Japan Weather in July 2026: Travel Tips to Avoid Summer Heat

July in Japan is known for its hot and humid weather, with daily highs exceeding 37°C (98°F). This month is also the peak of the rainy season, so you might experience frequent showers and occasional heavy downpours.

Even though July weather can be a bit uncomfortable, it's the liveliest festive season! You can enjoy vibrant street celebrations and exciting fireworks displays.

Most importantly, it's all about how you plan your trip! In this guide, we'll show you how to explore Japan comfortably while minimizing heat and crowds. Keep reading to find tips on weather, places to visit, clothing, crowds, costs, and more.

Japan's Weather and Climate in July

In July, Japan typically has hot and humid weather.

In central cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you might feel hotter than the actual temperature. Even though it's around 23-30°C (74-86°F), the humidity can go up to 76% this month, making you feel muggy and uncomfortable, especially after rain.

Northern Hokkaido is pleasantly cool. With temperatures ranging from 16-24°C (61-75°F) and low humidity levels, you'll feel cozy.

July usually sees the highest rainfall during Japan's rainy season, particularly in the first half. Although it doesn't rain every day, you'll encounter frequent showers or occasional heavy downpours. If you prefer drier days, late July is a better time to visit as the rainy season nears its end.

Also, the UV rays are high this month, so it's easy to get sunburned. Don't forget to bring your sunglasses and hats.

Tokyo and Central Japan Weather in July: Hot but Full of Festivals

Yes, July is muggy in the central Japanese cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Temperatures usually range from 23-30°C (74-86°F), and sometimes can go up to 35°C (95°F). It feels cool when it rains, but afterward, the rising humidity makes it feel even hotter.

You'll notice this most in Kyoto. Its bowl-shaped setting traps the heat, making the city feel hotter than other cities.

July is the rainiest period of Japan's rainy season. Most rain falls in the first half of the month. You might see showers or occasional heavy downpours, but usually they don't last all day.

While July is humid and rainy, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka offer abundant family-friendly indoor activities: kid-friendly museums, giant aquariums, shopping malls, and cultural workshops the whole family can enjoy.

Hokkaido and Northern Japan in June: Sunny for Outdoor Fun

Compared with other regions, the cooler and drier weather makes Hokkaido a perfect summer retreat in July.

Daily high temperatures reach a warm average of 24°C (75°F) while the early mornings are mild at around 16°C (61°F ).

July is the perfect time to visit the famous lavender fields in full bloom in Furano. You could savor the seasonal lavender ice cream and enjoy the views of entire fields covered in purple.

Moreover, summer hiking is one of the best ways to discover scenic mountains and national parks. Some, like Daisetsuzan National Park and Mount Tokachi, are not accessible during the winter months.

Okinawa and Southern Japan in June: More Sunny Days

Average daily temperatures in Okinawa in July peak at 32°C (89°F). Since the rainy season fades away in late June, you can expect minimal rainfall during this time.

This month offers plenty of sunny days to enjoy the islands and beaches of southern Japan. It's the best time for you to experience snorkeling, surfing, and whale watching.

Best 5 Places to Visit in Japan in July

July in Japan is all about summer fun! You and your kids can enjoy traditional festivals, watch fireworks, visit cooler places to escape the heat, or go for an easy hike. Below, we've handpicked the top 6 places to explore in July, making sure everyone enjoys a great time.

1. Kyoto: Enjoy Gion Festival, Summer's Biggest Celebration

If you can only attend one traditional festival in Japan in July, it must be the Gion Festival!

It's Japan's top summer festival. Running from July 1 to 31, the float parades on July 17 and 24 are the most exciting parts to enjoy.

The float parades in central Kyoto run from 9 am to 2 pm on these two days. The floats are about 25 meters tall and exquisitely decorated, looking like mobile art galleries! You'll hear traditional Japanese music and see locals in traditional clothes on the floats, giving you a full cultural experience.

Looking for something special? Don't miss the lantern-lit floats at night! From July 14-16 and 21-23, you can witness these glowing floats all around Kyoto's city center. With locals wearing yukata and plenty of snack stalls nearby, you'll soak in the authentic Japanese summer festival vibe.

Despite these parades drawing large crowds, the lines are well-organized, so you won't feel overwhelmed by chaos.

