Japan weather & when to go: July
Japan July weather overview
Sunny days continue in the north and south with elegant mountainous landscapes on show in Furano and beach locations with snorkelling and surfing options available in the south and Okinawa. The middle locations aren’t quite as enticing with soggy days in the beginning turning to more humid at the end of the month, however climbing season does begin and Mount Fuji is calling for those who want to listen.
Japan weather & when to go
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July’s weather in detail
Hokkaido
Sapporo, Niseko, Furano
Hokkaido escapes the rainy season that is occurring throughout most of Japan in July and days are typically warm and sunny, especially during the second half of the month when Hokkaido approaches its hottest time of year (avg temp: 21°C).
July is the best month to view Furano’s famous lavender fields which are now in full bloom, encouraged by the warm weather, blanketing the region in purple.
To celebrate the good weather and the city’s famous beer production, Sapporo’s month long Summer Beer festival kicks off in the middle of July: a festival simply dedicated to drinking local beer in the sun – what’s not to like!
Honshu
Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima
Honshu and central Japan has a soggy start to July as rainy season continues: Hiroshima experiences its rainiest month of the year. The chance of rain doesn’t put the dampeners on the Japanese celebratory spirit though and Kyoto hosts the month long festival of Gion Matsuri in July which culminates in the impressive Yamaboko Junko float parade.
By the end of the month, in time for school holidays, the rain disappears and the weather turns hot and humid in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto (avg temp: 27°C).
July is the time to tackle Mount Fuji – Japan’s highest peak - as climbing season begins and generally runs through until mid-September. To escape the crowds, climb during the first half of July, before the school holidays begin.
Shikoku & Kyushu
Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Nagasaki
As with Honshu, the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu experience a damp start to the month, but by the middle of July, the rain recedes, the days are sunnier and both the temperature and humidity increases (avg temp: 27°C). Visitors begin to flock to the beaches, surfers in Tokushima wax down their boards and Fukuoka’s famous ‘yatai’ (food stalls) enjoy a roaring evening trade.
Okinawa Islands
Naha, Okinawa, Kerama
Whilst the rainy season continues across much of central Japan, the islands of Okinawa and Kerama are experiencing high temperatures (avg temp: 29°C), maximum sunshine and minimal rainfall. The sea temperature is equally inviting making swimming and snorkelling enjoyable – keep your eyes peeled for Okinawa’s famous sea turtles.
All-in-all, July is the perfect time to visit Japan’s southern islands and beaches, which become busier by the end of the month as schools break up for summer holidays.
