Japan in Summer: Rainy Season, Heat, Festivals and Where to Go Instead

Japan in summer is hot and humid in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with July and August highs of 86 to 93°F. It’s still a good time to go if you plan around three things: the rainy season that ends in mid-July, the big July festivals in Kyoto and Osaka, and a cooler stop in Hokkaido, where Sapporo’s highs stay near 78 to 80°F. Most travelers do best with a short city stay and a few days in the mountains or the north.

Japan weather in summer

City	June high	July high / low	August high / low	July rain
Tokyo	26.1°C / 79°F	29.9°C / 86°F, 22.4°C / 72°F	31.3°C / 88°F, 23.5°C / 74°F	156 mm
Kyoto	28.1°C / 83°F	32.0°C / 90°F, 23.6°C / 74°F	33.7°C / 93°F, 24.7°C / 76°F	224 mm over 12.6 days
Osaka	28.0°C / 82°F	31.8°C / 89°F, 24.6°C / 76°F	33.7°C / 93°F, 25.8°C / 78°F	174 mm over 11.3 days
Sapporo	21.8°C / 71°F	25.4°C / 78°F, 17.9°C / 64°F	26.4°C / 80°F, 19.1°C / 66°F	90.7 mm over 9.4 days

These are Japan Meteorological Agency averages for 1991 to 2020. Tokyo’s July humidity averages 76%. The numbers are averages, and individual summers can run hotter.

When is the rainy season?

The rainy season, called tsuyu, normally starts around 7 June in the Kanto-Koshin region around Tokyo and ends around 19 July, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Dates move by a week or more each year, and the agency announces them as they happen. Tokyo’s June rainfall averages 168 mm. If you want dry weather, aim for late July or August, and expect heat instead.

Summer festivals

The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto runs through all of July. Its two big float processions are on 17 and 24 July, with evening street events on the nights before each one. Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri is on 24 and 25 July, with a river boat procession on the Okawa. Both are among the largest festivals in the country, so book hotels in those cities early for those dates. Our things to do in Kyoto guide covers the rest of the city.

Climbing Mount Fuji

Summer is the only season when the official Mount Fuji trails are open. In 2026 the Yoshida trail ran from 1 July to 10 September, according to Yamanashi Prefecture, with reservations opening on 27 April. The 2027 dates haven’t been announced as of 7 November 2026. Check the official site, fujisan-climb.jp, for dates, reservations and fees. If you’d rather not climb, you can still see the mountain from the lakes around Kawaguchiko.

Where to go to escape the heat

Place	Why in summer
Sapporo and Hokkaido	July average high is 78°F, against 90°F in Kyoto
Fuji Five Lakes	Mountain views, with the climbing season from July
Kyoto in the evening	Gion Matsuri nights, when it’s cooler than midday

Typhoons can reach Japan from late summer, and the Japan Meteorological Agency issues the warnings, so leave a day of slack in any plan with flights or trains to catch. Our Hokkaido in winter guide shows the same region in the cold season, and our Japan tours can be shaped around these dates. For other seasons, see Japan in winter and fall foliage.

Sources: climate normals for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo (Japan Meteorological Agency 1991 to 2020, as compiled on Wikipedia); Weathernews Japan on the 2026 rainy season start with JMA normals; Official Mt. Fuji climbing website; Gion Matsuri; Tenjin Matsuri. Last checked 7 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Japan in summer?

Hot and humid in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with July and August highs of 86 to 93°F. Sapporo is milder, at 78 to 80°F.

Is summer a good time to visit Japan?

Yes, with planning. The festivals are the draw, and Hokkaido and the mountains are cooler than the cities. The rainy season runs through mid-July around Tokyo.

When is the rainy season in Japan?

Around Tokyo it normally starts near 7 June and ends near 19 July, per the Japan Meteorological Agency. Each year’s dates are announced by the agency.

What is the hottest month in Japan?

August in the main cities. Kyoto and Osaka average highs of 93°F, and Tokyo 88°F.

When can you climb Mount Fuji?

In 2026 the Yoshida trail was open from 1 July to 10 September. The 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet, so check fujisan-climb.jp.

What festivals are in Japan in July?

Gion Matsuri in Kyoto all month, with float processions on 17 and 24 July, and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka on 24 and 25 July.

Where is cooler in Japan in summer?

Sapporo and Hokkaido, where the July average high is 78°F, and the mountain areas around Mount Fuji.