Weather in Kyoto 2025: Seasonal Temperatures and What to Wear

Kyoto Weather Guide

1. Characteristics of Kyoto Weather
2. Average Temperatures and Suggested Outfits for Kyoto's Seasons
3. The Highlights of Each Season in Kyoto
4. The Best Time to Visit Kyoto

1. Characteristics of Kyoto Weather

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Located in the central part of Japan, Kyoto has a typical temperate monsoon climate, with distinct seasons, each offering its unique features.

Kyoto is surrounded by mountains, resulting in significant temperature fluctuations between winter and summer. The humidity in summer is among the highest in Japan, making it genuinely uncomfortable even for the locals.

However, the cold in winter should not be underestimated, especially the cold winds in the early morning and at night, which give a profound sense of the ancient capital's harsh winter.

Therefore, understanding the weather changes across the seasons in Kyoto, along with appropriate dressing, allows travelers to better adapt to the environment and fully experience the city's millennia of charm.

2. Average Temperatures and Suggested Outfits for Kyoto's Seasons

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In spring, the weather is warm but not hot, and the blooming cherry blossoms seem to adorn the city in shades of pink.

Summer, on the other hand, is hot and humid, especially in July and August, when sunlight streams between the ancient temples and streets, filling the air with a strong sense of summer.

Autumn is the preferred season for many travelers, as the cool climate turns the city red with maple leaves, creating the most poetic moments of the year.

In winter, although the temperatures are lower, the occasional light snow blankets famous sites like Kinkakuji Temple and Kiyomizudera in a tranquil layer of silver, leaving one breathless in admiration.

Spring in Kyoto (March to May)

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In spring, Kyoto resembles a poetry-filled painting, with temperatures gradually warming up, averaging between 10°C and 18°C.

In March, the winter chill has not fully retreated, and mornings and evenings still feel quite cold. It is advisable to carry a light jacket or knit sweater, paired with a long-sleeved T-shirt or thin sweater to cope with the temperature variations.

By mid-April, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom, Kyoto experiences its most intense springtime atmosphere. The daytime weather is pleasant, around 15°C to 18°C, making it ideal to wear light long-sleeved tops, dresses, or casual lightweight pants, paired with a light trench coat for comfort and a stylish spring elegance.

Soft color outfits are particularly suitable for the scenery of ancient temples in bloom, adding a poetic touch to your journey.

By May, the temperatures gradually stabilize and rise, with daytime highs reaching around 23°C. At this time, short sleeves with a light jacket are enough to handle the slight chill in the mornings and evenings.

Late spring in Kyoto sees sunlight filtering through the new green maple leaves, with the entire city brimming with fresh vitality. It is recommended to carry a thin knit sweater or light jacket to adjust to the temperature, allowing you to effortlessly enjoy the delightful moments of spring.

Summer in Kyoto (June to August)

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Kyoto's summer is known for its heavy heat, with average temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C.

The high temperatures and humidity in July and August can make it extremely uncomfortable. During this time, lightweight and breathable clothing, such as short sleeves and garments made of cotton or linen, become the best choice to effectively alleviate the heat.

Additionally, sun protection items such as sun hats, sunglasses, umbrellas, and sunscreen are essential to ensure your comfort when exploring temples or shopping under the bright sun.

It's best to avoid spending long periods outdoors and to stay hydrated at all times!

Autumn in Kyoto (September to November)

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Autumn in Kyoto is the perfect season for enjoying the fall colors, with average temperatures gradually dropping from 24°C to around 15°C, creating a pleasant and refreshing climate.

In September, the weather still carries some of summer's warmth, so it is advisable to wear short sleeves or thin long sleeves, paired with a lightweight jacket for easy layering.

As October arrives, the maple leaves begin to turn red, and the ancient temples and gardens of Kyoto are painted with the colors of autumn. The temperatures range from about 18°C to 20°C, making thin long sleeves, knitwear, or trench coats the best choices, paired with long pants or skirts to provide warmth while maintaining style.

By mid-November, the temperatures noticeably cool down, averaging between 12°C and 15°C. It is recommended to carry a lightweight coat or a thicker trench coat, along with a scarf for warmth, especially in the early mornings and evenings when the cold is more pronounced.

At this time, strolling through Arashiyama or Kiyomizu-dera, the interplay of golden and red leaves creates a picturesque scene, making one feel as though they have stepped into a painting. Warm and comfortable outfits will add to the joy of your journey.

Winter in Kyoto (December to February)

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Kyoto's winter may not have the heavy snowfalls of Hokkaido, but it does occasionally see light snow, adding a touch of classical elegance to the winter scenery.

The average temperatures range from about 2°C to 10°C, with particularly cold mornings and evenings, especially in the temples or mountainous areas, where the chill is more pronounced.

It is advised to bring a thick coat or down jacket, wearing warm sweaters or thermal tops underneath, along with a scarf, gloves, and a beanie to complete your warm clothing ensemble.

