Best months in Kyoto, Japan

Best Time to Visit Kyoto, Japan

Climate guide for Kyoto, Japan — updated 2026

Travel window May, June, October, November Peak: May · 8.1/10 climate score
Months to avoid January, February, August
Visit score

Kyoto on the map · best months to visit

Kyoto, Japan

  • Best monthsMay, June, October, November
  • Avoid monthsJanuary, February, August
  • Visit score now8/10
Coordinates
35.02°, 135.75°
Quick answer

Plan your trip for May, June, October, November. Expect average highs near 22°C, lows near 14°C, and about 11 rainy days a month. Skip January, February, August when frequent rain sets in.

Peak score
8.1/10
May Climate score
Warmest month
32°C
August Average daytime high
Coldest month
1°C
January Average overnight low
Wettest month
17d
July Rainy days per month

Travel score by month

Each score weighs temperature comfort, rain, humidity, and outdoor conditions. Higher is better.

May · 8.1/10
2.5 Jan
2.5 Feb
4.7 Mar
6.5 Apr
8.1 May
7.5 Jun
4.1 Jul
2.9 Aug
6.4 Sep
8 Oct
7.2 Nov
4.1 Dec
Excellent (7–10) Mixed (5–6) Tough (0–4)

Month-by-Month Recommendation

Tap any month to open its full weather page. Cards highlight score, temperature, rain, and comfort.

Climate normals

Compare the monthly shape of temperature highs/lows and rainfall before locking in your dates.

Monthly Temperatures

42°C 36°C 30°C 24°C 18°C 12°C 6°C 0°C -6°C JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
HighLow

Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 8°C / 1°C . Feb: 9°C / 1°C . Mar: 14°C / 5°C . Apr: 19°C / 9°C . May: 23°C / 14°C . Jun: 26°C / 19°C . Jul: 30°C / 23°C . Aug: 32°C / 24°C . Sep: 28°C / 21°C . Oct: 22°C / 14°C . Nov: 16°C / 8°C . Dec: 10°C / 3°C .

Monthly Rainfall

0 mm 44 mm 88 mm 132 mm 176 mm 220 mm JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall

Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 57 mm. Feb: 66 mm. Mar: 115 mm. Apr: 155 mm. May: 165 mm. Jun: 220 mm. Jul: 253 mm. Aug: 202 mm. Sep: 176 mm. Oct: 181 mm. Nov: 64 mm. Dec: 54 mm.

Season by Season

Season cards explain why scores rise and fall, with a representative month picked for each.

Spring

Avg score 6.4/10

Mar, Apr, May

Average highs of 18°C (64°F) with 11 rainy days per month. Climate score: 6.4/10.

This month falls at the beginning of Spring.

Weather conditions this month are among the best of the year, making it a popular time for outdoor activities.

Summer

Avg score 4.8/10

Jun, Jul, Aug

Average highs of 29°C (84°F) with 15 rainy days per month. Climate score: 4.8/10.

This month falls at the beginning of Summer.

Weather conditions this month are among the best of the year, making it a popular time for outdoor activities.

Autumn

Avg score 7.2/10

Sep, Oct, Nov

Average highs of 22°C (72°F) with 11 rainy days per month. Climate score: 7.2/10.

This month falls at the beginning of Autumn.

Weather conditions this month are among the best of the year, making it a popular time for outdoor activities.

Winter

Avg score 3/10

Dec, Jan, Feb

Average highs of 9°C (48°F) with 9 rainy days per month. Climate score: 3/10.

This month falls at the middle of Winter. Cold conditions dominate the month.

Weather conditions this month are less ideal compared to other times of the year. Indoor activities or shorter outings may be more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best months to visit Kyoto are May, June, October, November, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is low.

Consider avoiding January, February, August due to frequent rain.

Packing depends on the season. In peak months (May, June, October, November), light layers and sun protection are typical essentials.

Yes! May earns a climate score of 8.1/10 and is one of the best months to visit Kyoto. Warm conditions, with highs averaging 22.9°C (73°F). Rain falls on about 11 days this month.

Yes! June earns a climate score of 7.5/10 and is one of the best months to visit Kyoto. Warm conditions, with highs averaging 26.3°C (79°F). Rain falls on about 15 days this month, totalling around 220 mm.