Weather Comparison
Kyoto vs Tokyo
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Kyoto vs Tokyo
| Metric | Kyoto | Tokyo | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 8°C (46°F) | 8°C (46°F) | Tie |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 0°C (32°F) | 0°C (32°F) | Tie |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 8 days | 6 days▲ | Tokyo |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 64 mm▲ | 68 mm | Kyoto |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 7h/day | 8h/day▲ | Tokyo |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 2 | 2 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 16 km/h▲ | 21 km/h | Kyoto |
Which City is Better in January?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Tokyo edges ahead as the better destination in January. Tokyo offers 8 hours of daily sunshine with only 6 rain days, while Kyoto sees 7 sunshine hours and 8 rain days.
Kyoto is on the cooler side at 8°C, requiring warmer clothing. Tokyo is cooler at 8°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Tokyo is the stronger choice in January. Tokyo receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in January
Kyoto reaches an average high of 8°C (46°F) and drops to 0°C (32°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Tokyo averages 8°C (46°F) for the high and 0°C (32°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Rainfall Comparison in January
Kyoto receives approximately 64 mm of rainfall across 8 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Tokyo sees 68 mm over 6 rain days. That makes Tokyo the drier option by 2 rain days and 4 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Kyoto vs Tokyo
Packing for Kyoto in January
Highs of 8°C, lows of 0°C, 8 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Tokyo in January
Highs of 8°C, lows of 0°C, 6 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.
Year-Round Comparison: Kyoto vs Tokyo
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Kyoto | Tokyo | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 8°C | 8d | 8°C | 6d |
| Feb | 8°C | 10d | 9°C | 8d |
| Mar | 12°C | 13d | 12°C | 12d |
| Apr | 18°C | 12d | 17°C | 11d |
| May | 23°C | 11d | 22°C | 11d |
| Jun | 26°C | 15d | 25°C | 15d |
| Jul | 29°C | 17d | 28°C | 13d |
| Aug | 31°C | 13d | 30°C | 11d |
| Sep | 27°C | 13d | 26°C | 14d |
| Oct | 21°C | 10d | 21°C | 13d |
| Nov | 16°C | 8d | 16°C | 9d |
| Dec | 10°C | 8d | 11°C | 7d |
Kyoto Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Tokyo Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities