Shirakawa-go Weather in September
Season: Autumn Summary:
1. It is quite warm or a bit hot in early and middle September, but gets pleasantly cool by the end of the month.
2. Shirakawa-go receives ample rainfall this month.
3. It is the low season, good for those preferring for a cost-effective trip.
Observation Deck Trail
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Dropping Temperatures
September is at the transition period from summer to autumn, witnessing dropping temperatures. In early and middle September, summer seems to linger and you feel quite warm or even a bit hot: high temperatures are usually 25 - 32℃ (77 - 89.6℉), while low temperatures mostly vary from 20℃ (68℉) to 25℃ (77℉). However, by late September, Shirakawa-go’s weather becomes pleasantly cool, as highs drop to 20 - 25℃ (68 - 77℉), and lows stay around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). Do note that there may be a few nights when the temperature falls to 11℃ (51.8℉) or so.
One of the Wettest Month of the Year
Shirakawa-go receives an average of 324mm (12.8 in) rainfall in September, from 14 rainy days. Mostly, it is light rain lasting for a short time. But it may rain intermittently all day or several days in a row. In early September, the village possibly experience heavy rain, so please keep an eye on the weather forecast and make an alternative schedule mainly focusing on indoor spots. The distant tree-cloaked mountains are often wreathed in mist on rainy days, along with rural houses, lending the whole village a special kind of beauty.During this month, the relative humidity reaches the peak of the year, at 88%, but you don’t feel quite uncomfortable as the temperature is generally not high.
September Rainy Periods
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Sunshine Hours & Daylight Hours
Sunrise Time: 5:25 - 5:48Sunset Time: 17:38 - 18:23
Average Daylight hours: 11 hours 50 minutes - 12 hours 57 minutes
Average Sunlight hours: 6.2 hours
As the rainy and cloudy climate accounts for a majority of September in Shirakawa-go, sunshine duration shortens sharply, but its intensity cannot be underestimated. The maximum UV Index of 9 means adequate sun protection is necessary. Daylight hours are also getting shorter, but you still have abundant visit time.
What to Wear in Shirakawa-go in September
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Clothes: In the beginning and middle of the month, tank tops, sleeveless or short-sleeve dresses and shorts are advisded. Around the end of the month, short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirts and thin sweatpants are more acceptable outfits; at night, you may need a thin coat. Footwear: Breathable and light sandals with soft insoles, suitable for visiting a large area of scenic spots, are highly recommended. Plus, the ones you pack should be slip-resistant. Since it rains a lot, shoe covers are necessities.
Accessories:
1. It’s essential to pack sun-protective items, including sunhats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
2. You’re advised to prepare wet wipes or a can of cooling spray to quickly relieve heat during sunny hours in early and middle September.
3. Remember to bring along a light raincoat or a compact umbrella.
Useful Information for Shirakawa-go Trip in September
1. As Japanese summer vacation ends and there are no major events, the number of tourists is not large in September. So, you can flexibly adjust the timing of your activities - for example, freely prolonging your stay at Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum to carefully observe the interior structure of gassoho-style houses. Moreover, restaurant and café owners have more idle moments, when you can chat with them and get deeper insights into local customs and cultures.2. During this month, natural scenery in the village is so beautiful, making the village a fairy world, particularly on sunny days. Under blue skies and white clouds, traditional houses are more attracting, expanses of rice paddies turn golden, as well as cosmos flowers and silver grasses thrive beside the field ridges. The nice viewing destinations include Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck, Wada House and Three Small Houses. If you plan to admire such a scene in this month of 2026, the first half of the month is better than the latter half, because most rice may not be harvested yet.
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