September in Kyoto is hot and humid, with a chance of a typhoon. September has lots of activities going on in Kyoto, including shrine ceremonies, festivals, and museum exhibits, though it's a quieter month for tourism. Keep reading to find out more on the weather and what to do and see in Kyoto in September!
Kyoto's Weather and Climate in September
September is hot and sometimes muggy in Kyoto. The average temperature is 29°C (84°F). However, it feels more like 33°C (92°F) because of the humidity.
It is also typhoon season in September, which means a strong chance of at least one typhoon coming through Kyoto and surrounding areas, but they usually only last a day or two. Strong typhoons hit Kyoto roughly one September in two.
Rainfall in total for the month is high at around 18 cm (or 7 inches), with approximately 11 rainy days throughout the month. While some days are wet and overcast, September still sees an average of 5 hours of sunshine per day in Kyoto.
Kyoto Weather in August Summary Table
| Averages | Description | |
| Temperature Range | 21–29°C (70–84°F) | Warm–hot |
| Rainfall | 18 cm (7"), 11 days | High, typhoons likely |
| Humidity | 67% | Sometimes muggy |
| High Feels Like | 33°C (92°F) | Very hot |
| Sunshine | 5 hours | More often overcast |
Is September a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?
September is very hot in Kyoto and also has the risk of typhoons. Because of this, there are fewer tourists, making it a good time to visit if you don't mind the heat and humidity. Early September, in particular, has less crowded accommodations and transportation.
Throughout the month, there are interesting shrine ceremonies that make the visit worthwhile. For example, you can see a Shinto ritual, a children's sumo wrestling match, a Heian-period moon celebration, or the Blue Dragon Festival.
However, be prepared for the possibility of a typhoon in Kyoto. While it's not the most typhoon-prone city in Japan, there is still a chance, so it's good to be ready.
If you don't like hot and humid weather, consider visiting Kyoto in October or November instead.
Top Activities to Do in Kyoto in September
1. Watch a Children's Sumo Wrestling Match
Every year on September 9th, children perform sumo wrestling, especially a version called crow sumo (karasu-zumo), during Choyo no Sekku (the Chrysanthemum Festival). We recommend attending the celebration at Kamigamo Shrine, but you can also find smaller events at other Shinto shrines in Kyoto.
The festival celebrates the autumn rice harvest and the changing seasons, featuring chrysanthemum sake and seasonal dishes like chestnut rice. After the ceremony, priests perform a dance that mimics crows as a prayer.
2. Visit the Kyoto National Museum
Given that the weather in Kyoto in September can be hot and rainy, we recommend having a few back-up activities to hand in case you need to spend a few hours indoors. We highly suggest visiting the Kyoto National Museum, home to some incredible ceramics, paintings, lacquer pieces, and textiles.
You will find local archaeological remains, dating back to the time when Kyoto was the capital city of Japan.
3. Attend a Japanese Moon Watching Party at Daikaku-ji Temple
Every year in mid-autumn (September or early October), Kyoto hosts moon viewing parties where you can enjoy the beautiful moon, savor food and drinks, and relax in scenic settings like gardens or on boats.
One of the most popular events is the moon viewing party (Kangetsu no Yube) at Daikaku-ji Temple. Here, the moon reflects off the pond, and a matcha green tea ceremony takes place. Reservations are required, but Asia Highlights can assist with bookings.
After sunset, Buddhist priests perform offerings and prayers to the moon, seeking good harvests and happiness through traditional sutra songs.
4. Experience the Blue Dragon Festival
The festivities include lots of beautiful dances, costumes, music, traditional Japanese weapons, and chants. You can see the festival on September 14th and 15th in 2025, at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where you'll also see a representation of the huge dragon itself as it is carried through the nearby streets.
Will My Trip to Kyoto Affected by a Typhoon in September?
If you visit Kyoto this month, you may encounter a typhoon. During the typhoon time, you'll find there is more rain and more wind, which can lead to street flooding and high tides.
This doesn't mean you can't visit safely, but it's wise to plan accordingly. Typhoons can lead to train or flight cancellations, so be flexible with your itinerary. You may need to stay indoors during the worst of the storm. Fortunately, Japan's transport system is well-prepared, and companies usually allow easy rebooking.
For more information about exactly what it could be like, you can read our article about Japan's typhoon season. If you are looking to travel to Kyoto in September, our team at Asia Highlights can help you with preparedness for typhoon season too.
What to Wear in Kyoto in September
September in Kyoto is hot and humid, so dress to stay cool. Choose natural fabrics, loose-fitting clothes, and light colors. Linen trousers, cotton sundresses, t-shirts, skirts, and short-sleeved shirts are great options.
When visiting shrines or ceremonies, there's no strict dress code, but it's respectful to dress modestly and remove hats or caps upon entering.
To protect yourself from the sun and rain, bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, an umbrella, waterproof shoes (or an extra pair), and a fan. A raincoat may be too hot, but a light poncho is a good alternative.
FAQs about Kyoto Weather in September
Is Kyoto rainy in September?
In summary, yes, Kyoto can be rainy in September, especially if a typhoon sweeps in. We recommend bringing an umbrella and having some indoor activities planned just in case, such as the museum listed above.
Is September still hot in Kyoto?
September can feel very hot in Kyoto, particularly at the beginning of the month. We recommend making sure you're okay to handle the heat, and dressing for it. As with the rain, heading inside occasionally to spend time in the air-conditioning, particularly in the middle of the day, will help.
Recommended Tours for Kyoto in September
We at Asia Highlights have put together some great Japan itineraries including Kyoto based on years of experience with travel throughout Japan. For September, we suggest checking out the following itineraries:
If you have a different tour in mind, we recommend getting in touch to let us know what you'd like to see and do. Our team can create your own perfectly-tailored Japan experience just for you. Contact us for more information.
Kyoto Weather Info by Month
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
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