Sendai Weather

Sendai, located in the northeastern region of Honshu, Japan, has the characteristics of both temperate oceanic climate and monsoon climate, with distinct four seasons: summer from June to August is very humid and rainy, but not scorching hot; winter from December to February is cold with low precipitation, but the air is comfortably humid influenced by the ocean; spring from March to May and autumn from September to November are mild and pleasant mostly.

Temperature

Sendai weather is relatively mild compared with other northeastern cities in Japan, with relatively small year-round temperature difference. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 35°C (95℉), while winter daytime temperatures seldom drop below 0°C (32℉).

 What is the hottest month in Sendai? 
August is the hottest month of the year in Sendai, but it’s within an acceptable range. The maximum temperatures are generally at 26-33°C (79-91℉). Although the highest ever recorded is 37°C, it is quite rare. Actually, under normal circumstances, even temperatures exceeding 35°C (95℉) are rare cases. The minimum temperatures are above 20°C (68℉) in general.

 What is the coldest month in Sendai? 

January is the coldest month in Sendai. Daytime temperatures are usually around 4-8°C (39-46℉), with the highest of no more than 12°C (54℉). In evenings, the temperatures usually drop below freezing point; during the coldest nights, the temperature may drop to -4°C (25℉) or so.

Precipitation & Humidity

Average annual precipitation: approximately 1,301mm

Sendai’s precipitation varies a lot seasonally, with higher precipitation from summer to mid-autumn, during which there are at least 12 rainy days per month. The rainy season typically is from mid-June to mid-July. Winter has the lowest precipitation.

Humidity in Sendai is never low throughout the year, with moderate levels primarily in spring and winter and high levels in summer and autumn.

 Does it snow a lot in Sendai? 
Yes, it snows a lot in Sendai in winter months, especially in January and February when there are about 7-9 snowy days monthly. According to historical records, the first snow usually occurs in late November or early December. However, with the influence of global warming, the first snow tends to come later, and usually manifests as small-scale drifting snow. Generally, there is not much snow accumulation in the urban area. To enjoy snowscape, you’re recommended to go to the surrounding mountainous areas, such as Miyagi Zao region and Akiu.

Does Sendai Get Typhoons? 

While Sendai’s typhoon season runs from late July to September, the likelihood of a direct typhoon threat is relatively low. However, during typhoon season, the weather is likely to be unstable, with thunderstorms prone to occur.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Sendai? 

The best times to visit Sendai are:

1. April to May, when the weather warms and flowers bloom.

2. September to November, when it’s comfortably cool; also, the autumn leaves paint Sendai in warm hues of red, orange, and yellow since late October. 

3. If you’re looking for stunning snowscapes, January and February are the best times to visit.

4. Additionally, the best times for cultural experiences are during the Sendai Aoba Matsuri in mid-May and the Tanabata Festival in early August.

Read more about Best Time to Visit Japan & Japan Weather

Sendai Climate - Seasons & Travel Advice

Spring: March to May

 Weather
March in early Spring can be slightly chilly, with daytime temperatures around 5-10°C (41-50℉) mostly. Starting from April, the weather begins to warm up significantly, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10-16°C (50-61℉). In May, it is particularly warm at around 20°C (68℉) during the day. However, it’s important to note that the temperature difference between day and night in spring is obvious, and nights are generally still a bit chilly. Also, there might be sudden temperature drops during the overall process of warming up. Precipitation is not high in spring, and there are a lot of sunny days.

 Outfits
In March, it is recommended to wear a woolen coat or a light down jacket with a sweater underneath; in April, you can change the outerwear to a thin jacket or a trench coat; by May, a long-sleeve shirt will suffice around noon. As for the lower body, thick sweatpants and warm shoes are suitable for early spring, while jeans and regular sweatpants with casual shoes for late spring.

 Seasonal Highlights
Spring boasts stunning scenery, especially a vibrant array of flowers. Early to mid-April is particularly time for cherry blossoms. Places like Nishi Park, Tsutsujigaoka Park, and Hirose River banks are ideal spots to admire them. In late April, you can take photos with the vibrant tulips at Michinoku Lakeside National Government Park.

