Kyoto Weather in August

Season: Summer
In short:
1. The weather of Kyoto in August is the hottest throughout the year, not ideal for long-time outdoor sightseeing.
2. The city doesn’t get too much rainfall this month, but may sometimes experience strong winds and thundershowers caused by typhoons.
3. August isn’t seen as a good time to visit Kyoto, due to the sticky weather and occasional typhoons.

Kinkaku-ji Temple in Sunny August

Hottest Month in a Year

August is Kyoto’s hottest month all year round. Hot weather almost lasts for the whole month, since heat easily accumulates in this city with basin terrain.

In the daytime, the climate of Kyoto features constant heat that is not ideal for enjoying outdoor sightseeing for a very long time. The daily high temperatures are mainly from 32 to 37°C (90 and 99°F), in which the risk of sunstroke is very high. On occasion, the southeast monsoon causes temperature drops, and the daily high may decrease by a few degrees.

As night falls, the weather is cooler and the temperature is in a range from 23 to 27°C (73 to 81°F), so you can consider having a night tour here.

Moderate Precipitation

In this month, rainy days of Kyoto amount to about 11 on average. The city receives moderate rainfall, and the precipitation totals about 154 mm. Rainfall situation is not that predictable, and heavy rain can happen all of a sudden, probably making your shoes and the bottom of trouser legs wet and interrupting your sightseeing plan.

Peak Typhoon Season

August is the peak typhoon season of Kyoto, and the city has a chance to be hit by a typhoon. During this period, heavy rain, thundershowers, and heavy winds will occur. As a result, railway trains may be suspended and your sightseeing may be greatly affected, so keep a close eye on the weather forecast before your trip and try to avoid making your tour on typhoon days.

High Humidity

The humidity of Kyoto in this month is about 67%, which is at a high level caused by a bit of frequent rain. Combined with the high temperatures this month, the climate is quite muggy.

Sunrise, Sunset, & Daytime

Sunrise Time: 05:06-05:28
Sunset Time: 18:59-18:24

There is a decrease in daytime of Kyoto in August, which is from about 14 to 13 hours. Even though, not the whole day is suitable for strolling around, since the UV index can reach 10 during midday, which can easily cause sunburn and make you feel hotter. In view that sunshine duration lasts for 6 hours per day on average, it’s better to arrange your sightseeing in the early morning and late afternoon and also after sunset, and take strict sun-protective measures.

Ancient Building in Japanese Temple

Couple in Kimonos in Tofuku-ji Temple

Is August a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?

August is not considered a good month to visit Kyoto. After all, most people will feel uncomfortable when visiting on days with high temperatures and humidity. Plus, the city may be hit by typhoons this month, bringing much uncertainty to your travel here.

What’s worse, in the first half month of August, Japan is in summer vacation; in mid-August, from 13 to 16, 2026, the Obon Festival Holiday, Japanese people return to their hometowns for ancestor worship. So, demand for transport tickets is great and the city is crowded during this period. In view of these, travel experiences won’t be quite pleasant.

If August is your only choice, try to arrange your tour in the second half of this month, when summer vacation and Obon Festival Holiday both come to an end, and tourist numbers and expenses on airline tickets and accommodation are relatively low.

What to Wear in Kyoto in August?

Clothes: Light and breathable summer clothes such as sleeveless tops, T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses are suitable, and those made of quick-dry / cooling materials are better.

Shoes: Non-slippery sandals are cooler choices.

Requisites: (1) an umbrella; (2) sun-protective items such as a sun hat, sunglasses, and a cooling sun-protective jacket; (3) a portable fan to make you feel less stuffy; (4) mosquito repellent.

Packing note: Please bring more sets of clothes for change in August with such stuffy weather.

Activities and Events in Kyoto in August

1. Cooling-off Festival by the Kamo River

At nights of Saturday and Sunday of the first week of August, you can join in the most iconic summer activity by the Kamo River. People set up stalls on the riverbank to sell fruits, seafood, beverages...More than that, traditional Japanese crafts such as Yuzen Dyeing can be experienced.

2. Wind Chime Festival in Heian Shrine

Every summer, wind chimes with colorful paper are hung in rows under the corridor roofs to pray for happiness. Once gentle breezes come, the clear tinkling sound of the wind chimes wafts around this ancient shrine. Why not just write your wish down and hang a wind chime of your own?

3. Illuminated Prayer Activity in Kifune Shrine

In this shrine, which is about 5°C (9°F) cooler than the downtown area, a beautiful sight can be viewed after sunset in the first half of August: To celebrate the Tanabata Festival related to romance and prayers, people write their wishes down on colored paper and hang them on the bamboo branches. When night falls, the paper and bamboo are illuminated, and the whole shrine is in a serene vibe.

4. Tanabata Festival Celebrations in Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Another place to enjoy the festival-celebrating atmosphere is the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, where you can also view the decorated bamboo branches. Besides, the path to the entrance door is lined with orderly arranged lighted lanterns.

5. Kyoto Gozan Okuribi

Kyoto Gozan Okuribi held on the night of August 16 features large flaming marks, including a boat and a torii gate. Recommended viewing points include the bank of the Kamo River, the Funaokayama Park, and the Togetsu-kyo Bridge in the Arashiyama Scenic Spot.

6. Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival

On August 8 each year, putting on a set of traditional Japanese yukata and watching the vast fireworks show by Lake Biwa would be a truly wonderful travel experience. Around 10,000 bright-colored fireworks will go off in the dark sky.

Tips for Visiting Kyoto in August

1. It’s more suggested to visit must-see attractions as early as possible in the day to escape from the burning heat and their crowded periods. For example, an ideal itinerary for your tour could be: stroll on the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka and visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the early morning; then visit the Yasaka Shrine not far away; taste Japanese food in cool and covered Nishiki Market; go back to the hotel and have a rest during the midday; visit Kifune Shrine in late afternoon; stroll along the Kamo River and have riverside dinner.

2. Please book your hotel rooms and airline tickets in advance if your travel is set for the first half month.

3. Since typhoons may occur this month, you’re suggested to book the hotel rooms whose reservation can be canceled at any time. Once it’s forecast that a typhoon may happen, you can cancel or reschedule your journey.