Spending by Japan's households fell in October from a year earlier, marking a third straight month of declines. Weaker sales of fall and winter clothing due to warmer weather was the main factor behind the drop.

The survey by the internal affairs ministry shows households of two or more people spent 1.3 percent less than a year earlier, adjusted for inflation. The average expenditure was 305,819 yen, or 2,038 dollars.

Spending on clothing such as business suits and coats dropped 18.4 percent owing to the warmer temperatures.

Food expenses dipped 0.8 percent, signaling that consumers remain budget-minded.

Expenditures on meat fell 4.6 percent, fruit 3.6 percent and confectionary 3 percent.

In contrast, outlays on electricity jumped 16.3 percent and gas 4.9 percent.

The ministry says the lower spending on food suggests households are closely watching expenses and the overall consumption trend remains weak.