When Is the Best Time to Visit Kyoto? Weather and Climate by Month

The data for each month’s average high, average low, and precipitation was taken from the Japan Meteorological Agency’s 2023 records.

January

Average high: 9.5℃ (49.1°F)
Average low: 1.6℃ (34.9°F)
Average precipitation: 39.0mm

As January is the coldest month in Kyoto, it is a good idea to prepare coats, scarves, and other winter clothing for when you are walking outside. Precipitation levels are lower than the rest of the year, so preparation for rainfall is generally unnecessary, but in the case it does rain, umbrellas can often easily be purchased at convenience stores. Snow in Kyoto is fairly infrequent and does not usually stick for very long, but when it does, the shrines and temples look absolutely magical. 

It’s important to note that as the New Year is an extremely important holiday in Japan, many businesses and shops close down for January 1st and oftentimes the few days before and after. Even so, as Kyoto is home to countless shrines and temples, it is the ideal place to participate in hatsumode (the first shrine or temple visit of the year), with many people heading out to partake in this beloved custom. Popular options for hatsumode include Yasaka Shrine, Kurumazaki Shrine, and Heian Jingu Shrine, all of which are located in downtown Kyoto.

February

Average high: 10.5℃ (50.9°F)
Average low: 2.4℃ (36.3°F)
Average precipitation: 36.0mm

February in Kyoto is still quite cold, with temperatures barely rising from January, so it is important to still be equipped with cold-weather clothing. Despite the cold, February is usually when plum blossoms begin to bloom in Kyoto, adding dots of color to the scenery. 

Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festivity held in early February every year. It marks the day before the new season in the lunar calendar, with people casting away misfortune and hoping to bring in luck. Yasaka Shrine has a fairly famous Setsubun Festival that occurs on February 2nd and 3rd. People dressed in traditional Japanese garb throw beans into the crowd to expel ill fortune, and maiko also give stunning dance performances.

Warm up with hot pot at Washoku Uoman (Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo)

March

Average high: 18.7℃ (65.7°F)
Average low: 6.7℃ (44.1°F)
Average precipitation: 91.5mm

Though the temperatures start to rise in March, it can still be rather chilly in the mornings and evenings, so it is best to dress appropriately and bring outerwear that is easy to layer. Plum blossoms can be seen throughout the city, dotting the grounds of various shrines and temples. Cherry blossoms also begin to bloom, often from mid-to-late March, giving a sense of the arrival of spring. 

March 3 is Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day or Doll Festival) in Japan, which is celebrated with displays of lavish dolls in ancient Japanese attire and is meant to pray for the health and happiness of young girls. Shimogamo-jinja Shrine holds a beautiful Hinamatsuri celebration, with paper dolls being sent down a river by a man and woman dressed in traditional clothing and later geisha and maiko.

April

Average high: 21.1℃ (70°F)
Average low: 10.3℃ (50.5°F)
Average precipitation: 208.0mm

With the arrival of spring, Kyoto starts to feel warm in April. There is usually little need for a jacket during the day, though it may feel a bit chilly in the early morning and after the sun sets. There is also a stark jump in precipitation levels, so it’s best to keep an eye on rain forecasts.

Cherry blossoms often reach their peak at the beginning of April, so you may see many people out and about excited to partake in hanami blossom-viewing parties. The pink blossoms and the traditional Japanese architecture beautifully complement each other, and spots in Kyoto with particularly stunning views of cherry blossoms include Heian Jingu Shrine, Tetsugaku-no-Michi (Philosopher’s Path), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

May

Average high: 25.6℃ (78.1°F)
Average low: 14.9℃ (58.8°F)
Average precipitation: 253.0mm

By May in Kyoto, it feels as though spring has fully arrived. Even so, nights can be on the cooler side, so it is a good idea to bring a light jacket or other articles of clothing that can be layered. It is also fairly rainy in May, so we recommend having a foldable umbrella on hand.

The Aoi Matsuri Festival, one of Kyoto’s three main festivals, is held in May. Dating back to the 6th century, this magnificent festival features a mesmerizing procession of hundreds of people donning Heian-period (794 - 1185) aristocratic costumes. This vibrant scene draws thousands of spectators every year, eager to witness the elegant display of Japanese tradition.

June

Average high: 28.2℃ (82.8°F)
Average low: 19.8℃ (67.6°F)
Average precipitation: 228.0mm

Rainy season in Japan often occurs in June, and Kyoto is no exception. It is best to carry around a portable umbrella to prepare yourself for potential rainfall. Days generally feel rather warm, with the heightening humidity further emphasizing that. 

The damp weather in June makes it a great time to see colorful hydrangeas. They can be found decorating the grounds of several temples and shrines, including Umenomiya Taisha, Chishakuin Temple, and Fujinomori Shrine, the last of which also hosts a Hydrangea Festival in June.

July

Average high: 34.5℃ (94.1°F)
Average low: 25.0℃ (77°F)
Average precipitation: 74.5mm

Come July, summer is in full swing in Kyoto. Days are hot and the sun is strong, so it is recommended to prepare hats and clothing to combat the summer heat. While July sees less rainfall compared to other summer months in Japan, the air is still humid, so it is important to remember to stay hydrated.

