How to Survive Tokyo's August Heat: A Guide to the Weather, What to Wear & More [2025 Edition]

Let's not sugarcoat it: August in Tokyo is incredibly hot and intensely humid. Stepping outside can feel like walking into a giant, open-air sauna. But don't let that deter you!

This guide is your ultimate survival manual, and it goes beyond the usual tips. As a local who sees visitors struggling with the heat every year, I'm sharing the truly effective strategies I personally use—including some unique Japanese items you've likely never heard of, like "air-conditioned clothing" and powerful cooling eye drops.

With the right preparation, you can comfortably enjoy everything this vibrant month has to offer. We'll cover everything from what to pack and wear, to this essential shopping list, to life-saving tips on how to stay safe in the heat.

Tokyo August Weather: The Climate in Detail

To prepare for the battle, you must know your enemy. Here's a realistic look at what to expect from the weather in Tokyo in August, based on data since 2010.

• Temperature: The average is 28.1°C (82.6°F), the hottest of the year. Daytime highs consistently soar above 30°C (86°F) and often reach 35°C (95°F). Nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 25°C (77°F), making for warm, sticky nights.

  
  

• Humidity: The average humidity is a whopping 75.9%. This is the key factor that makes the heat feel so relentless.

  
  

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency

• Rainfall & Typhoons: August is one of the wettest months, with an average of 161mm of rain. This often comes in the form of sudden, heavy "guerrilla rainstorms" (gerira gōū). It's also the peak of typhoon season. To put it in perspective, 22% of all typhoons to make landfall in Japan since 2010 have occurred in August, making it the most active month of the year, even slightly ahead of September (21%). While a direct hit on Tokyo is not a daily occurrence, a nearby typhoon can bring strong winds and heavy rain for a day or two, potentially disrupting travel plans.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency

What to Wear: Your Ultimate Summer Packing List

Dressing correctly is your first line of defense against the heat. The key is to prioritize materials that are breathable, loose-fitting, and offer sun protection.

• Best Fabrics:

  
  

  • Linen: The champion of summer fabrics. It's lightweight and doesn't cling to the skin.

    
    

  • Lightweight Cotton & Seersucker: Classic, breathable choices.

    
    

  • Functional Synthetics: Brands like Uniqlo's AIRism are a lifesaver. While traditionally known for its innerwear, Uniqlo has expanded its lineup significantly. A perfect example is the "AIRism Cotton Oversized T-shirt (Half-Sleeve)," which became widely available from 2025. It's designed to be worn as an outer layer and feels incredibly smooth and cool against the skin, even in the summer heat. I personally own five of these shirts and have been wearing them almost daily since July—I cannot recommend them enough. With 12 colors and 8 sizes available, they are an excellent and accessible option for travelers of all body types.

    
    

• Clothing Checklist:

  
  

  • Tops: Loose t-shirts, short-sleeved blouses, and polo shirts in light colors.

    
    

  • Bottoms: Wide-leg trousers, long skirts, and shorts.

    
    

  • A Light Outer Layer: A thin linen shirt or UV-cut hoodie is great for sun protection and for overly air-conditioned indoor spaces.

    
    

  • Footwear: Comfortable, broken-in sandals or breathable sneakers are essential. You will be walking a lot.

    
    

  • Underwear & Socks: Bring extra! You will sweat, and changing into a fresh pair midway through the day can make a huge difference. Quick-drying materials are a plus.

    
    

  • The Jinbei Advantage: For a cooler but still traditional look, we can't recommend a jinbei enough. I personally own several of them and find them fantastic for summer evenings. Not only do they look and feel cool, but unlike a yukata, they require no special knowledge to wear—you can put them on easily. This practicality makes them the perfect souvenir that you can continue to use for relaxing at home long after your trip is over.

Your Shopping List: Must-Buy Cooling Items in Japan

Japanese drugstores and convenience stores are treasure troves of ingenious solutions for the heat. Keep an eye out for these items:

1. Traditional Fans (うちわ - Uchiwa / 扇子 - Sensu): Don't underestimate these low-tech solutions! The uchiwa (a rigid, flat fan) and the sensu (a folding fan) are not just beautiful souvenirs; they are genuinely effective cooling tools you'll see used everywhere. They are inexpensive and can be found in 100-yen shops, souvenir stores, and department stores.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Cooling Body Wipes (ボディシート / さらさらシート), Ice Towel（アイスタオル、冷タオル）: An "instant shower in a packet." These wet wipes are often infused with menthol for an intense cooling sensation. Perfect for freshening up on the go.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Portable Electric Fan (携帯扇風機 / ハンディファン): You will see everyone in Japan carrying one of these. They are a must-have item.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Cooling Sprays (冷却スプレー): Some are designed to be sprayed directly on the skin, while others are for spraying on your clothes, creating an icy feeling that lasts.

   
   

   

   
   

5. UV-Blocking Umbrella (日傘 - Higasa): Far more effective than a hat, a higasa creates your own personal bubble of shade, significantly lowering the perceived temperature. Traditionally in Japan, these were mostly used by women to avoid a suntan. However, with the recent intense heatwaves, it has become very common to see men using them too. I made my own "higasa debut" last year and now use it comfortably every day, so I encourage everyone, especially men who might feel hesitant, to use one! The best part? August is also the season for typhoons and sudden "guerrilla rainstorms" (gerira gōū). Most higasa sold today are dual-use for both sun and rain, so one umbrella has you covered for any weather.

   
   

   

   
   

6. Salt Candy/Tablets (塩飴 - Shio Ame): A tasty and popular way to replenish the salt and electrolytes you lose through sweat.

