enjoy Hiroshima’s cultural spots, gardens, or even head to the nearby mountains. Maybe you’ll stroll through Peace Memorial Park, wander along the rivers, or chase the changing leaves. Fall weather here really does set the scene for outdoor exploring, with fewer rainy days and just-right temperatures.
Overview of Fall Weather in Hiroshima
Hiroshima’s fall brings cooler air, lower humidity, and much less rain than summer. You’ll notice the days get shorter, the sky gets clearer, and both air and water temperatures drop as autumn rolls on.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
Highs in early September sit around 86°F (30°C), but by late November, you’re looking at more like 57°F (14°C). Overnight lows drop even faster, from about 73°F (23°C) to 42°F (6°C).
Rain doesn’t stick around for long. September averages about 5 inches (132 mm), but by November, it’s closer to 2 inches (58 mm). The number of rainy days falls too, making late fall noticeably drier.
Humidity takes a dive as well. September can still feel sticky, but by November, the air feels much drier and more comfortable. Winds usually blow at 7–8 mph, shifting from north to west as the season wraps up.
Clouds thin out, too. In September, you might see over 50% cloud cover, but by November, it drops to less than 30%. That means more crisp, sunny days to enjoy.
Transition from Summer to Autumn
The move from summer to fall in Hiroshima happens fast. Early September can be warm and humid, but by mid-October, you’ll feel a real shift to cooler, steadier weather.
Daylight hours shrink quickly. At the start of September, you get almost 13 hours of daylight, but by the end of November, there’s only about 10 hours left. Sunrise comes later, and sunset sneaks up nearly two hours earlier.
Water temperatures cool off, too. They drop from 79°F (26°C) in early September to about 65°F (18°C) by late November. That definitely takes the edge off the summer heat, especially near the coast.
By late autumn, the air feels crisp, the sky’s clearer, and it’s just a better time for walking or sightseeing than those muggy summer months.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Fall in Hiroshima feels cooler, less sticky, and drier than summer. Summer highs can hit the upper 80s or low 90s °F (30–34°C), and the rain just keeps coming. In fall, highs settle in the 60s and 70s °F (15–25°C).
Winter gets colder and even drier. January highs hover around 47°F (8°C), and lows can drop close to freezing. The sky is usually clear, but the air feels sharp and not as inviting for long walks.
Spring brings more rain and slightly warmer weather than fall. From March through May, temperatures rise fast, and May can be especially wet. Cherry blossoms are the highlight, while fall is all about those red and gold leaves.
Honestly, fall feels like one of the best-balanced seasons in Hiroshima. You get mild weather, fewer rainy days, and it’s just easier to spend time outside.
Monthly Breakdown: September, October, and November
Hiroshima’s fall starts out muggy and ends up crisp, with some of the best leaf colors you’ll see all year. Early on, you still have to watch for rain and typhoons, but by mid-autumn, the air’s drier, the temperatures are milder, and it’s perfect for outdoor travel.
September Weather Highlights
September stays on the warm side, averaging highs near 29°C (84°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F). Humidity is high, often over 70%, and rainfall can reach 170–230 mm because of typhoon season. Sudden heavy rain and strong winds might hit, especially near the coast.
It’s smart to carry a light raincoat or umbrella and avoid low-lying or seaside spots if there’s a storm warning. Even with typhoons in the mix, you’ll still get plenty of sunny or partly cloudy days for walks when the weather’s calm.
Light clothes work for daytime, but evenings can cool off. A thin jacket comes in handy if you’re staying out late. In higher elevations, early autumn leaves start to show, but city parks mostly stay green for now.
October Weather Highlights
October feels much milder and more predictable. Daytime highs average 23°C (74°F), with lows dropping to about 15°C (59°F). Rainfall drops to 120–150 mm, and humidity eases, so the air feels more comfortable. You’ll usually get around six hours of sunshine each day.
