Shirakawa-go Weather in July
Season: Summer Overview:1. In July, Shirakawa-go’s weather is cooler than nearby cities, so it counts as a summer retreat.
2. Thanks to high rainfall and strong sunshine, a parasol is very useful.
3. Being the low season, July is a good travel period for those with a tight budget.
Cooler than Urban Areas
Surrounded by mountains, Shirakawa-go in July enjoys a bit cooler climate than urban areas in Japan. For instance, the average temperature of Shirakawa-go is in the range of 19 - 28℃ (66.2 - 82.4℉), while that of Nagoya, the nearest city to it, fluctuates between 24℃ (75.2℉) and 30℃ (86℉). However, it is hot at middy and in the early afternoon on sunny days, especially in late July, when the day maximum can reach up to 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) or above. The day minimum falls below 20℃ (68℉) in a few days during the first half of the month, but in the second half of the month, it is around 20 - 24℃ (68 - 75.2℉).
Rainiest Month of the Year
As the rainy season is ongoing, July is the rainiest month of the year, seeing the average precipitation of 352mm (13.9 in) during 17 days. Light or moderate showers are more common, although occasional heavy rain brings high rainfall of 20 - 30 mm (0.8 - 1.2 in) per hour. It may rain on and off within a single day, which is unfavorable for outdoor sightseeing, but good news is that it gets much fresher and the rainy scenery has its own glamour.
In July, relative humidity averages around 86%, but don’t worry too much: because of Shirakawa-go’s high altitude and dense vegetation, you don’t feel as sultry as in cities.
Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours
On average, the daily duration of daytime is approximately 14 - 14.5 hours in July, one of the months with the longest one. Thus, even if you have a two-hour break at noon, there still is plenty of time to visit. Rainy as it is, sunshine hours average 7.1 hours per day.
UV rays are very intense with the maximum UV index of 11, and you possibly get sunburnt without proper sun-protective measures.
Packing List for Shirakawa-go Trip in July
Clothes: The most
crucial principle of dressing is to wear breathable and thin clothes. For
example, cotton or linen short-sleeve shirts, dresses and loose sweatpants are
highly recommended. If you’re sensitive to heat, tank tops, short skirts and
shorts are more suitable. Considering that the air conditioning is strong in indoor
places, remember to prepare long-sleeve clothes such as sun clothing or denim T-shirts.
Shoes: Many popular
attractions require walking to reach, so choose comfortable and lightweight sneakers,
paired with waterproof and non-slip shoe covers. Of course, comfy rain boots
are the best footwear.
Accessories:
1. Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhats are extremely important items.
2. Raingear is a must, but you had better pack a parasol, which can be used during sunny and rainy periods.
3. You may sweat a lot on sunny days, so take a portable bottle and regularly drink water to stay hydrated.
4. If you are afraid of insects, bug repellent is necessary.
Travel Advice and Tips
1. In fact, thanks to its frequent rainfall, July is not a good time to visit Shirakawa-go. But for individuals with a limited budget, there are many benefits: travel costs are lower and there is no trouble in securing reservations for hotels and shuttle tickets; apart from occasional tour groups that bring some tourists, the village is generally tranquil, allowing people to be deeply immersed in the countryside life. So, you will have a pleasant travel experience, if you come here in July 2026.
2. To avoid the hottest part of the day, it’s better to stay indoors or in the shade. For example, go for café Bunka Kissa Kyoshu and take a cold drink to cool off, while comfortably appreciating luxuriant scenery outside the window. Or sitting in the leafy shade of trees beside the Shō River banks, listen to the sound of water trickling and cicadas chirping.
3. In July, Shirakawa-go enjoys lots of surprises waiting to be explored, such as clusters of blooming hydrangeas along the paths, agile Scaly Thrushes on the branches and the thatched roof of the farmhouses glowing orange by nightfall.
