When to go · Sakura
Sakura in August
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Apr (tulip festival) – also Mar–May for mild weather). Across Japan: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C) / 23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 10
- Crowds
- High
- Japan overall
- Prices
- High
- Japan overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Apr (tulip festival) – also Mar–May for mild weather). Across Japan: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.
Is another month better than August?
August is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- MarchGreatInside Sakura's best window: Apr (tulip festival) – also Mar–May for mild weather.
- AprilGreatInside Sakura's best window: Apr (tulip festival) – also Mar–May for mild weather.
- MayGreatInside Sakura's best window: Apr (tulip festival) – also Mar–May for mild weather.
- OctoberGoodOutside the best window (Apr (tulip festival) – also Mar–May for mild weather). Across Japan: Clear, mild and dry: the best all-round month.
Weather in August
- SakuraHighs around 31 °C (88 °F), lows around 23 °C (73 °F), rain on about 10 daysHighs around 88 °F (31 °C), lows around 73 °F (23 °C), rain on about 10 days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Obon big impact
About 13–16 Aug · Japan
Family travel peak; Shinkansen and expressways jammed; some small shops close.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Japan overall
- High
- Prices · Japan overall
- High
Japan overall: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Sakura, side by side.
Verdict
Aug: Mixed
Mar: Great (better)
Daytime high
Aug: 31 °C (88 °F)88 °F (31 °C)
Mar: 14 °C (57 °F)57 °F (14 °C)
Night low
Aug: 23 °C (73 °F)73 °F (23 °C)
Mar: 5 °C (41 °F)41 °F (5 °C)
Rain days
Aug: 10
Mar: 8 (better)
Crowds
Aug: High
Mar: High
Prices
Aug: High
Mar: High
Festivals listed
Aug: 1
Mar: 1
August: Outside the best window (Apr (tulip festival) – also Mar–May for mild weather). Across Japan: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.
March: Inside Sakura's best window: Apr (tulip festival) – also Mar–May for mild weather.
Sakura: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast