Kyoto Holiday Weather Overview
Kyoto was Japan's capital city for hundreds of years, and today this historic city draws thousands of visitors to its many temples, gardens, parks and traditional wooden houses. Perhaps more quintessentially Japanese than some of Japan's other cities, Kyoto's climate is moderate so the city can be visited at any time of the year.
Tokyo may be Japan's commercial and political centre, but Kyoto remains and always will be the cultural hearth of the country. Located in the area known as Keihanshin, on the island of Honshu, Kyoto is one of Japan's premier tourist cities. The town has been through an incredible history, and currently boasts more than 2,000 religious sites.
It is not possible to fly directly into Kyoto. However, with the shinkansen bullet train passing through the city's large and modern central train station, it is actually much quicker to travel by train. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the Kyoto Station, which is but one of hundreds of attractions within the city.
Temples and shrines like the Kinkakuji (Golden Temple), Ginkakuji, Shimogamo shrine, Nijo Castle, Ninna-ji and Daigo-ji are just some of the attractions that make up Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are plenty more things to see, though, like the Kyoto National Museum and Monkey Mountain, which are more modern than the above sites.
When is the best month to visit Kyoto?
With the large range of beauty and attractions that are evident throughout each season in Kyoto, visitors will be captivated at anytime of the year. However, Kyoto weather is probably more favourable during the mild seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The cherry blossom season in spring is particularly picturesque and popular with tourists and locals alike.
Spring in Kyoto
Kyoto is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms, which bloom at some point between the end of March and the middle of April, depending on that year's weather. The cherry blossom season is a spectacular time to visit the city, but it's also a very busy time, with many international visitors and tourists from elsewhere in Japan too. Two of the most popular places to view the blossoms are the Kitano-Tenman-gu Shrine and the Imperial Palace.
During March and April and May, Kyoto begins to warm up from its winter. Daytime temperatures begin at around 12°C but will have reached 20 or more by the end of May. Nights can still be chilly at the beginning of spring, sometimes almost going down to freezing, so pack layered clothing.
Summer in Kyoto
Summer weather in Kyoto is hot and wet. Temperatures in June, July and August can easily reach the mid 30s Celsius and at night the temperature rarely drops below 20°C, making it uncomfortable for visitors. June and July are the wettest months of the year, with around 9-10 inches of rain each month, so you'll need to take an umbrella. It's much too hot for waterproof clothing, however. The rain falls in short, sharp bursts and does not linger all day.
Although many visitors find summer months in Kyoto to be a little too humid for their liking, it's a good time to visit, because there are many events and festivals to enjoy.
Autumn in Kyoto
Just as the cherry blossoms brought out the crowds in spring, so the autumn foliage does in autumn. It's a very pleasant time of year to visit Kyoto, and the scenery is gorgeous, but do expect some crowds.
September is still a very warm month, with daytime temperatures in the mid 20s Celsius, but by the time you reach November you're looking at daytime highs of around 15°C with overnight temperatures lower than 10. Bring long sleeves and a lightweight jacket.
Winter in Kyoto
Kyoto winters are cold, with average daytime temperatures of only around 7-8°C and overnight temperatures at or near freezing. Days are typically clear and bright, however, and this is the driest time of the year. A covering of snow occurs several times each winter, but the snow rarely settles for more than a few hours at a time and transforms the city, while it lasts, into a beautiful winter wonderland.
If you're visiting Kyoto in the winter, pack typical winter clothing with a hat and some gloves. Be aware that almost the entire city closes down for several days each side of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so plan well ahead if you intend to visit at that time.
What to pack and wear in Kyoto?
If travelling during the hottest months of summer (June to August), visitors will experience quite a number of rainy days, as this is also the rainy season in Kyoto. It is best to bring an umbrella, but they are available quite cheaply throughout the city. The weather in Kyoto also becomes quite cool between November and March, so bringing warm clothes, possibly snow clothing, is recommended.
Best months to visit Kyoto?
May and October are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Kyoto. The weather averages gathered from Kyoto weather forecast and Kyoto weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 23°c and average of 192.3333 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Kyoto?
January and February are the coldest months with temperature at around 0°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Kyoto?
July and June receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 244.60mm.
Travelling to Kyoto? Check out our Weather averages of Kyoto to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Kyoto section.