Sendai Weather in May

 Season: Spring
 Key points:
1.    Sendai’s weather in May is warm mostly during the day, but with occasional big fluctuations.
2.    Precipitation is mild in general, with intense rainfalls occurring rarely. 
3.    It is festive in mid-May when the Sendai Aoba Matsuri is held at Jozenji-dori Avenue.

Temperature

Average high temperature: 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit)
Average low temperature: 11℃ (51.8℉)

Sendai is generally warm during the day, with the temperature mostly ranging between 16-24℃ (60.8-75.2℉). But you are likely encounter big temperature fluctuations. Occasionally, the maximum temperatures reach above 26℃ (78.8℉), so you may feel a bit hot if you wear thick spring clothes. However, it should also be noted that when the sun is absent, accompanied by winds, the temperature can be lower, about 7-10℃ (44.6-50℉); an intense rainfall could also cause the temperature to drop significantly, roughly by over 10℃ or so, making you feel a bit cold, though such case hardly happens.

In regard to the temperature conditions in early mornings and in the late afternoons, it is usually chilly since the highest temperatures rarely exceed 16℃. Oftentimes, the night temperature fluctuates between 10-15℃ (50-59℉); in an adverse weather condition in early May, it can drop as low as 8℃ (46.4℉).

Precipitation & Humidity

There are about 12 days with rainfall in May, with the monthly average precipitation of 110mm on average. You may also concern the intensity of the rain. Don’t worry, there are only 2-3 moderate or heavy rainfalls in total. In most cases, the rainfall merely moistens the ground and generally don’t last for too long.

Humidity this month is a little bit high, about 71% on average.

Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours

Sunrise time (1st-31st): 04:41 – 04:16
Sunset time (1st-31st): 18:28 – 18:54
Daylength: 13 hours 46 minutes – 14 hours 37 minutes

May can be regarded as a month with abundant sunny weather since there are averagely 17 sunny days, with the sunshine duration each day up to 9 hours. As the sun rises very early, you may expect the temperature to rise quickly from the chilly early morning.

With an average UV index of 5, you’re recommended to take sun protection measures in sunny weather.

What to Wear and Bring during Sendai Trip in May

 Clothing
Given the significant temperature fluctuations in May, we recommend that you bring some clothes of different thicknesses for the upper and lower body, so that you can adjust your clothing according to the temperature changes. For example, you can bring upper clothes like the 3-in-1 jacket, hoodie, cardigan, and long-sleeved shirt, and combine them in different ways based on specific weather condition. Lower clothes like sweatpants, casual trousers, and jeans are suitable for overcast, cloudy, and sunny weather, respectively.

 Shoes
Casual sneakers or walking shoes are appropriate choices.

 Other Necessities
You are also advised to bring a hat, which is useful for both sun protection and keep out the chilly winds. Besides, you’d better bring some cold medicine considering the temperature fluctuations. Also, don’t forget to take an umbrella in case of the light showers.

Travel Highlight in Sendai in May: Aoba Matsuri

Looking to add a unique experience to your May 2026 Sendai trip? Don’t miss the renowned Sendai Aoba Matsuri, one of Sendai’s most iconic traditional festivals. Held annually on the third Sunday of May at Jozenji-dori Avenue, it is celebrated to commemorate the lord of Sendai, Date Masamune. The day before the festival, you can witness Sendai’s traditional dance, the Sparrow Odori, along the streets surrounding Jozenji-dori. On the day itself, the performance is even more spectacular: thousands of performers take turns dancing in groups, and samurai lead a parade of giant floats which feature displays of Date Masamune’s armor, Sendai crafts, and other auspicious items, symbolizing a wish for peace.

Travel Recommendations & Tips

1.    By virtue of the good weather, you can enjoy much time for an immersive city walk in Sendai. For example, in the morning, you can have a hot breakfast at Sendai Asaichi Market. Then, when it’s warmer, admire the magnificent architecture and intricate carvings of Zuihoden. If the sunshine is a little strong around noon, you can relax and enjoy the natural scenery at Nishi Park or Tsutsujigaoka Park. In the afternoon, it is recommended to explore more expansive locations like Aoba Castle where you can overlook the whole Sendai city center and watch the peaceful sunset.

Tip: You’d better bring an outer coat when hanging out even in good weather, since there is a big temperature difference between mid-day and early & late hours.

2.    Although there are no cherry blossoms to see in early May, the Wisteria of Koheicho is still a worthwhile tourist attraction. Many people come here for the fragrance and the cascading wisteria flowers. Plus, you don’t have to make a reservation or buy the ticket as this place is freely open to the public. 

Tip: If you plan to visit this attraction, you might encounter long queues. However, the queue moves very quickly and won’t take too much time. Nevertheless, you should be aware that this is a private courtyard, so when entering for a visit, you must follow the rules, which include not making loud noises, not eating or walking around at will.

3.    Other tip: Early May is Japan’s Golden Week period. Although Sendai will not be as crowded as Tokyo and Osaka, the prices of air and train tickets will increase, so it is recommended that you buy them in advance.

Sendai Weather by Month