Monthly weather overview

iconKyoto monthly weather overview Japan · 교토

A quick, year-round overview of monthly and seasonal weather in Kyoto. Use this page to get a feel for which months and seasons match your travel style.

Kyoto weather at a glance

  • Kyoto sits in a basin away from the sea, so seasons can feel more “defined” than other Kansai cities—especially humid summers and chilly winters.
  • June is the rainy season in earnest, and July–August are often shaped by humidity-driven fatigue more than the temperature number itself.
  • Snow is not constant in the city center, but wind, shade, and weak indoor heating can make it feel colder than you expect.
  • Cherry blossoms (late Mar–Apr) and autumn foliage (Nov) are beautiful—and busy—so walking comfort and timing matter a lot.
  • Because you’ll walk and use transit constantly, plan around morning/evening “feels like” swings and rainy-day walking.
Jan · Feb

Cold air and sharper “shade + wind” chill

Avg low 0-2°C / high 8-10°C · Rain/snowy days: 6-9 per month / rainfall 40-80 mm

  • Even on sunny days, shaded streets can feel sharply cold—especially in the morning and at night.
  • On wet days (rain or sleet), the same reading can feel much colder.
  • Indoor heating is not always strong, so a light extra layer helps during long café breaks.

Suggested outfits

  • · Warm coat or padded jacket + thermal inner
  • · Scarf/gloves for wind
  • · Shoes that handle wet streets (or spare socks)

A note for travelers

If you plan evening walks, dress for “after sunset” rather than daytime highs.

Mar · Apr

Cherry blossom spring with big day–night swings

Avg low 5-10°C / high 14-20°C · Rainy days: 8-11 per month / rainfall 90-140 mm

  • March can feel like spring by day and winter at night, so layering matters.
  • April is comfortable for long walks, but rainy days can suddenly feel chilly.
  • Crowds increase around blossom season, which often means more time outside and on foot.

Suggested outfits

  • · Trench/light coat + sweatshirt or light knit
  • · Easy on/off layers for warm afternoons
  • · Cushioned walking shoes

A note for travelers

Mornings are usually calmer for popular blossom spots—and better for photos.

May · Jun

Early summer turns humid (June is rainy season)

Avg low 15-20°C / high 24-28°C · Rainy days: 9-13 per month / rainfall 140-230 mm

  • May is often crisp, but June turns sticky even when it’s not extremely hot.
  • Rain can linger or arrive as short downpours, so waterproof planning helps.
  • Strong indoor air-conditioning can create a “humid outside, cool inside” contrast.

Suggested outfits

  • · Breathable T-shirts/shirts
  • · Light cardigan or windbreaker
  • · Water-resistant shoes or easy-dry footwear

A note for travelers

Keep 30% of your plan flexible (cafés, museums, shopping) for rainy forecasts.

Jul · Aug

Peak heat and humidity — keep midday short

Avg low 23-25°C / high 32-35°C · Rainy days: 8-12 per month / rainfall 120-200 mm

  • Humidity often drives fatigue, so even short walks can feel intense.
  • Sudden showers are possible—build slack into your schedule.
  • Some indoor spots blast AC, so a thin layer helps if you get cold easily.

Suggested outfits

  • · Very light short sleeves/tanks + breathable bottoms
  • · Hat/sunglasses/sunscreen
  • · A thin indoor layer

A note for travelers

Plan outdoor walks for morning/evening and use indoor stops at midday to save energy.

Sep · Oct

Drier air returns — great walking season (Sep can be rainy)

Avg low 14-20°C / high 22-29°C · Rainy days: 7-10 per month / rainfall 100-180 mm

  • September may still feel like late summer, but evenings cool down quickly.
  • October is one of the easiest months for Kyoto’s walking-heavy itinerary.
  • Typhoon remnants can pass through, so check the forecast before day trips.

Suggested outfits

  • · T-shirt + light outer (shirt/cardigan)
  • · Long-sleeve tops or sweatshirts
  • · Comfortable sneakers

A note for travelers

In autumn you often walk more than you planned—shoes and socks really matter.

Nov · Dec

Foliage and early winter — after-sunset chill rises fast

Avg low 2-8°C / high 11-17°C · Rainy days: 6-9 per month / rainfall 40-90 mm

  • November is mostly cool and pleasant, but evenings can feel sharply colder.
  • By December, wind and shade make it feel “colder than the number.”
  • Foliage crowds can mean more waiting outside, so warmth is part of comfort.

Suggested outfits

  • · Coat or thicker jacket
  • · Knits and warm inner layers
  • · Scarf for evening cold

A note for travelers

Walk major spots in the morning, then slow down with cafés and indoor breaks later.

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Explore Kyoto

These pages are connected so you can compare conditions and decide for yourself.

Kyoto monthly weather overview — seasons & best time to visit | CityWeather | CityWeather