If you’re planning a trip to Nara in summer, get ready for hot, muggy days with lots of sunshine and pretty frequent rain showers. Average summer temperatures start around 24°C (75°F) in June and climb up to about 33°C (91°F) by August, which is as hot as it gets all year. Humidity stays high, and those afternoon showers or sudden downpours hit often, especially during June’s rainy season.
This mix of heat and moisture really shapes your experience at the city’s parks, temples, and cultural sites. Long daylight hours mean you can explore more, but the sticky air and heavy rain can make some parts of the day feel less than ideal.
If you know how the weather shifts through summer, you can plan for cooler mornings, shady gardens, or maybe just a relaxing evening walk when things calm down a bit.
Overview of Nara’s Climate
Nara’s climate brings steady rainfall, warm summers, and cool winters. You’ll notice clear seasonal changes, with hot, humid summers and colder, drier winters.
Humid Subtropical Climate Explained
Nara features a humid subtropical climate (Cfa). Summers get hot and moist, while winters cool off but don’t get bone-dry. Rain falls all year, so you won’t really find a true dry season.
Average yearly temperature lands around 14–15°C (57–59°F), and summer highs often push past 30°C (86°F). Winters dip close to freezing, but extreme cold doesn’t show up much.
Rainfall is significant, averaging about 1,300–1,350 mm (51–53 in) per year. June usually brings the most rain, often topping 180 mm (7 in). December, on the other hand, is driest, with less than 50 mm (2 in).
Humidity stays high in the warmer months, often above 70%, which definitely makes the heat feel stronger. Snowfall is pretty limited, but you might catch a light dusting in January or February.
This combo of steady rain, summer heat, and mild winters shapes Nara’s climate and sets it apart from places with more extreme seasons.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Nara
Every season brings something different to Nara. Spring (March–May) starts off cool, then warms up fast, with temps rising from about 2°C (36°F) in March to nearly 20°C (68°F) in May. Rain increases and helps all those flowers and trees come to life.
Summer (June–August) is hot, humid, and rainy. Temperatures go from 24°C (75°F) in June to 32–33°C (90–91°F) in August. June is the rainiest, but July and August stay wet—just a bit less so.
Autumn (September–November) cools down. Highs drop from the upper 20s°C (80s°F) in September to the mid-teens°C (60s°F) by November. Rain eases off, and the sky clears up.
Winter (December–February) is the driest stretch. Daily highs average 8–11°C (46–52°F), and lows can get near freezing. You might see light snow, but it rarely piles up.
This rhythm of hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters repeats every year, so you can count on it when planning.
Summer Weather in Nara
Nara’s humid subtropical climate means you’ll get hot summers, high humidity, and plenty of rain. Expect long days, warm evenings, and that muggy feeling—especially in July and August.
Average Temperatures in Summer
Summer in Nara runs from June to August. June heats up quickly, with daytime averages around 24°C (75°F) and nights cooling to about 17°C (63°F).
By July, things get hotter. Highs often hit 30°C (86°F), and nights stay warm at 22°C (72°F). August usually tops out as the hottest month, with daytime highs of 32–33°C (90–91°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F).
Early June feels milder, so if you’re not a fan of strong heat, that’s your best window. Late summer can feel downright oppressive.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 24°C / 75°F | 17°C / 63°F |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F |
| August | 32–33°C / 90–91°F | 23°C / 73°F |
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity really changes how summer feels in Nara. It often sits between 70% and 80%, especially from late June through September. The air gets heavy, and even moderate heat feels intense.
The rainy season, or tsuyu, usually kicks off in June. Steady rain and damp air make things sticky. By July and August, rain lets up a bit, but high humidity sticks around.
Outdoor activities can feel draining in the midday heat. You’ll want light clothes, water, and plenty of shade if you plan to check out Nara’s parks and temples.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Summer days in Nara are long, so you’ve got more time to explore. In June, the sun’s up for about 14 hours—early sunrise, late sunset. July is similar, and August drops just a bit to 13.5 hours.
Still, sunshine isn’t a guarantee. June brings lots of clouds thanks to the rainy season. July and August see more clear skies, but haze from the heat and humidity isn’t rare.
You can expect about 4–6 hours of direct sunshine per day. Mornings might start off bright, but afternoons often turn cloudy or stormy.
If you plan your outings for earlier in the day, you’ll catch cooler temps and steadier light before the heat and humidity really ramp up.
Rainfall Patterns During Summer
Nara’s summer brings high humidity and plenty of rain, especially when June starts the wet season. You’ll see steady showers, heavy downpours, and even some thunderstorms that can shake up your travel plans.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Rainfall jumps in June as the rainy season arrives. On average, June gets about 200–210 mm of rain over 15–18 days. It’s the wettest month of the year.
July stays pretty wet, with 150–180 mm of rain, though showers aren’t as constant as in June. By August, rainfall drops a bit to 120–150 mm, but the humidity refuses to quit.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~210 | 18 |
| July | ~160 | 16 |
| August | ~130 | 13 |
If you visit in June, definitely pack some rain gear.
Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms
During summer, you’ll run into short, intense downpours. Warm air and high humidity fuel these storms, which usually pop up in the afternoon or evening. Thunderstorms hit most often in July and August, but June can bring heavy bursts of rain too.
Flooding rarely hits central Nara, but low-lying spots might get some water pooling after big storms. Streets can get slick, and visibility drops fast during a sudden shower.
Carrying a small umbrella or light rain jacket is smart. If you’re moving between temples or outdoor spots, allow extra time since storms can slow you down or make walking less comfortable.
Impact of Rainfall on Local Activities
Rain definitely shapes summer in Nara. Heavy showers—especially in June—can disrupt visits to Nara Park, temples, and gardens. Paths get muddy, and the deer in the park usually hide under trees during rain, so you might not see as many.
Indoor spots like museums and covered shopping streets make great rainy-day alternatives. Many travelers also duck into tea houses or traditional restaurants when it pours.
If you’re thinking about hiking around Mount Wakakusa or nearby hills, watch out—trails get slippery after rain. Good shoes and a flexible plan help you make the most of your trip, no matter the weather.
Best Time to Visit Nara for Pleasant Weather
You’ll find comfortable weather in Nara during spring and autumn, though certain parts of summer can still be nice if you plan ahead. Temperature, rain, and humidity all swing a lot through the year, so timing really matters.
Ideal Summer Travel Months
Summer in Nara runs from June to August. August is the hottest, with daytime highs often hitting 34°C (93°F) and nighttime lows near 24°C (75°F). Humidity stays high, and June and July bring lots of rain, especially at the start of summer.
If you’re set on a summer visit, late July into early August is usually the most manageable. Rainfall lets up compared to June, and you still get those long daylight hours. You can expect 6–7 hours of sunshine per day, which makes sightseeing easier before the afternoon heat sets in.
For comfort, plan stuff in the morning or evening. Midday can feel rough, especially around temples or open spaces with little shade. Carry water and take breaks in air-conditioned cafés or museums to beat the heat.
Comparing Summer with Spring and Autumn
Summer brings lively festivals and long days, but the best time to visit Nara for pleasant weather is usually spring (March–May) or autumn (October–November). During these months, highs range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F) and humidity drops. You’ll also see less rain than in the summer monsoon.
In spring, cherry blossoms light up Nara Park and temple gardens. Autumn brings colorful leaves to the hills and temple grounds. Both seasons offer comfortable walking weather, so you can explore shrines, deer parks, and hiking trails without sweating through your clothes.
Compared to summer, spring and autumn balance mild temps, clearer skies, and fewer rainy days. If you’re all about outdoor sightseeing, these seasons just make more sense.
Seasonal Weather Comparison
Nara’s weather really shifts through the year. Temperature, rainfall, and humidity all change, which can totally affect how you experience the city. Warm, wet summers feel nothing like the cooler, drier months. Seasonal changes in foliage and daylight also play a big role in outdoor plans.
Spring Versus Summer Conditions
Spring in Nara is mild and comfortable. Highs move from 15°C (59°F) in March to 25°C (77°F) in May, with cool nights. You’ll get some light rain, but humidity stays reasonable, so it’s easy to spend hours outside. Cherry blossoms usually peak in early April and draw lots of visitors.
Summer, though, is a different story. From June to August, highs often break 30°C (86°F), and August averages around 33°C (91°F). Nights rarely dip below 20°C (68°F), so the heat just sticks around. Humidity climbs above 75–80%, and the rainy season in June and early July can dump over 200 mm (8 in) of rain each month.
Compared to spring, summer feels a lot hotter, wetter, and way more humid. You’ll need sun protection, light clothes, and plenty of indoor breaks to stay comfortable. In spring, you can wander farther and longer without worrying about the heat or sticky air.
Transition from Summer to Autumn
By September, temperatures finally start to ease up. Average highs drop to about 28°C (82°F), and nights cool down to 19°C (66°F). Humidity sticks around early in the month, but honestly, it fades as autumn moves in. Rain still falls often, especially during typhoon season, but you won’t see the constant downpours like in June and July.
October shows up with more obvious relief. Highs settle closer to 22°C (72°F), and evenings turn crisp, sometimes dipping to 12–14°C (54–57°F). The air gets drier, so outdoor activities start to feel way more pleasant.
When November rolls around, the climate shifts even further. Highs land around 16°C (61°F), and humidity keeps dropping. Maple and ginkgo trees light up in bright red and yellow, which really pops against the leftover greenery from summer.
Tips for Experiencing Summer in Nara
Summer in Nara? It’s hot, humid, and yeah, it rains a lot. Still, with a little planning, you can enjoy the city’s temples, shrines, and parks. Staying comfortable and working around the weather goes a long way.
What to Pack for Summer
Daytime highs in July and August often hit 30–33°C (86–91°F), with humidity over 70%. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen help you stay cooler and dry off faster. Pack short-sleeved shirts, airy dresses, or shorts, but toss in a light jacket for those rare cooler evenings.
Rain tends to show up from mid-June through late July, so you’ll want a compact umbrella or a lightweight raincoat. Quick-dry shoes or sandals with good grip just make sense for sudden showers.
To avoid getting roasted by the sun, carry a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a refillable water bottle too, since you’ll need to stay hydrated when walking around for hours.
If you’re heading to temples, keep in mind that modest clothing is appreciated. A thin scarf or shawl comes in handy if you need to cover your shoulders.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing Advice
Sure, summer gets hot, but honestly, it’s still a great time to check out Nara Park and meet those famous deer wandering around. If you can, try heading out early—mornings are cooler and you won’t have to fight the crowds.
You’ll find that temples like Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji feel cooler inside, which is a nice break from the sun. Plenty of sites have shaded paths or little resting spots, so it’s smart to plan your walk with those in mind.
Definitely bring some cash for vending machines, because cold drinks are everywhere and you’ll probably want one. If hiking calls to you, especially in the hills or forests nearby, get going early and don’t forget insect repellent, since mosquitoes love the summer too.
Evenings feel better once the sun goes down, and the air cools off just enough for a pleasant stroll. Lantern-lit shrines at night? The whole place gets this calm, almost magical vibe.