The best times to visit Kyoto are in spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), when the weather is most comfortable and the scenery the best. In spring, you can enjoy the exquisite scenery of pink cherry blossoms, and in autumn you can admire the multicolored autumn foliage.
Summer (June to August) is hot and humid. August is the hottest month, with an average daily high of 34°C (93°F). Winter (December to February) is cold and dry. January is the coldest month, with an average daily high of 9°C (48°F).
The rainy season extends from June to July with persistent moderate rain, but it does not rain every day and you can travel without disruption. Typhoons often occur around September and bring heavy rain.
Kyoto's Weather and Temperature
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Kyoto, offering warm days and cool evenings. During these seasons, the city is especially vibrant, adorned with delicate cherry blossoms or bright red leaves. Summer is hot and humid, with July and August being the hottest months, while June is the most humid. Winter is dry and cold, with a chance of snow. See below Kyoto's temperatures by month
| Month | Ave. Max. Temp | Ave. Min. Temp |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C (50°F) | 1°C (34°F) |
| February | 11°C (52°F) | 2°C (36°F) |
| March | 15°C (59°F)) | 5°C (41°F) |
| April | 20°C (68°F) | 9°C (48°F) |
| May | 24°C (75°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| July | 32°C (90°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| August | 33°C (91°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| October | 22°C (72°F)) | 13°C (55°F) |
| November | 16°C (61°F) | 8°C (46°F) |
| December | 11°C (52°F) | 3°C (37°F) |
Kyoto Monthly Temperature Chart
Spring in Kyoto (March to May): The Best Time to Visit
- Features: Pleasant weather; the popular cherry blossom season
Spring (March to May) is one of the most popular times to travel to Kyoto (and all of Japan), when the weather is pleasant and the iconic cherry blossom views are enjoyed. The average temperature range is 14–25°C (57–77°F) and the average rainfall is a moderate 124 mm (5 in).
Cherry blossoms usually reach full bloom in late March to early April, making the spring/Easter holidays a great time to visit Japan. You could take a classic Japan family photo in kimonos under a cherry tree as the breeze blows cherry blossom petals on your head.
To capture the essence of spring in Kyoto, you could meander around the lush bamboo groves in Arashiyama, feed the lovely deer in Nara, and participate in a traditional tea ceremony to savor a cup of matcha.
Clothing tips: As the weather gets warmer in Kyoto, sweaters and lighter coats are sufficient to cope with the changing temperatures, but you may only need a shirt for the days when it becomes even hotter.
It's ideal to take about 7–10 days to explore the major highlights and experience some hands-on activities in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka during the cherry blossom season. Check out our 10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Spring 2025 Mini-Group Tourfor a great-value hassle-free trip.
Summer in Kyoto (June to August): Hot and Humid
- Experience lively festival celebrations
Summer (June to August) is the hottest and rainiest time in Kyoto, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 34°C (82–93°F) on average. The rainfall is high from June to July, reaching up to 224 mm (9 in), but it becomes drier in August, with an average rainfall of 154 mm (6 in).
The heat and rain are not big worries when you travel to Kyoto — it does not rain every day and you could still enjoy your trip. Many indoor activities, such as a ninja experience, afternoon tea with geishas, and a tea ceremony, are held in air-conditioned buildings. Traveling to the attractions in a private air-conditioned car would also minimize any inconvenience caused by rainfall.
Festivals: Various festival celebrations are the most fascinating events held in summer in Kyoto. The Gion Festival in July is the biggest in Kyoto and attracts travelers from Japan and abroad to immerse themselves in the strong cultural atmosphere.
Clothing tips: Pack shirts, sunglasses, and hats for summer in Kyoto. Don't forget to take an umbrella in case of sudden rain.
Insider tip: Compared with July and August (the summer vacation in Japan), June is cooler and less crowded, which makes June a better time for foreign family groups to visit Japan.
Autumn in Kyoto (September to November): Best Time to Visit
- Mild temperatures and colorful autumn foliage
Autumn dispels the summer heat and brings cooler temperatures. Comfortable fall temperatures range from 17–29°C (63–84°F) in Kyoto. The average rainfall in September in Kyoto is 180 mm (7 in), but this is due to occasional typhoons, while November is drier with a low average rainfall of 74 mm (3 in).
Colorful autumn foliage is the best scenery in fall and you can appreciate it everywhere in Kyoto. It is especially abundant in November when the typhoon season is gone and there are more clear days.
Kiyomizu-dera is one of the best places to see the red maples in autumn in Kyoto. You could climb the observation deck to enjoy the impressive view of red-leafed maples across the mountains and valleys.
Clothing tips: The weather changes frequently in Kyoto, but a shirt, a coat, and a jacket should be adequate to cope with it. If you travel during the typhoon season, don't forget to take an umbrella.
Winter in Kyoto (December to February): Cold and Dry
- A good time to enjoy an onsen in a traditional ryokan
Winter is the coldest time in Kyoto, but it's not too cold to travel. With daily highs of 9–12°C (48–54°F), it's the driest time of year with a low average rainfall of about 57 mm (2 in). It occasionally snows.
