Japan-how hot is a summer cruise?

[trvlwrld]

We have heard that summer cruises can be very hot and muggy…June thru August is our travel time, so wondering how bad it will be?

[vakamalua]

We traveled (not cruise) through various areas of Japan for several weeks in the summer; Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Alps Region, Kyoto, etc.  It was melt-your-face hot & humid. Except for large city modern hotels, not much air-conditioning.  On long touring day, expect to be fatigued & go to great lengths to stay hydrated--not just water but something with electrolytes.  We would like to go back but only in the spring or fall.

[trvlwrld]

We live in Arizona, so we understand that “hot” is a relative term for those of us that are used to it…

[schnapperin]

It’s not the heat but it’s humidity that makes it a very unpleasant time - on top there is the risk of typhoons 

 

simply compare the currently noon temperature at places you visit during summer with those in Japan, it’s currently close to 90 % for example compared to a very dry and pleasant 40 % in Arizona 

 

 

Edited August 19, 2023 by schnapperin

[dides]

Sheri from CruiseTipsTV has just done a video  from Diamond Princess where she mentions how hot and humid it is (94 degrees and very sweaty on excursions) and that a typhoon meant they were missing Busan on their cruise. 

[cr8tiv1]

I have a cousin who lives near Tokyo.  Even he says that summer is not the time to visit Japan.  The locals don't do much during the summer.  Their "summer" vacation is around Cherry Blossom Time/Spring.  That's when schools are out and travel is at its peak.  

 

This is a cousin who grew up in Hawaii (mild and humid) compared to Japan HOT and humid.  I was there in the Spring.  It was so delightful with temps in the high 70s.  If you have a choice, avoid summer travel to Japan.

[Ken the cruiser]

We were just in Japan and South Korea in July on the Diamond (see Live From thread in my below signature). Yes, it was hot (high 80s and low 90s) and definitely humid, usually with the dew point ranging between the high 70s and low 80s. For comparison we live in central Alabama and it’s super humid when the dew points are in the low to mid 70s. But, we had a great time and that’s all that matters!! 😁

Edited August 19, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[donaldsc]

Check it out on the WeatherSpark WEB site.  That is my go to site for anything regarding climate.

 

DPN

[kiwi57]

We did the Diamond Princess 17 day Festivals cruise July 10-27th.  The temps were generally in the low-high 90s at many ports.  Humidity was atrocious.  It was extremely uncomfortable to sit out on the balcony during the day, and the ports were stifling.  We found out early to carry a sun umbrella, a cooling wet towel, sunscreen, water, mini-fans, and patience.  Frequent stops into air conditioned restaurants or department stores was key.  The sad part was that the heat took so much out of us (even with young adults in our group) that we left early from the festivals because of the oppressive temps  and crowds, as well as not even attempting longer walks to sites in the cities as it was simply exhausting.

That said, Japan was an amazing country.  The food, culture, experiences with local people....so great. We have vowed to return again....between October and April.

[robncruise]

IT IS SO HOT AND HUMID in summer.  Have been to Japan twice in August - the most recent  July 10 - 20 this year and while still enjoyable the port days were quite gruelling because of the heat and the humidity. Would recommend spring or autumn for a more enjoyable experience.