Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Kyoto: Weather and Travel Tips

Kyoto, the ancient capital with a long history, is the top city you should visit when you travel to Japan. Kyoto is an ideal city to travel to year-round with four distinct seasons.

The best times to visit Kyoto with the most pleasant weather are in spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). In spring, you can enjoy the exquisite scenery of pink cherry blossoms, and in autumn you can admire the multicolored autumn foliage. 

Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with August being the hottest time, when the average daily high reaches up to 34°C (93°F). Winter (December to February) is cold and dry, with January being the coldest time, having an average daily high of 9°C (48°F).

The rainy season extends from June to July with persistent moderate rain, but it does not rain every day and you can travel without disruption. Typhoons often occur around September and bring heavy rain.

Weather in Kyoto Every Month

Spring in Kyoto (March to May): The Best Time to Visit

• Features: Pleasant weather; the popular cherry blossom season

Spring (March to May) is one of the most popular times to travel to Kyoto (and all of Japan), when the weather is pleasant and the iconic cherry blossom views are enjoyed. The average temperature range is 14–25°C (57–77°F) and the average rainfall is a moderate 124 mm (5 in).

Cherry blossoms usually reach full bloom in late March to early April, making the spring/Easter holidays a great time to visit Japan. You could take a classic Japan family photo in kimonos under a cherry tree as the breeze blows cherry blossom petals on your head.

To capture the essence of spring in Kyoto, you could meander around the lush bamboo groves in Arashiyama, feed the lovely deer in Nara, and participate in a traditional tea ceremony to savor a cup of matcha.

Clothing tips: As the weather gets warmer in Kyoto, sweaters and lighter coats are sufficient to cope with the changing temperatures, but you may only need a shirt for the days when it becomes even hotter.

It's ideal to take about 7–10 days to explore the major highlights and experience some hands-on activities in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka during the cherry blossom season. Check out our 10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Spring 2025 Mini-Group Tourfor a great-value hassle-free trip.

Summer in Kyoto (June to August): Hot and Humid

• Experience lively festival celebrations

Summer (June to August) is the hottest and rainiest time in Kyoto, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 34°C (82–93°F) on average. The rainfall is high from June to July, reaching up to 224 mm (9 in), but it becomes drier in August, with an average rainfall of 154 mm (6 in).

The heat and rain are not big worries when you travel to Kyoto — it does not rain every day and you could still enjoy your trip. Many indoor activities, such as a ninja experience, afternoon tea with geishas, and a tea ceremony, are held in air-conditioned buildings. Traveling to the attractions in a private air-conditioned car would also minimize any inconvenience caused by rainfall.

Festivals: Various festival celebrations are the most fascinating events held in summer in Kyoto. The Gion Festival in July is the biggest in Kyoto and attracts travelers from Japan and abroad to immerse themselves in the strong cultural atmosphere.

Clothing tips: Pack shirts, sunglasses, and hats for summer in Kyoto. Don't forget to take an umbrella in case of sudden rain.

Insider tip: Compared with July and August (the summer vacation in Japan), June is cooler and less crowded, which makes June a better time for foreign family groups to visit Japan.

Autumn in Kyoto (September to November): Best Time to Visit

• Mild temperatures and colorful autumn foliage

Autumn dispels the summer heat and brings cooler temperatures. Comfortable fall temperatures range from 17–29°C (63–84°F) in Kyoto. The average rainfall in September in Kyoto is 180 mm (7 in), but this is due to occasional typhoons, while November is drier with a low average rainfall of 74 mm (3 in).

Colorful autumn foliage is the best scenery in fall and you can appreciate it everywhere in Kyoto. It is especially abundant in November when the typhoon season is gone and there are more clear days.

Kiyomizu-dera is one of the best places to see the red maples in autumn in Kyoto. You could climb the observation deck to enjoy the impressive view of red-leafed maples across the mountains and valleys.

Clothing tips: The weather changes frequently in Kyoto, but a shirt, a coat, and a jacket should be adequate to cope with it. If you travel during the typhoon season, don't forget to take an umbrella.

Winter in Kyoto (December to February): Cold and Dry

• A good time to enjoy an onsen in a traditional ryokan

Winter is the coldest time in Kyoto, but it's not too cold to travel. With daily highs of 9–12°C (48–54°F), it's the driest time of year with a low average rainfall of about 57 mm (2 in). It occasionally snows.

Soaking in a warm hot spring (an onsen) at a traditional Japanese-styled ryokan (inn) is one of the top things to do in winter in Kyoto. Sleeping on a tatami, sampling a high-class kaiseki (multi-course feast), and wearing a yukata (bathing robe) would truly immerse you in the Japanese culture.

Kyoto has more excellent ryokans than other cities because Kyoto is Japans top ancient capital with a well-preserved traditional atmosphere. This allows you to have an immersive experience of medieval Japanese accommodation.

Festivals: Kyoto is an ideal destination to celebrate Christmas and New Year, and it is one of the best times to experience local Japanese culture. You could enjoy a first-rate feast of kaiseki for your Christmas / New Year dinner. Bell-ringing ceremonies in Kyoto's shrines are a traditional way to welcome the New Year. People line up to ring the giant bells and pray for good luck in the coming year.

Clothing tips: Thick clothes, such as a down jacket and gloves, should be worn in Kyoto in winter to keep warm.

Kyoto Travel Guide by Month

Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December