The climate of Kyoto
Located in a valley, part of the Yamashiro Basin,
Kyoto faces a humid subtropical climate, as per Köppen climate classification. No dry season marks its climate, maintaining an almost constant humidity level from 73% to 82% throughout the year.
Over the course of a year, temperatures in Kyoto show a significant range, with a yearly average high temperature from 5.8°C (42.4°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F) and a low from -0.2°C (31.6°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F). The highest warmth generally occurs from
June to
September as temperatures scale from 25.4°C (77.7°F) in June to a peak of 31.3°C (88.3°F) in
August, and then gradually descend to 26°C (78.8°F) in September. Conversely, it is the coldest from
December to
February with average low temperatures from -0.2°C (31.6°F) to 2.2°C (36°F).
Rainfall patterns in Kyoto are quite distinct. The city receives the largest amount of rainfall in
July with a whopping 147mm (5.79"), accompanied by about 20 rainfall days, marking it as the wettest month. Contrarily, February records the lowest rainfall of 32mm (1.26") and 12 rainfall days, making it the driest. Snowfall only graces Kyoto from
January to
March and in December, with the highest snowfall of 96mm (3.78") in January.
The best time to visit Kyoto
Taking into account the climate parameters, it becomes evident that spring (
April to
June) and autumn (
October and
November) provide the most pleasant conditions to visit
Kyoto. In spring, the city sees an average high temperature range of 16.5°C (61.7°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F). Along with moderate rainfall of 60mm (2.36") to 73mm (2.87") and an increased amount of sunshine, not exceeding 8 hours per day, Kyoto bathes in a warm, bountiful light, ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the blooming cherry blossoms.
In autumn, the high temperature ranges from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) and rainfall decreases below 90mm (3.54"), creating a comfortable environment to watch the leaves turn into captivating hues of red and orange.
The worst time to visit Kyoto
The worst time to visit
Kyoto is during the peak summer month of
August due to its overwhelming heat where the temperature hikes up to 31.3°C (88.3°F). Not only does the city grapple with the heat but also the humidity level rises up to 82% making it quite uncomfortable for travelers.
Moreover, monsoon ridden
July should be avoided due to possessing the highest amount of rainfall, 147mm (5.79") over approximately 20 days, causing disruptions in outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Kyoto
Spring in
Kyoto is a perfect blend of warm temperatures and beautiful landscapes. The high temperature rises from 11.3°C (52.3°F) in
March to 22.5°C (72.5°F) in
May. During this season, the city receives moderate rainfall of 60mm (2.36") to 73mm (2.87") making it a fresh and revitalizing period. The daylight extends from 13.1 hours in
April to 14.5 hours in May, giving travelers ample time to explore.
Summer weather in Kyoto
Characterized by intense heat, summer in
Kyoto, from
June to
August, comes with high temperatures soaring from 25.4°C (77.7°F) in June to the highest of 31.3°C (88.3°F) in August. The city observes heavy showers in
July, receiving 147mm (5.79") of rain along with elevated humidity levels. Despite the heat, the sunshine duration remains around 9.6 hours in August, the highest in the year.
Autumn weather in Kyoto
Autumn in
Kyoto, occurring from
September to
November, sees temperatures decline significantly from the hot summer, dropping from 26°C (78.8°F) in September to 14.5°C (58.1°F) in November. Rainfall also drops considerably to a moderate range from 86mm (3.39") to 32mm (1.26"), offering more comfortable and pleasing weather conditions. The daylight gradually shrinks, making the days shorter.
Winter weather in Kyoto
Winter in
Kyoto lasts from
December to
February with the temperature dipping to its lowest. In this season, an average high temperature ranges from 5.8°C (42.4°F) in December to 8.4°C (47.1°F) in February, while the lows can go down to -0.2°C (31.6°F) in
January. The city experiences snowfall during these months, with January recording the highest snowfall of 96mm (3.78"). Shorter days prevail, with daylight not exceeding 10.1 hours in December.
Weather in January
January in
Kyoto,
Japan, wears the cloak of the biting cold. On average, the high temperature is just 5.8°C (42.4°F), with the low dipping below freezing at -0.2°C (31.6°F). The chill is intensified by the considerable amount of snowfall, which averages 96mm (3.78") over 9.9 days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February carries forward the winter weather of
January but introduces milder temperatures. The high temperature nudges up slightly to 7.3°C (45.1°F) while the low remains just above freezing at 0.3°C (32.5°F). Interestingly, the amount of snowfall decreases significantly to 55mm (2.17"), spread sporadically over 7.8 days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March represents a transition period towards warmer weather, with a high temperature of 11.3°C (52.3°F) and a low of 2.4°C (36.3°F). Rainfall increases considerably to 60mm (2.36"), marking one of the wettest months of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April initiates spring in full swing, displaying a significant leap in temperatures. The high temperature jumps to 16.5°C (61.7°F), while the low averages at a comfortable 6.7°C (44.1°F), leaving no trace of the colder months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May serves as an introduction to the hot, wet season in
Kyoto. The high temperature peaks at 22.5°C (72.5°F), and the low rises to 11.8°C (53.2°F), creating a pleasantly warm environment. An increased average rainfall of 68mm (2.68") over 12.8 days indicates the beginning of the rainy season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Kyoto experiences hot and humid conditions, indicative of the summer season. The high temperature averages around 25.4°C (77.7°F) partnered with a low of approximately 16.5°C (61.7°F), ushering in nights of mild warmth.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Kyoto is synonymous with soaring temperatures and abundant rainfall. The month registers a high temperature of 29.2°C (84.6°F) and a low of 21.4°C (70.5°F), marking the peak of the summer heat. In stark contrast to the parched winter months, July sees an impressive downpour totalling 147mm (5.79") of rain over 20.3 days, the maximum rainfall seen throughout the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the trend of
July’s hot, damp weather. With a high temperature reaching 31.3°C (88.3°F) and a low gently falling to 22.4°C (72.3°F), August claims the title of the city's warmest month. After July's deluge, rain in August decreases to 94mm (3.7") spread over 16.8 days, the rainfall days also recede.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings monotony in temperatures, but a significant reduction in rainfall occurs. The high temperature rests at 26°C (78.8°F), bringing more temperate weather to
Kyoto. The rain measurement drops to 86mm (3.39") over 15.5 days, marking a shift towards a drier trend.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October heralds the onset of autumn in
Kyoto. The high temperature decreases to a more pleasant 20.5°C (68.9°F) while the low dips down to 12.8°C (55°F), crafting a mild and comfortable atmosphere. A slight increase in rainfall, reaching 88mm (3.46"), is distributed over 14.3 days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees a drastic drop in temperatures with the high temperature registering 14.5°C (58.1°F) and the low settling at 7.1°C (44.8°F). The sharpest decrease in rainfall occurs in November, plummeting to just 32mm (1.26") over 12.4 days, the driest month of the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Kyoto marks the onset of winter. The high temperature dwindles down to 8.4°C (47.1°F) while the low hovers around 2.2°C (36°F). The month witnesses a revival of snowfall, with a total of 38mm (1.5") distributed over 4.4 days, reintroducing the city to its wintry whites.
Weather in December »