Japan Kanazawa Weather in October — Climate Guide
October in Kanazawa is high
Kanazawa Weather in October — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 22° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 165mm · 12 days
- Crowds
- Very busy
As of 2026, Kanazawa in October averages a high of 22°C and low of 13°C with 165mm of rain over about 12 days. Autumn begins + foliage nears. Around 22°C/13°C. Long sleeves, knitwear + a light jacket. Big day-night swing — a cardigan for mornings/evenings. UV 5.
October is high for Kanazawa.
October in Kanazawa brings the Takayama Matsuri, the start of Shirakawa-go's foliage, and a top autumn season. It averages 22°C/13°C with 165mm of rainfall.
The October signature is the Takayama Matsuri (Oct 9-10), one of Japan's three great festivals — reachable from Kanazawa by Nohi bus and the JR 'Hida.' Four 16th-19th-century floats process with puppet performances and night illumination. It runs twice a year (spring Apr 14-15, autumn Oct 9-10); the autumn edition overlaps foliage season — recommended.
Travel score
Kanazawa October Weather Stats
Avg High
22°C
Avg Low
13°C
Rainy Days
12
165mm total
Sunshine
5.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
65%
comfortable
UV Index
5
Moderate
Wind
11 km/h
Gusts 22
Crowds
Very busy
At attractions
October Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
20 μg/m³
PM10
35 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
22°C
Nighttime
13°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
11 km/h
Max gust 22 km/h
Activities Recommended for October
October Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Takayama Matsuri (Oct 9-10) — one of Japan's three great festivals
- Shirakawa-go foliage begins
- End of the Noto Kiriko festivals
- A top season — autumn begins
Cons
- Largest crowds of the year at attractions
- Shirakawa-go farmhouses sell out 6 months ahead
- Kanazawa foliage is the third-to-fourth week of November
October Events & Festivals
- Takayama Matsuri (Oct 9-10) — one of Japan's three great festivals
- Shirakawa-go foliage begins (late Oct-early Nov)
- Sports Day (second Monday of October) — public holiday
- Kanazawa foliage begins (late October)
- End of Noto Kiriko festivals (October)
Kanazawa in October — Full Picture
October in Kanazawa brings the Takayama Matsuri, the start of Shirakawa-go's foliage, and a top autumn season. It averages 22°C/13°C with 165mm of rainfall.
The October signature is the Takayama Matsuri (Oct 9-10), one of Japan's three great festivals — reachable from Kanazawa by Nohi bus and the JR 'Hida.' Four 16th-19th-century floats process with puppet performances and night illumination. It runs twice a year (spring Apr 14-15, autumn Oct 9-10); the autumn edition overlaps foliage season — recommended.
Shirakawa-go's foliage begins (late Oct-early Nov) — gassho-zukuri with red, orange, and yellow leaves and mountain scenery, a photo-spot favorite. Kanazawa's own foliage starts in late October and peaks the third-to-fourth week of November — 2-3 weeks later than Shirakawa-go.
4-star hotels run ¥18,000-30,000. The Takayama Matsuri, Shirakawa-go foliage, and Kiriko festivals together make yearly-peak pricing.
Late October is a value window — about 30-40% cheaper. End of the Noto Kiriko festivals (October) — the season's last.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Autumn begins + foliage nears. Around 22°C/13°C. Long sleeves, knitwear + a light jacket. Big day-night swing — a cardigan for mornings/evenings. UV 5.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
17.7°C
8°C
14.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.3°C
21.3°C
13.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
Current22°C
14°C
14/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
8°C
1°C
21.7/mo
Kanazawa Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7° | 0° | 24d·270mm | 2.5h | 75% | 1 | Moderate | Peak | |
| 7° | 0° | 19d·175mm | 3h | 75% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 12° | 3° | 17d·175mm | 4h | 70% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| April (Best) | 18° | 8° | 14d·165mm | 5.5h | 65% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| 23° | 13° | 13d·160mm | 6h | 65% | 7 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 26° | 18° | 15d·195mm | 4.5h | 75% | 8 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 30° | 22° | 14d·235mm | 5h | 75% | 9 | Busy | Peak | |
| 32° | 24° | 11d·145mm | 7h | 70% | 10 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 28° | 21° | 13d·220mm | 5.5h | 70% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 22° | 13° | 12d·165mm | 5.5h | 65% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| November (Best) | 16° | 8° | 17d·245mm | 3.5h | 70% | 3 | Very busy | Peak |
| 10° | 3° | 22d·285mm | 2.5h | 75% | 1 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Kanazawa October Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is October a good time to visit Kanazawa?
Kanazawa in October is high. Tourist crowds are very busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Kanazawa in October?
Kanazawa October averages a high of 22°C and a low of 13°C.
Does it rain much in Kanazawa in October?
Kanazawa October averages 165mm of rainfall over about 12 rainy days.
What should I wear in Kanazawa in October?
Autumn begins + foliage nears. Around 22°C/13°C. Long sleeves, knitwear + a light jacket. Big day-night swing — a cardigan for mornings/evenings. UV 5.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Kanazawa in October?
Kanazawa October sunrise is 05:50 and sunset is 17:15, with 11h 25min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Kanazawa in October?
Kanazawa October air quality (AQI) averages 48, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 20μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Kanazawa in October?
In October, Kanazawa is great for Takayama Matsuri (Oct 9-10), Shirakawa-go foliage begins, End of the Noto Kiriko festivals.
Is October peak season in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa October crowds are very busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Kanazawa
View Other Months
Planning a October trip to Kanazawa?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.