Soaking in a warm hot spring (an onsen) at a traditional Japanese-styled ryokan (inn) is one of the top things to do in winter in Kyoto. Sleeping on a tatami, sampling a high-class kaiseki (multi-course feast), and wearing a yukata (bathing robe) would truly immerse you in the Japanese culture.
Kyoto has more excellent ryokans than other cities because Kyoto is Japans top ancient capital with a well-preserved traditional atmosphere. This allows you to have an immersive experience of medieval Japanese accommodation.
Festivals: Kyoto is an ideal destination to celebrate Christmas and New Year, and it is one of the best times to experience local Japanese culture. You could enjoy a first-rate feast of kaiseki for your Christmas / New Year dinner. Bell-ringing ceremonies in Kyoto's shrines are a traditional way to welcome the New Year. People line up to ring the giant bells and pray for good luck in the coming year.
Clothing tips: Thick clothes, such as a down jacket and gloves, should be worn in Kyoto in winter to keep warm.
Kyoto Weather Guide by Month
Kyoto Weather in January
- Average high: 9°C (48°F)
- Average low: 2°C (36°F)
January is the coldest and driest time to travel to Kyoto, but it isn't too cold to travel. After the busy New Year period (maybe after January 15th), you would enjoy fewer crowds and lower costs.
Kyoto festivals and events in January: You could participate in a bell-ringing ceremony in a shrine to celebrate New Year and pray for good luck in Kyoto.
Continue to read: How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Kyoto
Kyoto Weather in February
- Average high: 10°C (50°F)
- Average low: 2°C (36°F)
February is still a cold and dry month in Kyoto. It may snow occasionally, adding more charm and mystery to Kyoto's ancient buildings.
Kyoto Weather in March
Visit the cherry blossoms at Philosopher's Path in Kyoto- Average high: 14°C (57°F)
- Average low: 4°C (39°F)
March is the beginning of spring and the cherry blossom season, making it a great time to travel to Kyoto. Late March attracts thousands of travelers going to Japan as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Kyoto Weather in April
- Average high: 20°C (68°F)
- Average low: 9°C (48°F)
April is one of the best times to travel to Kyoto as the temperature is comfortable and, in early April, the cherry blossoms being in full bloom attract many travelers.
Kyoto festivals and events in April: Hanami (flower viewing) is the most attractive and busiest event in Kyoto in early April. It's recommended to make a reservation at least 3–6 months in advance.
Kyoto Weather in May
- Average high: 25°C (77°F)
- Average low: 15°C (59°F)
It gets warmer in May and, most of the time, the skies are clear. The Golden Week, usually observed from April 29th to May 5th, is a public holiday in Japan, and many Japanese choose to travel during this time. The crowds and costs tend to decrease towards the end of May, making it an excellent time to visit Japan.
Kyoto Weather in June
- Average high: 28°C (82°F)
- Average low: 19°C (66°F)
June is the start of summer and the rainy season in Kyoto. It doesn't rain every day — sometimes there may be steady light rain but it won't affect your journey.
June is recommended for spending the summer vacation with your kids as it is cooler and less crowded compared to July and August.
Kyoto Weather in July
- Average high: 32°C (90°F)
- Average low: 24°C (75°F)
The heat and humidity continue in July. It does not rain every day and, even if there is steady moderate rainfall, it would not affect your planned trip.
Kyoto festivals and events in July: The Gion Festival is the largest and most important festival in Kyoto in July. It lasts for a month and offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the strong cultural atmosphere.
Kyoto Weather in August
- Average high: 34°C (93°F)
- Average low: 25°C (77°F)
The heat in August in Kyoto is not a big problem because you could enjoy plenty of indoor activities inside air-conditioned buildings and travel to the attractions in a private air-conditioned car.
Kyoto Weather in September
- Average high: 29°C (84°F)
- Average low: 21°C (70°F)
Typhoons hit Kyoto in September and you might experience heavy rainfall for a day or two. If you are traveling in September, you should keep your itinerary flexible in case of flight delays or cancellations.
Kyoto Weather in October
- Average high: 23°C (73°F)
- Average low: 14°C (57°F)
The weather in October is more comfortable in Kyoto and rainy days decrease. Late October becomes drier and the leaves turn colorful, creating amazing autumn scenery.
Kyoto Weather in November
Autumn foliage in Kyoto- Average high: 8°C (46°F)
- Average low: 17°C (63°F)
November is one of the best times to travel to Kyoto. You could enjoy pleasant weather and the best scenery of colorful autumn foliage almost everywhere in Kyoto.
Kyoto Weather in December
- Average high: 12°C (54°F)
- Average low: 4°C (39°F)
December is cold and dry in Kyoto. It is a great option to celebrate Christmas and New Year with your family in Japan. A fancy Japanese feast for Christmas or New Year, along with enjoying bell-ringing ceremonies to celebrate the New Year, are the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Detailed Kyoto Weather Info by Month
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