The best time to visit Kyoto, Japan, is either in the mid- to late spring (April to May) or mid- to late autumn (October to November). These spring and fall months fall within the tourism shoulder season.
I always enjoy visiting Japan during the shoulder seasons as it helps to (mostly) avoid the big tourist crowds and hot & humid weather of the summer months while still enjoying mild to warm temperatures. And an extra bonus? Time your journey to catch the spring cherry blossoms or beautiful fall foliage.
In my experience, summer (June to August) can get uncomfortably hot, wet, and humid in Kyoto. Surprisingly, the city’s still quite busy at this time of year. Although there are better seasons to visit, I don’t think it’s a complete no-go either. Travelers can still enjoy sunny days sprinkled in, even in the height of the rainy season between mid-June and late July.
The winter months in Kyoto (December to February) are cool, although not as cold, in my experience, as more northerly Japanese destinations. Snowfall is possible and—oh boy!—when it happens, Japan’s former imperial capital looks quite magical.
Ready to finalize your trip plans? Get the low-down with this complete Kyoto weather guide, including my recommendations for what to expect and what to wear by season and by month!
Weather in Kyoto: An overview
Kyoto is located on Honshu, Japan’s most populous island, and experiences a temperate climate. Kyoto falls within a humid subtropical climate zone characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. While planning my trips here, I’ve seen varying temperatures throughout the year, with consistent year-round rainfall.
Not unlike other Japanese cities like Osaka or Tokyo, the seasonal temperature shifts in Kyoto are marked by extremes. In my experience, summer in Kyoto can get uncomfortably hot and humid. Winter, on the other hand, often dips into chilly territory.
Temperatures in spring and autumn fall somewhere between summer highs and winter lows. Whenever I’ve visited Kyoto at these times of year, it’s often mild and comfortable.
Another reason I like visiting in spring and fall is to enjoy lower rainfall than during the summertime wet season. If you don’t mind the temporary swell of crowds, I’d suggest traveling during the spring cherry blossom season or fall foliage season to see Kyoto at its most beautiful.
Moving on after Kyoto? Plan out the rest of your Japan itinerary with our guide for when to go to Japan!
Kyoto weather by season
Spring
When is spring in Kyoto?
Spring in Kyoto is from March to May.
What to expect in spring
In my opinion, spring is one of the best times of the year to go to Kyoto. Crawling away from the chilly winter, the city comes back to life as spring rolls in. Temperatures slowly rise from the cool days of March into the warm days of April and May. Spring nights are still a tad chilly.
Early spring is particularly beautiful. The cherry blossom season in Kyoto hits somewhere between late March and mid-April.
One thing I think you should keep in mind: When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and during Golden Week at the beginning of May, big crowds descend upon the former imperial capital. If you’re visiting during these times, I’d advise booking your accommodations well in advance.
What to wear in spring
Temperatures in spring vary. I’d suggest bringing along some warmer clothes to deal with the swings.
On most warm spring days, you should be able to get away with a short- or long-sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans. Keep a sweater handy, just in case. I’d also recommend packing an ultralight rain shell or a softshell jacket to wear as an outer layer.
Summer
When is summer in Kyoto?
Summer in Kyoto is from June to August.
What to expect in summer
As much as you might love escaping the cold, summer isn’t the most pleasant time of year to travel to Kyoto. When I’ve visited this area in the height of summer, I’ve often seen temperatures soar into the high-30s. And then there’s the incessant humidity.
On top of the heat & humidity, mid-June to early July marks Japan’s rainy season. If you choose to visit at this time, I’d warn you to prepare for a serious soaking! (I even got unlucky with this in late May and early June on my last trip to Japan.)
What to wear in summer
On sunny summer days, you’ll want to stay comfortable with light clothing. I think t-shirts, shorts, light dresses, and lightweight travel pants are a good idea for summer travel to Kyoto. Oddly enough, I’d also suggest throwing a light sweater into your daypack to deal with over-air-conditioned restaurants and malls.
As summer is wet, I’d recommend always carrying a travel umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket along with you. Trust me: You’ll want to be prepped for the inevitable sudden downpours! (They happen. A lot.)
Autumn
When is autumn in Kyoto?
Autumn in Kyoto is from September to November.
What to expect in autumn
Like spring, autumn is one of the best times to travel to Kyoto. Descending from the heat and humidity of summer, fall temperatures in Kyoto are far more comfortable, in my experience.
In aesthetics, I also think Kyoto is at its most beautiful in autumn. The cavalcade of fall colours paints the city in bright red, yellow, and orange hues. It creates a truly remarkable scene—one of the finest I’ve seen anywhere in the world. (And that includes in my home country of Canada, which is well-known for this kinda thing.)
The biggest drawback to visiting in autumn is the crowds. I’d recommend booking your accommodations far ahead to avoid disappointment.
