Japan is a country that often appears on many people’s bucket lists. However, it is known for its extreme weather conditions, so planning the time of year when you visit is a good place to start.
If you want to visit during the summer months, you’ll find that you may experience the best sunny weather, helping you to have the best time possible.
In this guide, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about visiting Japan in the summer from when summer in Japan is to what you need to know about to ensure that you are prepared.
When Is Summer In Japan?
The best place to start is actually covering when summer occurs in Japan. Japan’s summer months are between June to August and are known for the high humidity levels and temperatures (what else is Japan known for? Click here to find out more).
This is because June and July are known as the rainy season, meaning that there is a lot of humidity before the temperature spikes up between late July and August.
Temperatures and humidity levels tend to be a lot higher in metropolitan areas such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo where there are lots of high buildings and higher populations.
Therefore, if you are planning to visit Japan during the summer months, then you may want to consider visiting a location in the mountains or a less populated area.
Regions such as Hakone, Karuizawa, and Nikko are just a few examples of areas that are located in Northern Japan that are best to visit during the summer.
Why Should I Visit Japan In The Summer?
You may be wondering why should I visit Japan during the summer?
Well, there are plenty of festivals and firework displays that occur during the summer months while also boasting delicious foods that you can enjoy.
During the summer, foods such as kakigori (known as shaved ice) and somen noodles are traditionally consumed, while the festivals that take place see the Japanese women wearing their traditional summer kimonos (see also, ‘How to Wear a Kimono‘).
This is a wonderful time to visit Japan if you really want to experience the traditions and the culture.
Bear in mind that if you do visit Japan during the summer months, you will have to ensure that you pack suitable clothing (see also, ‘How to Pack for Japan‘).
This is because the weather can boast high temperatures and humidity levels meaning that you need to be prepared for all sorts of weather conditions.
What Clothes Should I Wear?
When it comes to visiting Japan during the summer, making sure that you pack suitable clothes is one of the most important parts. This is because wearing suitable clothes will ensure that you are comfortable during your visit.
Since the weather during the summer months can be a bit unpredictable, you need to make sure that the clothes you wear will prevent you from suffering any discomfort.
The weather during the summer months can take a while to become accustomed to, so make sure that the clothes you pack are made from breathable and sensitive materials such as cotton.
Cotton is a great material as it has plenty of breathability that makes it suitable for wearing in hot temperatures.
It’s always best to dress in multiple thin layers rather than wearing thick items of clothing.
This is because you can easily shed a layer if you find that it is too hot while giving you the choice to add layers if it is raining or if there are typhoons.
As mentioned before, June to late July is known as the rainy season in Japan with an average rainfall of 167.7 mm, meaning that you need to be prepared for the likelihood that you will be caught in the rain, or even a typhoon if it is a particularly rainy day.
The average temperature during the rainy season is 71.6 ℉ or 22 ℃, so make sure you dress accordingly.
July to August is when the temperatures increase exponentially which has an increased risk of heat stroke or other heat-related conditions and illnesses.
This is because the average temperature during this time is 95 °F or 35 °C. Always make sure you carry around a bottle of fresh water with you and wear lightweight cotton clothing.
You can always check the weather forecast in advance, so you can have an idea of what the weather will be like while you are visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Months Are Summer In Japan?
Summer in Japan lasts from June to August. This doesn’t mean that the sun will be out the whole time, however, June to late July is known as “tsuyu” which means the rainy season.
However, once the rainy season is over, the temperature increases rapidly and there are lots of firework displays and summer festivals throughout late July and August.
Is Japan Expensive To Visit?
Japan can be an expensive place to visit (see also ‘Is Japan Expensive?’), but if you do have a strict budget, there are plenty of activities that you can do without having to splash the cash.
On average, tourists will spend between 12,000 and 15,000 yen per day, equivalent to $110 to $114. However, you can easily make plans in advance, so you are doing things that suit your budget.
Is Japan Too Hot In The Summer?
The mix of rain and heat during the summer months in Japan can lead to high humidity levels and hot temperatures.
This means that the average temperature during the summer months can range between 70 and 90 °F (or 21 and 32 degrees Celsius).
Conclusion
In conclusion, summer in Japan lasts between June and August, but the weather is initially rainy before the temperature increases for the last month of summer.
Summer in Japan is filled with festivals and fireworks, making it hugely popular for tourists to visit during these months.
Whether you are visiting Japan for a specific holiday or have always wanted to tick it off your bucket list, you will be able to benefit from visiting this beautiful country during the summer months as there is so much to see and do.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, do exactly that - plan! Read up on all of the amazing things to do here to make the most of your time. I can bet that you’ll still return home feeling like you could’ve explored much more.
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