Nara Weather in August

Right in the middle of summer and the typhoon season, Nara has muggy and rainy weather. Attractions will still be crowded though the weather is not favorable, since August is the time of summer vacation and the Obon Festival. For culture lovers, it may be a good visiting time since Nara in August boasts many festivals.

Hottest Month of the Year

August has the highest temperature of the year. During the daytime, the temperature usually climbs to around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) quickly after sunrise. Are there days with the daily high temperature below 30°C (86°F)? Yes, but there are only about 1-3 such days. So expect continuous hot days if you plan to travel to Nara this month. During the nighttime, the temperatures are usually in the range of 25-29°C (77-84°F), a level that could hardly be described as cool.

What’s worse, the apparent temperatures are usually even higher this month, caused by the high humidity. As a result, you may be prone to feeling sticky and exhausted during the outdoor visit, especially in midday.

Wet Typhoon Season

Nara experiences 122 mm of rainfall on average in August, with the average number of rainy days being 11. The rain this month usually comes and also stops quickly. However, you should know that it may be heavy sometimes, when you may need to find an indoor place to take shelter from the rain.

Besides, Nara enters the typhoon season this month. It is more susceptible to typhoon impacts from late August. Typhoons typically bring heavy rainfall lasting 1 to 3 consecutive days, causing travel disruptions. Therefore, if you plan to visit Nara in August, it is advisable to monitor weather forecasts closely before departure. Should a typhoon occur, promptly cancel or adjust your itinerary.

The humidity is as high as 67% on average, which, as mentioned above, causes the muggy weather of Nara in August.

Daylight Hours / Sunshine Hours

At the beginning of the month, the daylight is long at nearly 14 hours, from about 05:06 to 18:59. By the end of the month, with the later sunrise time of around 05:28 and earlier sunset time at around 18:59, the daylight hours shorten to about 13 hours, a still relatively long level. Even though you plan to have a rest during the hottest 12:00-14:00, you can have ample time to travel around as long as you get up early.

This month’s rain typically doesn’t last long, as mentioned above, so the sun will not be obscured by clouds for extended periods. On average, there are 6 hours of sunshine per day. For outdoor activities during sunny moments, sun protection measures should be taken to prevent the strong UV rays.

Crowds of Nara in August

August is Japan’s summer vacation month, so Nara sees a significant number of tourists throughout the entire month. Popular attractions like Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine become overcrowded, while demand for hotels and flights increases, driving their prices skyward.

Besides, during the entire August 2026, the days from the 13th to the 16th will be the most crowded, since they coincide with Japan’s Obon Festival when domestic tourist numbers in Nara surge dramatically.

Is August A Good Time to Visit Nara?

No, August is not a good month to visit Nara, since it has muggy and unstable weather and crowded attractions, which will make outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable and inconvenient.

However, if you are interested in the traditional festivals and want to feel the festival atmosphere during your trip, August will meet your needs. Want to know what you can experience? The following part will show you in detail.

Highlights / Festival of Nara in August

Obon is an important traditional Japanese festival for honoring ancestors. Around this time, Nara hosts numerous festivals in August centered on worship and prayer, which are worth visiting in addition to the famous attractions of Nara.

1. Nara Tokea

Nara Tokea, also known as the Lantern Festival, is held annually from August 5th to 14th to honor ancestors and pray for peace. Each evening during this period in Nara Park, over 20,000 candles illuminate, creating a breathtakingly beautiful spectacle.

2. Chugen Mantoro

It is also called Chugen Ten Thousand Lanterns Festival. On the evenings of August 14th and 15th, over 3,000 lanterns will be lit within the Kasuga Taisha Shrine for visitors to make wishes.

3. Todaiji Manto Juyoe

Held annually on the evening of August 15th, this event sees the stone path before Todaiji’s Great Buddha Hall lined with over 2,500 lit lanterns to honor the departed. Amidst the chanting of sutras, you will feel the atmosphere of solemnity and reverence.

4. Todaiji Ominugui

This is the annual purification and blessing ceremony held on August 7th at the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple in Nara. During the ceremony, the Great Buddha is cleaned by attendants dressed in traditional white garments, praying for peace and the well-being of all.

What to Pack when Visiting Nara in August 2026

Clothes: To stay cool and comfortable during outdoor activities in August with the sticky climate of Nara, males are recommended to pack lightweight summer clothing like ice-silk or cotton-linen short-sleeved T-shirts and quick-dry shorts or long pants, while females can wear dresses or skirts plus tank tops. Consider bringing a sun-protective shirt, which not only shields you from UV rays but also keeps you warm on slightly cooler evenings.

Shoes: On sunny days, opt for breathable mesh sneakers; on rainy days, choose lightweight and slip-resistant sandals.

Others: Essentials for your August trip to Nara include portable rain gear like foldable umbrellas and raincoats, along with sun protection items such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Additionally, you are advised to carry tissues with you - they will come in handy whether you are facing scorching sunshine or damp rain.

Tips for Visiting Nara in August

1. Visiting Nara during the scorching August heat makes preventing heatstroke a top priority. Try to avoid outdoor sightseeing during midday when sunlight is strongest and temperatures peak. Even during outdoor activities outside these hours, you are recommended to take breaks and drink water frequently.
2. Book flights and accommodations in advance, especially if your travel falls between August 13th and 16th. Besides, during your visit, you are recommended to arrive at popular attractions like the Todaiji Temple early to avoid crowds.
3. Summer is an ideal time to experience Fireworks Festivals in Japan. While no large-scale fireworks events are held in Nara City in August, the nearby Yoshinogawa Fireworks Festival is renowned. During approximately 40 minutes, you will witness around 6,000 fireworks illuminating the sky