Kyoto · Japan
August
The hottest month — Daimonji fire festival is spectacular, but midday Kyoto is oppressive.
Strong option
#12 of 12 months
There are better months for Kyoto — see the full ranking below.
See when to go instead →Climate
High
33.7°C
Low
25.6°C
Rain
135mm
Sun
7hrs/day
30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5
How August scores in Kyoto
Weather
Below average
Value
Above average
Crowds
Above average
Events
Very good
Atmosphere
Good
What you gain in August
- ↑Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (August 16): five mountain bonfires lit simultaneously at dusk — the most visually dramatic event in Kyoto's calendar
- ↑Obon lantern floating on the Kamo River: intimate and moving
- ↑Most sunshine of the year (7 hours daily): temple gardens at their most photogenic in good early-morning light
What you sacrifice
- ↓Hottest month: 34°C highs and oppressive humidity — temple visits before 9am or after 4pm are strongly advised
- ↓Obon holidays (mid-August) push domestic travel demand; accommodation prices spike
- ↓High UV and heat risk for children and elderly travellers
How August compares to October (best month)
| Factor | August | October ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | 3 | 8 |
| Value | 5 | 6 |
| Crowds | 5 | 5 |
August in other destinations
Lisbon (26.5°C)Barcelona (28.6°C)Tokyo (32.1°C)Bali (29.9°C)Santorini (26°C)Paris (24.3°C)New York (27.7°C)Marrakech (35.8°C)Amsterdam (21.4°C)Maldives (30.3°C)Rome (30.4°C)Bangkok (31.5°C)Istanbul (28°C)Vienna (25.9°C)Seoul (29°C)Dubrovnik (28.5°C)Rio de Janeiro (25.9°C)Phuket (31.3°C)Cape Town (17.2°C)Prague (26°C)Amalfi Coast (31°C)
Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Kyoto, not across destinations. Methodology →