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Planning a trip to Japan in August, what kind of clothes should I pack?
How much does the temperature and weather vary by region?
I’m here to answer those questions!
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
☑ Japan’s August weather and average temperatures in major travel destinations.
☑ What to wear in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakata (Fukuoka), Sapporo (Hokkaido) & Okinawa in August.
☑ Clothing tips for a comfortable domestic trip in Japan in August.
The Writer & Trustworthiness of this Article
☑ I’m Japanese, and my name is Hiroyuki.
☑ I lived in Tokyo for 6 years and now live in Osaka.
☑ I stayed in Dallas, Texas for several months.
☑ I use reliable weather data from
・The Japan Meteorological Agency
・The Japan Weather Association
This guide covers August weather and temperature trends and What to Wear in six destinations—Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakata, Sapporo, and Okinawa. It also provides outfit tips and Climate comparisons with California, New York, Texas in the U.S.
The following three people let you know the perceived temperature!
■ California
I’m a university student and from San Francisco, California!
I love Japanese pop culture and I’m traveling around Japan alone!
■ New York
I’m from New York City, traveling in Japan with my family to enjoy Japanese culture!
■ Texas
I’m from Dallas, Texas, visiting Japan with my wife to enjoy Japanese food!
Get ready for your Japan trip with this essential August clothing guide!
- What to Wear in Japan 6 Major Cities in August?
- What to Wear in Tokyo in August?
- What to Wear in Osaka in August?
- What to Wear in Kyoto in August?
- What to Wear in Hakata, Fukuoka in August?
- What to Wear in Sapporo, Hokkaido in August?
- What to Wear in Okinawa in August?
- Travel Tips for Domestic Travel in Japan
- Summary / Key Takeaways
What to Wear in Japan 6 Major Cities in August?
August is the peak of summer in Japan, bringing hot and humid weather across the country. Short sleeves and shorts are the go-to outfit for staying comfortable.
What to Wear in Tokyo in August?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
Tokyo’s summer is hot and humid, with plenty of sunshine and occasional typhoons. For your Tokyo summer travel, wearing breathable, moisture-wicking clothing will keep you cool in the heat. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the strong sun!
| Outerwear | a light jacket / cardigan (In case the AC is too strong in shopping mall) |
| Tops | short sleeves |
| Bottoms | short pants |
| Item | hat and sunglass |
Check the Tokyo annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Tokyo August’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
The hottest and most humid month!
It’s nothing like California—Tokyo’s heat is thick and sticky!
The hottest month!
Feels like NYC in August, but with way more humidity—it’s a sweaty experience!
The heat is like peak summer in Dallas or Houston, but the humidity is much higher, making it feel even hotter!
What to Wear in Osaka in August?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
August in Osaka is the hottest month of the year, with strong sunlight and high humidity. Temperatures can be extreme during the day, making heatstroke prevention a top priority. Although sunny days are frequent, typhoons can bring sudden rain and strong winds, so staying prepared is essential. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, and use a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Apply sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and carry a compact umbrella to handle the unpredictable weather. If you’re visiting Osaka in August, expect intense heat, high humidity, and occasional typhoon-related rain!
| Outerwear | a light jacket / cardigan (In case the AC is too strong in shopping mall) |
| Tops | short sleeves |
| Bottoms | short pants |
| Item | hat and sunglass |
Check the Osaka annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Osaka August’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
The hottest month! Imagine Fresno with much higher humidity—that’s Osaka in August!
The hottest month! It feels like August in NYC but with even more humidity, making it feel extra sticky and exhausting!
The hottest month! Similar to August in Dallas or Houston, but Osaka is much more humid, making it feel even more intense.
