Wakayama Weather in October
Season: AutumnWhat is the weather like in Wakayama in October?
Keywords: cooling down to a comfy level; moderate rainfall and minimal typhoon impact; one of the best periods for hiking
Cooling Down
Average Temperature: 17-23℃ (63-73℉)October in Wakayama signals autumn coming and the temperature cools down to a comfortable level. In the first twenty days of the month, the average temperature hovers around 19-24℃ (66-75℉); in contrast, it drops to 15-20℃ (59-68℉) at the end of the month.
Besides, the temperature varies greatly throughout a day. During the daytime, you feel relatively warm, as the temperature is usually more than 24℃ (75℉), and occasionally even reaches up to 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit). However, early mornings and nights bring a hint of coolness, with the temperature normally below 18℃ (64℉) - perhaps as low as 10℃ (50℉) in late October.
Rainfall
The monthly precipitation in Wakayama plunges to 146 mm (5.8 in) spread over 14 days. October features light and intermittent showers, but sometimes there may be moderate or heavy rain at the beginning and end of the month. Overall, the rainfall rarely affects your travel itinerary as long as you bring along a compact umbrella or lightweight raincoat.Another bright side is that this month sees minimal typhoon influence, with only 0.3 landfalls recorded, so you can arrange and enjoy outdoor activities without worry. But to be on the safe side, keep an eye on the relevant information before your departure and during your stay, if you plan to visit Wakayama in this period of 2026.
Humidity
Due to decreasing rainfall, the relative humidity also falls to an average of 69%, and the air tends to be fresh and clean, particularly in the mountains such as Mount Koya and Kumano Kodo.Is it warm enough to swim in Wakayama in October?
With tepid seawater, swimming is not recommended. In October, the water temperature averages 24℃ (75℉), so few people go swimming in the sea. At most, they walk barefoot on the sandy beach or splash in the waves. Meanwhile, there are no lifeguards and the supporting facilities of the beach resorts are unavailable. If you’d like to enjoy water activities, July to August is the best time to visit.Daytime Hours & Sunshine Hours
Sunrise Time: 5:53 - 6:18Sunset Time: 17:07 - 17:44
Daytime Hours: 11 hours 50 minutes - 10 hours 49 minutes
Less-than-12-hour daylength means you should arrange your schedule effectively to make full use of time. If you plan a day trip to the scenic spots around Wakayama City, leave aside some time for transportation because it gets dark early in October.
The north and south of Wakayama have different sunshine hours: the former receives 8 hours, while the latter has 7.4 hours. Although ultraviolet rays in October are much gentler than in summer, moderate sun protection is still necessary, especially if you stay by the seaside for a long time.
How to Dress in Wakayama in October
Clothing:1. Relatively Warm Periods: During the daytime, short-sleeved clothes and summer sweatpants are acceptable in early and middle October, while thin long-sleeve shirts and jeans are advised in the rest of the month.
2. Cool Periods: Aside from the above-mentioned clothing, pack a 3-in-1 jacket with a removable fleece lining. In early mornings and late evenings, adding an outer shell is enough, but on rainy days with lower temperatures, particularly in late October, the inner layer may come in handy.
Shoes: It’s advisable to choose the shoes convenient for walking, such as well-fitting loafers or sneakers. Hikers had better wear non-slip hiking shoes. Others: Prepare wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Best Things to Do in Wakayama in October
Kumano Kodo
Given the pleasant climate of Wakayama, October is one of the best periods to hike in mountainous regions, especially Kumano Kodo, a glamorous destination in the hearts of hikers. Among a network of pilgrim routes, the 7-kilometer stretch of the Nakahechi Route between Hosshinmon Oji and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is the most quintessential part, highly recommended for novices. Sunlight slants through the towering lush trees onto the trails, and the air is fragrant with scents from the leaves; sometimes, the chirps of the birds and the gurgle of the stream from afar can be heard.Bonus Tip: Bears are more likely to wander around the Kumano Kodo during autumn, particularly along some deserted trails. For safety, it’s better to travel in groups or take a bear bell.
