Late summer · Weather & things to do
Kyoto in August
Kyoto's warmest month brings highs averaging 87°F (31°C), lows of 74°F (23°C) and about 5.9 in (149 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 50/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 87°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 74°F (23°C)
- Rain
- 5.9 in (149 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 19 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What August feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 87°F (31°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 74°F (23°C).
Humidity averages 84%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Rain is a real factor, with about 5.9 in (149 mm) across the month.
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are April & May and October & November.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, July – September.
- Comfort improves from 41/100 in July to 50/100.
- Our Japan Golden Route recommends Mar – May, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes87°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics84% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Kyoto in August
Afternoons run hot (87°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing Mount Inari behind the main shrine.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 87°F.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Path through towering bamboo stalks in western Kyoto's Sagano district.
Why now Best first thing, before the 87°F afternoon heat.
Kinkaku-ji
Gold-leaf-covered pavilion reflected in a pond, Kyoto's most photographed temple.
Pontocho Alley
Narrow lantern-lit lane of restaurants and bars along the Kamo River.
Omen Ginkakuji
Long-running udon restaurant serving thick noodles with seasonal vegetables to add yourself.
Why now A break from 87°F afternoons.
Nearby in August
- Osaka in August~27 mi · highs 89°F, 7.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Tokyo in August~224 mi · highs 88°F, 6.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~251 m to Kyoto's ~51 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Kyoto in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Kyoto?
It's middling, scoring 50/100. The best months are April & May and October & November, at up to 78. Expect highs of 87°F (31°C) and 5.9 in (149 mm) of rain. Our Japan Golden Route recommends Mar – May, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Kyoto in August?
Average highs are 87°F (31°C) and average lows 74°F (23°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in August?
Yes: about 5.9 in (149 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 65.2 in (1657 mm).
What should I pack for Kyoto in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (87°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (84% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain).
Planning Kyoto in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.