Kyoto Prefecture is located in Japan’s Kansai region. When people talk about “Kyoto,” they are usually referring to Kyoto City, but in recent years the term “Kyoto-on-the-Sea” has also become popular. This refers to the northern coastal areas of the prefecture, including Miyazu, Kyotango, and Maizuru. Because these areas face the Sea of Japan, their climate is noticeably different, with more cloudy days year-round and colder, snowier winters.

Kyoto City, by contrast, sits in a basin. Its most distinctive feature is the sharp seasonal contrast: summers are hot and humid, winters are cold, and the temperature difference between day and night can be significant. If you plan to visit Kyoto City in summer or winter, proper sun protection or cold-weather gear is essential.

While Kyoto’s summer heat can make sightseeing more challenging, it is also a rewarding time to visit. This season brings hydrangeas in full bloom, the month-long Gion Festival, one of Japan’s three major festivals, and the traditional Gozan Okuribi bonfire event. With the right clothing and a bit of preparation, it is still easy to enjoy Kyoto and experience a very different side of the city.

Up next, LIVE JAPAN’s Taiwanese editor Nemi, who has lived in Japan for seven years, shares practical summer outfit tips, including real examples and children’s outfits, to help you plan your summer trip to Kyoto.

June marks the beginning of the rainy season in Kyoto Prefecture. According to Japan Meteorological Agency averages, total rainfall in June is significantly higher than in most other months, and weather conditions can change quickly throughout the day. Even if sunshine is forecast, it is wise to carry a compact umbrella at all times. While rainfall can briefly lower temperatures, clear periods afterward often bring strong UV exposure and rising heat, making sun protection and UV-care items essential.

Although the damp weather may make indoor activities tempting, June is also peak hydrangea season in Kyoto. Temples such as Mimuroto-ji and Yanagidani Kannon Yokoku-ji are especially atmospheric after rain, when the flowers are at their most vibrant. It is an ideal time to enjoy scenery that can only be seen during Kyoto’s early summer.

June brings fresh greenery to Kyoto, giving the historic city a calm, early-summer feel. Although it is the rainy season, Kyoto often looks even more atmospheric in the rain. The highlight this month is hydrangeas. Head to Mimuroto-ji in Uji or Sanzen-in, where thousands of hydrangeas bloom in soft blues, purples, and pinks. Seen through mist and light rain, the scenery feels uniquely magical and is only possible in June.

Another seasonal favorite is the opening of the Kamogawa riverside dining platforms, known as noryo-yuka, which begin operating in June. Choose a restaurant along the Kamo River, enjoy a gentle breeze on an elevated terrace, and savor Kyoto-style cuisine while watching the river flow by, an easy way to escape the summer heat.

If moving around during the rainy season feels inconvenient, a day tour can be a smart option. Guided trips that connect flower-viewing spots with places like Kibune Shrine let you enjoy Kyoto’s lush landscapes without worrying about umbrellas or transfers, making it easier to experience the romantic side of Kyoto’s early summer.

July in Kyoto is full-on summer. Average temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F), with strong sunshine similar to what travelers are used to in other Asian countries. Sun protection is essential, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a parasol, and UV-protection items. If you already have a routine for dealing with intense summer sun at home, the same approach works well in Kyoto.

Despite the heat, July is one of Kyoto’s most exciting months. The city comes alive with the month-long Gion Festival, one of Japan’s three major festivals, filling the streets with floats, events, and a festive atmosphere. Summer fireworks displays add to the seasonal charm, creating classic Japanese summer scenes after sunset. For a slower pace, nature lovers can visit places like the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, where bright sunflowers and lush greenery showcase the beauty of midsummer in Kyoto.

July is when Kyoto feels most alive. A must-try experience is wearing a yukata, the lightweight summer version of kimono. Breathable and easy to move in, yukata paired with an obi belt and wooden sandals are perfect for joining the citywide celebrations of the Gion Festival. Held throughout July, it is considered the most famous of Japan’s three major festivals. Highlights include the powerful Yamaboko Procession around July 17, when massive floats roll through the streets, and the lively Yoiyama evenings, where strolling food stalls in a yukata feels like peak Japanese summer.

For a cooler escape, head north to Kibune Shrine. In July, the area is decorated with Tanabata bamboo ornaments, creating a dreamy setting alongside the sound of flowing water. Kibune is also famous for kawadoko dining, where meals are served on platforms built over mountain streams. Enjoying chilled noodles while feeling the cool river air is one of Kyoto’s most refreshing summer experiences.

August is the hottest month of the year in Kyoto. Average temperatures reach around 30°C (86°F), with daytime highs often climbing to 35°C (95°F). Because Kyoto sits in a basin, heat tends to linger, making the humidity feel especially intense and uncomfortable at times. In addition to the high temperatures, afternoon thunderstorms are common, so rain gear and strong sun protection are essential for traveling comfortably in August.

Although the Gion Festival wraps up in late July, Kyoto remains lively in August. One of the most important annual events takes place on August 16: the Gozan Okuribi bonfire ceremony. Giant bonfire characters and symbols are lit on five mountains surrounding the city, creating a powerful and solemn scene that is unique to Kyoto and deeply rooted in tradition.

August heat settles heavily over the Kyoto Basin, making it the perfect time to head north to the coastal area known as “Kyoto-on-the-Sea.” A top escape is Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s most scenic spots. From viewpoints such as Kasamatsu Park or the Flying Dragon View, the pine-covered sandbar stretching across Miyazu Bay looks especially striking against the deep blue sea. Renting a bicycle and riding along the shaded path lined with thousands of pine trees offers a refreshing contrast to temple-filled city sightseeing.

August is also when Kyoto’s summer nights reach their most dramatic moment. On August 16, the city hosts the iconic Gozan Okuribi. As night falls, massive bonfire symbols, including the famous “Dai” character and a torii gate shape, are lit on five mountains surrounding the city. The scene is both visually powerful and deeply moving, offering a glimpse into a tradition that has been passed down for centuries.

Yes, very hot. The summer sun in Kyoto is just as intense as in Taiwan and other Asian countries. The upside is that clothing choices are simple. What you normally wear in summer works just as well in Kyoto. Just be mindful of airline luggage rules if you plan to bring cooling items such as ice neck rings.

The rainy season usually falls in June and sometimes lasts into early July. Even after it ends, sudden showers are still common, so carrying rain gear at all times is highly recommended to avoid disrupting your plans.

Kyoto summers are hot and humid, so short sleeves and sleeveless tops are perfectly fine. If you plan to rent traditional clothing, choose a yukata rather than a full kimono to stay comfortable and avoid overheating.

Kyoto in summer comes with strong sunshine and changeable weather, making it a physical challenge at times. That said, this season also delivers experiences you can only find in midsummer, from iconic traditional festivals to beautiful seasonal flowers. Don’t let the heat hold you back. Pack rain gear, dress light, and experience Kyoto at its most vibrant.

Travel tip: August 13–16 marks the Obon holiday period in Japan. Many shops close, and popular spots may change reservation rules due to crowds. If you plan to visit during these dates, booking and planning ahead is essential.