Summer is a great time to visit Osaka, Japan. Although the city has a moderate climate throughout the year, summer in Osaka is predictably warm. The months of June, July and August are a particularly good time to visit if you’re able to handle hot and humid conditions, want to soak up some sun, and enjoy several of the city’s best annual events. Keep in mind that there’s potential for a bit of rain in all three months, with as many as 11 rain days occurring in the month of June. Still, this is seldom enough to dampen any spirits in the city, and you’ll still be able to get through most of the best things to do in Osaka in summer, including visits to the iconic Osaka attractions. So if you’re planning a trip to Japan, and wondering what do do in Osaka this summer, read on for some suggestions.
Weather in Osaka in June
June is a great time to visit if you’re looking to enjoy the most famous Osaka attractions. Summer in Osaka can feel too hot at times, but June is usually mild and warm. The average highs hover around the 28° mark, with lows seldom dipping below 20°. The early days of the month are usually dry, but with the rainy season approaching towards the end of the month you can expect typical Osaka summer weather with hot days and the occasional afternoon shower. If you’re looking to experience the best Osaka summer activities before the heavy rains and high heats arrive, June is the best time to plan your visit.
Things to do in Osaka in June
There are beautiful shrines, various historic sites, and several neighborhoods that many who venture there without a guide may overlook. For this reason, it’s a great idea to plan to spend at least half a day with a local, who can show you the best attractions. If you’ve already visited Osaka and seen the major attractions, you might be wondering what else to do in Osaka this summer. Fortunately, there are several June events that will add value to any trip. If you arrive in early June you can catch the last few days of the beautiful Nakanoshima Park Rose Garden or the Awaji Yumebutai Rose Festival. June 15th is also the festival of Kobodaishi’s birthday, Aoba Matsuri, during which people visit Nakayama-dera Temple to pray. It’s an important local event that’s intriguing to experience first hand.
Weather in Osaka in July
July is the rainy season in Osaka, and as such you can expect hot, humid, and occasionally wet weather. Because of this, many people choose to stay away from the city in hotter summer months. If you can handle the heat, it may be a good time to go - it’s an ideal time to explore the city as it’s quieter and easier to navigate. This is especially true if you want to visit some of the secret places in Osaka. In spite of the slightly lower tourist numbers, there are still several things to do in Osaka in summer, including some great seasonal events that take place in July.
Things to do in Osaka in July
Tenjin Matsuri is a famous Osaka summer festival, and it’s a fantastic reason to visit the city in the month of July. More than 1 million people attend the event, which centers around the interplay between water and fire. As part of the festival there are also dazzling fireworks displays, and attending one of these is easily one of the most incredible things to do in Osaka at night. Osaka is a great city for food lovers, and if you need to escape the heat or a sudden downpour, you can easily find some cooler surroundings in one of the city’s many restaurants. If the heat of the day has got you down, why not focus your energy on the nighttime events. Osaka has a thrilling nightlife scene, whether you’re looking to bar hop, sing karaoke, or queue for ramen with locals in the early hours.
Weather in Osaka in August
August is unsurprisingly the hottest month during summer in Osaka. The temperatures climb to an average high of 33° and only dip to an average low of 25°. The rain also fades away, with an average of just seven rain days during the month. The hot summer temperatures mean the city is often quieter than at other times of the year, which means if you can handle the heat and humidity it might just be a great time to visit to tick off the best Osaka summer activities.
Things to do in Osaka in August
There are several events worth noting if you’re wondering what to do in Osaka this summer. August is traditionally a great time to visit Osaka, and there are several annual events that take place over this time. On August 1st is the famous PL Founder's Festival Fireworks Art. It’s an epic fireworks display that is billed as one of the world’s largest. On August 11th and 12th there is also a Noh theater performance at Osaka Castle, which is one of the most popular Osaka summer events. August is also the perfect time to take a day trip to Nara - a culturally rich city a short train ride away from Osaka.
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