Chugoku & Shikoku Weather Guide

Chugoku & Shikoku Weather in October: What to Wear & Expect

In October the heat eases in Chugoku & Shikoku, making it a comfortable season. Hiroshima's high is 23.7°C and mornings are around 15°C. Clear autumn days increase, and the ideal time for cycling the Shimanami Kaido and island hopping arrives. The Matsuyama Autumn Festival runs on the 5th–7th, and early on the morning of the 7th, mikoshi portable shrines clash in front of Dogo Onsen Station in the hachiawase. Late in the month, the autumn leaves on Mt. Daisen in Tottori reach their peak. Hiroshima oyster shipments also begin this month.

Hiroshima high: 23.7℃
Hiroshima low: 14.9℃
Hiroshima rainfall: 109.2mm
Hiroshima sunset: 17:37

Overview

Chugoku & Shikoku in October: Key Points

✓Hiroshima's high is 23.7°C, with mornings around 15°C. A single long-sleeved layer is enough on many days
✓More clear autumn days, ideal for cycling and island hopping
✓Matsuyama Autumn Festival on the 5th–7th. Mikoshi clash in Dogo early on the morning of the 7th
✓Autumn leaves on Mt. Daisen peak from late October

By Area

October Weather by Area

Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for October 15.

Hiroshima & Miyajima→

Station: Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome

High

23.7℃

Low

14.9℃

Precip.: 109.2mm
Sunshine: 179h
Sunset: 17:37

Highs around 24°C. Hiroshima oyster shipments begin

Onomichi & Shimanami Kaido→

Station: Ikuchijima

Onomichi, Shimanami Kaido, Ikuchijima, Imabari

High

22.8℃

Low

14.6℃

Precip.: 95.9mm
Sunshine: 170h
Sunset: 17:34

Highs around 23°C. A good season for cycling the Shimanami Kaido

Okayama & Kurashiki→

Station: Okayama

Okayama, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama Korakuen, Okayama Castle

High

23.4℃

Low

13.4℃

Precip.: 95.4mm
Sunshine: 172h
Sunset: 17:31

Mornings around 13°C. Ideal for strolling the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and Korakuen

Izumo & Matsue→

Station: Matsue

Matsue, Izumo Taisha, Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji

High

22.0℃

Low

13.4℃

Precip.: 126.1mm
Sunshine: 154h
Sunset: 17:34

Highs around 22°C. Mornings around 13°C, so a jacket is a good idea

Tottori→

Station: Tottori

Tottori, Tottori Sand Dunes, Uradome Coast, Mt. Daisen

High

22.4℃

Low

12.9℃

Precip.: 153.6mm
Sunshine: 146h
Sunset: 17:29

Autumn leaves on Mt. Daisen peak from late October. Tottori highs around 22°C

Hagi, Tsunoshima & Akiyoshidai→

Station: Hagi

Hagi, Tsunoshima, Akiyoshidai, Kintaikyo Bridge

High

22.4℃

Low

13.7℃

Precip.: 107.5mm
Sunshine: 161h
Sunset: 17:41

Hagi highs around 22°C. A good season for walking the grasslands of Akiyoshidai

Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima→

Station: Takamatsu

Takamatsu, Naoshima, Shodoshima, Kotohiragu, Ritsurin Garden

High

23.2℃

Low

15.1℃

Precip.: 120.1mm
Sunshine: 165h
Sunset: 17:31

Highs around 23°C. Ideal for island hopping to Naoshima and Shodoshima

Tokushima, Naruto & Iya→

Station: Tokushima

Tokushima, Naruto Whirlpools, Iya Vine Bridge, Oboke

High

23.1℃

Low

15.9℃

Precip.: 199.5mm
Sunshine: 164h
Sunset: 17:29

Tokushima highs around 23°C. Still on the rainy side in early October

Matsuyama & Dogo Onsen→

Station: Matsuyama

Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, Uchiko

High

23.8℃

Low

15.1℃

Precip.: 113mm
Sunshine: 174h
Sunset: 17:36

Matsuyama Autumn Festival on the 5th–7th. Hachiawase in front of Dogo Onsen Station early on the morning of the 7th

