Japan Weather in September 2026: Is It a Good Time to Travel?

September marks the transitional period between summer and autumn in Japan. Temperatures start to decrease, average ranging from 21-28°C(70-82°F).

Early September still feels like summer, with hot and rainy days. However, by late September, you can expect cooler weather, especially at night.

This month is also the peak of typhoon season in Japan. You might experience rainy weather and strong winds, but it usually lasts no more than three days.

After visiting Japan in September, we can tell you that traveling during this month isn't as bad as people say online.

In this article, we'll share all you need to know from our firsthand travel experience. You'll find tips on the weather, where to go, how typhoons might impact your trip, and much more.

Japan's Weather and Climate in September

September is the beginning of autumn in Japan. The weather gradually turns cooler, and heavy rainfall is a characteristic feature of this month. The first half is hot and rainy, but the second half is pleasant and warm, giving you that autumn feeling.

Most of Japan remained hot until mid-September, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F). Because of the high humidity, it often felt even hotter, like 35°C (95°F). If you're from a cooler, drier country, the mix of heat and humidity might be uncomfortable for you. The weather cooled down in late September.

September is the second rainiest time in Japan due to typhoons. Typhoons usually happen 1-2 times this month,  bringing heavy rain lasting from half a day to two days. While the downpours might be intense for a few hours, most of the time the rain is moderate or light.

Tokyo sees the highest rainfall of the year in September, while Hokkaido is the driest region in Japan during the same month.

Is September a Good Time to Visit Japan?

Late September is a more recommended time to visit Japan. You'll experience fewer crowds, cheaper costs, and mild weather.

Early to mid-September could still be a nice time to visit if you don't mind the heat (it's not as scorching as July-August), just be ready for rain and possible typhoon impacts.

Typhoons are unpredictable, and whether you encounter one depends on luck, so it's smart to have a flexible schedule.

Based on our experience in Japan, the risks of traveling in September aren't as extreme as some online sources suggest.

Tokyo and Central Japan Weather in September: Rainy but Quiet

Hot weather continues in central Japan in early September, but the temperature drops by 5°C (9°F) by the end of September. The daily highs average 28°C (82°F) in major cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

You may experience heavy rainfall in September due to typhoons. While this can be inconvenient, it rarely disrupts your city travel plans. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka offer plenty of indoor activities, so rainy days won't be a big problem.

If you don't mind the risk of potentially rainy days, you could expect fewer crowds and lower costs.

Hokkaido and Northern Japan: Autumn Colors Arrive

In September, Hokkaido in northern Japan becomes cool, with an average daily high of 21°C (71°F). Although it escapes typhoons, you'll still encounter several rainy days, averaging around 10 days.

Hokkaido is the first place to witness autumn foliage in Japan in late September. However, you could only see autumn colors in the high-altitude mountainous area, like at Daisetsuzan National Park.

Okinawa and Southern Japan: Typhoon Season Peaks

Okinawa remains hot in September, peaking at 31°C (87°F) on average. On sunny days, you could enjoy water activities, such as swimming, diving, and snorkeling, with the added bonus of fewer crowds.

September is the peak season for typhoons in Japan. You could expect heavy rainfall, but on the bright side, typhoons only last 2 or 3 days and are often followed by good weather.

Best 5 Places to Visit in Japan in September

Although the leaves haven't turned red yet in September, you can enjoy fewer crowds and cooler weather. Check out our handpicked top 5 places to visit in Japan during this month, each offering a unique seasonal experience.

1. Tokyo: Must-Visit with Abundant Indoor Activities

Tokyo offers plenty of indoor activities, so you could still have a great time even if you encounter short and intense rain.

For example, try your hand at a sushi-cooking class, visit art or interactive high-tech museums, relax at an anime or animal cafe, and much more.

Seasonal events in Tokyo in September are also a bonus. The highlight of the month is the annual Grand Sumo Tournament, lasting two weeks from mid-September.

While getting tickets for the sumo matches could be a challenge, we can arrange a special sumo experience for you instead. You can watch the sumo performance, savor the traditional Chankonabe (Sumo Stew), and even engage in friendly competitions with the sumo wrestlers.

2. Kyoto: Less Crowded in September

Kyoto is a culture-rich ancient capital city. While it's often crowded due to its popularity, September is a quieter time to visit, offering a chance to enjoy popular attractions with fewer travelers.

