Shirakawa-go Weather in August

 Season: Summer 
 Summary: 
1. August in Shirakawa-go is the hottest time of the year, bringing intense UV rays. 
2. During 16 rainy days, light rain occurs frequently.

Hottest Period All Year Round

Average Temperature: 19 - 30℃ (66.2 - 86℉)

Although August is the last month of summer, Shirakawa-go experiences the hottest weather throughout the year. Daily highest temperature often ranges between 30℃ (86℉) and 32℃ (89.6℉), but meteorological data from the past three years show that it reached nearly 35℃ (95℉). Daily lows usually drop by 9 - 10 degrees Celsius (48.2 - 50 degrees Fahrenheit), hovering around 22℃ (71.6℉), which means early mornings and late evenings are more favorable for outdoor visiting. Generally, rainy days cause a small decrease in temperature, staying within 5℃ (41℉).

Rich Rainfall

Average Rainfall: 263mm (10.4 in)

The rainy season is over and August’s rainfall reduces a lot, but it is still at a relatively high level compared to other months. The total of rainy days is 16 on average. It often rains lightly, but at times heavy rain also occurs. Around the first half of the month, you are more likely to encounter it. So, if you plan to visit Shirakawa-go in August 2026, particularly this period, don’t forget check the weather forecast ahead of time and try to avoid big rainy days. Besides, it rains for consecutive days, lasting 9 days at most, but each rainfall duration is not too long. 

Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours

Sunrise Time: 5:00 - 5:25
Sunset Time: 18:23 - 19:00

Based on the above data, though daylight hours are getting shorter, it still averages 13 - 14 hours per day. And sunshine hours increase a little, each day reaching up to 7.3 hours on average. 

Ultraviolet rays in this month are very intense, particularly when it is sunny with the maximum UV Index of 11. Plus, most of the time you may admire beautiful natural scenery outdoors, and there are a few tall trees to provide shade. In other words, the sun beats down upon you directly. So, sun protection is crucial, otherwise the sunlight burns your skin for a short time. But conversely, sufficient sunlight provides a bright backdrop for photography.

Dressing Advice for Shirakawa-go in August

 Clothing: Summer clothes with excellent breathability are always your first choice. For ladies, sleeveless dresses, camisoles and mini-skirts are suitable, while males can wear loose tank tops or short-sleeve shirts, and shorts. It’s better to prepare more clothes for changing, because the hot climate of Shirakawa-go in August makes you sweat a lot. You had better bring along a sun-protective shirt to not only protect yourself from the sun, but also keep you warm in some indoor places chilled with air conditioning.

 Footwear: Choose breathable and comfy shoes including mesh sneakers, sandals or leisure shoes. As there are some rainy days, anti-slippery shoe covers are must-haves for your trip.

 Accessories: 
1. Pack sunhats, sunblock and sunglasses. For those with delicate skin, it’s advised to apply SPF 50+ sunscreen to all your exposed skin, and reapply every 2 - 3 hours. A small tube of aloe vera gel is very helpful for sunburnt skin.
2. To avoid heatstroke, you can keep handy a lightweight bottle filled with cold water and regularly drink it, or carry a portable mini fan.

3. Remember to take a parasol, which is enough to cope with any weather conditions in August.

Travel Recommendations for Shirakawa-go in August

Lush Rice Paddies

By August, the rice seedlings in the village grow tall and green, encircling the gassho-style farmhouses. The lush neatly-divided rice fields, Three Small Houses and verdant mountains jointly create an unrivaled natural wonder. Also, if you climb up to Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck and Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck, you will find Shirakawa-go wears a cloak with various shades of green.

Deai Bridge

The only access to Shirakawa-go is Deai bridge, where the shimmering river flanked by exuberant trees unfolds before your eyes. There is a vast expanse of lawn by the river, and you might as well lie in the shade, empty your mind and enjoy a moment’s peace. Also, you can take off your shoes and wade in the cool water, a good way to relieve the summer heat.

Travel Suggestion

Though long daylight hours are suitable for leisurely exploration, don’t make your travel plan too loose and go out too late, because many scenic spots and shops close before 17:00, or even earlier. For example, as a private place, Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck is shut down at 15:30. And Shirakawago Purin-no-Ie, famous for its flavorful puddings, closes at 16:30. So, an early bird  gets more experiences.

Shirakawa-go Weather by Month