The Best Time to Visit Hiroshima

There’s no bad time to visit Hiroshima. The city enjoys pleasant weather throughout most of the year and, like most of Japan, spring and fall are the prettiest and most desirable seasons to visit. The summers in Hiroshima are hot and humid with a rainy season to navigate but the winters are quite mild, making this an ideal time to visit if you dislike extreme cold and are looking for the quietest time to explore the city.

Weather in Hiroshima

Overall, Hiroshima offers distinct seasons with temperatures moving between 34 degrees F and 89 degrees F (1 degree C and 32 degrees C) in the summer. The rainy season lasts from June to mid-July and, while you can plan around it, you may want to avoid it due to high humidity and cloudy skies. The city is prone to typhoons which typically occur between June and October. For visitors looking for the best weather, as well as the best deals on accommodation, arriving in May or between September and November is an ideal choice.

Peak Season in Hiroshima

The summer is one of the busiest times in Hiroshima, as well as during the cherry blossom season in April. The winter is the quietest time to visit Hiroshima and, while it is cold, it doesn’t reach the deep temperatures that northern Japan receives so the city is ideal for people who dislike extreme cold and snow.

Key Festivals and Events

Being a city that loves its food, it will come as no surprise that many of the festivals in Hiroshima are centered around its culinary surprises. During the summer, you will also find remembrance events for those that lost their lives in the Hiroshima bombing, which is a keen celebration of life. With monthly events and festivals to keep you busy, Hiroshima offers excitement and intrigue whenever you choose to visit.

January

This is the coldest month of the year in Hiroshima, with some days dipping below freezing, and you may even see snow so wrap up warm and enjoy the new year celebrations.

Events to check out:

• New Year at Gokoku Shrine and Itsukushima Shrine: At Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, you will be able to see rituals that date back a thousand years and traditional dance. At Gokoku Shrine you can enjoy festivities that last several days with performances and food. 

February

Also particularly cold and dry, you’ll want to bring your full winter gear to make sure you make the most of your travels. There are plenty of fun cultural events to enjoy in February bringing joy to the winter period.

Events to check out:

• Mihara Daruma Festival: Dedicated to the lucky daruma doll, the streets are overtaken with stalls selling daruma, fun events, and a display of the nation’s largest daruma.
• Miyajima Oyster Festival: Oysters are Hiroshima’s most famous seafood dish and the Oyster Festival celebrates this over two days in front of Miyajima Pier. There will be plenty of oysters on offer as well dishes like oyster okonomiyaki, hot pot, and oyster stew to try.

March

The temperature starts to get milder and, towards the end of the month, the first cherry blossoms will start to bloom. It can still get chilly so make sure to pack light layers and a jacket.

Events to check out:

• Tomo Machinami Hinamatsuri: Held right through March, the doll festival in the port town of Tomo is where households around town put their hina dolls. These are often family heirlooms and treasured possessions put on display so that visitors can view them as they go from house to house.

April

The weather is consistently pleasant throughout April and it’s one of the best months to visit prior to the hot summer. It’s also one of the most beautiful seasons with cherry blossoms in full bloom, hanami parties, and plenty of blossom viewing spots to add to your itinerary.

Events to check out:

• Firewalking ritual at Daishoin Temple: Get ready to see some amazing sights. Saito-goma rituals are held throughout the day and, finally, mountain monks and worshippers will walk barefoot across hot coals.

May

May is also a wonderfully temperate month to visit Hiroshima, everything is green and it is less crowded than the peak of cherry blossom season. The humidity still isn’t high and the weather is warm with a breeze.

Events to check out:

• Flower Festival: One of the biggest events of the year in Hiroshima, the Flower Festival takes place over three days on Hiroshima Peace Boulevard and celebrates flowers, nature, music, and peace across 30 performance stages. Don’t miss the parade!

June

The weather starts to get hot in June and it marks the beginning of the rainy season so you could be meeting unexpected showers on your trip. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time and there are still plenty of festivals to enjoy throughout the month.

Events to check out:

• Toukasan Festival: Get ready for three days of color as everyone breaks out their yukata to celebrate the coming of summer. The evenings of the Toukasan Festival bring traditional performances of taiko drumming and dance and the food and drink are free-flowing.

July

The rainy season typically ends in mid-July, leaving many blue skies and sunny days. However, the humidity is high and it can get hot so keep hydrated and pack light clothing. July is the month of fireworks in Japan, meaning you can enjoy the cooler evenings with plenty of excitement in the air.

Events to check out:

• Fireworks Display at Hiroshima Port: Head down to the port for this hour-long, free display of incredible pyrotechnics, make sure to pick up some food from nearby food stalls and get there nice and early to secure yourself a spot.

August

August is the hottest and most humid month in Hiroshima with temperatures typically reaching 95 degrees F (35 degrees C) so it’s important to keep hydrated and wear appropriate clothing.

Events to check out:

• Remembrance Ceremony/ Toro Nagashi: Held every year on August 6, lanterns are set afloat down Motoyasu River in remembrance of those who died in the Hiroshima bombing. Lanterns can be purchased from stalls next to the river and you will be able to personalize your lantern with a message.

September

September starts off in the swing of the summer heat but, towards the end of the month, it becomes much cooler, especially in the evenings. Make sure to pack a jacket and a few layers for the changes in weather.

October

The fall foliage really starts to kick in mid-month so make sure to add plenty of leaf-peeping opportunities to your itinerary. This is one of the most pleasant months to visit Hiroshima if you love consistently great weather.

Events to check out:

• Higashihiroshima City's Saijo District Sake Festival: Sake lovers rejoice, Saijo is a famous brewing area in Japan with breweries galore that open their door to visitors for the festival. The main boulevard is lined with stalls offering everything sake from food and drink to gifts.
• Hiroshima Castle Chrysanthemum Exhibition: One of the traditional festival flowers of Japan, the castle stands in full bloom for the fall season with more than 2,000 chrysanthemum flowers.

November

The temperateness of October continues into November, as do the leaf-peeping options. This is a perfect month to get out in nature and do some hiking. Pack some layers and bring a jacket for the cooler days.

Events to check out:

Onomichi Betcha Festival: Designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property, this festival dives headfirst into the world of demons with masked performances, purification rituals, and parades.

December

It becomes much cooler in December with the temperature staying below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) so make sure to pack warm clothing so you can enjoy those crisp blue sky winter days to their fullest.

Events to check out:

• Hiroshima Dreamination: Hiroshima comes to light for the winter with decorated colored sculptures, trees covered with lights, and whimsical lit areas to wander.