Early autumn (September to mid-October) is also within typhoon season in Japan, although, in my experience, Kyoto rarely sees much action.
What to wear in autumn
Although you’ll still get away with summer-wear into September, mid- to late-autumn begins to get chilly. I’d recommend packing a warmer light jacket (either a softshell or fleece would work well) and a sweater or a hoodie.
Winter
When is winter in Kyoto?
Winter in Kyoto is from December to February.
What to expect in winter
Average temperatures quickly drop as Kyoto transitions from fall to winter. Winter is cold, but not unbearably so—at least not for most Western Europeans or North Americans.
I think there’s truly something magical about catching the temples & shrines of Kyoto under a blanket of snow. With the cooler temperatures of winter, there’s a bonus of thinner tourist crowds. Winter is a great time to find good accommodation deals in Kyoto.
What to wear in winter
To stay comfortable, you’ll need to pack warmer clothes. I’d suggest bringing along sweaters, a warm winter coat, a toque (or beanie for the non-Canadians), and gloves or mittens.
Weather by Month
January
A solidly winter month, January hands out cold temperatures and sunny skies. Along with December, January is the driest month of the year in Kyoto.
In my experience, snow is certainly possible. With the mild rather than truly cold temperatures, though, it rarely sticks around long. Outside of the New Year’s holiday (shogatsu), January is relatively quiet with smaller crowds.
- Average Temperature: 5°C / 41°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 1°C / 34°F
- High Temperature (Average): 8°C /46°F
- Average Rainfall: 50 mm
Visiting Kyoto on a time crunch? Maximize your time with our complete one-day Kyoto itinerary and guide for where to stay in Kyoto!
February
February in Kyoto is warmer and wetter than January. It still experiences Kyoto’s colder winter weather, though. And, in my opinion, it isn’t so bad. (But I also grew up in Canada, so maybe my opinion here isn’t that valid.)
Like January, visitor numbers are lower in February than at other times throughout the year. Snow and rain are still a possibility even though February is one of the driest months of the year in Kyoto.
- Average Temperature: 6°C / 43°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 2°C / 36°F
- High Temperature (Average): 9°C/ 48°F
- Average Rainfall: 80 mm
March
Temperatures rise into March as spring begins to rear its head. From my spring travels, I’ve seen that March is a mixed bag of weather in Kyoto. Moving into March, rainfall surges compared to the dry winter months. Temperatures fluctuate between cold and warm—and, in my experience, everything in between.
By mid-March, the plum blossoms in Kyoto are out in full force. Late March marks the start of cherry blossom season in Kyoto, my favorite time of year in the former imperial capital.
By this time, tourism numbers start to pick up. Still, I think it’s worth toughing out the crowds and higher prices to see Kyoto at its most stunning.
- Average Temperature: 9°C / 48°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 4°C / 39°F
- High Temperature (Average): 13°C /55°F
- Average Rainfall: 120 mm
April
From the ever-changing March weather, April begins to see more stability. Spring temperatures start to even out, with daytime averages sneaking upwards. In my experience, evenings and nights in April can still inch towards the cooler spectrum.
The beginning of April is one of the busiest times of year in Kyoto, with the beautiful cherry blossoms bursting into full bloom all over the city. The rest of the month is, however, usually fairly quiet and comfortable for travellers in the city.
- Average Temperature: 14°C / 57°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 9°C / 48°F
- High Temperature (Average): 19°C / 66°F
- Average Rainfall: 130 mm
May
The last official month of spring, May is one of the best months to visit Kyoto, in my opinion. With the temperatures warming up and the spring flowers in bloom, the city is absolutely delightful in May.
Other than during Golden Week, a string of Japanese holidays around the first week of the month, Kyoto is relatively quiet in May. The only downside I’ve noticed is that rain picks up towards the end of the month as the rainy season approaches. (The rainfall actually kicked away quite a few sightseeing days on my last spring trip to Japan.)
- Average Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 14°C / 57°F
- High Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- Average Rainfall: 160 mm
TIP: May is a great time to travel around Japan, especially by train! Depending on your itinerary, you can save a ton with a JR Pass. See if it’s right for your journey with my guide to whether the Japan rail pass is worth it…
June
With summer coming into force in Kyoto, temperatures start to surge heading into June. In my experience, the beginning of June can still be a pleasant time to visit the city. (If you’re lucky.) In early June, warm temperatures often avoid the uncomfortable highs of mid- to late-summer.
Late June is a different story. As the summer roars in, so does the rainy season. The end of June is the wettest time of the year in Kyoto. Heavy afternoon showers are the norm. I’d highly recommend avoiding travelling at this time to save yourself from the brunt of it.
