Kyoto in August

In August, Kyoto averages 33°C (91°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with around 7 days of rain (115 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

It's peak typhoon season in Kyoto during August. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

33°C
Avg high
25°C
Avg low
7
Rain days
115 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in Kyoto

1st
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
13 h 30 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the warmest months in Kyoto (1st of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C above the annual average (21°C). August runs 1°C warmer than July (32°C) and cools 5°C in September (28°C).

August sunrise & sunset in Kyoto

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:16 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:46 PM
Day length
13 h 30 min

Times shown for Kyoto local time (Asia/Tokyo), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Kyoto — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Kyoto's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:16 AM – 4:56 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
4:56 AM – 5:56 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:06 PM – 7:06 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:06 PM – 7:46 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Kyoto.

📅 When to book — Kyoto in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (Shoulder) and Kyoto's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

August in Japan — events that affect travel

Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.

🇯🇵
Obon Holiday
Travel surge · high impact

Buddhist festival when most of Japan travels back to family hometowns. Major attractions stay open but city-to-city trains book solid, especially Tokyo → Osaka.

Plan: Reserve Shinkansen seats 1+ month ahead, expect higher hotel prices in countryside, lower in Tokyo/Osaka.

Crowds & pricing — August in Kyoto

Shoulder

Kyoto is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: Northern Hemisphere summer holidays peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — August in Kyoto

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.8
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Kyoto in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 9°C / 48°F 1°C / 34°F 55 mm 5 0
February 10°C / 50°F 2°C / 36°F 75 mm 5 0
March 14°C / 57°F 5°C / 41°F 115 mm 8 0
April 20°C / 68°F 10°C / 50°F 135 mm 9 0
May 25°C / 77°F 15°C / 59°F 140 mm 9 0
June 28°C / 82°F 20°C / 68°F 180 mm 11 0
July 32°C / 90°F 24°C / 75°F 160 mm 9 0
August 33°C / 91°F 25°C / 77°F 115 mm 7 0
September 28°C / 82°F 21°C / 70°F 160 mm 9 0
October 23°C / 73°F 15°C / 59°F 110 mm 8 0
November 17°C / 63°F 9°C / 48°F 75 mm 6 0
December 12°C / 54°F 4°C / 39°F 55 mm 5 0

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kyoto in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Kyoto in August?

In August, Kyoto averages a high of 33°C (91°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in August?

August sees occasional rain in Kyoto, with about 7 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit Kyoto?

August is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Kyoto in August?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full August packing list for Kyoto for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Kyoto on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.