To the south, regions like Okinawa also experience high temperatures. During the day, temperatures remain stable around 28-33°C (82-91°F), and even at night, they hover around 27-28°C (81-82°F). However, the sea breeze here makes the temperature feel slightly cooler, so you won’t feel as hot as in Tokyo.

To the north, regions like Hokkaido serve as ideal summer retreats. Their temperatures this month are perfect for walking around and sightseeing, which range from 15-25°C (59-77°F) during the first half of the month and 20-30°C (68-86°F) in the latter half.

Daylight Hours/Sunshine Hours

Is there long enough daytime in July to explore Japan? Absolutely yes. This month, most cities still enjoy over 14 hours of daylight. Generally, the sun rises completely before 06:00, the time that many attractions open this month.

The average daily sunshine hours this month in Japan are roughly 5-6. Except for Hokkaido, the UV index in nearly all other regions is 10 or higher. Such intense sunlight not only makes you feel hotter but can also lead to sunburn, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Is July a Recommended Month to Visit Japan?

For most people, July is not an ideal time to visit Japan due to several factors that make travel quite challenging.

1. Bad Weather of Japan: Except for Hokkaido and Okinawa, most regions experience both intense heat and frequent rainfall in July. Rainy days make travel inconvenient and scenery less appealing, while sunny days indicate scorching heat.
2. Peak Tourism Season: Japan in July is packed with large numbers of tourists, since this time coincides with the summer vacation in most countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Most popular attractions like Senso-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha will be quite crowded, and some of them even require queuing to enter. Moreover, airfare and hotel rates during this period are significantly high.

Crowded Osaka in July

However, it’s undeniable that Japan also offers many highlights this month:

1. The most attractive activities of Japan in July are undoubtedly its numerous lively summer festivals and romantic fireworks festivals across the country. Among them, the must-see summer festivals include: the renowned Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, where you can watch the parade in ancient costumes and sample snacks at food stalls; the wind chime festivals at various shrines, where countless beautiful wind chimes ring out crisply in the breeze; etc. As for the fireworks festivals, don’t miss the Sumida River Fireworks Festival on July 25th in 2026, where you can see over 20,000 fireworks. 
2. July in Hokkaido offers cool and sunny weather and the purple seas of lavender, making it one of the best visiting months.
3. This month marks the beginning of the climbing season of Mount Fuji.

Romantic Fireworks Festival

Purple Seas of Lavender in Hokkaido

Dressing Code for Visiting Japan in July

Clothes: In July with muggy climate of Japan, it’s optimal to wear breathable and fast-drying summer clothes. T-shirts, tank tops, light pants, shorts, dresses, and skirts are all suitable. On this basis, you also need to pack long-sleeved shirts or thin jackets, which can prevent coolness during Hokkaido’s nighttime and block the strong UV rays during other cities’ daytime.

Shoes: Waterproof casual shoes are good for going out in rainy July, while sandals are the best on beaches. 

Others:
1. Umbrellas or raincoats are quite necessary during your trip to Japan in July. Or, you can also bring parasols, which are also quite useful on sunny days.
2. Sunscreen, sunhats, and sunglasses can effectively protect you from the intense sunlight, especially when you head to beaches.

3. Mosquito repellent is recommended to bring.

Tips for Visiting Japan in July 

1. If you plan to travel to Japan during peak July, be sure to book your hotels and flight tickets well in advance. Advance reservations ensure a smooth trip and allow you to enjoy relatively lower prices.
2. No matter where you plan to visit in Japan in July, you are recommended to start your day early. Mornings offer more comfortable temperatures, and you can make the most of them to visit outdoor sights. During the hottest part of the day at noon, it’s recommended that you rest at your hotel or a restaurant. If you have started your day early, even with a midday break, you will still have ample time for sightseeing. Additionally, tourist numbers are generally lower at attractions during the early morning.

3. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast. If heavy rain is forecast, adjust your plans promptly to focus on indoor activities, such as visiting indoor attractions or shopping in malls. When traveling to southern regions like Okinawa, also stay updated on potential typhoons.

July Weather of Major Japan Cities