Nara Weather in July

The weather of Nara in July is stuffy and rainy: the daily high usually hovers around 25-35°C (77-95°F), and there are around 13 rainy days on average. So you need to make careful preparation and arrangements in advance to gain a not bad traveling experience. The city is a bit crowded since the summer holiday begins this month in most countries in the Northern Hemisphere.

High Precipitation and Wet Air

July sees Nara’s rainy season persist. Overall, precipitation features both high totals and frequent occurrences: the monthly average rainfall reaches 181 mm, distributed across 13 rainy days. In July 2025, Nara experienced as many as 17 rainy days.

Generally, the beginning and middle of the month usually see the most frequent rain. By month’s end, the rainy season is winding down, and the chance of rain decreases significantly. Then, will the rain disrupt your tour? It definitely will, but fortunately, compared with consistent rain, brief showers are more common this month, so your trip will not be influenced by much.

Due to the frequent rainfall, the average humidity for the month reached a high of 81%, making the air very humid.

See Also: Everything You Need to Know about Rainy Season in Japan

Increasingly High Temperature

During the first half of the month, frequent rainfall keeps temperatures generally not so high, with daily highs typically ranging between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius (77-90 degrees Fahrenheit). Occasionally, temperatures may approach 35°C (95°F), though such instances are rare. However, exceptions exist: in 2025, despite persistent rainfall, the first half of July saw 11 days with temperatures reaching 33°C (91°F) or higher. As for daily lows, they are about 25°C (77°F).

By the second half of the month, clear days show more frequently, and temperatures gradually climb. During this period, daytime temperatures in Nara often hover around 35°C (95°F). In extremely rare instances, they may soar to 40°C (104°F). Nighttime temperatures remain steady at approximately 25°C (77°F).

Since the humidity is high this month, the climate of Nara is muggy and uncomfortable, especially in the second half of the month. Only the early mornings and evenings offer a slightly cooler respite.

Daylight Hours / Sunshine Hours

The sun rises early and sets late in July, between 04:47-05:05 and 18:59-19:13, respectively. On one hand, this provides ample daylight time that stretches from about 14 to 14.5 hours; while on the other, it means prolonged heat: on clear days, temperatures typically climb above 30°C (86°F) by 09:00 and only gradually cool down around 19:00.

Sunshine hours average around 5 hours per day, not particularly long, after all, the overcast and rainy moments are common this month. However, July boasts the strongest UV intensity of the year, with the maximum UV index of 11. You are recommended to take sun-protective measures even on rainy days: even if the sun only makes a brief appearance, your skin may still get sunburned, especially during the midday hours.

Disadvantages of Visiting Nara in July

1. With both high temperature and humidity, the climate of Nara in July is stuffy, especially towards the second half of the month. What’s worse, the intense sunlight on sunny days will also exacerbate your discomfort.
2. Though the rain is usually brief and not heavy, with high frequency, it will make your trip a bit inconvenient.
3. July marks the summer vacation period for most countries in the Northern Hemisphere, including Japan. Consequently, popular cities like Nara attract large numbers of tourists and become extremely crowded.
4. In this peak travel time, the prices of both hotels and air tickets are high.

Things that Attract Visitors to Nara in July

Although July is not ideal for visiting in terms of weather and crowds, it does offer some compelling sights.

1. Truly Beautiful Natural Scenery

(1) Nara Park is lush with greenery throughout the month. The expansive grassy slopes of Mount Wakakusa, the dense and emerald-green thousand-year-old cedar trees lining the approach to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, etc., together create a vibrant sight.
(2) Lotus flowers in full bloom offer a summer-exclusive sight. At Saidaiji Temple, Kokoji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Yakushiji Temple, which provide joint admission tickets during the lotus season, you can admire these beautiful blooms while appreciating the cultural landscapes.

2. Deer Gathering “Shikayose” in Nara Park

It is typically held around 09:30 every Sunday in July at the space near Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Park. During the event, the staff will play melodies on French horns, heard of which hundreds of deer then run out from the forest, creating a spectacular gathering. The entire event lasts approximately 15 minutes. It’s worth noting that this month, you may also spot some lively and adorable fawns among the deer herd.

Deer in Nara Park

Tips to Gain a Better Experience for Nara Trips in July

1. Avoid Outdoor Sightseeing During the Hottest Noon

In July, the sun rises very early in Nara, so you are recommended to get up early each morning. Take advantage of these cool and quiet hours, and you can visit famous outdoor attractions like Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Park. The hottest part of the day is from 11:00 to 14:00, when you can have lunch and sample local specialties first, and then find a cafe to rest. After 14:00, resume your outdoor explorations, but remember to have rests during your trip since the heat still lingers. Note that Mount Wakakusa offers almost no shade and remains intensely hot in the afternoon. So, consider visiting near 17:00, just before the park closes. You are advised to stay until around 19:00 to witness a stunning sunset.

2. Well-Prepared for the Rainy Weather

First, during the rainy season, it’s important to check the weather forecast frequently so you can prepare for rainy days in advance. Second, avoid packing your daily itinerary too tightly. This allows you to adjust plans flexibly when rain is forecasted - for instance, replacing outdoor attractions with indoor ones like the Nara National Museum.

What to Pack when Visiting Nara in July 2026

Clothes: Thin, breathable, and quick-dry summer clothes like T-shirts, shorts, thin long pants, skirts, and dresses are all OK choices.

Shoes: Lightweight, cool, and nonslip sneakers and comfortable sandals are recommended to bring. You need to prepare waterproof shoe covers if the shoes you bring are prone to getting wet on rainy days.

Others: Umbrellas or raincoats are essential in rainy July. Besides, on sunny days, you need sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sunshine.