Kyoto Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Kyoto, Kansai, Central Honshu, Japan)

Many tourists choose to visit the city of Kyoto during spring and autumn, when the climate is at its most appealing and the weather is particularly stable and predictable. However, outside of these seasons, Kyoto can be somewhat of a mixed bag, with sticky and hot summer weather, and a much colder winter climate.

Spring in Kyoto is known for its breathtaking cherry blossoms, and as the weather begins to improve towards the end of March and the beginning of April, the flowers are soon bursting with colour. However, spring temperatures can be a little fickle and unpredictable, falling between 10°C / 50°F to 15°C / 59°F, and so it is always difficult to precisely pinpoint Kyoto's short-lived cherry blossom season.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

Autumn, from late September to November, is an especially good time to plan a visit to Kyoto and you can expect pleasant weather, warm temperatures and great fall colours. Depending upon the autumn climate, the leaves usually colour up towards the end of October and provide an impressive backdrop to Kyoto's many temples and historic shrines.

As both spring and autumn are such popular times to stay in Kyoto, accommodation can be in great demand and at times, hard to find. Outside of these peak tourist seasons, the climate can be rather variable, with a brief rainy season in June, high summer temperatures and humidity in July and August, and frosty nights in both January and February, with occasional flurries of snow.

Kyoto Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	9°C / 48°F	-1°C / 30°F
February	9°C / 48°F	-1°C / 30°F
March	13°C / 55°F	2°C / 36°F
April	19°C / 66°F	7°C / 45°F
May	24°C / 75°F	12°C / 54°F
June	27°C / 81°F	17°C / 63°F
July	31°C / 88°F	22°C / 72°F
August	33°C / 91°F	22°C / 72°F
September	28°C / 82°F	19°C / 66°F
October	22°C / 72°F	11°C / 52°F
November	17°C / 63°F	5°C / 41°F
December	11°C / 52°F	1°C / 34°F