Tokyo Weather in September: Typhoons & What to Wear
Tokyo Mate
September in Tokyo is the month where summer and autumn cross over. On September 1, the daytime high is 30°C, still summer, but by the end of the month it drops to 24.7°C, a clearly different season. September is the only time when the high drops by more than 5°C within a single month. On the other hand, with about 220mm of rain it's also the wettest month of the year. Typhoon season reaches its peak, and in late September there's the Silver Week holiday (Sept 19-23).
Based on the Japan Meteorological Agency’s climatological normals (1991-2020) and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) 2026 official data, this brings together typhoon preparation, the early/mid/late weather changes, what to wear, and sunset times all at once.
Typhoon Season
September is the month when typhoons affect Tokyo the most. By Japan Meteorological Agency statistics, more typhoons approach the Kanto region in September than in August.
☔ Weekly rainfall
September (about 220mm) is far wetter than August (about 155mm). As typhoon effects overlap with the autumn rains (秋雨), rainfall increases sharply from the second week.
| September week | Rainfall | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (1-7) | About 49mm | 4-5 days |
| Week 2 (8-14) | About 56mm | 5-6 days |
| Week 3 (15-21) | About 58mm | 5-6 days |
| Week 4 (22-30) | About 60mm | 4-5 days |
(Source: JMA climatological normals 1991-2020, Tokyo observation point 47662 / September monthly rainfall about 220mm, the year's highest)
🌧️ Direct hit vs. outer-band effects
It’s not common for a typhoon to make landfall directly on Tokyo, but days when strong wind and heavy rain continue for a day or two from a typhoon’s outer bands are frequent in September. Leave about a day of slack in your itinerary, and adjust your plans when a typhoon approaches.
✅ Typhoon Prep Checklist
- Check the JMA typhoon information before departure
- A waterproof jacket and a waterproof bag are essential
- Confirm your accommodation's cancellation policy in advance
- Prepare for the possibility of same-day transit suspensions
Early September (1-10): Feels Like Summer, Mornings Already Changing
In early September, the daytime high is still 28-30°C, with summer heat lingering. But compared with early August (31.7-31.8°C), it’s already nearly 2°C lower, and the morning low drops to 21-22.5°C, so early mornings start to feel a little cool.
| Date | Avg high / low | Daily range |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 1 | 30.0°C / 22.5°C | 7.5°C |
| Sept 5 | 29.6°C / 22.2°C | 7.4°C |
| Sept 10 | 28.8°C / 21.5°C | 7.3°C |
(Source: JMA climatological normals 1991-2020, Tokyo observation point 47662)
In early September, there are many days when it rains from a typhoon’s influence and then suddenly clears up. On clear days you still need protection against the strong UV, and on rainy days a waterproof jacket is essential.
Mid-September (11-20): Temperatures Drop Noticeably
From mid-September, temperatures fall quickly. The daytime high drops to 26-28°C and the morning low to 19-21°C, so morning and evening clearly start to feel like autumn. Even at midday, the number of days when it feels cool in the shade increases.
| Date | Avg high / low | Daily range |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 11 | 28.6°C / 21.3°C | 7.3°C |
| Sept 15 | 27.7°C / 20.5°C | 7.2°C |
| Sept 20 | 26.5°C / 19.3°C | 7.2°C |
(Source: JMA climatological normals 1991-2020, Tokyo observation point 47662)
✅ 2026 Silver Week (Sept 19-23)
In 2026, a National Holiday (Sept 22) falls between Respect for the Aged Day (Sept 21) and the Autumnal Equinox (Sept 23), making a 5-day holiday.
The weather during Silver Week, with daytime temperatures of 26-27°C, is the best time for outdoor activities. However, just like Golden Week and Obon, tourist spots, the Shinkansen, and flights sell out quickly, so booking in advance is essential.
| Sept 19 (Sat) | Weekend |
| Sept 20 (Sun) | Weekend |
| Sept 21 (Mon) | Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日) |
| Sept 22 (Tue) | National Holiday (国民の休日) |
| Sept 23 (Wed) | Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日) |
Late September (21-30): Long Sleeves Become Necessary
By late September, the daytime high drops to 24-26°C and the morning low to 17-19°C. A morning low of 17°C is a temperature where even a single thin long-sleeved top feels cool. Compared with early August (low of 23.9°C), it’s more than 6°C lower in a single month.
| Date | Avg high / low | Daily range |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 21 | 26.3°C / 19.1°C | 7.2°C |
| Sept 25 | 25.4°C / 18.3°C | 7.1°C |
| Sept 30 | 24.7°C / 17.6°C | 7.1°C |
(Source: JMA climatological normals 1991-2020, Tokyo observation point 47662)
What to Wear
September is the month when what you wear changes the most within a single month. With more than a 5°C difference between early and late September, you need completely different preparations by period.
✅ Early September (lingering heat)
Still close to summer, but the key is preparing for sudden showers and typhoons.
- Recommended combo: short sleeves + a waterproof jacket or a thin cardigan
- Umbrella: a sturdy umbrella (typhoon season; a small folding one isn't enough)
- Shoes: waterproof sneakers recommended
✅ Mid-September (including Silver Week)
Short sleeves work in the daytime, but a thin long-sleeved top becomes necessary morning and evening. If you have outdoor plans during Silver Week, put a cardigan or a thin jacket in your bag.
- Recommended combo: short sleeves or a thin long-sleeved top + a thin jacket or cardigan
✅ Late September (autumn in full swing)
As the morning low drops to 17-18°C, long sleeves become the baseline. Short sleeves are still fine in the daytime, but in the evening you’ll definitely need an outer layer.
- Recommended combo: a thin long-sleeved top + a cardigan or thin jacket (essential in the evening)
Clothing summary by period
| Period / daytime temp | Outfit | Key items |
|---|---|---|
| Early Sept / 28-30°C | Short sleeves + waterproof jacket | Sturdy umbrella, UV protection |
| Mid-Sept / 26-28°C | Short sleeves + thin jacket | Cardigan, folding umbrella |
| Late Sept / 24-26°C | Thin long sleeves + jacket | Evening outer layer essential |
Sunset Times
September is a month when the days shorten quickly. Sunset, which was 18:13 at the end of August, moves up by a full 43 minutes to 17:30 at the end of September.
By the NAOJ 2026 official almanac, Tokyo’s September sunrise and sunset times are as follows.
| Period | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 8 | 05:18 | 17:59 |
| Sept 18 | 05:25 | 17:45 |
| Sept 28 | 05:33 | 17:30 |
(Source: NAOJ "Almanac," 2026 Tokyo sunrise/sunset)
As of September 18, sunset is 17:45, so for night-view spots, aiming to enter after 18:00 lets you enjoy both the sunset glow and the night view. By late September it moves earlier to 17:30, so entering around 17:30-17:45 is a good fit.
Recommended September sunset & night-view spots
- Shibuya Sky: from late September the temperature drops, so you can stay on the rooftop longer. It's an especially beautiful time for early-autumn evening glow.
- Tokyo Skytree: during Silver Week you can enjoy the night view along with surrounding events. Reservations for the holiday period fill up early.
👉 Tokyo Observation Deck Comparison BEST 5 (2026)
September in Tokyo is the period when the weather and what you wear change the most within a single month. As long as you prepare well for typhoons and pack for layering, it’s a travel season where you can enjoy both summer’s energy and autumn’s ease. If you’re visiting during Silver Week (Sept 19-23), finish your main sights and transport reservations in advance, and check typhoon information right up until departure.
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