Wakayama Weather in July

Season: Summer
What’s the weather of Wakayama like in July: hot and humid; rainy in early to mid-July

Hot

Average Temperature: 24-29 degrees Celsius (75-84 degrees Fahrenheit)

In July, Wakayama experiences hot climate. Daily high temperature often hovers around 30-34℃ (86-93℉), and in some years, it may rise to 36℃ (97℉) in a few days of late July. It gets somewhat cooler in the mountains with the high vegetation coverage, especially during overcast periods. In early mornings and late evenings, temperature declines to 22-26℃ (72-79℉) and you also feel much cooler.

Rainy

The relative humidity averages 75%, and when combined with a hot climate, it gives a sultry environment for people, so regularly drink cool water to prevent heatstroke.
Since the rainy season usually lasts till mid-July, the rainfall of Wakayama in July remains high with an average of 183 mm (7.2 in) from 16 rainy days. Most of time you encounter light showers, but there are occasional heavy downpours. Do note that Express Kuroshio are more prone to delays or cancellations in rainy days, so make a plan B in advance. 

The relative humidity averages 75%, and when combined with hot climate, it gives sultry feelings for people, so regularly drink water to prevent heatstroke.

Warm Sea Water

July is one of the best periods for water activities like diving and snorkeling in Wakayama, when its sea temperature averages 26℃ (79℉) - even if soak in seawater for a long time, you don’t feel cold.  

Wakayama is rich in beach resorts with well-equipped facilities and breathtaking seascapes, including Shirarahama Beach - the sister beach of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, Isonoura Beach - the closest surfing destination from Osaka, and Kataonami Beach - the largest beach in Wakayama City.

Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours

Sunrise 4:52-5:10
Sunset 19:04-19:14
Daylight Hours: 14 hours 22 minutes - 13 hours 50 minutes

Daylight hours are shortening, but still abundant, allowing you to enjoy natural scenery and empty yourselves in no hurry. 

As the rainy season is drawing to an end, summer begins to turn on its power: 
On the one hand, sunny days are more common. During this month, daily average sunshine hours get longer: 9.2 hours in northern regions and 8.9 hours in the southern. Besides, more fine days mean the likelihood of catching the sunset is higher than that in other months. If you would like to admire it during your visit in July 2026, Senjojiki Rock Terrace, renowned as a worldwide sunset wonder, are highly recommended. 
On the other hand, sunshine becomes more intense, with UV index of 10-11, so pay special attention to sun protection, especially when having fun by the sea.

Clothing Guide in Wakayama in July

 Outfits: Choose summer clothes as thin and breathable as you can, like oversize short sleeve shirts. Lightweight sun-protective gear is a must - to both protect you from sunburn outdoors and ward off the chill from strong air-conditioning indoors. For lower body, loose sweatpants, shorts and skirts are all acceptable.

 Footwear: Comfy mesh sneakers or scandals are enough for your travel activities.

 Others: 
1. Sun-protective items: SPF 50+ sunblock, aloe vera gel, sun hats and sunglasses.
2. Bring along a parasol, useful in both rainy and sunny hours.
3. Mini potable fans are always your best friends.
4. Pack swimsuits or trunks and beach towels, if you plan to play in the sea.

Top Things to Do in Wakayama in July

Splendid Firework Displays

In July, Minato Matsuri Fireworks Display in Wakayama is worth visiting, and the related details in 2025 are provided for your reference. On 26 July, the event began at around 20:00 at Wakayama Port: a 15-minute drone show took place first, followed by roughly 3,000 fireworks which lit up the night sky for 30 minutes. Because of the crowds, it’s better to arrive the port early and secure a good location.

Nachi Fire Festival‌

On July 14 every year, Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine celebrates its annual Nachi Fire Festival: parishioners in white clothes hold large ablaze torches running through the pilgrimage trails flanked by towering trees, creating a wild, primitive and sacred vibe. Then, the ornate portable shrine is moved to Nachi Falls, where a ritual is held to pray for might from the waterfall god.

Try to Avoid: Hiking in the Mountains

July’s weather conditions are unfavorable for hiking in Kumano Kodo, especially on rainy days, whose routes consist of manmade stone steps, irregular stone-paved trails, and dirt paths with tree roots. Once it pours, some trails get super slippery, more likely for you to slip and sprain ankles. While on sunny days, the weather is as hot as a sauna room, causing plenty of physical exertion. Plus, there are many insects such as mosquitoes and leeches in summer. 

If you only have time in July to go hiking, the following information may be helpful for you:
1. Keep a close eye on disaster forecasts. If you see a red rainstorm warning, please cancel your hiking plan.
2. In addition to basic hiking gear, bug bite relief cream is also required.
3. Choose the short, scenic routes near the villages, like the 7-kilometer section from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Wakayman Weather by Month