Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Kyoto
🇯🇵 Kyoto, Japan · Asia
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
8°
0°
Good
Feb
8°
1°
Good
Mar
12°
3°
Good
Apr
18°
8°
Great
May
23°
13°
Great
Jun
26°
18°
Great
Jul
29°
22°
Good
Aug
31°
23°
Good
Sep
27°
19°
Great
Oct
21°
13°
Great
Nov
16°
8°
Great
Dec
10°
2°
Great
Month-by-Month Weather in Kyoto
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 0°C | 8 | 7h | 65% | 2 | Good | View |
| February | 8°C | 1°C | 10 | 8h | 65% | 2 | Good | View |
| March | 12°C | 3°C | 13 | 8h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| AprilRecommended | 18°C | 8°C | 12 | 9h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| MayRecommended | 23°C | 13°C | 11 | 9h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| JuneRecommended | 26°C | 18°C | 15 | 8h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| July | 29°C | 22°C | 17 | 9h | 65% | 9 | Good | View |
| August | 31°C | 23°C | 13 | 10h | 65% | 9 | Good | View |
| SeptemberRecommended | 27°C | 19°C | 13 | 8h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| OctoberRecommended | 21°C | 13°C | 10 | 8h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| NovemberRecommended | 16°C | 8°C | 8 | 7h | 65% | 2 | Great | View |
| DecemberRecommended | 10°C | 2°C | 8 | 7h | 65% | 2 | Great | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Kyoto
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 18°C high, 8°C low
Spring in Kyoto brings gradually mild temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 18°C (64°F) while nights cool to 8°C (46°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 29°C high, 21°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Kyoto, with temperatures reaching 29°C (84°F). Comfortable warmth makes this a popular time for tourists, though accommodation prices tend to peak. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 21°C high, 13°C low
Fall in Kyoto is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures settle around 21°C (70°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night. Rainfall increases slightly, but comfortable temperatures make up for it. Fewer tourists mean better prices.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 9°C high, 1°C low
Winter in Kyoto brings the coolest weather of the year. Layers are essential, and some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours. However, hotel prices typically drop and popular sites are less crowded.
When to Avoid Kyoto
The least favorable time to visit Kyoto is January and February. During this period, you can expect cold weather.
January
Challenges: cold weather
February
Challenges: cold weather
March
Challenges: frequent rain
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Kyoto
Packing recommendations for visiting Kyoto during the best travel months (April, May, October), when temperatures range from 11°C to 21°C:
- +Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +Waterproof jacket and an umbrella (rain is frequent)
- +Waterproof shoes or boots
- +Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- +A light sweater or cardigan for evening temperature drops
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Kyoto Year-Round Climate Overview
Kyoto has a temperate oceanic climate (Koppen classification: Cfa). The warmest month is August with highs of 31°C, while the coldest month is February at just 8°C. Annual rainfall averages 1638mm across approximately 138 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 8 | 8 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 29 | 31 | 27 | 21 | 16 | 10 |
| Low °C | 0 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 19 | 13 | 8 | 2 |
| Rain Days | 8 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 64 | 74 | 120 | 134 | 154 | 214 | 236 | 138 | 192 | 164 | 82 | 66 |
| Sun h/day | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Humidity % | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| UV Index | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Kyoto? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Kyoto?+
The best time to visit Kyoto is April, May, October. During these months, temperatures average 21°C (70°F) with 9 hours of daily sunshine and only 11 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Kyoto?+
The least ideal time to visit Kyoto is January and February. During this period, you can expect cold weather. While Kyoto can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Kyoto good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Kyoto (June to August) brings temperatures of 29°C (84°F) highs and 21°C (70°F) lows, with about 9 hours of sunshine and 15 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in Kyoto?+
The rainy season in Kyoto runs from June to July, when average rain days increase to 16 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 225mm.
What should I pack for Kyoto?+
When visiting Kyoto during the best travel months (April, May, October), pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. A waterproof jacket and umbrella are essential. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially given the high UV index.
Is April a good time to visit Kyoto?+
Yes, April is one of the best months to visit Kyoto. Expect average highs of 18°C (64°F), 9 hours of daily sunshine, and only 12 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Kyoto
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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