Kyoto in Winter — Weather & What to Expect
Winter in Kyoto (December, January, February) averages daytime highs of 9.5°C and lows of -0.0°C, with around 165.5mm of rain across the season (21 rainy days in total). It includes some of the best months of the year to visit (December, January, February).
In the northern hemisphere, winter in Kyoto covers December, January, February.
Winter in Kyoto month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 10.6°C | 0.9°C | 54.8mm | 7 | 10/10 |
| January | 8.4°C | -0.8°C | 56.2mm | 8 | 10/10 |
| February | 9.4°C | -0.2°C | 54.5mm | 6 | 10/10 |
What to pack for Kyoto in winter
- Warm layers
- Light jacket or fleece
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light waterproof layer
- Warm winter coat
- Thermal underlayers
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Waterproof boots
Frequently Asked Questions
Is winter a good time to visit Kyoto?
Winter in Kyoto rates around 10/10 — excellent time to visit. Average highs are 9.5°C with 165.5mm of rain across the season.
How hot is Kyoto in winter?
Daytime highs average 9.5°C (49.1°F) across December, January, February, with nights around -0.0°C.
What months are winter in Kyoto?
Kyoto is in the northern hemisphere, so winter covers December, January, February.
See also: best time to visit Kyoto · Kyoto annual climate · Kyoto in spring · Kyoto in summer · Kyoto in autumn
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Once you know what winter in Kyoto looks like, find out exactly what to pack for Kyoto at 247PackingList. For currency, language and country facts, see the Japan guide at 247CountryInfo.
Winter in Kyoto — what to pack
Thermal travel layers
Pack proper layers — winters are genuinely cold and evenings drop fast year-round.
Check Price →Check clothing sizes in Japan at 247Sizing before you shop.
More winter travel essentials
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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.