When to go to Uwajima
Seasons, a month-by-month table, local festivals and when Uwajima is busiest.
Southern Ehime is warmer and wetter than Matsuyama, with a long growing season for citrus and a real rainy season. Spring and late autumn are the most comfortable; the big festival is in the heat of July.
Spring
Green terraces at Yusu Mizugaura until the April harvest, white wisteria at Tensha-en in mid-April and mild, bright days.
Summer
Heavy rain in June and early July, then heat. The Ushi-oni festival and two bull sumo dates fall in late July and mid-August; canyoning season at Nametoko.
Autumn
Typhoons are possible into early October; after that, clear weather, the citrus harvest and an autumn bull sumo date.
Winter
Mild by Japanese standards, with little frost on the coast. Mikan are at their best and the New Year bull sumo opens the calendar.
Uwajima month by month
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11° / 3° | 65 mm | ★★★ Fair |
| February | 12° / 3° | 90 mm | ★★★ Fair |
| March | 15° / 6° | 140 mm | ★★★ Good |
| April | 20° / 10° | 150 mm | ★★★ Best |
| May | 24° / 15° | 180 mm | ★★★ Best |
| June | 27° / 19° | 300 mm | ★★★ Fair |
| July | 31° / 23° | 260 mm | ★★★ Good |
| August | 32° / 24° | 190 mm | ★★★ Good |
| September | 29° / 21° | 250 mm | ★★★ Good |
| October | 24° / 15° | 140 mm | ★★★ Best |
| November | 19° / 10° | 90 mm | ★★★ Best |
| December | 14° / 5° | 65 mm | ★★★ Fair |
Temperatures (°C) and rainfall are rounded long-term averages for this part of the prefecture, for orientation only — check a forecast before you travel.
Festivals & events in Uwajima
- Early JanuaryNew Year bull sumo
The first tournament of the year at the municipal bullring.
- Mid-AprilWisteria at Tensha-en
The white wisteria bridge and trellises are in bloom for about two weeks.
- 22–24 JulyUwajima Ushi-oni Festival
Huge ox-demon floats with long necks and red or shaggy bodies charge through the streets; fireworks, dancing and a festival bull sumo tournament on the 24th.
- 14 AugustObon bull sumo
The summer holiday tournament, popular with families returning home.
Crowds & booking ahead
Uwajima is quiet for most of the year. Hotel rooms become scarce only around the July festival, Obon in mid-August and New Year — book ahead for those dates and for any bull sumo day.
Ready for Uwajima?
Lock in a guide, a tasting or a day trip for Uwajima now — most GetYourGuide bookings can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before.