Wakayama Weather in August

Season: Summer
In short: hottest period in a year; moderate rainfall

Hottest Period All Year Round

Average Temperature: 25-31℃ (77-89℉) 

August is the midsummer in Wakayama, when the weather is very hot. There are approximately 25 days in the month with the high temperature above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), and the highest even climbs to 37℃ (99℉) around midday and early afternoon on some sunny days. 

The good news is that the temperature in coastal areas is normally 4-5℃ (39-41℉) lower than that in cities, and seawater temperature averages around 28℃ (82℉) - a comfortable value for water activities, so many tourists flock to beach resorts to escape the summer heat. Shirahama Beach is among the most popular destinations. Its well-equipped facilities - including storage lockers, free shower areas, and rental shops for swim gear like huge sunshades and swimming rings - allow you to pack light and fully immerse yourselves in the marine fun.

Besides, rainfall for several consecutive days may bring a decrease in temperature, with highs in the range of 24-27℃ (75-81℉).

Moderate Rainfall

Wakayama experiences a relatively wet climate in August, with the average humidity of 73%. If you spend the whole day sightseeing outside, you feel hot and humid.

As the rainy season ends in middle July, monthly precipitation in August sharply drops, to an average of 141 mm (5.6 in) from 14 days. Also, August features light showers with the daily rainfall of 8 mm or so, which often falls intermittently throughout the day. Generally speaking, put on a compact umbrella or find a shelter from the rain for a while are enough to deal with the situation.

Wakayama experiences a relatively wet climate in August, with the average humidity of 73%.

Typhoon

August falls in the typhoon season, with 0.9 typhoons making landfall on average. These typhoons tend to bring strong winds, high sea waves, heavy downpours, and even mudslides in the mountains, such as Mount Koya and Kumano Kodo. Due to the fickle typhoon tracks, keep a close eye on the latest forecasts since a few days before your visit. 

Longest Sunshine Hours of the Year

Sunrise Time: 5:10 - 5:33
Sunset Time: 18:26 - 19:00
Daylight Hours: 13 hours 50 minutes - 12 hours 53 minutes 
Daily Sunshine Hours: around 10.3 hours on average

Though the daylength is usually sufficient for your daily visit, it’s better to start your day early, because the early mornings see fewer tourists and lower temperatures. August has the longest sunshine hours all year round, and a high UV index of 9-10. It means long exposure to the intense sunlight can easily get you sunburnt, so proper sun protection is indispensable.

Packing List for Wakayama Trip in August

 Clothing: Dressing in thin and breathable clothing is key to combating the heat and humidity during this time. Loose sundresses in cotton or linen fabric are both cool and photogenic for ladies, while tank tops or short sleeve shirts and shorts are suitable for males. Also, a light sun-protective jacket is extremely necessary.

 Footwear: Most scenic spots in Wakayama are accessible by public transport, but some walking is still needed. Thus, comfortable mesh sneakers and slip-ons are the best. For beach lovers, prepare lightweight slippers as you cannot walk barefoot there because sand gets quite hot under the strong sun.

 Accessories: Pack sun hats, sunblock and sunglasses. If you plan to stay in the sea for a long period during your stay in August 2026, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.

Travel Highlights: Firework Show & Traditional Festival

Fireworks Show

In August, fireworks displays of various scales are held in many places across Wakayama, including Shirahama Fireworks Display on 10th, Nachikatsuura Firework Display on 11th, and Shingu Fireworks Display on 13th. The first show, hailed as one of the grandest events in Wakayama, sets off 3,500 fireworks. Besides, you have a chance to enjoy delicious snacks like Takoyaki and fired noodles, and see lots of tourists dressed in colorful kimonos during these events. 

Kishu Odori Bundarabushi Festival

The center of Wakayama City comes alive with the festival atmosphere on August 2. It’s primarily a dance procession featuring tens of thousands of participants in kimonos or yukatas (Japanese-style bathrobes), who dance to the beat of the music as they parade through the streets. Along with the richly adorned floats and lantern decorations in some areas, you quickly get into a festive mood. When you feel tired or hungry, you might as well wander around the roadside stalls, where grilled food, yummy ice cream, lucky drawings and fishing games await your exploration.

Practical Information for Wakayama Trip in August

1. In August, right the summer vacation, Wakayama sees more tourists than usual, especially in the coastal regions, as many local parents tend to bring their school kids to beaches to have fun. If you prefer a quieter travel environment, it’s advisable to come here in less crowded weekdays.
2. Middle August is regarded as the Obon vacation, one of the longest holidays in Japan, when the traffic is quite heavy, as tens of millions of people return to their homelands by plane, high-speed train and car. Meanwhile, hotels can be fully booked for a while. So, you’d better avoid this period when setting your travel date. If not, book your flights and hotels well in advance.
3. August is an unfavorable period to hike in Kumano Kodo. On rainy days, you’re more likely to encounter snakes and fall down because of slippery and muddy trails. Even without rain, the persistently hot weather leaves you sticky, or even at the risk of heatstroke.

Wakayama Weather by Month