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Planning a trip to Japan in October, what kind of clothes should I pack?
How much does the temperature and weather vary by region?
I’m here to answer those questions!
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
☑ Japan’s October weather and average temperatures in major travel destinations.
☑ What to wear in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakata (Fukuoka), Sapporo (Hokkaido) & Okinawa in October.
☑ Clothing tips for a comfortable domestic trip in Japan in October.
The Writer & Trustworthiness of this Article
☑ I’m Japanese, and my name is Hiroyuki.
☑ I lived in Tokyo for 6 years and now live in Osaka.
☑ I stayed in Dallas, Texas for several months.
☑ I use reliable weather data from
・The Japan Meteorological Agency
・The Japan Weather Association
This guide covers October weather and temperature trends and What to Wear in six destinations—Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakata, Sapporo, and Okinawa. It also provides outfit tips and Climate comparisons with California, New York, Texas in the U.S.
The following three people let you know the perceived temperature!
■ California
I’m a university student and from San Francisco, California!
I love Japanese pop culture and I’m traveling around Japan alone!
■ New York
I’m from New York City, traveling in Japan with my family to enjoy Japanese culture!
■ Texas
I’m from Dallas, Texas, visiting Japan with my wife to enjoy Japanese food!
Get ready for your Japan trip with this essential October clothing guide!
- What to Wear in Japan 6 Major Cities in October?
- What to Wear in Tokyo in October?
- What to Wear in Osaka in October?
- What to Wear in Kyoto in October?
- What to Wear in Hakata, Fukuoka in October?
- What to Wear in Sapporo, Hokkaido in October?
- What to Wear in Okinawa in October?
- Travel Tips for Domestic Travel in Japan
- Summary / Key Takeaways
What to Wear in Japan 6 Major Cities in October?
October in Japan brings the arrival of autumn, with cooler temperatures and crisp air. While the weather is generally pleasant, layering with a light jacket or sweater is ideal for chilly mornings and evenings.
What to Wear in Tokyo in October?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
Tokyo’s weather becomes cool and comfortable in early autumn, though occasional typhoons may still occur. For your Tokyo fall travel, layering with a light jacket or a cardigan is ideal to stay comfortable throughout the day.
| Outerwear | jacket / cardigan |
| Tops | long-sleeve T-shirt / light sweater |
| Bottoms | trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Tokyo annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Tokyo October’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Similar to fall in San Diego, comfy during the day but a bit chilly at night.
A light jacket helps!
Tokyo’s fall is a little warmer than NYC’s October, feeling more like late September in New York. Some days are crisp and pleasant!
Feels slightly warmer than October in Dallas, more like fall in Houston—some cool days, but still warm enough for light clothing.
What to Wear in Osaka in October?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
October in Osaka offers cool, comfortable autumn weather, making it one of the best months to visit. Expect pleasant days and cooler mornings and evenings, so layer with long sleeves, a cardigan, or a light jacket. Occasional rain from typhoons is possible, so carrying a compact umbrella is recommended.
| Outerwear | light jacket / cardigan |
| Tops | long-sleeve T-shirt / light sweater |
| Bottoms | trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Osaka annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Osaka October’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Feels like September in San Diego—warm during the day, but nights are getting cooler.
Feels like early October in NYC—comfortable during the day, but nights can get a bit chilly.
Feels like early October in Dallas, warm during the day but cooling down at night.
What to Wear in Kyoto in October?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
October in Kyoto is cool and comfortable with many sunny days, making it one of the best times to visit. Wear long sleeves or light sweaters during the day and bring a jacket or cardigan for cooler mornings and evenings, while keeping rain gear handy for sudden typhoon showers.
| Outerwear | light jacket / cardigan |
| Tops | long-sleeve T-shirt / light sweater |
| Bottoms | trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Kyoto annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Kyoto October’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Finally, comfortable weather! Similar to fall in San Francisco—mild and pleasant during the day, but evenings start getting a bit chilly. A light jacket is a good idea.
Finally, cool and comfortable! Similar to mid-October in NYC. Days are pleasant, but nights can get chilly—perfect sweater weather.
Perfect fall weather! Similar to mid-October in Dallas or Austin—warm days, cool nights, and much lower humidity.
What to Wear in Hakata, Fukuoka in October?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
October in Hakata, Fukuoka is cool and comfortable with many sunny days, making it one of the best times to visit. Wear light long sleeves during the day and bring a cardigan or light jacket for the cooler mornings and evenings.
| Outerwear | light jacket / cardigan |
| Tops | long-sleeve T-shirt / light sweater |
| Bottoms | trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Hakata, Fukuoka annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Hakata, Fukuoka October’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Feels like early October in Los Angeles—warm during the day, but nights can be cooler.
Feels like early October in NYC!
Warm days, cool nights—perfect weather for layers.
Feels like early October in Dallas!
Days are warm and pleasant, but nights start getting a little cooler.