2. Tokyo: Watch the Sumida Fireworks Festival

The Sumida Fireworks Festival is the most popular summer event in July. Your kids will love the colorful fireworks and loud booms. This event happens every year on the last Saturday of July, where you can see fireworks lighting up the Tokyo Skytree.

For a better viewing experience, we recommend purchasing reserved seats. This way, you can enjoy unobstructed views, avoid crowds in non-reserved areas, and won't need to arrive early to secure a spot.

This event attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year, so get ready for large crowds and traffic delays.

If you prefer a quieter experience with fewer people, we can take you to the Atami Fireworks Festival in Izu. You can watch the fireworks from the beach for a more peaceful time.

3. Osaka: Experience Tenjin Matsuri with Food and Fireworks

Want to experience both traditional festivals and fireworks in one place? Osaka's Tenjin Matsuri is the perfect choice!

As one of Japan's top three festivals, you can easily feel the lively and festive atmosphere of Tenjin Matsuri. This event takes place every July 24-25, featuring parades with floats on land, river parades, and fireworks for you to enjoy.

The highlight of the event is the nighttime river parades happening on the 25th. You'll see boats decorated with glowing lanterns and fires, featuring drumming and traditional dances on board. Around 7:30 pm, the fireworks light up the sky. But it's a smaller-scale display, don't expect too much.

On the riverbanks, thousands of stalls provide all the festival fun you desire! You can savour Japanese street food and refreshing cold beer, and your kids can enjoy games like goldfish scooping or ring toss.

4. Karuizawa: Relax at a Cooler Mountain Getaway

Want to escape the heat? Take a trip to Karuizawa! Just an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train), this mountain town offers pleasant cool in July, with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F).

You and your kids can enjoy active outdoor adventures here, like easy forest hikes, river trekking, and biking.

5. Furano: Admire the Purple Lavender Field

For a refreshing summer getaway surrounded by charming natural beauty, head to Furano in Hokkaido. In July, the vast lavender fields bloom, creating a dreamy sea of flowers.

For a unique experience, enjoy the lavender fields at night. They are illuminated by light shows and filled with music and bubbles. And of course, don't forget to indulge in some July-only lavender ice cream.

What to Wear in Japan in July?

Opting for light and breathable clothing is the best choice. Think linen t-shirts, loose-fitting shorts and dresses, quick-drying fabrics, and light-colored clothes.

Also, don't forget to pack sun protection items like sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and a portable umbrella. July in Japan always has high UV levels in July, so it's crucial to avoid getting sunburned.

For staying cool outdoors, I highly recommend picking up some cooling wipes from convenience stores. Just wipe them around your neck or on sweaty skin for a quick refresh.

Is July a Crowded and Expensive Time in Japan?

July is a popular time to visit Japan. You'll face large crowds and higher travel costs, as many families with kids travel there for summer vacations.

Popular attractions like Tokyo's Sensoji Temple or Kyoto's Sannenzaka can get very crowded. To avoid the crowds, start your day early and visit these spots first. We'll arrange for you to begin your trip around 8:00-8:30 AM. This also allows you to explore outdoor sights in the cool morning weather.

Crowds will be larger after July. As schools in Japan start their summer vacations around that time, resulting in more domestic travelers.

Prices also rise in July, mainly because hotels are 30-40% more expensive than usual. A standard room at a 4-star hotel usually costs around US$200 per night, but it can jump to US$250-$280 per night during this month.

Additionally, family rooms and triple rooms are selling out quickly due to high demand. I highly recommend booking your Japan tours and hotels 3-6 months in advance. This way, you'll have more hotel options and can secure better prices.

Let's Customize Your Japan Trip Together!

Are you ready to plan your Japan trip but unsure where to start? We're here to help you customize your itinerary, provide professional advice, and handle everything for you. Feel free to contact us anytime!

You can check out our handpicked Japan tours for more inspiration.

• 12-Day Epic Japan Family Tour
• 17-Day Japan Summer Family Vacation

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Japan

Learn about the weather in Japan for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.

• Japan in January
• Japan in February
• Japan in March
• Japan in April
• Japan in May
• Japan in June
• Japan in July
• Japan in August
• Japan in September
• Japan in October
• Japan in November
• Japan in December