This is prime time for outdoor sightseeing. You can wander Miyajima Island or Shukkeien Garden without sweating through your clothes. Autumn festivals, like local sake events, often happen in this pleasant weather.
Pack long-sleeve shirts, light jackets, and comfy shoes. Showers can still pop up, so it’s smart to have an umbrella handy. Winds might pick up a bit with the seasonal change, but they don’t usually cause problems.
November Weather Highlights
November brings that real autumn feel. Highs drop to 18°C (64°F), and lows go down to about 11°C (52°F). Rainfall drops again to 80–100 mm, and most days are clear and bright. This is the best time to check out fall foliage all over Hiroshima.
You’ll want to pack sweaters, jackets, and scarves for those chilly mornings and nights. Daytime is great for walking, especially in places like Momijidani Park or the Peace Memorial Park, where the maple trees turn amazing shades of red.
With fewer rainy days and lower humidity, November’s weather is about as stable as it gets. It’s a fantastic month for hiking, sightseeing, and soaking up Hiroshima’s outdoor scenery—without the summer crowds or stormy weather.
Temperature Trends and Ranges in Fall
Hiroshima’s fall weather changes fast, moving from late-summer warmth to early-winter chill. Both daytime highs and nighttime lows drop steadily, and as humidity drops, it just feels more comfortable.
Average Highs and Lows
In September, highs hit around 86°F (30°C), and lows stay near 73°F (23°C). By November, highs fall to about 57°F (14°C), and lows dip to 42°F (6°C). That’s one of the sharpest seasonal shifts you’ll see all year.
Most fall days don’t get hotter than 91°F (33°C) or colder than 35°F (2°C). That means outdoor activities usually feel pretty comfortable, though late November evenings can get chilly.
Early fall can still feel muggy, but by mid to late fall, the air turns crisp and dry. Walking around the city or visiting gardens gets a lot more enjoyable.
For a quick look:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 86°F / 30°C | 73°F / 23°C |
| October | 73°F / 23°C | 57°F / 14°C |
| November | 57°F / 14°C | 42°F / 6°C |
Day and Night Temperature Differences
As fall goes on, the gap between day and night temperatures widens. In September, nights are still warm after hot days. By November, the days feel mild, but nights can get chilly, and you’ll probably want a jacket.
This means you might need to switch up your outfit during the day. Early fall usually calls for a light layer, but late fall mornings and nights can be cold compared to the afternoon.
Cooler nights help keep humidity low, so the air feels cleaner and more comfortable. This swing between warm afternoons and cool evenings is typical for Hiroshima’s inland coastal climate in autumn.
If you’re spending all day outside, expect pleasant afternoons, but bring something warm for the evenings—especially when temperatures dip into the low 40s (about 6°C).
Rainfall and Humidity During Autumn
In Hiroshima, autumn rain gradually fades out after the wet summer, and humidity drops to way more comfortable levels. From September through November, you’ll notice the air feels different, and there’s less rain to worry about.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain in Hiroshima drops off as fall goes on. September still brings about 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, which is pretty high—typhoons can still swing by and dump heavy showers.
By October, rainfall drops to around 88–110 mm (3.5–4.3 in). It doesn’t rain as often, and the sky clears up, making it easier to plan outdoor stuff.
November is much drier, with just 65–70 mm (2.5–2.7 in) on average. Showers are shorter and lighter, and it’s one of the driest months of the year. So as you get deeper into autumn, you’ll deal with fewer rainy interruptions.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~170 mm | Possible typhoon influence |
| October | 88–110 mm | Noticeably drier, more sunny |
| November | 65–70 mm | One of driest months of year |
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity drops right along with the rain, so the air feels better as autumn goes on. In September, relative humidity averages 68–70%, which can still feel muggy, especially on warm days.
By October, it’s down to about 66%, making walks and sightseeing much more pleasant. Less moisture in the air also means you get clearer views of the city and surrounding mountains.
