Wakayama Weather in July

Season: Summer
What’s the weather of Wakayama like in July?
Key words: hot and humid; rainy in early and mid-July; water activities and fireworks displays

Hot

In July, Wakayama sees a hot climate with the average temperature of 24-29 degrees Celsius (75.2-84.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Daily high temperature often hovers around 30-34℃ (86-93.2℉), and in some hotter years, it may rise to 36℃ (96.8℉) in a few days of late July. In early mornings and late evenings, the temperature declines to 22-26℃ (71.6-78.8℉).

The rainfall tend to alleviate the heat of summer a bit, and the temperature goes down to 23-25℃ (73.4-77℉) mostly.

Less Rainy

The rainfall of Wakayama in July remains high with an average of 183 mm (7.2 in) for 16 rainy days, since the rainy season usually lasts until mid-July. 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 leave some waiting time or make a plan B in advance. You may feel more comfortable in cloudy periods, making it a suitable time to visit outdoor mountainous sites.

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.

Warm Sea Water

July is one of the best periods for water activities like diving and snorkeling, when its sea temperature averages 26℃ (78.8℉) - 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 to Osaka, 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 shortened, but your travel time are still abundant, allowing you to spend more time on enjoying natural scenery and emptying yourselves. During this month, daily average sunshine hours get longer: 9.2 hours in northern regions and 8.9 hours in southern ones. If you would like to admire the sunset during your visit in July 2026, Senjojiki Rock Terrace, renowned as a worldwide sunset wonder, are highly recommended.

As the rainy season is at the end, summer begins to turn on its power and sunny days are more common. Undoubtedly, sunshine becomes more intense, with UV index of 10-11, so pay special attention to sun protection, especially 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 - both protect you from sunburn outdoors and ward off the chill from strong air-conditioning indoors. For lower body, loose sweatpants or shorts are acceptable for males, while females can wear short skirts.

 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, both practical in 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 Wakayama, July is one of the peak times for fireworks shows. Minato Matsuri Fireworks Display 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, Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine celebrates its annual Nachi Fire Festival, whose majestic spectacle leaves an indelible impression on many visitors: parishioners in white clothes hold large ablaze torches when running through the pilgrimage trails flanked by towering trees, creating a wild, primitive and sacred vibe. Then, the ornate 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, whose routes consist of manmade stone steps, irregular stone-paved trails, and dirt paths with tree roots. Since the chance of rain is very high before mid-July - once it pours, some trails get super slippery, more likely to slip and sprain your ankle. Hotter late July makes hiking like sitting in a sauna, requiring plenty of physical exertion. Plus, there are many insects such as mosquitoes and leeches in summer. 

If you only have spare 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