Climate & Weather in Sendai

Post date: Tuesday, June 20, 2017

For foreign expats moving to Sendai from overseas countries as well as ones moving to Sendai from other areas in Japan, we here provide the guidance on Sendai weather. It will make us happy if it can help you to prepare for your seasonal clothing and more for your life in Japan.

Sendai, like most of the rest of the world, has a fair amount of seasonal variation in its weather patterns. The weather is fairly mild and generally quite pleasant throughout the year. The difference of the heat and cold within a day is moderate; there is a few days more than 30℃ in the summer and a few days less than -3℃ in the winter. There is only a few days of fallen snow more than 15cm in a year making a city resident possible to spend comfortable life all the year around.

Rainfall Level & Average Temperature in Sendai (2019)

The below is the Rainfall Level and Average Temperature in Sendai. Rainfall is more frequent from June through September, during which includes Rainy Season in June-July and Typhoon peak season in August - September.

  Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Rainfall Level(mm) 4 13 83 90.5 81 168.5 111.5 88.5 72.5 644.5 5.5 27
Max.Temp( °C) 6.2 8 12 15.4 22.8 22.8 25.9 30 26.6 20.7 14.7 9.8
Ave.Temp( °C) 2.4 3.7 7 10.2 17.4 19 22.4 26.2 22.4 16.9 10 5.4
Min.Temp( °C) -0.9 -0.1 2.5 5.6 12.6 15.9 20 23.4 19 13.3 5.7 1.6

Average Temperature & Humidity in Sendai (2019)

  Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Ave.Temp( °C) 2.4 3.7 7 10.2 17.4 19 22.4 26.2 22.4 16.9 10 5.4
Ave.Temp( °F) 36.32 38.66 44.6 50.36 63.32 66.2 72.32 79.16 72.32 62.42 50 41.72
Humidity(%) 64 60 59 62 64 82 85 82 76 77 65 69

It has been really unlike the average data for these past several years that the days of intense heat and the higher temperatures are recorded in the summer due to global warming and heat island effects. However relatively cool weather in the summer season and the effect of sea breeze can make Sendai residents spend a day without air conditioner.

Seasonal Clothing (for Sendai & Vicinity)

  • Spring (Mar. - May.): Topcoat, jacket, sweater
  • Summer (Jun. - Aug.): Light clothing, short or long sleeves
  • Autumn (Sep. - Nov.): same as Spring
  • Winter (Dec. - Feb.): Down jacket, wool coat, warm sweater, scarf, gloves

The best times to visit are April-May, for the well-known blooming of cherry blossoms with pleasant climate, and October-November for autumn leaves changing and enjoyable climate. It can get hot and extremely muggy in July-August. Winter seldom brings snow and brings only a few days per year when the temperatures drop below freezing. It is helpful for you to see Seasonal Clothing idea above.

The Weather in Sendai and Advice for Every Season

Sendai is a big city and most people get around using public transit, bikes, or their feet. Here are a few tips & tricks to make surviving close encounters with Mother Nature a little easier:

■ Precipitation

Always check the forecast before you leave for the day and pack an umbrella if rain is predicted. It’s no fun being caught in a downpour and waiting under the corner of a ramen shop’s roof waiting for the rain to pass.

o Pro tip: If weather forecasts aren’t to your liking, stick your head outside before you leave for the day and see if others are carrying umbrellas and follow their lead. If you do get stuck in the wet, you can always duck into the nearest convenience store for a cheap umbrella—they’re everywhere!

■ Heat

The summer in Sendai is relatively cool by frequent effect of cold and wet air mass by the high-pressure system called Okhotsk anticyclone and also sea breeze from the Ocean. But basically it can get humid and hot by the effect of Pacific anticyclone in Sendai summer, so dress accordingly. Sendai is a concrete jungle that displays the “heat island” effect common in big metropolitan areas.

o Pro tip: If you’re going to work, check and see if your office follows a “cool biz” dress code which is a set of comparatively relaxed dress guidelines encouraged by the Japanese government to help make life more comfortable for office-workers in the summer.