Best Time to Visit Hiroshima

The most comfortable and recommended times to visit Hiroshima throughout the year lies on the spring time form March to May and the autumn time from September to November. During your Hiroshima trips in these periods, you can expect these combined advantages:

Pleasant Weather: Temperature-wise, April-May and October-November are perfectly warm or cool nearly all the time. March, the transition period of winter and spring, has cool daytime and a bit cold nighttime; while September, the transition period of summer and autumn, features a bit hot first half and warm second half. Rainfall-wise, these months experience low or moderate monthly totals. Besides, short-term rain of light intensity dominates. In other words, perfect and ample sunshine will contribute to a better travel experience.

Stunning Scenery: March and April are the times for cherry blossoms in Hiroshima, and May boasts fresh greenery. September provides still lush scenery, and October and November bring autumn views to the city.

Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima

Peak and Slack Season of Hiroshima

Generally speaking, March to April with cherry blossoms, early May that coincides with the Golden Week, July and August coincide with the summer vacation of Japan, and November boasting stunning fall foliage belong to the peak season of Hiroshima. For trips during these periods, advance booking for hotels and air tickets is needed. Moreover, be sure to get up early to enjoy quieter attractions in the early morning.

The left times of the year, that is, January to February, mid- to late May, June, September to October, and December, are relatively quiet with fewer tourists. Want to have a budget-friendly trip? Just pick one period among the above-mentioned ones that you like.

Month	Weather / Crowds	Highlights
January	Cold but Sunny; Quiet	First Shrine Visit of the New Year; Oysters
February	Cold but Sunny; Quiet	Oyster Festival; Plum Blossom
March	Warms up, Relatively Sunny; Crowded Late Month	Cherry Blossoms; Plum Blossoms; Doll’s Festival
April	Warm, Relatively Sunny; Crowded	Sakura in Full Blossom
May	Warm with Some Rain; Crowded Early Month	Fresh Greenery; Hiroshima Flower Festival; Manto Mitama Matsuri
June	Hot and Rainy; Quiet	Lush Scenery; Tokasan Festival
July	Muggy and Rainy; Crowded	Lush Scenery; Fireworks Festivals; Kangen-sai Festival
August	Quite Hot with Some Rain; Crowded	Lush Scenery; Hiroshima Bon Dance; Fireworks Festivals
September	A Bit Hot to Warm, Relatively Sunny; Quiet	Lush Scenery; Hiroshima Oktoberfest
October	Cool and Sunny; Quiet	Early Autumn Scene; Fireworks Festivals
November	Cool and Sunny; Crowded	Autumn Leaves; Ebisu Festival
December	A Bit Hot and Sunny; Quiet	Hiroshima Dreamination; Christmas Markets; Oysters

What Is the Best Time for Cherry Blossoms in Hiroshima?

You will be told that late March to early April is the best time if you want to spot beautiful pink Sakura in Hiroshima. During this period, there is no doubt that you will see attractions decorated by pink and white Sakura in full blossom, like Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shokkei-en Garden, Hijiyama Park, and Miyajima Island. More specifically, it is predicted that these adorable flowers will begin to blossom on about March 21 and reach their peak blossom season on March 30 in 2026.

What Is the Best Time for Red Leaves in Hiroshima?

Leaves begin to change color in mid-October. But, to see large scales of red or yellow autumn leaves, the best time is from mid-November to early December. In this peak season for red foliage, all attractions will have a colorful background and look more vibrant. Top destinations include Shukkei-en Garden, Miyajima Island, and Taishaku Gorge.

Hiroshima Full of Autumn Leaves

When do Oysters Taste Best in Hiroshima?

Hiroshima Prefecture is Japan’s largest oyster-producing region. The peak season for Hiroshima oysters, when they are plumpest and most flavorful, falls between December and February, particularly January and February. Grilled oysters and Hiroshima-style oyster okonomiyaki are must-try dishes. Additionally, the Oyster Festival is usually held in February on both Miyajima Island and in Hiroshima City, offering fresh oysters as well as traditional performances.

Not-Recommended / Worst Time to Visit Hiroshima

1. Late April to Early May: It’s the time of Golden Week, a long public holiday in Japan. Hiroshima at that time will welcome quite a lot of domestic tourists. Hotels will surge in prices, and long lines will be needed to wait to visit famous attractions.
2. June to August: First of all, these three months all experience hot weather, making outdoor visiting uncomfortable. Then, what makes things worse is that June to early July belongs to the rainy season when Hiroshima receives frequent rain, and mid-July to August is the quite crowded summer vacation time. Therefore, if you are not very interested in the summer festivals and fireworks festivals in these months, you are highly recommended to pick other times to visit this city.