Japan Weather in September 2025: Is It a Good Time to Travel?

September marks the transitional period between summer and autumn in Japan. Temperatures start to decrease, average ranging around 21-28°C(70-82°F).

September is also Japan's typhoon season and second-rainiest period. Central and northern regions see peak annual rainfall, while typhoons mainly hit southern Japan. The rainy weather from typhoons usually lasts no more than three days.

Because of the wet weather, you'll benefit from the lowest costs and least crowds among the autumn months (September to November) in Japan.

Get more information about average temperatures, rainfall, and tips on where to go and what to wear in Japan in September below.

Japan's Weather and Climate in September

September is the beginning of autumn in Japan. The weather gradually turns cooler, and heavy rainfall is a characteristic feature of this month. The first half is hot and rainy, but the second half is pleasant and warm, giving you that autumn feeling.

Most of Japan remained hot until mid-September, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F). Because of the high humidity, it often felt even hotter, like 35°C (95°F). If you're from a cooler, drier country, the mix of heat and humidity might be uncomfortable for you. The weather cooled down in late September.

September is the second rainiest time in Japan due to typhoons. Typhoons usually happen 1-2 times this month,  bringing heavy rain lasting from half a day to two days. While the downpours might be intense for a few hours, most of the time the rain is moderate or light.

Tokyo sees the highest rainfall of the year in September, while Hokkaido is the driest region in Japan during the same month.

Is September a Good Time to Visit Japan?

Late September is an ideal time to visit Japan. You'll experience fewer crowds, cheaper costs, and mild weather.

Early to mid-September could still be a nice time to visit if you don't mind the heat (it's not as scorching as July-August), just be ready for rain and possible typhoon impacts. Typhoons are unpredictable, and whether you encounter one depends on luck, so it's smart to make basic preparations.

Based on our years of experience in Japan, the risks aren't as extreme as some online sources suggest.

Tokyo and Central Japan Weather in September: Rainy but Quiet

Hot weather continues in central Japan in early September, but the temperature drops by 5°C (9°F) by the end of September. The daily highs average 28°C (82°F) in major cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

You may experience heavy rainfall in September due to typhoons. While this can be inconvenient, it rarely disrupts your city travel plans. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka offer plenty of indoor activities, so rainy days won't be a big problem.

If you don't mind the risk of potentially rainy days, you could expect fewer crowds and lower costs.

Hokkaido and Northern Japan: Autumn Colors Arrive

In September, northern Japan becomes cool, with an average daily high of 21°C (71°F) . Although northern Japan escapes typhoons, you'll still encounter several rainy days, averaging around 122 mm (5 in).

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost region, is the first place to witness autumn foliage beginning in late September. However, you could only see autumn colors in the northern part of Hokkaido this month, like at Daisetsuzan National Park, home to the highest mountain in Hokkaido.

Okinawa and Southern Japan: Typhoon Season Peaks

Okinawa remains hot in September, peaking at 31°C (87°F) on average. On sunny days, you could still enjoy water activities, such as swimming, diving, and snorkeling, with the added bonus of fewer crowds.

September is the peak season for typhoons in Japan. You could expect heavy rainfall, but on the bright side, typhoons only last 2 or 3 days and are often followed by good weather.

Best 6 Places to Visit in Japan in September

Although the leaves haven't turned red yet in September, you could enjoy fewer crowds and explore places with unique experiences or escape the lingering summer heat. Below are 6 top hand-picked places to visit in Japan in September.

1. Tokyo: Must-Visit with Abundant Indoor Activities

Tokyo offers lots of indoor activities, so you could still have a great time even if you encounter short, intense bursts of rain. For example, try your hand at a sushi-cooking class, relax at an anime or animal cafe, visit interactive high-tech museums, enjoy a ninja experience, and much more.

Seasonal events in Tokyo in September are bonuses as well. The annual Grand Sumo Tournament from mid-September is the highlight of this month. While getting tickets for the sumo matches could be a challenge, our Japan travel advisor could assist you in securing them as possible.

2. Hokkaido: First Place to See Autumn Foliage

For a September autumn foliage experience, head to Hokkaido in the second half of the month. The cooler weather in northern Hokkaido makes it the first place to witness Japan's autumn colors.

Moreover, if you missed the fireworks in July and August, you can catch up in Toyako. The daily firework displays nearby are not to be missed between April and October.

3. Osaka: Last Month of Expo 2025

Osaka is one of Japan's most popular travel destinations, renowned for its various Japanese street foods and cuisines. Visiting in September means fewer crowds compared to the summer vacation season, so you could enjoy your meals without long waits.

