Tokyo in August
The hardest month
- Temperature
- 24–31°C
- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$
+The biggest festivals and fireworks of the year.
–Extreme heat, humidity and the Obon travel peak.
Only for the festival calendar.
Tokyo vs Kyoto in August
Kyoto edges it in August. Tokyo averages 24–31°C with high crowds; Kyoto 25–34°C with moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Tokyo and Kyoto
The verdict for August
- WeatherTokyo has the better weather3/10 vs 2/10
- CrowdsKyoto is quieterHigh vs Moderate
- PricesKyoto is cheaper$$$$ vs $$$$
- OverallKyoto comes out ahead4/10 vs 5.5/10
Kyoto in August
Peak heat, lantern-lit evenings
- Temperature
- 25–34°C
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$$
+Memorable summer festivals
–Extreme heat and humidity
August is the hottest and most humid month, and Obon brings domestic travellers in mid-month. The Daimonji bonfires light the hills on 16 August. Escape to Kibune or Ohara if the city feels too hot.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month