Local Guide
Introducing Kyoto's seasonal temperatures and recommended clothing

Kyoto is an ancient capital city with over 1,200 years of history. The city ranks first in Japan in the number of buildings designated as important cultural properties. The city, which still retains strong traces of its past as the capital of various eras, attracts approximately 53 million tourists each year. The city, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, has a wide variety of attractions, including many old-fashioned festivals and traditional events, and its seasonal scenery is rich in emotion and offers no shortage of attractions.
Kyoto Prefecture is long from north to south, and is divided into a Japan Sea climate in the northern part and an inland climate in the southern part by the Tanba Mountains in the center. Kyoto City, located in the Kyoto Basin, is surrounded by mountains on three sides and has an inland climate with large temperature differences between seasons and between day and night. While spring and fall are relatively pleasant, summer is hot and humid because the mountains block the wind, and the sun shines so brightly that the city is often referred to as "Kyoto's oil-soaked city. Winter is also cold and chilly.
When sightseeing in the city, be sure to dress for the difference in temperature. In summer, take precautions against heat stroke, and in winter, take precautions against the cold.

Average Temperature in Kyoto

Cherry blossoms on Togetsu Bridge in Arashiyama
Cherry blossoms on Togetsu Bridge in Arashiyama

In early March, when the city is decorated with plum blossoms and early-blooming cherry blossoms, we are in the midst of the three cold and four warm days. By the end of March, the difference in temperatures slackens and the weather becomes more spring-like. Cherry blossom viewing spots such as "Nezazazakura" at Kitano Shrine and "Omuro Ariake" at Ninna-ji Temple are at their best and can be enjoyed until early April. The mornings and evenings are chilly, so be sure to bring a coat or stole when going out to view the cherry blossoms at night, but after mid-April, the temperature rises dramatically, with the average maximum temperature in May rising to 25°C, and the Kamo River becomes a riverbed. In mid-May, when the Aoi Matsuri, a graceful festival with 500 people parading in Heian costume, is held, you can comfortably wear short sleeves during the daytime. Since ultraviolet rays are strong, a parasol and sunscreen are useful.

Scenes from the lively
Scenes from the lively "Yamaboko Junko (float procession)

Usually, the highest temperature in early June, when the rainy season begins, is around 30°C. Even on rainy days, it is hot and humid. It is hot and humid even on rainy days and slightly cooler after dark, but a light cardigan will suffice. It is easy to plan outings in early June, when there are still many sunny days. Rainfall is heaviest from mid-June to the end of the rainy season in mid-July. The irises at Heian Shrine and the hydrangeas at Zempuji Temple are at their best during this time of year, and you can enjoy the beautiful sight of them in full bloom. In July, when the Gion Festival begins, the heat is in full swing. In mid-July, when Yoiyama and the Yamabon parade are held, temperatures reach 35°C or higher. The heat is so hot and humid that you can hardly stop sweating, which is the very essence of the "Kyo no Aburashiri" (Kyoto's heat of summer). This heat continues even after the Daimonji Bonfire in mid-August. Be sure to take precautions against heat stroke such as drinking plenty of water, wearing a hat, wearing well-ventilated clothing, and taking breaks in cool places.

Boating at Oku-Arashiyama in Nishiki-Autumn
Boating at Oku-Arashiyama in Nishiki-Autumn

September is the hottest month in Kyoto. Until the middle of the month, when the "Kangetsusai" festival is held to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon, the temperature is often over 30 degrees Celsius, so it is still necessary to take precautions against the heat. Some nights are cooler than others, so if you want to enjoy the moon in a breezy atmosphere, a light cardigan to protect you from the night breezes is a good idea. Signs of autumn can be felt after the autumnal equinox. The mornings and evenings become cooler, and the temperature difference between day and night increases to 10°C or more. With an average temperature of around 20°C in October, there are few rainy days, making it the perfect time to enjoy a stroll in Kyoto. Light clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and jackets can be worn. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from early November to early December, when the average minimum temperature is below 10°C in November and the temperature drops below 5°C in the latter half of the month.

Snowy scenery in Kyoto
Snowy scenery in Kyoto

The average temperature in Kyoto is 6.7°C in December, 4.1°C in January, and 5.4°C in February, which is about 1°C lower than the average temperature in Tokyo, and the coldest day is around -2°C. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the Kyoto basin is prone to cold air accumulating on the ground, resulting in a bitter cold that is often referred to as "Kyoto's bottom chill. The cold air around your feet in particular will chill you to the core, so we recommend wearing boots or using a foot warmer to protect your feet from the cold. Kyoto, which has little rainfall in Japan, has many sunny days in winter, making it a great place for excursions: the "Kyoto Hanatouro" (flower lantern road) in December, when the famous Arashiyama spots such as the Wataratsuki Bridge and the Bamboo Forest Path are lit up; Hatsumode at famous temples in January; and the best time to see the plum blossoms in February at "Kitano Tenmangu Shrine" and other plum viewing spots.

The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.