Expo 2025 Osaka will be open until October 13th, with September being the final month for you to explore unique architecture, advanced technology, and various cultures at the Expo.

Apart from visiting the Expo, you could also enjoy the unique Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri on September 14th and 15th. It's Japan's largest danjiri festival festival, featuring 34 beautifully carved wooden floats racing through the streets.

4. Kyoto: Less Crowded in September

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a must-visit city known for its traditional atmosphere and historical buildings. While it's often crowded due to its popularity, September is a quieter time to visit, offering a chance to enjoy popular attractions with fewer travelers.

In September, Kyoto offers moon-viewing events. Held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually September/October), Kyoto's shrines host celebrations featuring traditional dances and music performances. Some also offer boat rides or seasonal snacks for admiring the full moon.

5. Hakone: An Onsen Town Near Tokyo

Hakone is famous for its excellent hot spring water and traditional Japanese ryokans. In September, Hakone will have more comfortable weather than Tokyo because of its mountainous location.

Besides the regular experiences in Hakone like enjoying an onsen in a ryokan, exploring the Owakudani crater, and visiting museums, we suggest a 1-2 hour hike at Hakone Hachiri. This ancient hiking route is lined with tall cedars and features historical shrines and a local tea house along the way, offering a cooler and immersive nature and culture experience.

6. Mount Kōya: Stay Overnight at a Temple

Koyasan is a sacred Buddhist site in Japan. Here, you could explore ancient temples nestled in the mountains, enjoy high-quality vegetarian cuisine, and discover stories about this place.

The biggest highlight is staying overnight at a mountain temple. This unique experience lets you delve into the lifestyle of Japanese monks through activities like copying Buddhist scriptures, meditating, and savoring traditional Buddhist cuisine. It's typically challenging to secure a booking, but September provides better chances due to lower visitor numbers.

Will a Typhoon Affect My Trip in September?

Generally, it won't impact your journey significantly.

Typhoons usually hit southern Japan more heavily than central and northern Japan. If you mainly visit the central cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) or Hokkaido, your trip should be less affected.

In September, there are usually 1-2 typhoons, and they typically last for one or two days unless they are exceptionally strong and damaging. However, you are likely to experience clear skies and crisp air before or after a typhoon.

It is highly recommended to keep your itinerary flexible. In case of a typhoon, flights or trains may get delayed. If the typhoon is severe, you may need to cancel or adjust parts of your trip. If it's just rain, you could still go ahead as planned.

During our 14-day tour in Japan last September, we only experienced one rainy day and there were no typhoons.

What to Wear in Japan in September?

In September, the weather changes from hot to warm. It's best to wear summer clothes like short sleeves for daytime activities. Don't forget to pack long sleeves or a hoodie as well for evenings or if you're heading to cooler mountainous areas or Hokkaido.

As the second rainy season peaks in September in Japan, bring an umbrella. Additionally, pack an extra pair of shoes in case yours get soaked.

Crowds and Costs in Japan in September 

September is the shoulder season in Japan. After the summer holidays end in August, this month is quieter with smaller crowds at attractions.

However, Japan has a three-day holiday in September (Sept 13-15) for Respect for the Aged Day. Since many locals travel during this time, we suggest avoiding day trips to popular areas like Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi on these dates to prevent traffic jams.

Similarly, you would also get better prices for flights and hotels. Thus, traveling in September would be more affordable. For example, a 4-star hotel costs US$180 per night.

FAQs About Visiting Japan in September

Is it better to visit Japan in September or October?

If you prefer less crowds and don’t mind the humid weather, September is the way to go.

If you enjoy cooler and drier weather, October would be better. By mid-October, Japan's maple leaves start turning red, providing a chance to witness the autumn foliage season. But the crowds tend to grow larger during this month.

Should I Visit Japan in September or August?

Both months in Japan are hot, so it's important to consider crowds and rainfall.

If you like less crowded places and cooler weather, September is the best option. The weather tends to get cooler as the month goes on.

In August, there is less rain, but the crowds are bigger because of summer vacation. Additionally, it feels like being in a sauna throughout August, no matter the time of day.

Plan Your Japan Trip Now

Our Japan travel advisors are here to help you tailor your Japan trip in September to suit your preferences. We'll handle everything for you, from hotels and transportation to your itinerary. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free journey even during the second rainiest September.

Here are two well-selected Japanese tours. You could use them directly, or we could customize them based on your requirements.

• 8-Day Essential Japan Family Trip with Culinary Delights
• 11-Day Traditional Japan Tour with Historical Hiroshima