Best Time to Visit Kyoto
Kyoto is best visited All year, when conditions are at their most settled.
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Once you know the best time to go, find out exactly what to pack for Kyoto at 247PackingList — climate-matched checklists for every destination. For country facts like currency, language and plug type, see our Japan country guide at 247CountryInfo.
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Average daily high and low temperatures (°C/°F). Bars show the daily range each month.
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| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun/day | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Best | 8.4°C | -0.8°C | 56.2mm | 7.0h | 8 | 10/10 |
| February Best | 9.4°C | -0.2°C | 54.5mm | 7.4h | 6 | 10/10 |
| March Best | 14.9°C | 3.8°C | 121.7mm | 8.2h | 10 | 9/10 |
| April Best | 18.4°C | 7.5°C | 170.9mm | 8.7h | 10 | 9/10 |
| May Best | 23.0°C | 12.8°C | 197.2mm | 8.9h | 12 | 9/10 |
| June Best | 26.8°C | 17.9°C | 231.8mm | 8.3h | 13 | 8/10 |
| July Best | 30.0°C | 22.4°C | 336.7mm | 8.7h | 18 | 8/10 |
| August Best | 32.1°C | 24.0°C | 198.4mm | 10.0h | 14 | 9/10 |
| September Best | 28.3°C | 20.6°C | 193.0mm | 8.8h | 15 | 9/10 |
| October Best | 21.7°C | 12.2°C | 139.6mm | 8.5h | 8 | 9/10 |
| November Best | 16.9°C | 6.9°C | 81.3mm | 7.9h | 6 | 10/10 |
| December Best | 10.6°C | 0.9°C | 54.8mm | 7.7h | 7 | 10/10 |
Kyoto Climate
Kyoto has a continental climate — hot summers, cold winters and moderate rainfall. Check the annual climate overview for Kyoto for the full year picture, or read the dedicated Kyoto rainy season guide.
Counting down to your trip? Use our holiday countdown timer at LeftToTime to track the days. Owners often keep a Kyoto travel guide to hand for planning on the go. Check clothing sizes in Japan at 247Sizing before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Kyoto?
The best month to visit Kyoto is January, when temperatures average 8.4°C and conditions score 10/10 for comfort.
What is the weather like in Kyoto in January?
Kyoto in January is cold — daytime temperatures average 8.4°C, dropping to -0.8°C at night. The month is moderately rainy (8 rainy days), with roughly 7.0 hours of sunshine a day. This is peak season for good reason — conditions are close to ideal.
When is rainy season in Kyoto?
Rainy season in Kyoto runs March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity. Full rainy season guide →
Is Kyoto good to visit in winter?
Yes — winter (December, January, February) averages 8.4°C highs with a 10/10 comfort rating, making it a solid time to visit.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.