   
   

   

   
   

7. Wearable Neck Cooler (ネッククーラー - Nekku Kūrā): A hugely popular item in Japan, these devices are worn around your neck for instant cooling. The electric versions often look like headphones but have cooling plates that sit on your neck. They're highly effective because they chill the major arteries, cooling your entire body down quickly—plus, they keep your hands free. The technology is so popular that even world-famous Sony sells its own version! You can also find cheaper, non-electric types that use PCM materials or are simply soaked in water.

   
   

   

   
   

8. Air-Conditioned Clothing (空調服 - Kūchōfuku): For a truly unique Japanese solution, have you ever heard of "air-conditioned clothing"? These are jackets or vests with small, battery-powered fans built in that circulate air across your body, using evaporation to cool you down dramatically. They were originally designed for construction workers, but have become popular with the general public. I own one myself, and it's an absolute game-changer for walking around outside on a hot day. You can find them at large electronics stores or workwear shops, and they make for a truly unique and useful souvenir from Japan!

   
   

   

   
   

9. Cooling Eye Drops (清涼目薬 - Seiryō Megusuri): This might be the most unusual but effective tip on this list. Japanese drugstores offer a wide variety of eye drops with a powerful cooling or menthol sensation. A single drop can make your eyes feel instantly refreshed on a hot, sticky day. This is a true insider tip: just three weeks ago, a family on our Kagurazaka walking tour tried them, fell in love, and proceeded to buy out the stock from two different drugstores, spending over ¥50,000 to take them home as souvenirs! A word of caution: they can be quite intense, so it's best to use them sparingly.

   
   

   

How to Beat the Heat: A Japanese Survival Guide

• Stay Hydrated, the Japanese Way: Vending machines are on nearly every corner, offering a huge variety of drinks. While water is great, also look for Japanese favorites like unsweetened barley tea (mugicha), which is incredibly refreshing, and sports drinks like Pocari Sweat or Aquarius to replenish electrolytes.

  
  

• Time Your Activities Wisely: Be an early bird or a night owl. Do your outdoor sightseeing (temples, parks) early in the morning (before 10 am) or in the late afternoon (after 4 pm). Use the hottest part of the day (11 am - 3 pm) to explore indoor attractions.

  
  

• Seek Air-Conditioned Sanctuaries: Japan is a paradise of air-conditioning. When the heat becomes too much, dive into:

  
  

  • Department Stores (Depachika): The basement food halls are a cool and delicious wonderland.

  • Underground Malls: Major stations like Shinjuku and Tokyo have vast underground networks of shops and restaurants.

  • Cafes and Museums: The perfect excuse for a coffee break or a dose of culture.

Beyond the Physical: Japan's Culture of "Feeling Cool"

Along with these practical items, Japan has a rich culture of finding coolness through the senses—known as ryō. This includes things like the gentle sound of a wind chime (fuurin) or the refreshing sight of sprinkled water (uchimizu). To dive deeper into these traditional and psychological ways of beating the heat, be sure to read our full guide on the topic.

➡️ Read More: [Tokyo's Summer Soul: Experiencing Obon and "Ryo" Culture] (Full article coming soon!)

A Serious Warning: Understanding Heatstroke (熱中症 - Necchuushou)

We need to be very direct about this. Every year in Japan, over a thousand people die from heatstroke; the number in 2023 was 1,651. To be clear: the summer heat here can be literally life-threatening. Please do not underestimate the risk.

The danger is real and widespread. Looking at emergency transport data in Tokyo, 30% of all heatstroke cases occur in August, a massive number second only to July's 52%.

A Special Warning for Summer 2025: This year is proving to be exceptionally dangerous for heatstroke. From May 1st to July 13th, emergency transports for heatstroke have surged by 44% nationwide (34% in Tokyo) compared to last year. All travelers visiting Japan this summer must take the utmost care and be vigilant against the heat.

Know the signs and act immediately.

• Early Symptoms: Dizziness, headache, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, nausea.

• What to Do: If you or someone you're with feels unwell:

  
  

  1. Move immediately to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned place.

  2. Cool Down by loosening clothing and wiping the skin with a cool, wet cloth.

  3. Hydrate by sipping water or a sports drink.

  4. Seek Help if symptoms don't improve quickly. Don't hesitate to call for an ambulance (dial 119).

This information isn't meant to scare you, but to empower you. Being prepared is the key to safely enjoying your August adventure in Japan. The heat is a serious factor, but by respecting it and taking these simple precautions, you can focus on making wonderful memories.

We want to help you do just that. As a final note, if you join one of our cultural experience tours, we have a small gift to help you beat the heat. All our summer guests receive a special Godzilla uchiwa (a traditional flat fan), an official item from the Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau. Furthermore, we would be more than happy to help you navigate a Japanese drugstore to find the other cooling items on this list—just like we did for the family who fell in love with the cooling eye drops!

⬅️ Ready to plan the rest of your trip? For a full guide to weather, what to pack, and more, head back to our main guide:[Return to Tokyo Travel in August: The Ultimate Guide to Festivals, Food, and Fun] 

Book Each Experience

Kagurazaka Walking Tour

Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing

Zen Meditation

Kumihimo Braiding

Samurai Sword Training

Dyeing

Kagurazaka Geisha

Izakaya (Pub) Tour

KIGUMI MUSEUM Tour

"Noh Experience" at Yarai Noh Theater

Wagashi Workshop

Tofu Workshop

Tea Ceremony

Tea Ceremony in Yukata

Washoku Cooking Class

Clothing Rental (Samue or Outdoor Wear)

How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.