Japan (Kyoto) · May
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
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May is an acceptable travel month for Japan (Kyoto) — conditions are fine, though June, July, August, and September offer even better weather.
Daytime highs average 25°C (77°F), cooling to 15°C (59°F) at night (daily average: 20°C (68°F)). Peaks reach around 30°C (86°F), the coldest nights around 8°C (46°F). The sun shines an average of 8 hours per day; there are 8 rain days with 144 mm (5.7 in) total.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
Packing list for Japan (Kyoto) in May
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Japan (Kyoto)?
- May is not an optimal month for Japan (Kyoto) (Score: 72/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Japan (Kyoto) in May?
- In May, Japan (Kyoto) sees daily highs of 25°C (77°F). Nights cool to 15°C (59°F), with a daily average of 20°C (68°F). Peaks reach around 30°C (86°F), the coldest nights around 8°C (46°F).
- How much rain falls in Japan (Kyoto) in May?
- In May, Japan (Kyoto) receives an average of 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain over 8 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Japan (Kyoto) get in May?
- Japan (Kyoto) averages 8 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
