City, Japan
Kyoto weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Kyoto
Late Mar–Apr (blossoms) and mid-Nov (foliage) are best but extremely busy. Jul–Aug is hot and humid; Jun is rainy; winter is quiet and cold.
Kyoto weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan7°97 mm
- Feb8°92 mm
- Mar12°114 mm
- Apr18°119 mm
- May23°140 mm
- Jun26°178 mm
- Jul30°210 mm
- Aug31°149 mm
- Sep27°192 mm
- Oct22°161 mm
- Nov16°96 mm
- Dec10°108 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C44°F | 0°C32°F | 97 mm | 85% | Cold |
| February | 8°C47°F | 1°C33°F | 92 mm | 83% | Cold |
| March | 12°C54°F | 3°C37°F | 114 mm | 81% | Cool |
| April | 18°C65°F | 8°C46°F | 119 mm | 79% | Pleasant |
| May | 23°C73°F | 13°C55°F | 140 mm | 80% | Pleasant |
| June | 26°C79°F | 18°C64°F | 178 mm | 84% | Rainy |
| July | 30°C86°F | 23°C73°F | 210 mm | 86% | Rainy |
| August | 31°C87°F | 23°C74°F | 149 mm | 84% | Pleasant |
| September | 27°C81°F | 20°C67°F | 192 mm | 84% | Rainy |
| October | 22°C71°F | 13°C56°F | 161 mm | 84% | Rainy |
| November | 16°C60°F | 7°C45°F | 96 mm | 84% | Cool |
| December | 10°C49°F | 2°C36°F | 108 mm | 85% | Cold |
Best months across Japan
| Place | Best months | Warmest month |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (30°C) |
| Kyoto | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Osaka | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (32°C) |
| Hiroshima | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (32°C) |
| Nara | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Sapporo | Feb, Jun–Sep | Aug (26°C) |
| Okinawa | Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov | Aug (30°C) |
| Hakone | Apr–May, Oct–Dec | Aug (24°C) |
| Fukuoka | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (32°C) |
| Kawaguchiko | Oct–Feb | Aug (26°C) |
| Niseko | Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar | Aug (24°C) |
| Yokohama | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Kanazawa | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Takayama | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (29°C) |
| Nagoya | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Nikko | May, Jul–Aug, Oct–Nov | Aug (28°C) |
| Kamakura | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Kobe | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (30°C) |
| Hakuba | Jan–Feb, Jul–Sep | Aug (28°C) |
| Ishigaki | Apr–May, Jul, Sep–Oct | Jul (29°C) |
| Nagasaki | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Shirakawa-go | Feb, May, Oct–Nov | Aug (28°C) |
| Miyakojima | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Jul (29°C) |
| Hakodate | Jun–Oct | Aug (25°C) |
| Otaru | Feb, Jun–Sep | Aug (26°C) |
| Beppu | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (31°C) |
| Matsumoto | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | Aug (29°C) |
| Koyasan | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | Aug (27°C) |
| Furano | Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug | Aug (25°C) |
| Sendai | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | Aug (29°C) |
Quick answers
What is the best month to visit Kyoto?
Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Late Mar–Apr (blossoms) and mid-Nov (foliage) are best but extremely busy. Jul–Aug is hot and humid; Jun is rainy; winter is quiet and cold.
When is the rainy season in Kyoto?
Rain peaks in July with about 210 mm. Months with 150 mm or more: Jun–Jul, Sep–Oct.
What is the hottest month in Kyoto?
August, with average highs of 31°C (87°F).
How cold does Kyoto get?
The coolest nights are in January, averaging 0°C (32°F).
More about Kyoto
Going to Kyoto solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kyoto meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- NASA POWER climatology (2001–2020)
- Kyoto City Official Travel Guide
- Kyoto City Transportation Bureau
- Kansai Airport
Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Temperatures are adjusted by 1.3°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.