About Kyoto
Seasonal Information
Kyoto is in a basin surrounded by mountains to the north, west, and east. This geographical feature causes the city to experience hot, humid summers, chilly winters, and other changes in between. You may have heard about the beauty of Japan’s four seasons, but there are actually many more. The traditional Japanese calendar has 24 distinct seasons that indicate subtle changes in weather and flower blooming periods. You can still see those seasons reflected in Kyoto's seasonal events and art. On this page, we introduce the four main seasons and how you can enjoy the best of each here in Kyoto.
Climate in Kyoto
As you can see on this graph of the highest, average, and lowest temperatures of Kyoto Prefecture throughout the year, the summer months (particularly July through September) are the hottest, with the highest temperatures reaching around 35 °C. Winter temperatures can get colder than 5 °C, so it is important to prepare for this during winter sightseeing. The most comfortable times for tourism in Kyoto are all throughout spring and autumn.
Weather & Clothing
Monthly Temperatures for Kyoto Prefecture
Spring (March - May)
Spring weather in Kyoto is mild, and the cherry blossom displays make it a popular time to visit. Temperatures start to rise day by day from mid-March, and visitors can appreciate warm, sunny weather while exploring the outdoors. If you like to stretch your legs a bit, it’s a great time to go out for a hike in Kyoto!
Beginning in March, the city will be colored by a variety of seasonal flowers and plants, starting with plum blossoms, and then cherry blossoms, azaleas, wisteria, and irises, all blooming in succession. The April cherry blossoms are particularly beloved by visitors and locals alike, and for the short period that they bloom, it’s common to hold picnics and parties under the trees.
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Calendar
See recommended locations and information about recent years' blooming periods to help plan your next journey.
What’s happening in Kyoto in spring
See where people are celebrating the best flowers in full bloom or other florid festivals, indoors and out.
Festivals & Events 
“Tsuyu” Rainy Season (June - July)
Bring your umbrella! Between early June and mid-July, Kyoto sees a lot of rainfall. This season is called “tsuyu” in Japanese, and is a typical weather pattern across Japan, China, Korea, and other East Asian countries. The humidity can be very high during this period, and temperatures may go up and down as the rains pass, but they can bring out the bright green of Kyoto’s flora as well. In June and July, catch a glimpse of raindrop-laden hydrangeas around the city. If you’d like to venture a little outside the city center, the rainy season is a wonderful time to visit the Rakusai area.
But if you’d rather escape the showers altogether, there’s still plenty to do in Kyoto: duck inside the Kyoto Aquarium for a stunning display of creatures, into the Kyoto Manga Museum for a read, or into one of Kyoto’s many other spectacular museums.
Summer (June - August)
The mountains surrounding Kyoto on three sides most significantly affect the city's climate in the summertime. These mountains block any cooling winds, so the air in the city remains hot and humid throughout the summer months, often well into September. You may break out in a sweat without even moving (the perfect opportunity to make use of your new Kyoto-style fan! You’ll see many of the locals carrying fans to generate a cool breeze in the summer). Temperatures often rise above 35℃ in midsummer. Another characteristic of Kyoto’s summer is sudden outbreaks of heavy rain and thunderstorms in the afternoons.
In the summertime, “Noryo Yuka” dining on riverside terraces is a popular pastime. It's a refreshing experience you can enjoy both downtown along the Kamo-gawa River, or in the north of the city.
What’s happening in Kyoto in summer
Find the hottest events, or the best spots to take in the Kyoto atmosphere while escaping the heat.
Avoid heat stroke during the summer
In recent summers in Japan, both the temperature and the humidity are on the rise. It is important to know that heat stroke can occur at any time, especially when the body is struggling to adjust to the rapidly rising temperatures. Please visit this page to learn how to keep yourself safe.
See more about heatstroke
See more about heatstroke
Autumn (September - November)
Like spring, autumn in Kyoto is a season with mostly mild and sunny weather, so it is a popular time to visit the city. Temperatures in Kyoto stay warm through October, but cool down in November. This brings about the season’s greatest spectacle: the deepening colors of the autumn maple leaves.
Many temples have beautiful displays, and because the nights in autumn aren’t yet too cold, they are often open at night for colorful illuminations of autumn foliage. Kyoto’s Takao area is particularly well known for its autumn leaves.
Autumn weather is also great for exploring the city of Kyoto on foot, or with a bicycle tour!
Kyoto Autumn Leaves Calendar
Kyoto’s autumn is a spectacle of brilliant colors! Take a look at some recommended spots and when you might expect them to be at their best.
What’s happening in Kyoto in autumn
Many autumn events mark the changes in the Kyoto scenery, both across the seasons and across the years.
Winter (December - February)
Just as the mountains around Kyoto make it hot and humid in the summer, they make for chilly winters when cold winds blow down from the slopes. Despite the cold, however, Kyoto doesn’t receive much snow. When it does, though, be sure to take out your camera: the historical city covered with white snow is unforgettably beautiful.
If you visit during winter, consider staying at one of Kyoto’s many traditional ryokan inns, which feature cozy baths and unsurpassed hospitality. There are also places where you can stop in to try daytime-use onsen (hot springs).
No matter the season or the weather, there’s a way to enjoy a different side of Kyoto.
What’s happening in Kyoto in winter
There are seasonal events all throughout winter, and special foods and customs to go with them.
Learn more and explore possibilities
How would you like to craft your upcoming stay in Kyoto? These topics will help you plan where and how to spend your time, whether you are new to Kyoto or a seasoned visitor.
Areas
Plan your trip around which area's sites and scenery call to you.
Sustainable Tourism
You can work together with the locals to ensure the city's future.
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