Hiroshima Weather in May

Taking the warm temperature and relatively moderate rainfall into consideration, May is one of the best months to travel to Hiroshima. As a reminder, in early May, the city may be quite crowded, because it is the Golden Week in Japan, when many locals enjoy their holiday traveling.

Increasingly Warm Temperature

Both the daily high and low temperatures are mild and cozy this month, and won’t make you feel cold or hot. By and large, the daytime is completely warm at around 20-25°C (68-77°F). On some rainy days, the daily high may dip below 20°C (68°F), though quite occasionally. Besides, towards the end of the month, the daily high on some sunny days may be as high as nearly, but generally not higher than, 30°C (86°F). The nighttime is usually cool, especially after early May: the daily low is gradually increasing from about 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F) from the beginning to the end of the month.

You should note that there is a noticeable difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, which sometimes reaches around 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, if you plan to go out at night, it’s necessary to add clothes.

Some Showers May Fall

May is the last month before the rainy season of Hiroshima and has growing rainfall, which averages 182 mm in 9 rainy days. Rain in May typically falls in the form of brief showers or thunderstorms, which can be light or heavy; it rarely rains all day long. This means that even if you encounter rain during your travels, you are likely to see the rain stop after a short break at a cafe.

The air of Hiroshima in May will make you feel fresh and comfortable with an average humidity of 64%.

Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours

In May, the sun rises around 04:59-05:20 in Hiroshima and doesn’t set until 18:54-19:16. Therefore, if you plan to travel to Hiroshima this month, you can enjoy approximately 13.3 to 14.2 hours of daylight for sightseeing. Moreover, the monthly sunshine hours average around 7 hours per day, meaning you will experience exceptionally abundant sunlight this month, which will make the scenery you see and the photos you take more beautiful. Of course, note that the sunlight is also quite intense this month, which calls for necessary sun protection measures.

May with Intense Sunshine

Crowds and Scenery of Hiroshima in May

Crowds: From May 1 to 8, 2026, Japan will welcome its “Golden Week”, one of the year’s longest public holiday periods. Domestic tourists will flock to Hiroshima, a popular travel destination. Attractions like Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island will become quite crowded. Additionally, hotels will become difficult to book, and their prices will rise. Then, once the Golden Week ends, visitor numbers will drop rapidly, and Hiroshima will return to its usual tranquility. Of course, the prices of hotels and air tickets will drop a lot.

Scenery: May marks the tail end of spring in Hiroshima. At that time, the entire city is blanketed in lush greenery, creating a sense of vitality. While the cherry blossoms have faded, other flowers like wisteria and azaleas are in full bloom.

Warm May with Lush Greenery

What to Wear and Pack to Visit Hiroshima in May

Tops: The weather of Hiroshima in May is warm and comfortable, and light spring clothes are enough. For example, you can wear short-sleeve T-shirts or long-sleeve shirts inside, and thin knitwear or thin jackets outside. Thin hoodies are also recommended.

Bottoms: You may need jeans, sweatpants and other light pants in May.

Shoes: Breathable and comfortable sneakers, canvas shoes, and walking shoes are all good choices for long-time walking.

Others: Rainfall in May begins to increase, so you need an umbrella or other rain gear. Besides, it is recommended to bring sunscreen, sun hats, and other sunscreen products to protect the skin from direct sunlight on sunny days.

Highlights in Hiroshima in May

In May with vibrant natural scenery and pleasant climate of Hiroshima, you can do various explorations in Hiroshima, including visiting historical attractions like Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, hiking Mount Misen in Miyajima Island to overlook the Seto Inland Sea, and admiring the greenery in Shukkeien Garden. However, beyond visiting these renowned attractions that are worth going to year-round, you can also consider experiencing the following events that are unique to May during your trip:

Otorii Gate of Miyajima Island

1. Hiroshima Flower Festival

The Hiroshima Flower Festival is an important annual festival in Hiroshima held on May 3-5. During the festival, you can see activities including parades of dressed-up citizens and displays of various floral decoration works. There will be more than 10 theatrical performance stages along Peace Boulevard, providing performances like orchestras, dances, songs, and other cultural and artistic programs. Besides, you will also see food stalls selling tasty local food.

2. Manto Mitama Matsuri

This is a memorial festival for the war dead held at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine in late May each year. During the festival, tens of thousands of lanterns will be hung in the shrine, creating a serene and unique atmosphere. Additionally, you may witness a spectacular dance performed by hundreds of women in uniform attire.

Travel Tips for Hiroshima in May

1. If you plan to visit Hiroshima during the Golden Week period, specifically May 1-6, 2026, be sure to book your hotel and flights 1-2 months in advance.
2. If you have ample time and wish to take advantage of the pleasant weather to explore the surrounding areas, you are recommended to cycle along the Shimanami Kaido or visit Okunoshima to interact with the adorable rabbits.