Sendai Sakura in Spring

Summer: June to August

 Weather

Although summer is the hottest time of the year in Sendai, there are scarce extremely high temperatures. During the daytime, the temperatures generally remain at 21-33°C (70-91℉). Compared with other Japanese cities, Sendai is known as the “city with cool summer”. Rainfall is quite frequent, especially during the rainy season, when rainy days account for about half of the month.

 Outfits
It’s ideal to wear breathable and light short-sleeved T-shirts, shorts or light skirts, paired with breathable casual shoes or sandals; the temperature will drop slightly at night, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket to cope with the coolness. 

 Travel Advice
1.    You’d better make travel plans wisely and flexibly based on the weather condition. For example, if it rains or you want to escape from the relatively hot sunny noon, you can visit some indoor attractions like the Sendai City Museum, Miyagi Museum of Art, and Sendai Uminomori Aquarium; you can also go to Sendai Asaichi Market, where there are many restaurants with delicious foods.
2.    The Sendai Tanabata Festival, held in early August each year, is a renowned traditional festival during which you’ll see gorgeous Tanabata decorations hung throughout the city’s commercial streets, and enjoy a variety of activities, including fireworks displays and taiko drum performances. In addition, scenic spots such as Zuihoden and the Aoba Castle are illuminated at night during the festival.

Landscape of Sendai in Summer

Autumn: September to November

 Weather
September still retains some of the summer features, yet most of the time, daytime high temperatures are around comfortably 23-25°C (73-77℉); precipitation is somewhat high this month, distributing over 13 days on average. From October to November, the weather becomes noticeably cooler and cooler, with temperatures mostly below 20°C in day and dropping to around 5-11°C (41-52℉) at night; fortunately, however, rainy days become less frequent.

 Outfits
In September, a long-sleeved shirt together with light trousers are suitable most time, however, you’d better add a light jacket for early mornings and evenings and in rainy days. In October to mid-November, you can wear a trench coat outside the inner layer; in terms of lower body, either sweatpants or a knitted skirt will do; besides, it is safer to bring a vest and long johns to cope with plummeting temperatures. The weather in late November is colder than before, so thicker clothes like 3-in-1 jacket or light down coat is needed.

 Travel Highlights
From late October to November, Sendai’s autumn scenery is in full swing. You can admire the beautiful autumn foliage in places like the Akiu and Mastushima. These scenic spots are also perfect places for hot spring resort bath after long walk in chilly winds.

Autumn View in Sendai

Winter: December to February

 Weather
Winter in Sendai is cold. In December, daytime temperatures generally range from 3-9°C (37-48℉), while in January and February they range from 1-6°C (34-43℉). Nighttime temperatures in December are usually below 4°C (39℉), while in January and February, temperatures below freezing point are common. Precipitation is very low throughout winter. In the downtown, snowfall is mild mostly, and there is sleet occasionally. However, it usually snows heavily in the suburbs.

 Outfits
A long down coat or thick wool coat, with a turtleneck sweater inside are suitable for the upper. You can wear a pair of thermal underwear under thick wool pants on the lower body. Besides, hat, scarf and gloves are necessary.

 Travel Recommendations
1.    The highlight of winter is the Sendai Pageant of Lights in December, when the zelkova trees lining Jozenji Street are festooned with colorful lights, creating a romantic winter scene.

2.    The “ice monsters” in Miyagi Zao, natural snow sculptures formed by a large amount of snow on the forest, are winter wonders exclusive to Sendai. They are especially spectacular from late January to mid-February. Taking the cable car on a sunny or cloudy day is highly recommended for an even more breathtaking view.

3.    Also, if you want to try winter sports in your 2026 trip in Sendai, you may go to the Spring Valley Izumikogen Ski Resort or Miyagi Zao Ski Resort where there are complete skiing facilities that give you a thrilling experience.