August is the hottest month in Kyoto, with summer temperatures peaking and moderate amounts of rainfall. There are still plenty of shrine festivals and ceremonies to enjoy in the city, with fewer crowds than usual. We suggest checking out one of the many ceremonies related to the Obon Festival or the Kameoka Hozugawa Fireworks Festival.
Kyoto's Weather and Climate in August
Kyoto's hottest month is August, which is in the middle of its sticky summer. Throughout the month, you can expect extremely hot temperatures which peak at 34°C (93°F), but actually feel closer to 46°C (115°F) as a result of humidity levels.
Rainfall in August is moderate, with the rainy season ending in July, you can expect fewer showers in August when compared to July.
While the rainy days do lead to some overcast weather conditions, there are the most sunny days in August and an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day. This is the highest amount of sunshine that any month in Kyoto sees.
Kyoto Weather in August Summary Table
| Averages | Description | |
| Temperature Range | 25–34°C (77–93°F) | Warm–hot |
| Rainfall | 15 cm (6"), 9 days | Moderate, few storms |
| Humidity | 66% | Muggy |
| High Feels Like | 46°C (115°F) | Dangerous |
| Sunshine | 6 hours | More clear than overcast |
Is August a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?
August in Kyoto is very hot, but the recent rainy season makes the greenery lush. It's a great time to visit if you want to see traditional shrine festivals or learn about Kyoto's history, as there are many activities planned.
If you're not used to heat and humidity, August in Kyoto might not be the best time for you. However, if you can handle the sticky weather and want a cultural trip, consider visiting Kyoto in August!
You might be concerned about typhoons, but strong ones usually don't hit Kyoto until September. They may affect other parts of Japan, though. For more information about that, read Japan's Typhoon Season: Weather and Travel.
Top Places and Activities in Kyoto in August
1. Marvel at the Kameoka Hozugawa Fireworks Festival
The Kameoka Hozugawa Fireworks Festival is held in the city of Kaneoka, on the west side of Kyoto. Every evening from 7.30pm, you will be able to see beautiful fireworks displays along the Hozugawa river, a beautiful location in itself.
Food stalls serve snacks and local treats, and some fireworks are special because they are extra-large, with diameters of about 500 meters (0.3 miles). The displays are also beautifully choreographed.
2. Experience the Obon Festival
Obon is a festival held once a year, for Buddhists to commemorate their ancestors. You'll see related decorations in Kyoto during this time, including lanterns at the fronts of houses (to help show the spirits the way) and offers of food at graves.
You will see festivities and ceremonies from August 13 to August 16 . On the evening of August 16, you can see the Gozan no Okuribi celebrations, which send off the spirits that visit during the Obon festival. Giant Japanese characters are lit on five mountains in Kyoto using bonfires. The fires are lit around 8 PM, one after another, and burn for about half an hour. The mountains you can see this at are Daimonji, , Matsugasaki, Nishigamo, Okitayama, and Sagatoriimoto.
Another Obon ceremony that is worth watching is Arashiyama Toro Nagashi, also on August 16, which involves people sending off paper or wooden lanterns down the river from Togeysukyo Bridge.
3. Enjoy Bon Dance at Honganji Temple
If you want to learn more about the traditional dances that are part of Obon, we suggest visiting the Honganji Temple for the Bon Dance, held during Obon in August.
During this festival, around 40 stalls selling traditional Japanese foods and drinks are open throughout the night, setting the stage for traditional dances and music. The dance is performed around a wooden bandstand, and aims to welcome the spirits that have come for Obon.
What to Wear in Kyoto in August
August in Kyoto is hot and sticky, and we recommend wearing light-colored clothing made of natural fabrics. Loose-fitting clothing will also help to stop you feeling as hot, as well as bringing a fan (manual and electric, the latter is extremely popular in Japan and you will be able to buy one in Kyoto if you don't bring one from your home country).
If you are looking to visit some of the shrines in Kyoto, we do recommend dressing respectfully regardless of the heat. On top of that, caps or hats need to be removed once entering the shrine too, as a marker of respect.
Kyoto in August FAQs
Is it too hot to travel in Kyoto in August?
August is very hot in Kyoto, being the height of summer and the hottest month of the year. Kyoto is also located in a basin with mountains on three sides, which contributes to this high-heat effect.
However, if you are okay with hot and sticky weather, it's a good time of the year to avoid the crowds that come in spring and fall. If you are sensitive to heat, we do recommend picking another month to visit for your own comfort.
How humid is Kyoto in August?
Kyoto is very humid in Kyoto, with an average of 66% humidity throughout the month. We do recommend preparing for the sticky weather as a result, with this higher humidity driving up the ‘feels like' temperature in Kyoto.
Are there typhoons in Kyoto in August?
August is not typhoon season in Kyoto, although there could be typhoons in Okinawa that could disrupt travel to or from there. For more information on typhoon season in Japan, including Kyoto, you can read this piece about typhoons in Japan. In September, disruption by typhoons is more likely in Kyot
Kyoto Weather Info by Month
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