What to Wear in Kyoto in August?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
August in Kyoto brings extreme heat with many sunny days and high temperatures. The humidity is also very high, making it feel sticky and uncomfortable. Although precipitation is relatively low, it is typhoon season, so it’s important to be prepared for sudden rain and strong winds. To stay comfortable, wear lightweight, breathable clothing and stay hydrated to prevent heatstroke. Don’t forget to use hats and sunscreen for sun protection. Due to the potential for sudden weather changes from typhoons, it’s recommended to carry rainwear or a foldable umbrella with you.
| Outerwear | a light jacket / cardigan (In case the AC is too strong in shopping mall) |
| Tops | short sleeves |
| Bottoms | short pants |
| Item | hat and sunglass |
Check the Kyoto annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Kyoto August’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Feels like a sauna! Similar to the hottest summer days in Fresno or Sacramento, but the humidity makes it feel even worse. Think Death Valley temperatures but with thick, heavy air that makes it hard to breathe.
The peak of summer misery! If you think NYC summers are humid, Kyoto is worse. Imagine NYC’s hottest August day, but with even thicker, heavier air. It’s like standing in the subway with no AC—24/7.
Feels like Houston’s worst summer days! Kyoto’s August is like Houston’s humid summer but even more intense. If you think Texas is hot, Kyoto’s humidity makes it feel like a sauna all day and night.
What to Wear in Hakata, Fukuoka in August?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
August in Hakata, Fukuoka brings intense summer heat and high humidity, making it feel extremely muggy despite the many sunny days. Typhoons are common, bringing strong winds and heavy rain, so checking the weather forecast is essential. To stay comfortable, wear breathable short-sleeve shirts and moisture-wicking fabrics. A hat and sunglasses are necessary for sun protection against the strong summer sun.
| Outerwear | windproof coat (Ex. Trench coat) |
| Tops | long-sleeve T-shirt / light sweater |
| Bottoms | trousers / pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Hakata, Fukuoka annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Hakata, Fukuoka August’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
The hottest month of the year! Comparable to Fresno in August, but much more humid—expect a sticky, steamy summer.
As hot as NYC’s most humid August days!
The high humidity makes it feel even hotter than NYC summers.
The hottest month of the year, like Houston in August!
The humidity is even higher than in Texas, making it feel extra muggy.
What to Wear in Sapporo, Hokkaido in August?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
August in Sapporo, Hokkaido is warm and mostly sunny, but high humidity and occasional rain can make the weather unpredictable. Wear breathable clothing and short sleeves during the day. Mornings and evenings can be cooler, so pack a light jacket.
| Outerwear | light jacket / cardigan |
| Tops | short sleeves |
| Bottoms | short pants |
| Item | – |
Check the Sapporo, Hokkaido annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Sapporo, Hokkaido August’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
Sapporo’s summer is a lot like San Diego’s—some days reach the 80s°F (30°C), but the low humidity makes it feel much more pleasant than the muggy summers in other parts of Japan.
The warmest month, but still cooler than an NYC summer! It’s like early August in upstate New York—some hot days, but the humidity is much lower, so it feels more comfortable.
Sapporo’s August feels like June in Dallas—warm, but nowhere near Texas summer heat. Unlike Houston, there’s no heavy humidity, and stepping into the shade actually makes you feel cooler.
What to Wear in Okinawa in August?
Weather trends over the last 5 years
Average temperature over the last 5 years
August in Okinawa is hot and humid, with plenty of sunshine and occasional rain. Lightweight, breathable clothing and short sleeves are best. Typhoons can bring sudden weather changes, so check the forecast and carry a compact umbrella or raincoat. Stay protected from the strong sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
| Outerwear | – |
| Tops | short sleeves |
| Bottoms | short pants |
| Item | hat and sunglass |
Check the Okinawa annual weather and outfits.
Check details on Okinawa August’s weather and outfits.
Climate comparisons with California, New York and Texas
The hottest month! Temperature-wise, it’s like August in Los Angeles, but the humidity makes it feel more like a Florida summer—muggy, sticky, and hard to cool down.
The hottest time of the year! It feels like NYC’s most intense summer days, but with extreme humidity that makes it feel even hotter. Unlike New York, where you might get a cool breeze, the air in Okinawa stays thick and sticky all day and night.
