Kyoto City→
Station: KyotoKyoto, Arashiyama, Gion, Fushimi Inari
High
33.7℃
Low
24.7℃
- Precip.
- 153.8mm
- Sunshine
- 183h
- Sunset
- 18:47
One of the hottest areas. Gozan no Okuribi on the 16th
Kansai Weather Guide
Kansai Weather in August: What to Wear & Expect
August is the hottest month of the year in Kansai. Kyoto's high is 33.7°C, as is Osaka's, and days over 35°C are not unusual. Nights only drop to around 25°C, so you need to be on guard against heatstroke. On the 16th, the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires mark the end of Kyoto's summer. During Obon, transport gets crowded, and typhoons sometimes approach.
- Kyoto high
- 33.7℃
- Kyoto low
- 24.7℃
- Kyoto rainfall
- 153.8mm
- Kyoto sunset
- 18:47
Overview
Kansai in August: Key Points
- ✓Kyoto and Osaka highs of 33.7°C. The hottest month of the year
- ✓Some days top 35°C. Take every precaution against heatstroke
- ✓Kyoto's Gozan no Okuribi on the 16th. Transport is crowded during Obon
- ✓Typhoons sometimes approach. Koyasan is relatively cool, with highs around 28°C
By Area
August Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for August 15.
Osaka→
Station: OsakaOsaka, Namba, Umeda, Osaka Castle
High
33.7℃
Low
25.8℃
- Precip.
- 113mm
- Sunshine
- 222h
- Sunset
- 18:48
Highs around 34°C. Mix in water buses and indoor sightseeing
Nara→
Station: NaraNara, Nara Park, Todaiji, Mt. Yoshino
High
33.4℃
Low
24.1℃
- Precip.
- 127.9mm
- Sunshine
- 203h
- Sunset
- 18:46
Highs around 33°C. Nara Tokae in early to mid-August
Kobe & Arima Onsen→
Station: KobeKobe, Arima Onsen, Kitano Ijinkan, Mt. Rokko
High
32.2℃
Low
26.1℃
- Precip.
- 103.4mm
- Sunshine
- 230h
- Sunset
- 18:49
Highs around 32°C. Good for night views and cool evenings on Mt. Rokko
Himeji→
Station: HimejiHimeji, Himeji Castle, Mt. Shosha
High
32.5℃
Low
24.0℃
- Precip.
- 105.4mm
- Sunshine
- 210h
- Sunset
- 18:51
Highs around 33°C. Visit in the morning to avoid the heat
Lake Biwa→
Station: HikoneOtsu, Hikone, Omihachiman, Nagahama
High
32.1℃
Low
24.1℃
- Precip.
- 124.6mm
- Sunshine
- 213h
- Sunset
- 18:46
The Biwako Fireworks Festival in early August. Pleasant evening breezes by the lake
Shirahama & Nanki→
Station: Nanki-ShirahamaShirahama, Kumano Kodo, Nachikatsuura, Kushimoto
High
31.3℃
Low
24.7℃
- Precip.
- 188.3mm
- Sunshine
- —
- Sunset
- 18:47
Peak beach season. Keep an eye on typhoon information
Koyasan→
Station: KoyasanKoyasan, Okunoin, Danjo Garan
High
27.8℃
Low
18.8℃
- Precip.
- 192.5mm
- Sunshine
- 167h
- Sunset
- 18:47
Highs around 28°C, mornings 19°C. Mando Kuyoe (Candle Festival) on the 13th
Amanohashidate & Ine→
Station: MaizuruMiyazu, Amanohashidate, Ine
High
32.4℃
Low
23.3℃
- Precip.
- 149.6mm
- Sunshine
- 195h
- Sunset
- 18:50
Highs around 32°C. Good for swimming and cruises
Ise & Shima→
Station: ObataIse, Ise Jingu, Toba, Shima
High
32.2℃
Low
23.4℃
- Precip.
- 160.2mm
- Sunshine
- 208h
- Sunset
- 18:43
Highs around 32°C. Seaside resorts are at their busiest
What to Wear
What to Wear in Kansai in August
Tops
Short sleeves in quick-drying, breathable fabrics
Outerwear
A light layer for air conditioning
Bottoms
Lightweight pants or skirts, or shorts
Shoes
Sandals or breathable sneakers
Accessories
Hat, parasol, sunscreen, something to drink and a handheld fan
For touring temples and shrines, light clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is handy. You'll sweat, so carrying a change of clothes keeps you comfortable.
Good to Know
Good to Know
The month to be most careful about heatstroke
Avoid long stretches outdoors during the day, and drink water and replenish salt regularly. If you start to feel unwell, rest in a cool place right away.
Obon is extremely crowded
During the Obon holidays in mid-August, the shinkansen, expressways and tourist spots are extremely crowded. Book your travel early.
Check typhoon information
Typhoons sometimes approach in August and September. Trains and flights may be suspended, so check the weather forecast during your trip.
Enjoy sightseeing at night
It gets a little more comfortable after sunset. Evening plans such as special night viewings at temples, illuminations and night views are a good idea.
Events
August Events & Highlights
A ritual to send off the spirits of ancestors welcomed home during Obon. Fires in the shapes of "Dai," "Myoho," a ship, "Hidari Daimonji" and a torii gate are lit on the mountains surrounding Kyoto.
Read the guide：Gozan Okuribi (Kyoto Five Mountains Bonfires) →
About 100,000 candles line the approach to Okunoin, bathing it in a magical glow.
Read the guide：Koyasan Candle Festival (Mando Kuyo-e) →One of Kansai's leading fireworks festivals, with about 10,000 fireworks launched over Lake Biwa.
Read the guide：Biwako Grand Fireworks Festival →A Kyoto summer tradition from early summer to autumn, when restaurants build wooden dining platforms over or beside the river and serve meals on them. Along the Kamo River in the city center they are called "noryo yuka," with about 90 restaurants lining the west bank between Nijo and Gojo. In Kibune in northern Kyoto they are called "kawadoko," and you can enjoy the cool air on platforms set right above the mountain stream.
Read the guide：Noryo Yuka / Kawadoko (Kamogawa & Kibune) →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Kyoto in August?＋
On average, the high is 33.7°C and the low is 24.7°C. It's the hottest month of the year, and some days top 35°C.
Q. Where can I find cooler weather in Kansai in August?＋
Koyasan, at about 800 m above sea level, has highs around 28°C and mornings around 19°C — about 5°C cooler than the cities.
Q. When is Gozan no Okuribi?＋
Every year on the night of August 16. You can watch from places like the banks of the Kamo River, but it gets extremely crowded.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Kansai TripPR
Other Months
Kansai Weather in Other Months
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.
