Best time to visit · Hiroshima · Japan
The best time to visit Hiroshima
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best times to visit Hiroshima are late March to May and October to November, with cherry blossom in the Peace Park in early April and maple colour on Miyajima in mid to late November. Summer is hot and humid with a June–July rainy season, and 6 August brings the solemn memorial ceremony and large crowds. Winter is cool, dry and quiet, and the best time for oysters.
Key facts
- Best months
- March–May and October–November
- Shoulder season
- December–February
- Warmest month
- August (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 10°C (50°F))
- Rainiest month
- June (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
Hiroshima has a humid subtropical climate: mild, dry winters with occasional frost, a rainy season from about early June to mid-July, and hot, humid summers. Spring and autumn are clear and comfortable.
March–May
Spring
Cherry blossom in early April, mild days and busy Golden Week holidays with the Flower Festival in early May.
June–August
Summer
A rainy June and early July, then hot, humid weather; the 6 August ceremony is the year's most significant day.
September–November
Autumn
Hot early September giving way to clear, comfortable October days and red maples on Miyajima in November.
December–February
Winter
Cool, dry and quiet, with illuminations and the peak of oyster season.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 2°C | 6 | 10.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 11°C | 2°C | 7 | 10.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 15°C | 5°C | 10 | 11.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 20°C | 10°C | 10 | 13 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 25°C | 15°C | 10 | 13.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 28°C | 20°C | 13 | 14.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 31°C | 24°C | 12 | 14.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 33°C | 25°C | 8 | 13.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 29°C | 21°C | 9 | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 24°C | 15°C | 7 | 11.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 18°C | 9°C | 7 | 10.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 12°C | 4°C | 7 | 9.9 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Hatsumode New Year shrine visits at Itsukushima Shrine (1–3 January) |
| February | Miyajima Oyster Festival (usually February) |
| March | Cherry blossom begins (usually late March) |
| April | Cherry blossom in Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle (usually early April) |
| May | Hiroshima Flower Festival on Peace Boulevard (3–5 May) |
| June | Tōkasan yukata festival downtown (usually early June) |
| July | Kangensai music festival at Itsukushima Shrine (summer, on the lunar calendar) |
| August | Peace Memorial Ceremony and lantern floating on the Motoyasu River (6 August); Obon holiday period (mid-August) |
| October | Saijo Sake Festival (usually early to mid-October) |
| November | Autumn foliage at Momijidani Park, Miyajima (usually mid to late November); Hiroshima Dreamination illuminations (usually mid-November to early January) |
| December | Hiroshima Dreamination continues (December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in December–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Hiroshima?
The best times to visit Hiroshima are late March to May and October to November, with cherry blossom in the Peace Park in early April and maple colour on Miyajima in mid to late November. Summer is hot and humid with a June–July rainy season, and 6 August brings the solemn memorial ceremony and large crowds. Winter is cool, dry and quiet, and the best time for oysters.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Hiroshima?
Usually in January–February. Cold but often sunny and dry; oysters are in season and sights are quiet after the New Year holiday.
+What is the rainiest month in Hiroshima?
June, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Hiroshima get?
The warmest month, August, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F).