Kyoto, Japan Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Kyoto
Located in Japan, Kyoto experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 89°F (32°C) in August and dip to about 47°F (8°C) in January, with around 71.6 inches (1818 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 89°F (32°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 47°F (8°C)
- Record high: 100°F (38°C) · Record low: 10°F (-12°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: July (18 rainy days) · Sunniest: August (10.4 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 2 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on August. Highs average 89°F (32°C) and overnight lows stay near 75°F (24°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows around 31°F (-1°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 100°F (38°C) and dropped as low as 10°F (-12°C).
Rain, sun and snow
July is usually the wettest month. It brings about 10.8 inches (275 mm) of rain over 18 days, while January is the driest. August brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.4 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 2 days in a typical year, mostly from December through February.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47° | 31° | 8 | 2.5 in | 7.2 h/day | 76% |
| February | 49° | 32° | 8 | 2.5 in | 7.5 h/day | 74% |
| March | 57° | 38° | 11 | 4.9 in | 8.3 h/day | 73% |
| April | 66° | 47° | 11 | 6.4 in | 8.4 h/day | 73% |
| May | 74° | 55° | 11 | 6.8 in | 9.3 h/day | 73% |
| June | 80° | 63° | 15 | 9.4 in | 8.6 h/day | 78% |
| July | 86° | 72° | 18 | 10.8 in | 9.1 h/day | 82% |
| August | 89° | 75° | 13 | 7.5 in | 10.4 h/day | 78% |
| September | 82° | 68° | 15 | 7.9 in | 8.4 h/day | 80% |
| October | 71° | 56° | 11 | 7.1 in | 8.0 h/day | 79% |
| November | 62° | 45° | 7 | 3.1 in | 7.7 h/day | 79% |
| December | 51° | 35° | 7 | 2.5 in | 7.3 h/day | 77% |
Kyoto month by month
Kyoto weather in January
January brings highs around 47°F (8°C), lows near 31°F (-1°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Kyoto.
Kyoto weather in February
February brings highs around 49°F (9°C), lows near 32°F (0°C), about 8 wet days.
Kyoto weather in March
March brings highs around 57°F (14°C), lows near 38°F (3°C), about 11 wet days.
Kyoto weather in April
April brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 11 wet days.
Kyoto weather in May
May brings highs around 74°F (24°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 11 wet days.
Kyoto weather in June
June brings highs around 80°F (26°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 15 wet days.
Kyoto weather in July
July brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 18 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Kyoto.
Kyoto weather in August
August brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 13 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Kyoto.
Kyoto weather in September
September brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 15 wet days.
Kyoto weather in October
October brings highs around 71°F (22°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 11 wet days.
Kyoto weather in November
November brings highs around 62°F (16°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 7 wet days.
Kyoto weather in December
December brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 35°F (2°C), about 7 wet days.
Seasons in Kyoto
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Kyoto is mild, with daytime highs averaging 66°F (19°C) and nights around 46°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Kyoto is hot, with daytime highs averaging 85°F (29°C) and nights around 70°F (21°C); expect showers on roughly 45 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Kyoto is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 72°F (22°C) and nights around 56°F (13°C); expect showers on roughly 33 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Kyoto runs cold, with daytime highs averaging 49°F (9°C) and nights around 32°F (0°C); expect showers on roughly 22 days across the season, plus around 2 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Kyoto?
Is Kyoto hot in summer?
Is Kyoto cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Kyoto get in a year?
Best time to visit Kyoto
The best time to visit Kyoto is generally April to May and October to November, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 68°F (20°C).
Pack for Kyoto with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 75°F (24°C).
Kyoto temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.