Kochi & Shimanto→

Station: Kochi

Kochi, Katsurahama Beach, Kochi Castle, Shimanto River

High

25.0℃

Low

15.6℃

Precip.: 207.5mm
Sunshine: 180h
Sunset: 17:34

Highs around 25°C, on the warm side. Mornings around 16°C

What to Wear

What to Wear in Chugoku & Shikoku in October

Tops

Long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts

Outerwear

A cardigan or light jacket

Bottoms

Long pants

Shoes

Sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes

Accessories

A hat in early October, when the sun is still strong

If you're going to see autumn leaves in the mountains, like on Mt. Daisen, temperatures are lower than on the plains, so bring a light down jacket or fleece. A layer is also a good idea for watching the Matsuyama Autumn Festival early in the morning.

Good to Know

One of the most comfortable times of the year

From mid-October there are lots of sunny days, and it's neither hot nor cold. Perfect for sightseeing that keeps you outdoors for a long time, like cycling the Shimanami Kaido.

Book early for autumn leaf season

In November, autumn leaf spots like Miyajima's Momijidani Park and Okayama Korakuen get crowded. If you're going during the autumn leaf season, book your accommodation in October.

Watch out for typhoons in early October

Typhoons can still approach Japan in October. Check the weather forecast before your trip.

Oyster season begins

Hiroshima oyster shipments begin in October. The season to enjoy grilled oysters and oyster dishes on Miyajima and in Hiroshima City.

Events

October Events & Highlights

Matsuyama Autumn Festival

Matsuyama & Dogo OnsenOctober 5–7

Autumn festivals held simultaneously at shrines across Matsuyama City. Early on the morning of the 7th, in front of Dogo Onsen Station, you can see the hachiawase, in which several mikoshi crash fiercely into one another.

Read the guide：Matsuyama Autumn Festival →

Tours & tickets for this eventPR

Autumn Leaves on Mt. Daisen

Mt. Daisen, Tottori (around Daisenji Temple and Kagikake Pass)Usually late October–Mid-November

Autumn leaves on Mt. Daisen, the highest mountain in the Chugoku region. From Kagikake Pass, you can see Daisen's south face together with the autumn colors.

Hiroshima Oysters

Hiroshima & MiyajimaOctober–May (shipping season)

Hiroshima, Japan's top oyster producer, begins shipping oysters in October. They are at their most delicious in January and February.

Kotohiragu Shrine Annual Grand Festival

Takamatsu, Naoshima & ShodoshimaOctober

The most important festival of Kotohiragu Shrine, affectionately known as ‘Konpira-san,’ held over three days from October 9 to 11. On the night of the 10th, in the ‘Osagari,’ when the deity descends from Mt. Zozu to the shrine town, a procession of about 600 people accompanies the mikoshi portable shrine for about 2 km from the main shrine to the Otabisho.

Read the guide：Kotohiragu Shrine Annual Grand Festival →

Tours & tickets for this eventPR

Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.

Recommended Tours & Activities in OctoberPR

🚲Shimanami Kaido cyclingRide across the islands and bridgesKlook ⛩️Izumo Taisha & Matsue toursA grand shrine and a castle townKlook 🎨Naoshima & Setouchi island toursArt islands on the Seto Inland SeaKlook

FAQ

Q. What's the temperature in Hiroshima in October?＋

On average, the high is 23.7°C and the low is 14.9°C. A single long-sleeved layer or a light jacket is enough.

Q. Can I see autumn leaves in Chugoku & Shikoku in October?＋

It's still early for spots on the plains; Miyajima's Momijidani Park peaks from mid- to late November. In late October, you can enjoy the autumn leaves on Mt. Daisen in Tottori.

Q. When is the Matsuyama Autumn Festival?＋

Every year on October 5–7. The highlight, the hachiawase, takes place early on the morning of the 7th in front of Dogo Onsen Station.

Plan Your Trip

Plan Your Chugoku & Shikoku TripPR

🏨Find hotels in HiroshimaHotels.com 🎫Find tours & activities in Chugoku & ShikokuKlook 📱eSIM for JapanGet online as soon as you landAiralo

Other Months

Chugoku & Shikoku Weather in Other Months

Back to the Chugoku & Shikoku Weather Guide (all months & areas) →

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Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.