Kyoto’s famous Gion Matsuri Festival is held over the month of July, with the main processions taking place in the middle of the month. Dating back to the 9th century, it is now one of Japan’s most iconic festivals, featuring breathtakingly beautiful floats and locals opening their private collections of gorgeous screens and kimono.

August

Average high: 35.5℃ (95.9°F)
Average low: 26.7℃ (80.1°F)
Average precipitation: 195.5mm

August is the hottest month in Kyoto. It is humid and the wind is fairly still, making it difficult to escape from the heat while outside. Do not forget to keep hydrated, and do not hesitate to duck into an air-conditioned building if necessary if you start to feel fatigued.

August is a great time to try “kawadoko,” or riverside dining. The breeze being cooled by the water and the trickling sound of the current is supposed to help cool the mind and body, allowing you to enjoy the Kyoto atmosphere even during the peak of summer.

September

Average high: 32.7℃ (90.9°F)
Average low: 24.0℃ (75.2°F)
Average precipitation: 70.0mm

Though temperatures gradually begin to cool in September, Kyoto is still quite hot during this month. It is also typhoon season in Japan, so it may be a good idea to add some indoor destinations to your itinerary in the off chance the weather is too unpleasant to explore outside.

September is the month of the harvest moon, which is appreciated by moon viewing parties all over Japan. This is when Shimogamo Shrine holds its Meigetsu Kangen Festival, which showcases traditional Japanese cultural performances that include both music and dances.

October

Average high: 23.7℃ (74.7°F)
Average low: 14.1℃ (57.4°F)
Average precipitation: 60.5mm

The temperature cools enough in October that it is a good idea to carry around a light jacket or another easy layer to keep the chill away in the early morning and evening. The leaves start to change color in some places around the end of the month, creating vibrant, fiery scenery that many people flock to see.

The Jidai Festival is held in October and is one of the prefecture’s most famous festivals along with the Aoi Matsuri Festival and the Gion Matsuri Festival. The main procession is made up of thousands of people wearing exquisite traditional costumes from different eras that are expertly recreated by skilled local craftspeople.

November

Average high: 18.4℃ (65.1°F)
Average low: 9.0℃ (48.2°F)
Average precipitation: 63.0mm

The temperatures have now dropped considerably and it is best to have outerwear on hand. However, there may still be some warm days, so layers are a good way to easily regulate your body temperature.

November is the best time to view the autumn foliage in Kyoto, with most places reaching their peak in the middle or late in the month. The leaves dye the scenery with vibrant colors, and some of the best places to view the vivid foliage are Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama, and Nanzen-ji Temple.

Partake in an Authentic Tea Ceremony Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple

December

Average high: 13.1℃ (55.6°F)
Average low: 4.3℃ (39.7°F)
Average precipitation: 26.0mm

Now it is fully winter in Kyoto, with December bringing colder temperatures throughout the day. Prepare yourself with cozy outwear and dress warmly. Hats and scarves are also good ways to stay comfortable. 

Winter in Japan can be characterized by its sparkling illuminations which light up areas with twinkling displays. From public roads to special illumination events, spots around Kyoto turn into sparkling wonderlands with magical scenes that are perfect for taking fantastic photos.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Weather and Climate in Kyoto

What Is Kyoto's Coldest Month?

Kyoto's coldest month is January. However, it is also quite chilly during the winter months from December to February, so it is a good idea to pack warm clothing and check out our tips for staying warm in Japan during the colder months. Though there is usually relatively little precipitation, we still recommend wearing socks and shoes that will protect your feet from the low temperatures.

What Is Kyoto's Hottest Month?

Kyoto's hottest month is August. However, summer is in full swing from July and occasionally as early as June, so it is important to wear cool clothing and check out our tips for keeping cool in Japan to keep yourself from overheating. Hot temperatures can even continue into September, and every year people in Japan are on guard against heatstroke, so remember to stay hydrated and not push yourself if you're feeling hot.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Go to Kyoto?

Thanks to the variations of the four seasons, Kyoto is wonderful throughout the year, so it mostly depends on what you want to see and do while you are in the area. Spring (usually March to May) and autumn (usually September to November) are more temperate and have the scenic sights of cherry blossoms and vibrant foliage, but these seasons feel comparatively short, so for the best chance at seeing these natural wonders, it's best to check cherry blossom and foliage forecasts for the latest updates.

While winter (usually December to February) can get quite cold, seasonal events such as wintertime illuminations paint the area in a jovial atmosphere that makes exploring even more enjoyable.

Summer (usually June to August) also has fabulous seasonal events like summer festivals and fireworks festivals. However, Japanese summers are notoriously hot, and the Kyoto basin that Kyoto city is located in becomes extremely hot and humid. While sunny days make outside exploring seem ideal, it is important to remember to do it in moderation and stay hydrated in order to keep yourself from overheating.

You can also check out our breakdown of this topic for more inspiration for your Japan trip timeline.

Kyoto Wonders Await Throughout the Year

Kyoto is full of charms waiting to be discovered throughout the year, so no matter when you choose to visit, you are sure to have a wonderful time. There is no denying the enjoyment of being out and about and exploring the countless temples and shrines dotted throughout not only the city but also the prefecture, but on days when the weather doesn’t permit much time outdoors, there are also many fun indoor activities that can fill a few hours or even a day. We hope this guide helps you plan your itinerary and packing list and that you have a great time in Japan’s ancient capital!