Kyoto in March sees spring begin, with cool temperatures persisting and chances of rain increasing. There is plenty to do in Kyoto in March, with plum blossoms blooming, the Kyoto antique fair being held, as well as numerous activities for Girl's Day.
Kyoto's Weather and Climate in March
- Temperature: 4–14°C (39–57°F)
- Rainfall: 5 days (11 cm (4")
- Humidity: 61%
- Sunshine: 5 hours
March marks spring in Kyoto, with more rainfall: around 11 cm (or 4 inches) — a moderate amount — of rain falls in the average of 11 rainy days. Humidity levels are comfortable.
Temperatures in Kyoto increase a bit in March, with an average high of 14°C (57°F), making the days pleasant for exploring in general. The mornings and evenings can still be cold, so we do still recommend wearing some additional layers to keep you warm.
Due to the regular showers, Kyoto is a little overcast in March, but luckily the days do start to get longer during this month, with around 5 hours of sunshine per day.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?
March is a great time to visit Kyoto, with the month marking the beginnings of spring as evidenced by plum blossom season. While cherry blossoms attract high numbers of tourists to Kyoto, for those wanting to avoid peak cherry blossom crowds, plum blossom season is a great alternative.
On top of that, the weather in March can be pleasant compared to the cold of winter and the heat, humidity, and storms of summer, with the potential of milder daytime temperatures in between moderate showers.
March has lots of other activities going on, from Girl's Day ceremonies at shrines and temples to the Kyoto antique fair and geisha performances. The mix of indoor and outdoor activities will mean that you can step inside if you encounter a rainy day, but you can also explore the outdoors more should you happen upon a milder day.
Top Places and Activities in Kyoto in March
1. Enjoy the Plum Blossoms throughout Kyoto
Generally, plum blossoms bloom in mid-March, while cherry blossoms emerge towards the end of March. The best places to view the plum blossoms include: Jonangu, Ono Plum Garden in Zuishin-in temple, and Imperial Palace Park.
In Jonangu, you will find five gardens around shrine buildings, each with various types of trees. The Spring Mountain Garden (Haru no Yama) is where their famous plum blossoms can be found.
The Zuishin-in temple's Ono Plum Garden is home to over 230 plum trees. If you are lucky, the cherry blossoms may also appear in late March
The benefit of visiting in March and catching plum blossoms instead of visiting in April is that you will usually avoid the large crowds that appear across April for cherry blossom season and peach blossom season.
You may want to learn more about visiting Kyoto during the cherry blossom season in 2025.
2. Browse the Kyoto Antique Fair; Pick up a Traditional Kimono
Three times a year, for a week, the largest antique fair in western Japan is held at the Kyoto Pulse Plaza convention center. If you're hoping to pick up some unique souvenirs, or are a fan of antiques, this is a must-visit during your time in Kyoto in March.
There are over 350 stalls with their own specialties, including vintage kimonos, traditional Japanese pottery, unique woodblock prints, Buddhist items, Japanese furniture, and more, covering a range of different price tags.
Exact dates for March 2025 are still to be confirmed, but if you are interested, contact us and we can plan your trip around the Kyoto Antique Fair. Other dates for this fair are a week in both June and October.
3. Witness Traditional Girl's Day Celebrations at Kyoto's Shrines
March 3 is Girl's Day in Japan, and there are a range of different activities that you can enjoy on this day in Kyoto.
Shimagamo Shrine, for example, has a beautiful ceremony called Nagashi Hina, when little hina dolls are placed in paper floats and floated on the river. You can buy your own to participate, signifying a prayer for the safety and wellbeing of children. This only happens on March 3.
Hokyoji Temple has its own exhibition to celebrate Girl's Day, displaying a collection of dolls from generations of princesses who had lived at the temple when it was an imperial convent. This is also why this temple is known as the temple of dolls. The exhibition is open between March 1 and April 2 in 2025, and is a great indoor place to visit if you are in Kyoto on a rainy day.
4. Catch a Traditional Geisha Show, Kitano Odori
Kyoto is home to the annual spring geisha performances, performed by geiko (which is how people in Kyoto refer to geishas) and maiko (geisha apprentices). The shows feature dances and a short play, all in traditional costumes, making for a colorful display, and they only happen one time per year.
Dates are still to be confirmed for 2025, but performances are generally held at both 2pm and 4.30pm. Locations vary, since the five geisha districts take turns hosting the shows.
If you would like to see a geisha performance during your time in Kyoto, just let us know and we can ensure it is part of your itinerary, and arrange for tickets and transport to and from the venue.
What to Wear in Kyoto in March
The weather in Kyoto in March is mixed, with the potential for milder and clearer days, as well as the potential for rainy and colder days.
Temperatures also vary between the early mornings and the afternoons, which is why we would recommend bringing a few layers to manage this. A winter coat is not a bad idea, and an additional fleece or sweater can help keep you warm, particularly if you are looking to go plum blossom hunting in the early morning!
We also recommend packing a waterproof jacket or an umbrella, in case you do happen to be caught outside during the rain, and making sure that you are wearing comfortable and waterproof shoes.
Kyoto in March FAQs
What does Kyoto look like in March?
Kyoto begins to warm up in March, and gets busier as the month progresses, with plum blossoms blooming in the middle of the month (in general, though this is weather-dependent), and cherry blossoms coming towards the end of March.
Is it busy in Kyoto in March?
Kyoto gets busier as the month of March goes on, as visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the cherry blossoms. You will need to book your accommodation well ahead of time.
Does it snow in Kyoto in March?
It will generally not snow in Kyoto in March, with the exception of northern Kyoto, where there is a slight chance of a little bit of snow in early March. Generally, this snow does not stick.
Kyoto Weather Info by Month
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