Nara Weather in September

In September, Nara experiences a slight drop in temperature. By the second half of the month, you basically won’t feel hot anymore. There is relatively more rainfall this month, some of which is caused by typhoons, making it crucial to keep an eye on the weather forecast. If you don’t like crowds and want to enjoy a budget-friendly trip, September is definitely a good time to visit. Apart from “Silver Week” from September 19-23, Nara is in the off-season.

Gradually Getting Rid of Heat

In the first half of September, the weather of Nara is still a bit hot. At that time, the daily high is above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) on most days, and may reach 35°C (95°F). The daily low is around 25°C (77°F).

Then, in the second half month, the temperature of Nara sees distinct drops. Generally, the daily low is around 25-30°C (77-86°F), and you will no longer feel uncomfortably hot during your outdoor visit. As for the daily low, it drops to around 20-25°C (68-77°F), and occasion

Still Hot Early Month

Warm but not Hot Late Month

Peak Typhoon Season with High Rainfall

With an average rainfall of 179 mm and 12 rainy days, the climate of Nara in September is quite variable and wet.

On one hand, cold air starts to become active this month and meets the warm and moist air from the Pacific, forming a stable autumn rain front. This causes Nara to frequently experience continuous overcast and rainy days. Fortunately, although the rain may last for a long time, it is generally not heavy. On the other hand, September is the peak typhoon season in Nara, so the city is prone to seeing strong winds and heavy rain brought by typhoons. When the impact of the typhoon is severe, some attractions may close, and JR services may be suspended.

Street View after Rain

The average humidity in Nara in September is 68%. Due to the higher temperatures in the first half of the month, this level of humidity can make the weather feel a bit muggy. By the latter half of the month, as temperatures gradually drop, the muggy feeling subsides.

Daylight Hours / Sunshine Hours

Remember to make your travel plans a bit compact and in advance, especially if you plan to visit the city in the second half of the month, since the daylight hours are shortening and the sunset time is gradually getting earlier. From the beginning to the end of the month, the daylight time decreases from about 13 hours to no more than 12 hours gradually, and the sunset time changes from 18:05 to 17:25.

The duration of sunshine is around 5 hours per day on average, and the UV index can peak at 8 this month. So, sun prevention measures are still needed.

Crowds and Costs of Nara in September

September marks the end of summer vacation and has no iconic sights like cherry blossoms or autumn foliage, so it is Nara’s slack season. The flow of tourists to various attractions will not be large. Naturally, you can also enjoy a budget-friendly trip, spending less on both accommodation and transportation.

Quiet Todaiji Temple

The period from September 19th to 23rd in 2026 is an exception, as it falls during Japan’s extended holiday period known as “Silver Week”, constituted by several consecutive public holidays. During this time, popular attractions like Nara Park and Todaiji Temple will be crowded with domestic tourists, and hotel prices will be higher. Therefore, if possible, it’s advisable to avoid visiting Nara during this period. If unavoidable, be sure to book your hotel well in advance.

What to Pack when Visiting Nara in September 2026

Clothes: If you plan to visit Nara during the first half of September, lightweight summer clothing is still appropriate. For example, females can wear short-sleeved T-shirts with skirts, while males can wear short-sleeved shirts with shorts. If you plan to visit Nara in the latter half of September, you need to pack slightly thicker clothing. Specifically, while T-shirts are still necessary, you should also bring light shirts or light jackets, which are essential for the cooler mornings and evenings. For the lower body, you are recommended to pack thin long pants and long skirts.

Shoes: Comfortable and breathable sneakers are your best choices.

Accessories: Remember to bring rain gear like umbrellas, raincoats, and waterproof shoe covers in rainy September. You are recommended to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats to protect your skin and eyes from the intense sunshine.

Highlights / Festival of Nara in September

Beyond visiting Nara Park to see the deer and Todaiji Temple to admire traditional architecture, you can also explore some highlights of Nara in September based on your preferences and schedule.

Lovely Deer in Nara Park

1. Uneme Festival

Held annually in late September at Saimei Shrine, the Uneme Festival prays for peace and marital bliss. There are vibrant activities that show the unique culture for you to visit. In instance, you will see parades with people dressed in traditional attire, and admire boats with people in elaborate costumes holding flower fans cruising on Sarusawa-ike Pond, which is illuminated with lanterns. In 2026, this festival will be held on September 25.

2. Red Spider Lilies

In Nara, red spider lilies bloom from mid- to late September. Within the city, visit Gangoji Temple or Hannyaji Temple to see these beautiful flowers. For admiring larger scales of these beautiful flowers, consider visiting Katsuragi Hitokotonushi Shrine.

Tips for Visiting Nara in September

1. Compared with the first half of the month, the latter half is more suitable for sightseeing as temperatures are more comfortable. Note to avoid the crowded “Silver Week”.
2. When visiting Nara this month, be sure to regularly check the weather forecast before departure, as typhoons are highly likely to hit the city. For both safety and travel convenience, if you find a typhoon is forecast for your planned travel dates, it is advisable to cancel your trip promptly.