Japan (Kyoto) · January
Low seasonJapan · Asia
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 time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.
January in Japan (Kyoto) is on the cool side — with highs around 9°C (48°F) it's less suited for a beach holiday, but good for sightseeing away from the high season.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 9°C (48°F) during the day and drop to 2°C (36°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 13°C (55°F), the coldest nights around -2°C (28°F) — frost does occur. With 5 sunshine hours per day and 5 rain days (47 mm (1.9 in)), this is one of the cloudier months.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Packing list for Japan (Kyoto) in January
- Warm jacket
- Jumpers and warm layers
- Long trousers
- Warm shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit Japan (Kyoto)?
- January is not an optimal month for Japan (Kyoto) (Score: 48/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Japan (Kyoto) in January?
- In January, Japan (Kyoto) sees daily highs of 9°C (48°F). Nights cool to 2°C (36°F), with a daily average of 5°C (41°F). Peaks reach around 13°C (55°F), the coldest nights around -2°C (28°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Japan (Kyoto) in January?
- In January, Japan (Kyoto) receives an average of 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain over 5 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Japan (Kyoto) get in January?
- Japan (Kyoto) averages 5 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.
