Best months
April, May, and October
Warmest month
August, 34°C
Wettest month
July, 244 mm
Kyoto weather by month
Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 1°C | 50 mm · 5 days | Cold |
| February | 10°C / 1°C | 71 mm · 6 days | Cold |
| March | 15°C / 4°C | 109 mm · 8 days | Fair |
| April | 20°C / 9°C | 135 mm · 8 days | Great |
| May | 25°C / 14°C | 142 mm · 7 days | Great |
| June | 29°C / 19°C | 178 mm · 9 days | Fair |
| July | 33°C / 24°C | 244 mm · 10 days | Hot |
| August | 34°C / 25°C | 177 mm · 7 days | Hot |
| September | 30°C / 21°C | 185 mm · 8 days | Fair |
| October | 24°C / 15°C | 135 mm · 7 days | Great |
| November | 18°C / 8°C | 73 mm · 5 days | Good |
| December | 12°C / 3°C | 60 mm · 5 days | Cold |
Kyoto by season
Spring
Kyoto's most famous and crowded season, as cherry blossoms (sakura) paint the city in soft pink from late March to mid-April. Parks are filled with hanami parties, and temples hold special evening illuminations.
- + Iconic cherry blossom scenery
- + Pleasant, mild temperatures
- + Special seasonal events and food
- − Extreme crowds and higher prices
- − Accommodation books out months ahead
Summer
Hot and humid, with occasional rain. Lush green landscapes and vibrant festivals like Gion Matsuri in July define the season. Evenings along the Kamo River are lively.
- + Major festivals (Gion Matsuri, Daimonji Gozan Okuribi)
- + Lush, green temple gardens
- + Fewer crowds than spring/autumn
- − Intense heat and humidity (up to 35°C+)
- − Rainy season (tsuyu) in June/early July
Autumn
The second peak season, rivaling spring in beauty. From late October through November, maple trees turn brilliant crimson and gold, creating breathtaking koyo scenery at temples and mountainsides.
- + Stunning autumn foliage (koyo)
- + Crisp, cool, and generally dry weather
- + Night illuminations at temples
- − Very heavy crowds at popular leaf spots
- − Peak hotel rates
Winter
Cold and quiet, with occasional light snow that transforms temple gardens into magical scenes. A time for peaceful reflection, hot springs (onsen), and warming comfort food.
- + Smallest crowds and lower prices
- + Chance of seeing snow-dusted temples
- + Cozy atmosphere and winter illuminations
- − Can be quite cold (often 0-10°C)
- − Some gardens are less vibrant
Kyoto month by month
Kyoto in January
ColdIn January, Kyoto averages highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C, with about 5 rainy days and 50 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Kyoto in February
ColdIn February, Kyoto averages highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C, with about 6 rainy days and 71 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Kyoto in March
FairIn March, Kyoto averages highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C, with about 8 rainy days and 109 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Kyoto in April
GreatIn April, Kyoto averages highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C, with about 8 rainy days and 135 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Kyoto in May
GreatIn May, Kyoto averages highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C, with about 7 rainy days and 142 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Kyoto in June
FairIn June, Kyoto averages highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C, with about 9 rainy days and 178 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Kyoto in July
HotIn July, Kyoto averages highs of 33°C and lows of 24°C, with about 10 rainy days and 244 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Kyoto in August
HotIn August, Kyoto averages highs of 34°C and lows of 25°C, with about 7 rainy days and 177 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Kyoto in September
FairIn September, Kyoto averages highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C, with about 8 rainy days and 185 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Kyoto in October
GreatIn October, Kyoto averages highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C, with about 7 rainy days and 135 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
Kyoto in November
GoodIn November, Kyoto averages highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C, with about 5 rainy days and 73 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
Kyoto in December
ColdIn December, Kyoto averages highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C, with about 5 rainy days and 60 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Top tours and experiences in Kyoto
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto
5.02,749 reviews1h 30m
from €114
Check availability
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
4.92,287 reviews2h
from €22
Check availabilityAll things to do in Kyoto →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your Kyoto trip
Best time to visit Kyoto: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Kyoto?+
April is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 20°C. May and October are close behind.
What is the rainiest month in Kyoto?+
July is the wettest month, with about 244 mm of rain.
How hot does Kyoto get?+
August is the warmest month, with average highs of 34°C and lows of 25°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 1°C.
Averages for 2006–2025 from the KYOTO weather station (3 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.