The hottest time of the year! Similar to the most intense summer days in Texas, but with even more humidity. It feels more like a Houston summer, where even the wind is hot and sticky.
Travel Tips for Domestic Travel in Japan
- Hokkaido – Mild and comfortable, with daytime highs of 77–86°F (25–30°C). Mornings and evenings can drop below 68°F (20°C), so bringing a light jacket is recommended.
- Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka (Central & Southern Japan) – Extreme heat and humidity, with daily highs exceeding 95°F (35°C). Heatstroke prevention and sun protection are essential.
- Okinawa – Temperatures remain around 86–91°F (30–33°C) with intense sunlight. This is also peak typhoon season, so flight disruptions and cancellations are possible.
- August is peak typhoon season, especially in Okinawa, Kyushu, and southern Japana)
- Typhoons can cause flight cancellations, Shinkansen delays, and disruptions to public transport.
- Check the weather forecast frequently and allow flexibility in your travel schedule.
- Recommended Typhoon Preparation Items
- Portable battery pack (for potential delays or power outages)
- Waterproof bag (to protect electronics and documents)
- Foldable umbrella or rain poncho (for sudden downpours)
- Snacks & bottled water (in case of long wait times)
- Japan’s August heat is extreme, with high humidity making it feel even hotter.
- UV rays are strong, especially in Okinawa and Kyushu. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must.
- Indoor spaces are heavily air-conditioned, so carrying a light cardigan or scarf can help with temperature changes.
- Recommended Heat Protection Items
- UV-protective hat & sunglasses (to avoid sunburn)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended) (apply regularly)
- Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing (stay cool despite the humidity)
- Portable fan or cooling towel (great for hot outdoor conditions)
- Electrolyte drinks or salt tablets (to prevent heat exhaustion)
- Keep your luggage light and prioritize summer essentials like quick-dry clothing and breathable fabrics.
- If traveling to Hokkaido, pack a long-sleeve shirt or light jacket for the cooler mornings and evenings.
- For Central/Southern Japan or Okinawa, bring extra clothing to change into after sweating.
- Laundry facilities are widely available, so packing fewer clothes is an option.
- If traveling from Hokkaido to Central/Southern Japan, prepare for extreme heat and humidity.
- When traveling by plane or Shinkansen, typhoons can cause cancellations or delays. Check the typhoon forecast in advance and allow flexibility in your flight and travel schedule to avoid disruptions.
- This site will also provide typhoon updates and travel advisories, helping you stay informed about potential disruptions and ensuring a smoother journey.
- Consider doing laundry locally to minimize how much you need to pack!
- If visiting Japan in late August, check the “September Clothing Guide” to prepare accordingly.
- Obon season (Mainly August 13–16) in mid-August means crowded transportation—book flights and Shinkansen tickets early.
Travel Comfortably Between Cities
With a Japan Rail Pass, you can enjoy smooth and hassle-free travel on bullet trains and local trains. Don’t let crowding during Obon Season slow you down—stay comfortable and explore with JAPAN RAIL PASS!
Summary / Key Takeaways
- Extreme heat and humidity in Central and Southern Japan – Expect temperatures between 30–38°C (86–100°F) with high humidity, making it feel even hotter. Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.
- Hokkaido stays relatively mild, with daytime temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F), but mornings and evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket is recommended.
- Okinawa is in full summer mode, with temperatures over 30°C (86°F), strong sunlight, and the peak of typhoon season. Check weather updates before traveling.
- Typhoons can cause flight and train cancellations, especially in Okinawa, Kyushu, and southern Japan. Monitor forecasts and have backup travel plans.
- Mainly August 13–16 is the Obon holiday in Japan, leading to crowded airports, trains, and highways. Book tickets well in advance to avoid travel disruptions.
- Heatstroke prevention is essential – Wear light, breathable clothing, stay in the shade when possible, and drink plenty of water.
With proper preparation, you can enjoy Japan’s summer festivals, stunning beaches, and vibrant seasonal events while staying safe and comfortable!
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