Hakone Weather in August

Season: Summer
Climate Overview: hottest month, large rainfall, not a good month for travelling to Hakone

Visitors in Hakone in August

August - Hakone’s Hottest Month

Average Temperature: 26.6℃ (79.9℉)
Average High Temperature: 31.2℃ (88.2℉); according to data from recent years, the highest once reached 37.3℃ (99.1℉)
Average Low Temperature: 22.5℃ (72.5℉); according to data from recent years, the actual lowest once dropped to 20.2℃ (68.4℉)

From the perspective of temperature, August is a bad time to travel to Hakone, because this is the hottest period of the year there. In the month, the highest temperature for most days is over 32℃ (89.6℉), and quite a few days even over 34℃ (93.2℉)/ 36℃ (96.8℉). Generally, there is no obvious decreasing trend in temperature. No matter which day you come here, it is hot.

On some days, the temperature drops, but don’t expect it to be cool as the highest temperature still ranges from 28 - 30℃ (82.4℉ - 86℉). If you really want to plan a Hakone trip in August, it’s advised to go to attractions early in the morning when it is not too hot and avoid staying outdoor around noon.

Rainfall

Average Rainfall: 130mm
Average Rainy Days: 7 days; the highest in recent years are 16

Generally, the rainfall in August is not high. It is mainly light rain or moderate rain. However, sometimes, typhoon would occur in Hakone, bringing heavy rain in a short time and debris flow. Under such conditions, the public transportation would be influenced. For example, the Hakone Yumoto - Odawara train may be shutdown.

Sunrise, Sunset, Day Length

Sunrise (1st - 31st): roughly 4:50 - 5:15
Sunset: (1st - 31st): roughly 18:45 - 18:10
Day Length: 13h - 14h

August - A Month with Most Festivals in Hakone

Despite unbearable heat, Hakone’s August deserves your visit because it is the most bustling period all over the year. It seems no matter which week you come here, it offers you something unique. In the first week, you can expect a daily firework show every night from 1st to 5th; on August 11th, the Ohiradai Onsen Summer Festival’s Bon Odori dance performance may impress you; 2 - 3 days later, the Miyagino Summer Festival comes, and you can watch street performances; later is the Dainonji Yaki on the 16th, you can watch igniting 300 torches shaped like the character “大”

Packing List for Hakone Trip in August

Upper: Loose and breathable T-shirt is the best choice. In addition, since you would sweat frequently, please wear clothes made of quick-drying fabric or cotton. At noon, the sunshine is burning. To protect your skin, put on another summer sun screen coat if going out.

Lower: Shorts, skirt, and thin summer long pants

Shoes: sneakers/ sandals

Other Necessities:

1. Sun protection products, like sun cream, sunhat, and sunglasses: UV intensity in August is very high. Without them, your skin would be burnt.
2. Napkin and folding fan: The average wind speed in August is the lowest of the year - 10.2 km/h, the humidity is still very high- 82% and the temperature is also high, so you would sweat frequently and feel sultry.
3. Umbrella: Take it in case it rains.
4. Rain boots: When it rains heavily, there are sand and mud on mountain roads. Wear rain boots to protect your feet.

What to Do in Hakone during August

1. Enjoy the Summer Festival Week

In the impression of many people, Japan’s summer is associated with the blooming fireworks in the sky. It is also true for Hakone’s August. Every night from August 1st to 5th, a fireworks show would light up Lake Ashi. While in daytime, you can watch lion dancing, traditional religious rituals, tea ceremonies, kendo (a Japanese martial art) matches, and other celebration activities in Hakone’s major shrines.

Working Staff in Hakone's Shrines

2. Visit Hakone Shrine

Are you getting edgy by Hakone’s heat? Maybe the peaceful Hakone Shrine can make you calm down. The Shrine is built in the mountains. In summer, wherever your gaze goes, there is always a fresh green of leaves and the towering tree. On sunny days, the ray would shine through trees’ crown, casting a shadow that moves with the wind to the ground, cooling down the summer air.

Hakone Shrine in Summer

3. Play with Water in Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

In summer, playing with water must be one of the best ways to help you cool down. In Hakone, Kowakiden Yunessun, a place combining onsen and waterpark harmoniously is a good place to go. It not only has regular onsens but also various themed ones, like Red Wine Onsen and Coffee Onsen. For kids, they also won’t feel bored. They would spend a great time in the waterslide, the huge water pool, and other facilities in the children’s playground.

Something You May Want to Know

1. Should I go to Kawaguchi or Hakone in August?

Hakone is better. Basically, Kawaguchi offers better view of Mountain Fuji while Hakone is also featured by hot springs and superb attractions like Lake Ashi and Owakudani Valley. But the summer weather causes the lowest chance to successfully see Mount Fuji. Going to Kawaguchiko in August, you may have nothing to watch.

2. Is Hakone crowded in August?

Yes. According to official data, August is the peak tourist season second only to November. Other than the festivals above, Hakone is also very crowded during weekends and the Obon Festival holiday. On weekends, many Tokyo people would go to Hakone for vacation. Obon Festival is another national holiday. At the time, there is a rising number of visitors. In 2026, the Festival is from August 13th to 16th.