When to go · Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen in October

Good month. Outside the best window (Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views). Across Japan: Clear, mild and dry: the best all-round month.

Key facts

Verdict: Good
Temperature: 16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) / 8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C); average high / low
Rain days: 12
Crowds: Medium; Japan overall
Prices: Medium; Japan overall

Plan around it

Verdict

GoodJapan month rating

Outside the best window (Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views). Across Japan: Clear, mild and dry: the best all-round month.

Is another month better than October?

October is rated good. These months rate higher:

Weather in October

Long-term averages

Zao OnsenHighs around 16 °C (61 °F), lows around 8 °C (46 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 61 °F (16 °C), lows around 46 °F (8 °C), rain on about 12 days

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Japan overall: Medium
Prices · Japan overall: Medium

Japan overall: Clear, mild and dry: the best all-round month.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Zao Onsen, side by side.

First month

Second month

Verdict
Oct: Good
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
Oct: 16 °C (61 °F)61 °F (16 °C)
Jan: -1 °C (30 °F)30 °F (-1 °C)
Night low
Oct: 8 °C (46 °F)46 °F (8 °C)
Jan: -7 °C (19 °F)19 °F (-7 °C)
Rain days
Oct: 12 (better)
Jan: 20
Crowds
Oct: Medium
Jan: Low
Prices
Oct: Medium
Jan: Low
Festivals listed
Oct: 0
Jan: 1

October: Outside the best window (Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views). Across Japan: Clear, mild and dry: the best all-round month.

January: Inside Zao Onsen's best window: Dec–Mar for snow monsters and ski; Jul–Sep for hiking and crater views.

Zao Onsen: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

A warm layer for the evenings
A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Japan in October →