Kyoto has a humid subtropical climate, but its location among relatively high mountains (up to 900 m above sea level) makes the climate cooler than in nearby Osaka.
There are very hot, humid and sultry summers with temperatures of over 32 °C common, but also cold winters with temperatures ranging from 1 °C to 9 °C.
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Temperatures and weather throughout the year
What are the specifics of Kyoto's weather, when is it hottest and when is it rainiest?
Weather in winter
Winter in Kyoto is colder than, say, the coastal cities of Osaka or Hiroshima.
Normal temperatures range between 1°C and 9°C, with the coldest months being January and February.
Rainfall is the least of the year and skies are usually partly cloudy.
When does it snow in Kyoto?
The scenery of snow-covered temples and Japanese gardens is magical and many tourists seek out winter days to visit Kyoto.
You have the best chance of snow in January and February. However, it usually only snows for 2-3 days a month and usually melts during the day.
Spring weather
Spring is a great time of year to travel all over Japan. Normal daytime temperatures are around 14°C to 22°C during March and April, rising to 25°C in May.
Spring weather is changeable. There is often sunshine, but you can expect rain showers for an average of 11 days a month, usually lasting 1-2 hours.
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When do the sakura trees bloom in Kyoto?
The flowering season of the ubiquitous sakura cherry trees is one of the most beautiful.
The cherry trees bloom in late March and the flowering period lasts until the second half of April.
Weather in summer
Summers in Kyoto are very hot and uncomfortable for hiking. On the other hand, there are fewer tourists in the city during this period and accommodation prices are also lower.
The hottest months are July and August, when temperatures are between 30 °C and 34 °C and the humidity is high.
The rainiest period
Summer also falls during the monsoon rainy season.
Because Kyoto is inland and near the mountains, the rains are not as heavy as on the coast, but it can still rain very heavily for days at a time.
The rainiest months are June and July, when it rains an average of 13 days a month.
Weather in autumn
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Kyoto. This is because most of the temples and monuments lie on the outskirts of the city and at the foot of the densely wooded hills.
This means that the surrounding area is coloured in the deep reds and yellows of autumn leaves, creating absolutely breathtaking secenries.
The autumn weather is also very pleasant and mild. During October, summer temperatures are still between 22 °C and 27 °C and it rains about 9 days a month (usually 1-2 hours a day).
From November onwards, however, it rains less and temperatures drop 14 °C to 20 °C.
When is autumn foliage in Kyoto?
The main foliage colour season is from the second half of November to the first week of December.
Table of temperatures during the year
Kyoto - Temperatures during the year
When to go to Kyoto
Kyoto is a largely urban destination with plenty of sights, so you can visit all year round. Even in summer, you can always take shelter from the heat and rain in the air-conditioned rooms.
However, if you also want to take walking tours outside the city centre, the main season for travel to Kyoto is spring and autumn.
These are the times when it rains the least and the temperatures are pleasant, between 14°C and 22°C. It just depends on what scenery you prefer:
- Spring (late March and April) - cherry blossoms (sakura).
- Autumn (second half of November and first part of December) - colourful leaves on the trees
