We hope to go to Tokyo this summer, and will probably have a choice between June and August. We would rather pick August for various reasons, but the travel books all say that August is terribly hot and humid in Tokyo.
We live in south central Texas, where it is REALLY hot and humid in August. We would appreciate some advice: should we totally avoid Tokyo in August, or is it really not that bad? Also, would the weather have the effect of reducing the cost of visiting this very expensive city, due to lower hotel rates and air fares?
It really doesn't matter where you go in Japan during August, it tends to be hot and humid, with the exception of northern Japan, which is milder.
I lived in Japan for two years and it was hot and humid all summer (June - September) . Expect about +35 Celsius and 80% - 100% humidity. I remember days of +39 and 100% humidity.
Tokyo is particularily bad because of all the asphalt and tall buildings (which block the ocean breeze). Because of the breezes off the ocean, the countryside feels cooler, whether or not it really is.
Honestly, the best time to go is late May/early June. The weather is warm but not as humid and tends to be comfortable. September tends to be typhoon season with a fair amount of rain.
For some tourist info, check out my reports section. If you have any questions about travel in Japan, let me know.
--- Live abroad and learn something about yourself!
