Kamakura Weather in August

Kamakura’s weather in August is hot and rainy, which is not suitable for outdoor activities for a long time. Plus, mid-August corresponds with the long vacation for local Japanese, resulting in overcrowding everywhere, especially in the famous tourist spot, Kamakura. However, if you plan your trip wisely, you can still have a not-bad trip.

How Hot is Kamakura in August?

Hot Weather in August

In August, the temperature of Kamakura continues to rise. And August is the hottest month in Kamakura throughout the year, with the temperature averaging from 24-29°C (75-84°F). When the sun peaks its high from 12:00 to 16:00, the temperature can hit around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), and the perceived temperature can even reach over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in August 2024. Therefore, it’s best to stay indoors during this period, like tasting cold drinks at Komachi Street.

In the early morning, the temperature cools down a bit, especially towards the end of August. It’s highly recommended to start your journey early because of relatively pleasant weather and much less crowded scenic spots.

Moderate Rainfall and High Humidity

As the rainy season comes to an end in July, Kamakura experiences moderate rainfall in August. The average rainfall remains about 129 mm, and there are around 18 rainy days. It is dominated by light showers. Thunderstorms occur more frequently, accompanied by only occasional heavy rain. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast in advance.

Due to high heat and moderate rainfall, Kamakura’s climate is highly humid in August, with the average humidity level of 72 %. Staying hydrated is important to avoid heat stroke.

Long Daylight Hours & Intense Sunburn

Although daylight hours in Kamakura gradually begin to shorten in August, they still last about 13 to 14 hours on average a day, giving tourists plenty of time to explore the city. You can start your day from watching sunrise over the sea, with cooler temperatures and softer light. In August, the sun rises around 4:50 to 5:13.

Less rain and fewer clouds in August provide long sunshine hours of about 9.5 on average. It should be noted that the sunlight is quite strong and the UV index can reach as high as 11, so sun protection is essential.

Intense Sunlight in August

Is August a Good Time to Visit Kamakura?

Overall, August is not considered the ideal time to visit Kamakura. First, August coincides with the summer vacation for Japanese schools, resulting in more tourists and a higher cost of your trip. What’s worse, August also includes Mountain Day and Obon Festival, taking place from August 9 to 17 in 2025. During this long holiday, many local Japanese would return to their hometowns, causing public transport jams and extremely crowded scenic spots, which may significantly impact your travel experience.

Second, Kamakura’s weather in August is known for high heat and moderate rainfall. Such conditions can make tourists feel stuffier and muggier. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to stay outdoors for long periods, especially when the sun hits its peak.

However, if you are available only in August, it's better to plan your visit after the long holiday. Moreover, by around 25th of August, many schools in Japan start their new term, and the Japan domestic travel rush ebbs away. Additionally, there’s a unique local tradition: after the festival, swimming in the sea is discouraged, so the beaches become much more peaceful, which is perfect for a casual walk by the seaside.

Overcrowded Attraction in August

What to Pack in August

Clothes:

Dressing in Kamakura in August is mainly summer clothing. It’s recommended to wear breathable T-shirts and shorts. Girls can wear skirts or dresses, corresponding with the summer atmosphere. Plus, it’s necessary to pack light sun protection clothing. As for shoes, a pair of comfortable sneakers is a nice choice as visiting Kamakura requires a lot of walking. Anti-slippery sandals are also suitable for visitors on rainy days.

Accessories:

1. Sun protection is important even on rainy days, as it won’t rain all day. Remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats.
2. Take umbrellas with you to cope with the rainy days, which average 18 this month.

Tips for Visiting Kamakura in August

Due to high temperatures and overcrowding in August, here are some tips to help you have a better travel experience in Kamakura.
1. An early start to your daily journey is highly recommended wherever you go in Kamakura to avoid crowds and high heat. In early morning, even famous attractions do not have many visitors. For instance, at 5:00 or a little after, when Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine just opens in August, you can have an extremely quiet visit; besides, you don’t have to line up at Kamakurakoko-Mea Station, the photo spot famous for Slam Dunk.
2. During the peak time of day, like 9:00 to 11:00, you can skip the popular spots, which you may have finished in the morning. Instead, Kamakura boasts numerous temples, not so famous but historical, like Sugimotodera Temple, with thousands of years of history.
3. When the sun peaks its high, it’s best to stay indoors or someplace with lots of shelter to protect yourself from the sunburn. You can take a break at a café in Komachi Street.
4. You are advised to visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura near the closing time in the afternoon, but don’t be late. At that time, there are fewer tourists and softer lights, so you can enjoy a pleasant travel experience.
5. Some scenic spots would require advance online reservations, like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, so make sure to check in advance and plan your trip well to take your time and save energy in hot August.
6. In the late afternoon, you can stroll on the Shichirigahama Beach with a comfortable breeze.

Long Queues at Popular Photo Spot

Take a Break in Midday