What is the weather like in Kyoto throughout the year?

Kyoto experiences varying weather throughout the year. The warmest month is August with average highs of 31°C. The coolest month is January.

What is the weather like in Kyoto in May?

Kyoto in May scores 65/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Very good conditions overall.

Who should visit Kyoto in May?

May in Kyoto is ideal for: Cultural tourists, Business travelers.

Best Time to Visit Kyoto | 30-Year Weather Analysis

Why May is the Best Time to Visit Kyoto

Is May a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?

👍Very good conditions overall(65/100)

Short Answer

Popular May in Kyoto offers 23°C and 29% rain chance - excellent conditions that attract maximum visitors. Book 3-6 months ahead for best rates.

Decision Factors

Vaccinations required

Yellow Fever

Peak tourist season

87% of annual peak - expect crowds and high prices

Ideal temperature range

22.9°C - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities

Health precautions needed

Be aware of: Leptospirosis, Hantavirus, Tuberculosis (TB)

Plenty of sunshine

8.8h of sunshine daily

Good For

🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites
💼
Business travelers
Climate-controlled meetings unaffected by weather

Who Should Avoid

💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere
👴
Elderly travelers
76% humidity creates difficult conditions

Warmest

August

31°C avg

Coolest

January

8°C avg

Driest

January

14% rain

Wettest

July

37% rain

Planning Your Trip to Kyoto, Japan

Wondering when is the best time to visit Kyoto? Based on our analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite weather data, the ideal months to travel to Kyoto are May, October, April. During these months, you'll experience optimal temperatures around 23°C with only 29% chance of rain.

The Kyoto climate varies throughout the year. August is the hottest month with average highs of 31°C, while January is the coldest at 8°C. If you're planning outdoor activities or sightseeing in Kyoto, avoid July when rainfall peaks at 37% probability.

For the best Kyoto weather experience, we recommend visiting during January for the driest conditions or the shoulder months of May and October for a perfect balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Kyoto Weather by Month: Climate Guide

Click any month to explore detailed daily forecasts for Kyoto

🏆 85-100: Excellent👍 70-84: Great👌 55-69: Good🤔 40-54: Fair⚠️ 0-39: Challenging

When to Visit Kyoto: Travel Style Guide

Personalized Kyoto travel recommendations based on 30-year weather data

Beach Lovers

Warmest months with comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities

AugustJulySeptember

Budget Travelers

Shoulder season with good weather and lower prices

JanuaryFebruaryApril

Avoiding Crowds

Fewer tourists with acceptable weather conditions

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Photography

Best light conditions with clear skies

DecemberNovemberMarch

Winter Escape

Escape the cold with warmest temperatures

JuneJulyAugust

Honeymoon

Perfect conditions for a romantic getaway

AprilMayOctober

Kyoto Weather FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is the best time to visit Kyoto?

Based on 30 years of weather data, the best months to visit Kyoto are May, October, April. These months offer the optimal combination of pleasant temperatures (23°C avg) and low rainfall (29% chance).

When is the hottest time of year in Kyoto?

August is historically the warmest month in Kyoto with average highs of 31°C. If you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in January when temperatures average around 8°C.

When is the rainy season in Kyoto?

July typically sees the most rainfall in Kyoto with a 37% chance of rain. For the driest conditions, plan your visit in January when rain probability drops to just 14%.

How accurate is the Kyoto weather forecast?

Our Kyoto climate analysis is based on 30 years of NASA POWER satellite observations (1995-2024), providing highly accurate historical averages. While weather can vary year to year, these long-term patterns are excellent indicators for planning your trip to Kyoto.

What should I pack for Kyoto?

Packing depends on when you visit. In August (warmest month), pack light summer clothes for 31°C weather. In January (coolest month), bring layers for 8°C temperatures.

Is Kyoto good for a destination wedding?

Yes! The best months for an outdoor wedding in Kyoto are January (only 14% rain chance) and May for optimal weather conditions. Avoid July when rain probability peaks at 37%.