Sendai has a humid subtropical climate (Koppen Cfa) with warm, humid summers and cool, snowy winters, moderated by its position on the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan. The city sits at 50 meters (164 feet) above sea level in a basin surrounded by the Ou Mountains to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Average annual temperature is 12.4 C (54.3 F), with annual precipitation around 1,250 mm (49 inches). Winters are colder and snowier than Tokyo (350 km south) but milder than Sapporo (500 km north), making Sendai a middle-ground climate that offers four distinct seasons without extremes.
Sendai Weather in January
January is Sendai’s coldest month, with average highs of 5.3 C (41.5 F) and lows of -1.7 C (28.9 F). Snowfall is common, with monthly accumulation averaging 30 cm (12 inches). The city gets about 37 mm of precipitation over 18 days. Humidity sits at 67% and daily sunshine averages 4.5 hours. The wind chill from the northwest makes it feel colder than the thermometer reads, especially near the Hirose River. Sea temperature drops to 11 C (52 F). Snow tires and warm layers are essential, the city’s wide avenues can get icy, and the sidewalks along Jozenji-dori stay slippery through the morning.
Sendai Weather in February
February remains cold with highs of 6.1 C (43 F) and lows of -1.3 C (29.7 F). Snowfall decreases slightly to about 25 cm (10 inches), but it remains the second-snowiest month. Precipitation averages 43 mm over 17 days. The plum blossoms at Tsutsujigaoka Park start appearing in late February, signaling the end of deep winter. Sunshine increases to 5.2 hours daily. Sea temperature stays at 10 C (50 F). The Sendai Pageant of Starlight illumination along Jozenji-dori typically runs through late February, drawing evening crowds despite the cold.
Sendai Weather in March
March brings the transition to spring with highs of 9.9 C (49.8 F) and lows of 1.6 C (34.9 F). Snow becomes rare by mid-month, replaced by rain averaging 77 mm over 19 days. Cherry blossom forecasts for Sendai typically predict first bloom around April 5 to 8, with full bloom April 12 to 15, about two weeks later than Tokyo. Sunshine averages 5.8 hours daily. Sea temperature warms to 12 C (54 F). Dress in layers: mornings can still hit freezing, but afternoons feel pleasant in the sun.
Sendai Weather in April
April is prime cherry blossom season with comfortable temperatures: highs of 15.4 C (59.7 F) and lows of 6.8 C (44.2 F). Precipitation is moderate at 97 mm over 17 days. This is one of the driest spring months relative to the rest of Japan’s rainy tendencies. Sunshine averages 6.3 hours. The cherry blossoms along the Hirose River and at Tsutsujigaoka Park draw large crowds. Sea temperature reaches 14 C (57 F). A light jacket suffices for evenings.
Sendai Weather in May
May is Sendai’s most comfortable month with highs of 19.7 C (67.5 F), lows of 11.8 C (53.2 F), and low humidity at 68%. Rainfall averages 112 mm over 18 days but comes in short bursts rather than all-day events. Sunshine peaks at 6.8 hours daily. The fresh greenery in the surrounding mountains is spectacular, and the Aobayama Park trails are at their best. Sea temperature reaches 17 C (63 F). This is the ideal month for walking tours of the city.
Sendai Weather in June
June brings the tsuyu (rainy season) to Sendai, with highs of 22.5 C (72.5 F), lows of 16.2 C (61.2 F), and humidity climbing to 80%. Rainfall spikes to 160 mm over 20 days, making it the wettest month. Daily sunshine drops to 5.0 hours. The rain is persistent but rarely heavy, you will need an umbrella every day. Despite the rain, temperatures are pleasant and the city’s greenery is lush. Sea temperature warms to 19 C (66 F). Indoor attractions like the Sendai Mediatheque and Miyagi Museum of Art are good rainy-day options.
Sendai Weather in July
July marks the start of proper summer with highs of 26.1 C (79 F) and lows of 20.3 C (68.5 F). The rainy season ends around July 20 to 25, and humidity stays high at 83%. Rainfall remains substantial at 157 mm over 21 days. Sunshine averages 4.8 hours. The Tanabata Festival (August 6 to 8) sees preparation throughout July, with bamboo decorations appearing across the city. Sea temperature reaches a pleasant 22 C (72 F). Light cotton clothing and a portable fan are recommended.
