Wakayama Weather in August

Season: Summer
In short: hottest period in a year; moderate rainfall; early reservation on August 13 to 16

Hottest Period All Year Round

Average Temperature: 25-31℃ (77-89℉)

August in Wakayama is the peak of summer, when the weather is very hot. There are approximately 25 days with the daytime temperature above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), and it even climbs to 37℃ (99℉) around midday and early afternoon on some sunny days. Therefore, keep drinking water outdoors to avoid sunstroke during these times. The good news is that the high in coastal areas is normally 4-5℃ (39-41℉) lower than that in cities, so beach resorts allow you to escape the summer heat temporarily.

Besides, rainfall for several consecutive days may bring a decrease in temperature, usually at 24-27℃ (75-81℉).

Moderate Rainfall

After the rainy season, monthly precipitation in August sharply drops to an average of 141 mm (5.6 in) across 14 days. August features mild rain with the daily rainfall of 8 mm or so, which falls intermittently throughout the day, but normally lasts very short - having a small impact on your trip. Generally speaking, a compact umbrella or brief shelter are enough to deal with the situation.

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.

Typhoon

August is part of the typhoon season, and 0.9 typhoons make landfall in Wakayama annually. 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 a few days before your leave.

Sea Water Temperature

Average seawater temperature reaches its annual summit of 28℃ (82℉), making August one of the best months for water activities. Shirarahama Beach is among the most popular destinations for domestic and foreign tourists. Its well-equipped facilities - including storage lockers, free shower areas, and shops renting swim gear like huge sunshades and swimming rings - allow you to pack light and fully immerse yourselves in the marine fun.

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, thanks to the early mornings with 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.

August Packing List for Wakayama Trip

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 because of the hot sand 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

Firework Show

By August, firework displays of various scales are held in many places across the prefecture, including Shirahama Firework Display on 10th, Nachikatsuura Firework Display on 11th, and Shingu Firework Display on 13th. The first show, hailed as one of the grandest events in Wakayama, attracts roughly 140,000 viewers each year. Besides, you have a chance to enjoy delicious snacks like Takoyaki and fired noodles, and see lots of tourists dressed in colorful kimonos.

Kishu Odori Bundara Festival

The center of Wakayama City comes alive with the festival 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 in the summer vacation, sees more tourists than usual in Wakayama, especially in the coastal regions, as many local families tend to go to the beaches. If you prefer a quieter travel environment, it’s advisable to come here on weekdays.
2. August 13 to 16 is regarded as the Obon vacation, 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 are 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.