Additionally, boots or non-slip shoes are essential for walking in Kyoto during winter, especially after snowfall, to avoid the inconvenience of slippery surfaces. Conversely, late February is considered a season with fewer tourists, allowing you to avoid long lines and enjoy a peaceful trip in Kyoto.

3. The Highlights of Each Season in Kyoto

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Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital with a history of a thousand years, showcases its unique elegance with the changing of the seasons.

Whether it's the cherry blossom feast in spring, the lively festivals of summer, the beautiful red maples in autumn, or the serene snowy landscapes in winter, every moment in Kyoto is worth savoring.

Enjoy the seasonal transitions and step into the stunning scenery of Kyoto, experiencing the unique charm of this ancient city.

Spring Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

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In spring, Kyoto resembles an elegant ink wash painting, adorned with the romantic pink of cherry blossoms.

Every year, from late March to early April, the cherry blossoms bloom, and the most famous viewing spot is the Philosopher's Path, where cherry trees stretch along the pathway for several kilometers, creating a romantic cherry blossom tunnel that feels like stepping into a spring dream.

Daigoji Temple is renowned for its weeping cherry trees, whose branches fall like waterfalls, adding a touch of Zen beauty. Additionally, the cherry blossoms at Kiyomizudera beautifully contrast with the ancient buildings, appearing like a fairyland when in full bloom.

The spring weather can be changeable, with cool mornings and evenings, so it's advisable to wear a lightweight trench coat or knit jacket to comfortably stroll through the sea of cherry blossoms.

Summer Festivals: Lively and Colorful Traditional Events

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Summer in Kyoto is a vibrant and lively scene, with the Gion Festival being an event that cannot be missed. This is Kyoto's most important and representative summer festival. Every July, the magnificent float parades, bustling crowds, and traditional music fill the entire city with a festive atmosphere.

In addition, the banks of the Kamo River are a great place to beat the heat during summer. Enjoying delicious food on riverside terraces while feeling the gentle breeze helps one forget the sweltering summer heat.

Kyoto's summers are hot and humid, with average temperatures exceeding 30°C, so it is recommended to wear breathable and lightweight clothing, and to bring sun hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen to fully enjoy the summer vibes.

Autumn Maple Leaves: A Beautiful Canvas Coloring the Ancient Capital

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Autumn in Kyoto is a visual feast. From late October to November, the entire city is adorned with breathtaking colors of red, yellow, and orange from the maple leaves.

The view from Tofukuji's famed bridge overlooks a fiery sea of red leaves, creating an incredibly impressive scene. The autumn foliage at Kiyomizudera adds to the solemn beauty of the ancient architecture, especially when illuminated at night, highlighting its tranquility and mystery.

Arashiyama is an excellent place for leisurely strolls during the fall, where you can walk along the bamboo forest paths and take a boat ride under the Togetsukyo Bridge, admiring the dreamlike reflections of the maple leaves in the water.

The autumn weather in Kyoto is cool and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. It is advisable to wear a light sweater or a lightweight trench coat for comfort without sacrificing elegance.

Winter Serenity: The Zen Beauty of the Snowy Ancient Capital

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In winter, when it snows in Kyoto, the golden architecture of Kinkakuji appears even more majestic and dreamlike under the white snow, as if time has come to a standstill.

The snowy landscapes at Kiyomizudera and Nanzenji also showcase a unique beauty steeped in ancient charm.

During the New Year season, many temples hold year-end blessing activities, providing a culturally rich experience in winter Kyoto.

Winter temperatures range from about 2°C to 10°C, and the cold can be biting in the mornings and evenings. It is advisable to wear a thick coat, along with a scarf and hat, to enjoy comfortable and warm strolls through the ancient capital, savoring the serene beauty of the quiet falling snow.

4. The Best Time to Visit Kyoto

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Kyoto in each season has its own distinct beauty, but if one must choose the best times to visit, spring and autumn take the crown.

In spring, between March and April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the ancient temples are beautifully complemented by the blossoms, resembling a flowing landscape painting.

In autumn, from October to November, the gradually reddening maple leaves create a picturesque scene in Kyoto that captivates countless travelers.

Additionally, the Gion Festival in summer and the snowy landscapes in winter also hold unique charm, making them ideal for travelers who enjoy exploring diverse scenes.

Kyoto is Ideal for Travel in Every Season

Kyoto is a city where surprises await at any time of the year. Understanding the seasonal changes in Kyoto and choosing the appropriate clothing and travel times not only makes the journey more comfortable but also allows one to experience the different aspects of this ancient city through its seasonal landscapes.

Spring cherry blossoms, summer festivals, autumn maple leaves, and winter snow—each moment in Kyoto is a profound dialogue with nature, history, and culture. No matter when you visit, this ancient capital will welcome every traveler with its most enchanting charm.

Main image courtesy of Pixta