Weather in Kyoto 🇯🇵
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
July
Avg Temp
29°C
Rain Days
17 days
Sun Hours
9 hrs
Humidity
65%
Asia › 🇯🇵 Japan › Kyoto
Updated: March 2026
Is July a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?
4/10
Fair
July is a fair time to visit Kyoto (4/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 17 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 5th sunniest of the year in Kyoto. July suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 17 potential rain days. August offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 17 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
vs June:26°C avg high
Step off the plane in Kyoto in July and the air meets you at around 29°C, carrying the kind of warmth that makes you reach for sunglasses before your bag is off the belt. By the time evening arrives and temperatures settle near 22°C, the city takes on a different character entirely. With 9 hours of daylight sun on offer, July gives you the raw material for a genuinely memorable trip.
29°C
84°F
Avg High
22°C
72°F
Avg Low
17 days
236 mm total
Rain Days
9h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
Temperature in Kyoto in July
The 7°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 9 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Winds are calm at an average 13 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 84°F average high, 72°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Kyoto in July
Morning22°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon29°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening25°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Kyoto in July means dressing for 29°C days and 22°C evenings. A lightweight linen or cotton shirt with loose-fit trousers or a sundress handles the 29°C daytime heat. Evening temperatures settle at 22°C, a modest 7°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. For footwear, breathable walking sandals work for casual exploration, but closed-toe trainers are better for uneven surfaces in the historic centre. With 17 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. For temple and religious site visits, carry a lightweight scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees, required at most major sites across the region.
Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Kyoto's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.
Events in Kyoto in July
July has no major festivals or public holidays in Kyoto, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Kyoto in July
Based on 29°C average highs and 17 rainy days
- Light layers for morning and evening
- Breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Anti-chafe balm for long walking days
- Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics for active days
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Kyoto in July
- Early morning walk through Kyoto's historic market districtBest before 9amTemperatures are still manageable at 25°C before the midday heat builds
- Open-air rooftop dining at sunsetFrom 6pm onwardsThe 29°C daytime heat drops noticeably after sunset, making al fresco dining comfortable
- Waterfront promenade or harbour walkEarly morning or after 5pmSea breezes cut through the humidity, making coastal routes the most pleasant in heat
- Guided cycling tour of the old quarterFirst tour of the day (7-9am)The low-traffic window before tourist crowds and the cooler morning air make this the prime riding slot
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 17 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningJuly brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Seek out chilled local specialities: cold-brew tea, ice desserts, or chilled seafood at street-level stallsAny time; most atmospheric in evening marketsHot-weather street food culture peaks in July, with vendors setting up specifically for warm evenings
Why is Kyoto warm in July?
Kyoto's July heat is driven by the Asian summer monsoon system, as the low-pressure cell that forms over the heated landmass draws warm, humid air from the oceans. The result is temperatures averaging 29°C with high moisture in the air. Overnight temperatures remain elevated at 22°C, as clouds and humidity prevent the earth from radiating heat away after sunset. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kyoto in July
In July, Kyoto experiences average highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). Expect around 17 rainy days and 9 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 65%. The 7°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV index averages 9, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Kyoto typically sees 17 rainy days in July, with total precipitation of around 236mm. This is a notably wet period. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential, and it is worth building indoor alternatives into your daily itinerary for the inevitable rainy stretches. For context, the driest month in Kyoto typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than July.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing (linen or cotton), a wide-brim sun hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle for Kyoto in July. The 29°C daytime heat demands sun protection during midday hours, typically 11am to 4pm. A compact travel umbrella is also worth packing, as 17 rainy days means afternoon showers are a real possibility. Quick-dry synthetic fabrics are preferable to cotton in 65% humidity.
July is a reasonable time to visit Kyoto. Expect 17 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 29°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 9 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Kyoto in July is 29°C (84°F), and the average low is 22°C (72°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 26°C (78°F). The day-to-night range of 7°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Kyoto is generally May. May offers the most sunshine at 9 hours per day and only 11 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 23°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around May gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
July is shoulder or low season in Kyoto, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 9 sunshine hours and 17 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In July, Kyoto suits a range of activities thanks to warm temperatures of 29°C. With frequent rain, indoor activities and covered attractions are a smart choice. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 9 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
July ranks 5th sunniest of the year in Kyoto, with an average 9 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are January, November, and December. August is the hottest month (31°C avg high); January is the coolest (8°C). From here, temperatures rise 2°C into August. Compared to last month (June: 26°C high, 15 rain days), July is warmer and wetter. July sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Kyoto, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 0°C | 8 | 8h | View |
| February | 8°C | 1°C | 10 | 8h | View |
| March | 12°C | 3°C | 13 | 9h | View |
| April | 18°C | 8°C | 12 | 9h | View |
| May | 23°C | 13°C | 11 | 9h | View |
| June | 26°C | 18°C | 15 | 8h | View |
| July | 29°C | 22°C | 17 | 9h | View |
| August | 31°C | 23°C | 13 | 11h | View |
| September | 27°C | 19°C | 13 | 9h | View |
| October | 21°C | 13°C | 10 | 8h | View |
| November | 16°C | 8°C | 8 | 8h | View |
| December | 10°C | 2°C | 8 | 8h | View |
January
8 rain days, 8h sun
8°0°
February
10 rain days, 8h sun
8°1°
March
13 rain days, 9h sun
12°3°
April
12 rain days, 9h sun
18°8°
May
11 rain days, 9h sun
23°13°
June
15 rain days, 8h sun
26°18°
July
17 rain days, 9h sun
29°22°
August
13 rain days, 11h sun
31°23°
September
13 rain days, 9h sun
27°19°
October
10 rain days, 8h sun
21°13°
November
8 rain days, 8h sun
16°8°
December
8 rain days, 8h sun
10°2°
Other Months in Kyoto
Plan Your Trip to Kyoto
Nearby Destinations
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Kyoto
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.