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, while increased sunny weather offers you great opportunities to enjoy outdoor visits.

Temperature: Cooling Down

The temperature in October gets cooler and cooler over time, but generally within a mild range descending from around an average of 24 degrees Celsius (75.2 degrees Fahrenheit) to 14℃ (57.2℉). 

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℃ (55.4-64.4℉). However, in sunny weather, your body feeling temperature might be slightly higher than the actual one, so it’s recommended that you avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

As the month progresses, you’re very likely to enjoy comfortably cool days with the temperature hovering around 15-22℃ (59-71.6℉). 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 and Moderate Humidity

With an average monthly precipitation of 122mm distributing over 12 days, October is characterized as a month with no significant disturbance by the rain. As a rule, rainfall of the month is very mild, which means you can continue your trip so long as you prepare the rain gear. If you look at 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.

The humidity naturally decreases notably, but you won’t feel dry because the average humidity is 72%, a moderate level of the year in Sendai.

Shortening Daylight Duration; Increased 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 the way your itinerary is organized. But on the other hand, it’s advantageous for sunrise and sunset admiration since they both happen within an appropriate time range. Additionally, there are approximately 16 sunny days, with sunshine duration up to about 7 hours daily, which gives you a greater chance to enjoy the stunning morning and evening views and make 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 with an average UV index of 4.

Can I See Autumn Foliage in Sendai in October 2026?

You’re likely to see the typical autumn foliage in Sendai starting from 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 until the end of October, and a large number of maple leaves in Zuihoden has not yet turned completely red.

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 ahead, 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.

What to Do in Sendai in October? 

1.    Fine weather of October allows you to 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 only opens at 10 am and closes early at around 3 pm, although it also offers excellent views.

2.    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.

Sendai Weather by Month