During this month, you can also experience the seasonal Mid-Autumn Festival. Held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually September/October) and features a moon-viewing activity.

Admiring the full moon at Kyoto's shrines will immerse you in a traditional Japanese vibe. You can enjoy traditional dances, music performances, or boat rides to experience this festival.

3. Hakone: Hiking in the Ancient Trail

Hakone is famous for its excellent hot spring water and traditional Japanese ryokans. In September, Hakone will have cooler weather because of its mountainous location.

Looking for something special? We can take you hiking at Hakone Hachiri. This ancient stone route from the Edo period allows you to connect with nature while gaining insights into Japanese history and culture.

As you walk through the path lined with tall cedars, you will come across historical shrines and a local tea house. You can taste some matcha and Japanese snacks to relax and take a break.

4. Mount Kōya: Stay Overnight at a Temple

Koyasan is a sacred Buddhist site in Japan. Here, you could explore ancient temples nestled in the mountains, enjoy high-quality vegetarian cuisine, and discover stories about this place.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, we can organize an overnight stay at a mountain temple. This unique opportunity lets you delve into the lifestyle of Japanese monks through activities like copying Buddhist scriptures, meditating, and savoring traditional Buddhist cuisine.

It's typically challenging to secure a booking, but September provides better chances due to lower visitor numbers.

5.  Hokkaido: First Place to See Fall Foliage

For a September autumn foliage experience, head to Hokkaido in the second half of the month. The cooler weather in northern Hokkaido makes it the first place to witness Japan's autumn colors.

However, you can only see the fall foliage in high-altitude mountainous areas, like Daisetsuzan National Park.

Will a Typhoon Affect My Trip in September?

Generally, it won't impact your journey significantly.

Typhoons usually hit southern Japan more heavily than central and northern Japan. If you mainly visit the central cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) or Hokkaido, your trip should be less affected.

In September, there are usually 1-2 typhoons, and they typically last for one or two days unless they are exceptionally strong and damaging. However, you are likely to experience clear skies and crisp air before or after a typhoon.

It is highly recommended to keep your itinerary flexible. In case of a typhoon, flights or trains may be delayed. If the typhoon is severe, you may need to cancel or adjust parts of your trip. If it's just rain, you could still go ahead as planned.

During our 14-day tour in Japan last September, we only experienced one rainy day, and there were no typhoons.

What to Wear in Japan in September?

In September, the weather changes from hot to warm. It's best to wear summer clothes like short sleeves and dresses for daytime activities.

Don't forget to pack long sleeves or a light hoodie as well for evenings or if you're heading to cooler mountainous areas or Hokkaido.

As the second rainy season peaks in September in Japan, bring an umbrella. Additionally, pack an extra pair of shoes in case yours get soaked.

How Crowded and Expensive is Japan in September

September is the shoulder season in Japan. After the summer holidays end in August, this month is quieter with smaller crowds and cheaper costs.

However, Japan has a three-day holiday in September (Sept 13-15) for Respect for the Aged Day. Since many locals travel during this time, we suggest avoiding day trips to popular areas like Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi on these dates to prevent traffic jams.

Similarly, you would also get better prices for flights and hotels. For example, a 4-star hotel might cost around US$220-250 per night in summer holidays, but could drop to US$180 per night in September.

Should I visit Japan in September or October?

If you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind the humid weather, September is the way to go.

If you enjoy cooler and drier weather, October would be better. By mid-October, Japan's maple leaves start turning red, providing a chance to witness the autumn foliage season. But the crowds tend to grow larger during this month.

Ready for a Smarter Way to Explore Japan?

We'll handle everything for you, from hotels and transportation to your itinerary. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free journey even during the second rainiest September.

Here are two well-selected Japanese tours. You could use them directly, or we could customize them based on your requirements.

• 8-Day Essential Japan Family Trip with Culinary Delights
• 11-Day Traditional Japan Tour with Historical Hiroshima

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Japan

Learn about the weather in Japan for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.

• Japan in January
• Japan in February
• Japan in March
• Japan in April
• Japan in May
• Japan in June
• Japan in July
• Japan in August
• Japan in September
• Japan in October
• Japan in November
• Japan in December