Shirakawa-go Weather in August
Season: Summer
Summary:
1. August is the hottest time of the year in Shirakawa-go, bringing intense UV rays.
2. Rain occurs frequently, mostly light and on average scattering in 16 days of the month.
Hottest Time All Year Round
Gassho-style Store
|
Although August is the last month of summer, Shirakawa-go experiences the hottest weather throughout the year. Daily highest temperature often ranges between 30-32℃ (86-90℉), but meteorological data from the past three years shows that it once reached nearly 35℃ (95℉). Daily lows usually drop by 9 - 10 degrees Celsius (48 - 50 degrees Fahrenheit), hovering around 20-22℃ (68-72℉), which means early mornings and late evenings are more favorable for outdoor visiting. Generally, rainy days cause a small decrease in temperature, often 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 with other worldwide travel destinations. The total of rainy days is 16 on average. The good thing is that 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 the first half, don’t forget to check the weather forecast ahead of time and try to avoid heavy rainy days. Besides, it may rain for consecutive days in August, lasting 9 days at most in records, but each rainfall duration is not too long.
Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours
Sunrise Time: 5:00 - 5:25Sunset Time: 18:23 - 19:00
Based on the above data, daylight hours average 13 - 14 hours per day. 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, 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.
|
|
|
Sunshine hours increase a little, each day reaching up to 7.3 hours on average. Ultraviolet rays in this month are very intense 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 quickly. But conversely, sufficient sunlight provides a bright backdrop for photography.
Dressing Advice for Shirakawa-go Trip in August
|
Clothing: Summer clothes with excellent breathability are always your first choice. For ladies, dresses, camisoles and 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’d better bring along a sun-protective shirt, to not only protect yourself from the sun, but also keep you warm in some indoor places with strong air conditioning. Footwear: Choose breathable and comfy shoes including mesh sneakers, sandals or leisure shoes. As there are rainy days, anti-slippery shoe covers are must-haves for your trip. Accessories: 1. Pack sunhats, sunblock and sunglasses. For those with sensitive 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 water and regularly drink it, or carry a portable mini fan to dissipate the heat of the body.
3. Remember to take a parasol, which is enough to cope with either rainy or sunny weather conditions in August.
Travel Recommendations for Shirakawa-go in August
Lush Summer Scenery
By August, the rice seedlings in the village grow tall and green, encircling the gassho-style farmhouses. The lush and neatly-arranged rice fields, Three Small Houses and verdant mountains jointly create an unrivaled natural wonder. If you climb up to Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck or 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 is flanked by exuberant trees in August. There is also a vast expanse of lawn by the river. Here, you might 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, which is a good way to relieve the summer heat.
|
August Lush Trail
|
