February's cool, sunny, and mostly dry weather brings lots of opportunities for exploration, and this time of year is full of activities at Kyoto's many beautiful shrines. February does not fall within Kyoto's high tourist season, meaning there are generally fewer people around too.
Kyoto's Weather and Climate in February
- Temperature: 2–10°C (36–50°F)
- Rainfall: 9 days ( 7 cm (3")
- Humidity: 65%
Kyoto in February is mostly dry, with low rainfall of around 7 cm (or 3 inches). The month of February only sees around 9 days of light rain per month, with comfortable humidity levels, and light rainfall that passes quickly thus not impacting travel plans much.
The average temperature range is between cold and cool, 2–10°C (36–50°F). This means that mornings and evenings can be on the colder side, but daytime temperatures aren't too cold to get outside and explore.
February is still winter in Kyoto, and there are approximately 4 hours of sunshine a day as a result of this. The days are short, but in general they are also clear and sunny, making for pleasant weather.
Is February a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?
February is a good time of the year to visit Kyoto, with temperatures cool ideal for those wanting to do lots of walking around without having to deal with the heat of the summer in Kyoto.
There is very little rain, with mostly dry, sunny days and low rainfall from the occasional shower, as well as a slight chance of snow (if you're lucky!). The snow generally does not stay on the ground.
Lots of festivals and ceremonies take place in Kyoto's various shrines, and we recommend visiting during those days to lean into Japanese culture, see traditional outfits and equipment, and immerse yourself in Japanese traditions (as well as try some local dishes).
Top Places and Activities in Kyoto in February
1. Celebrate the Beginning of Spring with Setsubun
Since medieval times in Japan, the start of spring has been a cause for celebration, and to this day, you can enjoy festivities in Kyoto. Setsubun is the name of this festival, where people bring in the good, and throw away the bad through the tradition of throwing roasted soy beans while shouting, ‘Devils out! Good luck in!' Some of the festivities will include local snacks and food too.
A good place to see the Setsubun celebrations is at Yasaka-jinja Shrine, where on February 3 the rituals start at 10am, with the ceremony commencing at 1pm.
Or for an alternative, the oldest Setsubun ceremony in Japan is held at Kyoto's Rozanji Temple, where you will see a display of dancing demons at 3pm, but other celebrations happen in the morning from 9am on February 3. There are also food stalls selling snacks, making for a festive atmosphere.
2. Sample Delicious Homemade Daikon Radish Soup in Sanzen-in
Between February 10 and 13, the radish festival, or Hatsu Uma Daikondaki, is held in the village of Sanzen-in just outside of Kyoto's city bounds. There, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful nature scenes and more rural landscapes common around Kyoto, as well as see the incredibly huge vats of daikon radish soup being made.
The large radishes (daikons) used are all grown in the local area, with around 10,000 bowls being served across these days. And did you know that the Japanese believe that daikon radish soup fends off sickness? It's a must-try in winter and an ingredient that you'll find in a lot of your food during your travels through Japan.
3. Visit an Exhibition about Traditional Swords at the Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum has plenty of activities throughout the year, but if you enjoyed the kendo demonstration, we recommend checking out its temporary exhibit about blades from the Mishina and Horikawa Schools. They have objects from the 1600s upwards.
The museum's permanent collections themselves are worth a visit too, especially if you hit a cold day and need a little bit of warming up. For this purpose, there are a great shop and a café on site at the museum.
What to Wear in Kyoto in February
Kyoto is cool in February, with mornings and late evenings that can be a little on the colder side. That is why we would recommend wearing warm clothing, and bringing a winter coat with an additional sweater or a fleece.
Wearing layers is a good idea because you can always take something off throughout the day if needed.
Because there is lots to see in Kyoto, we suggest wearing comfortable and supportive footwear with warm socks to keep your feet warm, and bringing a hat and scarf just in case you hit a colder day. As there is a slight chance of rain, packing an umbrella is not a bad idea either.
Kyoto in February FAQs
Does it snow in Kyoto in February?
While chances are low, there is a slight chance of snow in Kyoto in February. In general, there are approximately 5 snowy days in Kyoto per winter, most likely in January or February. The snow also doesn't usually settle.
Is February a good time to visit Kyoto?
February is a great time of the year to visit Kyoto, with clear skies, and cool, dry weather. In general, this is not the busiest tourist season for Kyoto, meaning that you'll find fewer crowds.
Is Kyoto crowded in February?
Kyoto is not crowded in February, as it falls outside of the tourist season. This is true for Kyoto but also for the rest of Japan.
Is it cheaper to go to Kyoto in February?
February is one of the cheaper months to visit Kyoto, as it falls outside of the peak seasons, with fewer tourists leading to lower accommodation prices.
Kyoto Weather Info by Month
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