What to Wear in Sapporo, Hokkaido in October?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
October in Sapporo, Hokkaido offers crisp autumn weather with sunny days, but occasional rain and cloudy skies. Long sleeves work well during the day, but mornings and evenings can be cold, so a windproof coat is essential. Pack rain gear to stay prepared for changing fall conditions.
| Outerwear | windproof coat (Ex. Trench coat) |
| Tops | long-sleeve T-shirt / light sweater |
| Bottoms | trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Sapporo, Hokkaido annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Sapporo, Hokkaido October’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Fall in Sapporo is crisp, similar to autumn in San Francisco. The air starts feeling chilly, and you’ll definitely need a jacket!
Classic autumn weather! Feels like mid-to-late October in New York—cool, breezy, and perfect for fall activities. A windproof coat is definitely needed!
Fall in Sapporo feels like early November in Dallas. The air cools down quickly, and unlike Texas, it’s crisp and dry, making the season feel fresh and refreshing.
What to Wear in Okinawa in October?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
October in Okinawa is warm and mostly sunny, with occasional rain and lingering typhoon risks. Lightweight, breathable clothing and short sleeves are ideal, but check the forecast for sudden weather changes. Carry a compact umbrella or raincoat and stay prepared for strong winds and occasional rain.
| Outerwear | – |
| Tops | short sleeves |
| Bottoms | short pants |
| Item | hat and sunglass |
Check the Okinawa annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Okinawa October’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Gradually cooling down, similar to September in San Diego. Compared to California, the humidity is still noticeable, making it feel warmer than the actual temperature suggests.
Finally cooling down a bit, but still feels like June in NYC. While New Yorkers are reaching for jackets, Okinawa is still warm enough for T-shirts, and the humidity lingers, making it feel warmer than the actual temperature.
Finally cooling down a little, but still feels like September in Dallas. Unlike Texas’ dry autumn air, the humidity lingers, making it feel much warmer than the actual temperature suggests.
Travel Tips for Domestic Travel in Japan
- Hokkaido & Tohoku (Northern Japan) – Autumn is in full swing, with daytime highs of 59–68°F (15–20°C) and chilly mornings/evenings dropping around 50°F (10°C). A warm jacket or coat is necessary.
- Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka (Central & Southern Japan) – Comfortable daytime temperatures around 68–77°F (20–25°C), but mornings and evenings can dip around 59°F (15°C). A light jacket or cardigan is recommended.
- Okinawa – Still warm, with highs of 77–86°F (25–30°C). Short sleeves are fine during the day, but a light layer for the evening is useful.
- Typhoon season typically ends in September, but early October may still see occasional storms.
- Typhoons can cause flight cancellations, Shinkansen delays, and disruptions to public transport.
- Check the weather forecast frequently and allow flexibility in your travel schedule.
- Recommended Typhoon Preparation Items
- Portable battery pack (for potential delays or power outages)
- Waterproof bag (to protect electronics and documents)
- Compact umbrella or rain poncho (for sudden downpours)
- Snacks & bottled water (in case of long wait times)
- October brings noticeable temperature differences between day and night, so layering is key.
- Hokkaido & Tohoku are already cold, requiring sweaters and jackets, while Tokyo and Osaka remain mild.
- Okinawa stays warm but is less humid than in summer, making it a pleasant time to visit.
- Pack versatile layers to adjust for different temperatures across regions.
- A compact umbrella or light rain jacket is useful in case of unexpected showers.
- If traveling from Hokkaido to Central/Southern Japan, be prepared for a warmer climate and pack layers accordingly.
- If traveling to Hokkaido, pack warm clothes, including a sweater, jacket, and possibly a Windproof coat.
- When traveling by plane or Shinkansen, typhoons can cause cancellations or delays. Check the typhoon forecast in advance and allow flexibility in your flight and travel schedule to avoid disruptions.
- This site will also provide typhoon updates and travel advisories, helping you stay informed about potential disruptions and ensuring a smoother journey.
- Consider doing laundry locally to minimize how much you need to pack!
- If visiting Japan in late October, check the “November Clothing Guide” to prepare accordingly.
Travel Comfortably Between Cities
With a Japan Rail Pass, you can enjoy smooth and hassle-free travel on bullet trains and local trains.
Summary / Key Takeaways
- Significant temperature differences by region – Hokkaido & Tohoku require warmer clothing (coats, sweaters), while Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto need light layers, and Okinawa remains warm enough for short sleeves.
- Typhoon season is mostly over, but early October may still see occasional storms, especially in Okinawa, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Check forecasts and allow flexibility in your travel plans.
- Layering is key – Daytime temperatures in Central & Southern Japan are pleasant, but mornings and evenings can be chilly.
- If traveling from Hokkaido to Central/Southern Japan, be prepared for warmer weather, while those heading north should pack warm layers for colder mornings and evenings.
With the right preparation, you can enjoy Japan’s stunning autumn scenery, seasonal foods, and comfortable travel weather!
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