Hakata Weather in September
Season: Autumn Overview:
1. In September, it is hot at midday and pleasantly warm at other times.
2. 11 rainy days bring moderate rainfall, featuring frequent light showers.
3. It is the low season, except Respect for the Aged Day and the Autumn Equinox Day.
Dropping Temperature
In September, Hakata steps into autumn and the temperatures gradually drop. In the early and middle part of the month, high temperatures often remain above 30℃ (86℉) but rarely reach 35℃ (95℉), while lows are often around 22 - 26℃ (71.6 - 78.8℉), which means it is hot at midday but pleasantly warm at other times. In the late part of the month, there is an obvious decline in temperature, with highs of 25 - 30℃ (77 - 86℉) and lows occasionally below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Moderate Rainfall
Hakata accepts moderate precipitation in September, averaging 144mm (5.7 in) and distributed over 11 days. The rainfall is characterized by light showers, but influenced by the autumn rain front and typhoons, there may be heavy rain, usually lasting for half a day at most, so pay attention to the weather forecast and take some precautions. Besides, autumn rain often brings about a sudden temperature drop.
The relative humidity is approximately 73%, and as temperature is not very high, you don’t feel as sultry as in July and August.
Short Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours
As the sunrise time moves from 5:53 to 6:13 and the sunset time shifts from 18:45 to 18:04, the duration of daytime also varies a lot: at the beginning of the month, it reaches roughly 12.5 - 13 hours, but at the end of the month, daylight hours are shortened to around 12 hours. Thus, if you plan to visit Hakata in late September, your itineraries should be tighter. The daily length of sunshine averages about 5 hours.
Although the sunshine is no longer as intense as it is in summer, the maximum UV index can still reach 8, so sun protection is essential on sunny days.
Is September good to visit Hakata?
Yes, this month is one of the best times to come here. Firstly, most of the time, the weather of Hakata in September is pleasant, along with not much rainfall, suitable for wandering around. Secondly, lots of events such as Hakozaki Shrine Hojoya Festival and music festivals during this month give you more chances to not only understand local traditional culture but also feel the lively atmosphere of modern music.
What to wear in Hakata in September?
Clothes: Based on the Hakata climate in September, it’s advised to wear breathable short-sleeved T-shirts, and skirts or thin sweatpants at midday, while at other times, put on an extra light denim jacket outside, which are also needed on some cool rainy days.
Footwear: Considering you may visit numerous attractions, it is recommended to bring lightweight and comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, preferably with water-resistant and non-slip properties.
Others: Sun hats, sunglasses and sunblock are important items on sunny days, and be sure to bring along light raincoats or compact umbrellas.
Travel Highlights of Hakata in September
Hakozaki Shrine Hojoya Festival
Every September 12 to 18, Hakata Hakozaki Shrine Hojoya Festival is held, one of the grandest autumn celebrations in Kyushu. Highlights include: mikoshi processions held on September 12 and 14 during odd-numbered years when 500 parishioners carrying a portable shrine parade through the neighborhood; a kilometer-long night market with 500 food and game stalls; numerous traditional performances such as lion dances and taiko drumming.
Music Festival
Fukuoka has been hailed as the City of Music with lots of music festivals concentrated in September. For example, Nakasu Jazz is held at Nakasu district from September 14 to 15, and the following weekend has two additional jamborees: Sing! Hakata at JR Hakata Station Plaza and Bayside Festival at Bayside Place Hakata.
Flea Market
Gokoku Shrine often hosts a flea market in September, mostly around the middle or late part of the month, and this market is full of popular snacks, vintage trinkets and succulent plants, so why not arrange some time to explore it?
Advice for Visiting Hakata in September
In September, locals enjoy two short holidays for two occasions: Respect for the Aged Day and the Autumn Equinox. If the dates fall close together, Japanese have a five-day holiday off work. Tough this situation is not common, it will happen in 2026. Except for these periods, the rest time of September is the low season in Hakata when hotels and train or airline tickets can be booked easily at a lower cost, attractions and restaurants are unpacked and quieter, finally giving you a budget-friendly trip.