Sendai Weather in August
August is Sendai’s hottest month, with average highs of 28.2 C (82.8 F) and lows of 22.1 C (71.8 F). Humidity peaks at 82%, and the heat index can push feels-like temperatures above 33 C (91 F). Rainfall moderates to 137 mm over 19 days, mostly from afternoon thunderstorms. Sunshine averages 5.5 hours. The Sendai Tanabata Festival (August 6 to 8) draws over 2 million visitors, the city is packed and hotel rates peak. Sea temperature reaches 24 C (75 F), warm enough for swimming at nearby beaches like Akiu and Matsushima Bay. Book hotels 3 to 4 months in advance if visiting during Tanabata.
Sendai Weather in September
September remains warm with highs of 24.5 C (76.1 F) and lows of 18.2 C (64.8 F). This is typhoon season, Sendai can experience heavy rain and strong winds from Pacific typhoons, though direct hits are less frequent than in southern Japan. Rainfall averages 198 mm over 20 days, the second-wettest month. Humidity stays at 80%. Sunshine drops to 4.5 hours. The Jozenji Street Jazz Festival in mid-September is the city’s biggest music event. Sea temperature stays at 23 C (73 F). Check typhoon forecasts if traveling in September.
Sendai Weather in October
October brings autumn’s best weather with highs of 19.3 C (66.7 F), lows of 11.7 C (53.1 F), and humidity dropping to 71%. Rainfall decreases to 103 mm over 16 days. Sunshine averages 5.2 hours. The autumn foliage in the surrounding mountains (Akiu Onsen, Sakunami Onsen) peaks in late October through early November. The city’s zelkova trees along Jozenji-dori turn golden. Sea temperature cools to 20 C (68 F). A light jacket is sufficient for daytime, with a warmer layer for evenings.
Sendai Weather in November
November cools significantly with highs of 13.2 C (55.8 F) and lows of 4.6 C (40.3 F). Rainfall drops to 66 mm over 16 days, the driest month of the year. Sunshine averages 4.8 hours. The autumn colors continue through mid-November at lower elevations. Sea temperature drops to 17 C (63 F). The first frost typically arrives in late November. A warm coat and scarf are needed, especially for evening activities.
Sendai Weather in December
December brings winter proper with highs of 8.1 C (46.6 F) and lows of 0.3 C (32.5 F). Snowfall begins, averaging 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) accumulation by month’s end. Precipitation is 34 mm over 18 days, mostly as snow. Sunshine averages 4.3 hours, the lowest of the year. The Sendai Pageant of Starlight illuminates Jozenji-dori with 600,000 lights throughout December, drawing evening crowds. Sea temperature drops to 13 C (55 F). Heavy winter coats, gloves, and waterproof boots are recommended.
Sendai Climate Averages by Month
| Month | High (C/F) | Low (C/F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs) | Sea (C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5.3 / 41.5 | -1.7 / 28.9 | 37 | 18 | 4.5 | 11 |
| Feb | 6.1 / 43.0 | -1.3 / 29.7 | 43 | 17 | 5.2 | 10 |
| Mar | 9.9 / 49.8 | 1.6 / 34.9 | 77 | 19 | 5.8 | 12 |
| Apr | 15.4 / 59.7 | 6.8 / 44.2 | 97 | 17 | 6.3 | 14 |
| May | 19.7 / 67.5 | 11.8 / 53.2 | 112 | 18 | 6.8 | 17 |
| Jun | 22.5 / 72.5 | 16.2 / 61.2 | 160 | 20 | 5.0 | 19 |
| Jul | 26.1 / 79.0 | 20.3 / 68.5 | 157 | 21 | 4.8 | 22 |
| Aug | 28.2 / 82.8 | 22.1 / 71.8 | 137 | 19 | 5.5 | 24 |
| Sep | 24.5 / 76.1 | 18.2 / 64.8 | 198 | 20 | 4.5 | 23 |
| Oct | 19.3 / 66.7 | 11.7 / 53.1 | 103 | 16 | 5.2 | 20 |
| Nov | 13.2 / 55.8 | 4.6 / 40.3 | 66 | 16 | 4.8 | 17 |
| Dec | 8.1 / 46.6 | 0.3 / 32.5 | 34 | 18 | 4.3 | 13 |