- Average Temperature: 23°C / 73°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 19°C / 66°F
- High Temperature (Average): 27°C / 81°F
- Average Rainfall: 240 mm
July
The heat and humidity continue to rise into July in Kyoto. The intense rainfall of late June continues into the beginning of the month. (And, yeah, it’s about as pleasant as it sounds.)
By the end of July, we finally start to see some reprieve from the intense wetness. The humidity, however, continues to stick around. In my opinion, July is generally not a comfortable time to travel to Kyoto, and one I’d recommend avoiding, if possible.
- Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 23°C / 73°F
- High Temperature (Average): 31°C / 88°F
- Average Rainfall: 230 mm
August
Even though there’s a marked drop in rainfall heading into August, the hot & humid summer weather rages on in Kyoto. August is the most pleasant summer month in Kyoto as it’s the driest and sunniest of the bunch. Even with the slightly better weather, I’ve seen that the crowds in August are thinner than either June or July. It makes it much easier to enjoy the city’s charms.
Here’s the bad news: Late August marks the beginning of typhoon season in Japan. Fortunately, outer islands like Okinawa are more likely to be heavily affected during this month than Kyoto.
- Average Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 24°C / 75°F
- High Temperature (Average): 33°C / 91°F
- Average Rainfall: 130 mm
September
With summer disappearing in the rearview mirror, September sees a dip in the heat & humidity. The peak of typhoon season in Japan brings a smattering of rain in early September. In my experience, September is a wetter month overall than August.
By the end of the month, though, temperatures become more comfortable, and the rain tapers off. The tourist numbers in September are also lower than in August. When I’ve planned Japan trips in September, I’ve been able to snag some pretty awesome accommodations deals in Kyoto.
- Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 20°C / 68°F
- High Temperature (Average): 28°C / 82°F
- Average Rainfall: 220 mm
October
As the autumn kicks into full swing, October sees a drop in temperatures from the summer-like highs of September. In October, it’s still pleasantly warm and sunny, though.
In my opinion, October is one of the most ideal times to travel to Kyoto. I love how the cooler evenings towards the end of the month start to usher in the changing of colours of the fall foliage season. Along with cherry blossom season, it’s one of my favorite times to explore the former imperial capital.
- Average Temperature: 18°C / 64°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 13°C /55°F
- High Temperature (Average): 22°C / 72°F
- Average Rainfall: 100 mm
November
Along with May, November is the best month to visit Kyoto. Although autumn is in full swing, the weather is still pleasantly mild. Sunny days are the norm in November.
By mid-November, the fall colours in Kyoto are out in full force. This can be a busy time of year in Kyoto, but I think it’s well worth it for the experience of seeing the city at its most beautiful.
- Average Temperature: 13°C / 55°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 8°C / 46°F
- High Temperature (Average): 17°C /63°F
- Average Rainfall: 80 mm
December
The first official month of winter in Kyoto isn’t such a bad one, in my opinion. Even with the dipping temperatures, December days are often sunny. In fact, December is the driest month of the year in Kyoto.
The cooler weather, though, seems to keep travellers at bay. I often find thinner crowds and cheaper accommodations at this time of year.
One word of warning: I’d recommend a little extra planning if your holiday falls around Shogatsu, the Japanese New Year celebrations. The festivities shut down many businesses between December 29th and January 3rd.
- Average Temperature: 7°C / 45°F
- Low Temperature (Average): 3°C / 37°F
- High Temperature (Average): 11°C / 52°F
- Average Rainfall: 50 mm
Final recommendations
The best months of the year to visit Kyoto are May or November.
Why visit in May?
While I’d call this beautiful Japanese city a (mostly) four-season destination, the ideal time to go to Kyoto is May. Springtime in Kyoto is simply magical. In my experience, May offers a great compromise between beautiful scenery, good weather, and smaller crowds.
Although we’ll miss out on the cherry blossoms of early spring, the weather in May is warmer than the cool days of late March and early April. I also found sightseeing in Kyoto more comfortable in May than in other months. I enjoy both the most pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
Outside of Golden Week, a collection of Japanese holidays at the beginning of the month, May is relatively quiet. When I last visited Kyoto in May, I had less trouble finding accommodations than at other times of the year, like the summer high season.
Why visit in November?
Aside from May, the best month to go to Kyoto is November. Like seeing the cherry blossoms, watching Kyoto erupt into fall colours could be one of the most memorable experiences you’ll have on your trip to Japan.
In my experience, the weather in Kyoto in November is comfortable and sunny. I would expect, however, cooler temperatures in autumn than in the late spring.
One thing I think you should know is that the crowds in November will be denser than in May. The fall colours attract a ton of domestic visitors to the city from all around Japan.
Another caveat is that, in my experience, accommodation availability and prices will be higher than normal throughout most of the month. It’s unlikely you’ll regret it, though. Scouring Kyoto’s temples, shrines, and gardens under a delightful burst of fall colours is unforgettable.