In November, humidity drops again, often around 65% or a bit lower. Cooler air plus lower humidity means crisp, refreshing mornings and comfortable afternoons for exploring.
By mid to late autumn, Hiroshima’s weather feels balanced—less sticky, fewer damp days, and just a lot easier to enjoy than the humid summer.
Sunshine, Wind, and Other Atmospheric Conditions
As autumn goes on in Hiroshima, daylight hours shrink, and the weather shifts to cooler, drier patterns. Sunshine and wind both play a big part in how comfortable your time outside will be, whether you’re sightseeing or just wandering.
Average Sunshine Hours
Sunshine in Hiroshima during fall is pretty steady, but you’ll notice changes from September to November. Early September usually brings 5.5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day, thanks to lingering humidity and some showers. By October, skies clear up more, and you get about 6.5 hours daily.
November is the sunniest, with 6.8 to 7 hours on average. Rain is rare, and the air’s drier, so even though the days are shorter, you get a higher percentage of sunny hours.
Planning outdoor stuff like visiting Peace Memorial Park or hiking? October and November are your best bet for sunshine and clear skies. You’ll have fewer rain delays and better views for photos.
| Month | Avg Daily Sunshine (hrs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September | 5.5–6.0 | Humid, occasional showers |
| October | ~6.5 | Drier, mild weather |
| November | 6.8–7.0 | Clear skies, crisp air |
Wind Patterns in Fall
Winds in Hiroshima usually stay light during autumn, though they still affect how the air feels. Most days, you’ll get speeds between 1.5 and 3 meters per second.
September brings calmer air, but by October, you’ll notice slightly stronger breezes.
In November, winds pick up a bit more, averaging closer to 3 m/s. Cold air from the north and northwest starts moving south from the continent, so you really feel that cooler, fresher air compared to the muggy start of fall.
Strong or disruptive winds almost never show up during autumn, so walking and cycling stay comfortable. Those light breezes clear up the sky after rain, and suddenly you get these crisp views of the city and mountains.
Travelers can count on mild air movement that usually adds comfort without messing up outdoor plans. You’ll probably want a light jacket for the cooler breezes in late October and November.
Travel Tips and Seasonal Activities in Hiroshima
Hiroshima in fall gives you mild temperatures, colorful scenery, and seasonal foods that make being outside genuinely pleasant. You might want to plan your trip around the timing of the leaves, local festivals, or those cooler evenings that make layered clothing a good idea.
Best Times for Sightseeing
The leaves usually start turning in late October and hit their peak in November. Miyajima Island and Momijidani Park get famous for those bright maple leaves, while Shukkeien Garden gives you a quieter spot right in the city.
If you’re into mountain views, Taishakukyo Gorge and Sandankyo Gorge have dramatic scenery with hiking trails.
Festivals really bring the season to life. The Saijo Sake Festival in October draws crowds for local sake tastings, and the Onomichi Betcha Festival features traditional performances.
Parks like Bihoku Hillside Park fill with cosmos flowers, and farms out on the Sera Plateau show off dahlia displays.
Fruit picking is a classic fall activity here. Local farms let you pick apples, pears, and grapes throughout the season, so you can enjoy Hiroshima’s countryside and taste fresh produce right off the tree.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Tips
September usually feels pretty warm, with daytime highs around 25°C (77°F). I’d go with light shirts and maybe a thin jacket.
By October, things cool down to about 20°C. You might want to throw in a cardigan or sweater for extra comfort.
In November, daytime highs drop to roughly 15°C, and nights can dip below 10°C. You’ll probably need a coat, a warm sweater, and a scarf. If you’re planning to stay out late for those beautiful fall foliage illuminations, gloves come in handy.
Pack comfortable walking shoes for gardens and hiking spots. I’d suggest bringing a small umbrella too, since light showers sometimes happen.
Layered clothing really works best, since mornings and evenings can feel much cooler than midday. That way, you can adjust as you go—whether you’re wandering the city or heading out for some outdoor exploring.