Sendai Weather in August

 Season: Summer
 In short:
1.    Sendai weather in August is both very hot and humid.
2.    Rainy weather is easy to occur, especially in the early month.
3.    Early to mid-august, especially during the Tanabata Festival from August 6th to 8th, marks the high travel season in Sendai. 

Temperature in August: Hottest of the Year 

If you travel to Sendai in August 2026, your first impression will be that it’s very hot. High day temperatures almost persist from the beginning of the month to the end at around 28-32 degrees Celsius (82.4-89.6 degrees Fahrenheit), making August the hottest time of the year. Rainfall may cause the day temperature to drop down to some extent, but it possibly won’t make a difference to your body feeling temperature since the high humidity slows down your perspiration, which in turn prevents your body from effectively dissipating heat. 

However, the temperature will cool down after dusk till early morning the next day, about 22-26℃ (71.6-78.8℉) in general. Therefore, it’s recommended that you move your morning schedule forward a bit to avoid the hottest midday hours.

Precipitation & Humidity

Sendai is prone to rain this month as there are about 17 rainy days on average. In early August, it is not strange that rainfall may occur every day, but won’t last for too long daily. The total precipitation is not very high, about 167mm, most of which may come from occasional heavy rainfall over one or two days and this may have greater influence on your outdoor visits. Thus, it’s better to check the weather forecast beforehand, and avoid hanging out in heavy rainy day. 

With a high humidity up to 81%, combined the hot temperatures, you would feel very sticky. To relief your discomfort, you can bring some wet tissue to wipe away the stickiness on your body.

Daylight hours & Sunshine hours

Sunrise time (1st – 31st): 04:39 – 05:06
Sunset time (1st – 31st): 18:48 – 18:10
Daylength (1st – 31st): roughly from 14 hours to 13 hours

The daylight duration is adequate for your daily itinerary suppose there is no bad weather disturbing, but you need to be aware that the UV rays are quite strong with the average index of 6, perhaps even higher if there are no thick clouds. Thus, it is crucial to bring sunscreen products.

Sunny weather is not usual, averaging 11 days, but each day has approximately 9 hours of sunshine. This can be both advantageous and disadvantageous for while you are enjoying the landscape in good light, you may get sunburnt. To prevent sunstroke, you are advised to not expose under the sun for too long. Instead, you can take a rest in the shade of the park or escape from the heat in a shop or restaurant for a while.

What to Wear for Sendai Trip in August

 Clothing
To cope with the muggy climate during the day, you’d better wear breathable and easy-drying clothing to alleviate discomfort from sweating. For example, cotton or linen shirts, light skirts, and thin T-shirts are all appropriate for the upper; shorts or thin casual pants are suitable for the bottom.

If you want to try yukata, a casual summer kimono, it’s suggested that you wear it during late hours when the temperature cools down. Another reason lies in that there are usually summer fireworks displays at night, and wearing this traditional suit will create a better atmosphere.

 Shoes
Shoes are better to be light and breathable, too. You can wear sandals if you like. For comfortable walking, it would be better to choose mesh casual shoes. Plus, you can prepare a pair of water-proof shoe covers in case it rains.

For yukata lovers, wooden clogs are the perfect match.

 Others

Bring a parasol, which is practical both in rainy and sunny weather. In addition to sunscreen, as mentioned above, sun hats and sunglasses are also essential for extra sun protection.

Travel Highlight of Sendai Trip in August

The highlight of your Sendai trip in August is undoubtedly the Tanabata Festival in the early month. Lasting three days from August 6th to 8th, each day offers extraordinary experiences. The annual Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival takes place the night before the festival officially begins, where tens of thousands of fireworks light up the sky above the Hirose River. You can watch the best views from near the Tsutsujigaoka Park. During the festival, the streets of downtown Sendai, such as Jozenji Avenue, are adorned with colorful handmade “fuki nagashi” decorations, which cascade down like a galaxy after being illuminated in the evening. There are also lively street performances and various food stalls to choose from. Of course, the Sendai Aoba Castle are equally impressive, featuring performances by the Date Masamune samurai troupe and a castle ruins light show in the evening. These exciting events will surely leave you with unforgettable travel memories!

Travel Suggestions & Tips

 Since early to mid-August coincides with the summer vacation, the number of tourists will increase significantly, leading to increased demand and higher prices for train and plane tickets. Therefore, tourists visiting Sendai during this period are advised to purchase tickets in advance.
 During the Tanabata Festival, the event venues in downtown Sendai will be very crowded, so it is recommended that you arrive early to secure a good spot and get the best view. Also, it may rain during the festival, so it is better to bring a raincoat than an umbrella.

Sendai Weather by Month