Japan (Kyoto)
Japan · Asia
The best time to visit Japan (Kyoto) is June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 34°C (93°F), with peaks around 37°C (99°F); in winter, nights average 2°C (36°F), dropping to around -2°C (28°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Japan (Kyoto) – What you should know
Kyoto lies in a basin enclosed by mountains, which amplifies both extremes: August reaches 33°C (91°F) with high humidity and counts among the muggiest places in Japan, while January turns sharply cold at 9°C (48°F) with nights around 2°C (36°F). Between them lie two short and exceptionally beautiful transitional seasons.
Rainfall follows a clear pattern. June and July bring the tsuyu, the East Asian rain front — 178 mm (7.0 in) in June and 246 mm (9.7 in) in July, the wettest month. September adds the tail ends of typhoons at 174 mm (6.9 in). The driest months are January at 46 mm (1.8 in) and December at 56 mm (2.2 in), though with only 4.7 hours of sunshine.
The two travel seasons are narrow and correspondingly crowded. Cherry blossom usually reaches Kyoto between late March and early April and lasts barely ten days; the exact date varies by up to two weeks each year and is forecast nationally. Autumn colour falls in mid to late November, at a comfortable 17°C (63°F) and just 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain — for many the finer and more dependable of the two.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 9° (48°)3– (37–)13 (55) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)18 (64) | 15° (59°)6– (43–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)11– (52–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)17– (63–)30 (86) | 28° (82°)21– (70–)33 (91) | 32° (90°)25– (77–)36 (97) | 34° (93°)28– (82–)37 (99) | 30° (86°)22– (72–)34 (93) | 24° (75°)17– (63–)28 (82) | 18° (64°)11– (52–)23 (73) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)16 (61) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 2° (36°)-2– (28–)6 (43) | 3° (37°)-2– (28–)9 (48) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)12 (54) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)20 (68) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)24 (75) | 25° (77°)20– (68–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)21– (70–)28 (82) | 22° (72°)16– (61–)26 (79) | 16° (61°)8– (46–)21 (70) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)15 (59) | 4° (39°)-1– (30–)10 (50) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 7h UV 6 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 8 | 6h UV 7 | 6h UV 7 | 7h UV 7 | 6h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 6h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 |
🌧Rain Days | 5d47mm (1.8") | 6d68mm (2.7") | 8d106mm (4.2") | 8d125mm (4.9") | 8d144mm (5.7") | 10d178mm (7.0") | 11d246mm (9.7") | 8d180mm (7.1") | 9d174mm (6.9") | 7d124mm (4.9") | 5d65mm (2.6") | 5d56mm (2.2") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
May offers great weather in Japan (Kyoto) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Japan (Kyoto)?
- The best time to visit Japan (Kyoto) is June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Japan (Kyoto)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Japan (Kyoto) average 34°C (93°F), with peaks around 37°C (99°F); in winter, nights average 2°C (36°F), dropping to around -2°C (28°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Japan (Kyoto) get?
- Japan (Kyoto) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 8 rain days per month. The driest months are January, November, and December.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MayJunOct
