Sendai Weather in October

 Season: Autumn
 What is the weather like in Sendai in October? 
Sendai features a pleasant climate in October, with temperature getting increasingly cool and not too many rainy days. The daylength is shortening, but abundant sunny days offer you great opportunities to enjoy outdoor visits.

Statue of Date Masamune

Temperature: Cooling Down

The temperature in October gets cooler and cooler over time, but generally within a mild range.

Early October often offers you warm and pleasant days with the maximum temperature at approximately 20-25℃ (68-77℉), and the minimum temperature 13-18℃ (55-64℉). However, in sunny weather, the perceived temperature is slightly higher than the actual one and you may feel a little hot.

As the month progresses, you’re very likely to enjoy comfortably cool days with the temperature hovering around 15-22℃ (59-72℉). Nevertheless, it’s necessary to remind you that it is a bit chilly in early mornings and after dusk, which is even prominent in the last few days of the month. Therefore, make sure you prepare some proper clothes to cope with the temperature difference of the day.

Mild Rainfall

With an average monthly precipitation of 132mm distributing over 12 days, October is not characterized as a rainy month. Usually, rainfall of the month is very mild, which means you can continue your trip so long as you prepare the rain gear. If you appreciate Sendai from another perspective when it’s immersed in the drizzle, it has a unique charm from when it’s on clear days. The giant Sendai Daikannon appears even more solemn and majestic with light mist surrounding it; the Zuihoden and Osaki Hachiman Shrine are more serene and peaceful; and the surrounding natural scenery is even more vibrant in color because of the moisture.

Shortening Daylight Duration; A Lot of Sunny Days

Sunrise time (1st – 31st): 05:33 – 06:02
Sunset time (1st – 31st): 17:22 – 16:40

October’s shortening daylength from roughly 11.6 hours at the beginning to 10.5 hours at the end provides you with limited flexibility in organizing your itinerary. But on the other hand, it’s less challenging for those who plan to catch sunrise and sunset since they both happen within an appropriate time range. Additionally, there are approximately 16 sunny days on average, with sunshine duration up to about 7 hours daily, which makes your outdoor sightseeing much smoother. By the way, don’t ignore the UV rays in sunny weather, and basic sun protection like wearing a sunhat is still needed.

Can I See Autumn Foliage in Sendai in October 2026?

You’re not likely to see the typical autumn foliage in Sendai until late-October. Before this period, the beech leaves on Jozenji Avenue are still greenish-yellow, the ginkgo leaves in Sendai Kotodai Park are still a mix of yellow and green, and a large number of maple leaves in Zuihoden has not yet turned completely red.

Colorful Leaves in Late October

What Clothes to Pack for Sendai in October?

 Clothing
On sunny days of early October, you can still wear just one thin shirt together with thin jeans. One- piece dress also works for female tourists. If it’s windy or rainy, you need to add a jacket or a trench coat outside. 

As for the periods later, you’d better pack layers with different thicknesses. For example, a long-sleeved shirt plus a hoodie or sweater are enough mostly for the top, and casual trousers will do for the bottom. You can pack a 3-in-1 jacket and sweatpants just in case the temperature drops down too much, particularly when the weather turns gloomy.

 Shoes
Walking shoes or casual sneakers are both suitable options. Boots may be more stylish to match the dress.

 Other Items
Pack a sunhat for UV ray protection and an umbrella against occasional rainfalls.

Travel Recommendations and Tips

1.    In fine weather, you can start your day early to catch the morning sunrise. One of the best viewing spots is the Aoba Castle, which offers panoramic views of Sendai while you enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Best of all, it opens to the public all day, unlike the Sendai Daikannon observation deck which opens at 10 am and closes early at around 3 pm, although it also offers excellent views.

Then you can go to the Sendai Asaichi Market, grabbing a nice breakfast. After that, you may visit the Osaki Hachiman Shrine or Zuihoden, admiring quaint architectures, or stroll around the Nishi Park or Tsutsujigaoka Park, enjoying the pleasant air and scenery. If you’d like to witness a sunset over the coast, set aside some time in the afternoon to take a 25-minute Shinkansen ride to Matsushima. The sunset reflected on the vast sea is especially photogenic. Just remember to take a wind-proof coat because it is quite chilly at dusk.

2.    October is a good month for hiking in suburban areas considering its pleasant weather, particularly in late October when the foliage starts to turn colorful. But in terms of the shortening daylight over the month, it’s best for you to start hiking early so as to return before sunset.

Quaint Architectures in Zuihoden

Eating at Sendai Local Restaurant

Sendai Weather by Month