How to Handle Japan’s Summer Heat

Japanese summers are hot and humid, and heatstroke is a real risk. Learn the basics for getting through your first summer safely.

Japanese summers are not only hot but very humid. In major cities, temperatures can reach the mid-30s Celsius, and nights may remain hot as well.

Main features

• Very high humidity
• Daytime temperatures often around 35°C or higher
• Hot nights with little cooling after sunset

Outdoor strategies

• Drink water before you feel thirsty
• Use sports drinks or other electrolyte drinks when needed
• Use a parasol, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Avoid long outdoor activity in the hottest part of the day

Useful cooling items

• Cooling towels
• Cooling sprays
• Portable fans

Indoor strategies

• Use air conditioning appropriately
• Blocking sunlight with curtains can help
• At night, it is often safer to keep the AC on at a moderate setting rather than turning it off completely

Signs of heatstroke

Dizziness, headache, nausea, extreme tiredness, and sweating changes are warning signs. Move to a cooler place and rehydrate immediately.