People pack for Kyoto's temples and forget the two things that actually shape the trip: summer humidity and taking your shoes off over and over. July and August hit 33°C (91°F) to 34°C (93°F) with 14 to 15 rain days, and most temple halls, ryokan and some restaurants want shoes off at the door.
Kyoto weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 9°C48°F | 9°C48°F | 14°C57°F | 20°C68°F | 23°C73°F | 27°C81°F | 33°C91°F | 34°C93°F | 31°C88°F | 23°C73°F | 17°C63°F | 11°C52°F |
| Low | -1°C30°F | 0°C32°F | 3°C37°F | 9°C48°F | 13°C55°F | 18°C64°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 22°C72°F | 14°C57°F | 7°C45°F | 2°C36°F |
| Rain days | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 6 | 5 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 9°C (48°F) to 11°C (52°F), lows down to -1°C (30°F) in January, and the driest stretch of the year with 5 to 10 rain days a month. Temple floors are unheated wood, so warm socks matter more than a fancy coat. Pack a proper coat, a hat and layers you can adjust between cold streets and heated trains.
Spring
March–MayMarch starts at 14°C (57°F) with lows of 3°C (37°F), and May reaches 23°C (73°F), with 12 to 13 rain days each month. Cherry blossom season in late March and early April is the busiest time of year, so book early. Mornings along the Philosopher's Path are chilly, and a compact rain shell earns its spot.
Summer
June–AugustJune brings the rainy season with 14 rain days, then July and August climb to 33°C (91°F) and 34°C (93°F) with lows of 24°C (75°F) to 25°C (77°F). Humidity is the real problem. You'll sweat through a shirt on the walk up to Kiyomizu-dera, so pack quick-drying clothes and something to cool you down. Mosquitoes are out in the temple gardens too.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still hot at 31°C (88°F) with 14 rain days, but October drops to 23°C (73°F) and November to 17°C (63°F) with just 6 rain days. Mid to late November is when the maples turn at Tofuku-ji and Eikan-do, and it gets as crowded as cherry blossom season. Pack layers, because evenings fall to 7°C (45°F) by November.
What to bring to Kyoto
0 of 23 packed- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
When August sits at 34°C (93°F) and the humidity won't break, a handheld fan pointed at your face is what gets you up the slope to Kiyomizu-dera.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Temple gardens and the paths around Arashiyama have mosquitoes in summer, and this 20% picaridin lotion lasts up to 12 hours without a greasy feel or a smell.
June through September brings 14 to 15 rain days a month, and a shell that packs into its own pocket beats juggling an umbrella on a crowded bus.
Rainy-season showers hit Kyoto from June, and this nylon shell packs into its own pocket, so it rides in your bag until the sky opens over Gion.
- Bellroy Lite SlingBags & Luggage
Kyoto's buses and the Nishiki Market crowds punish a big backpack, and this low-profile sling holds your wallet, phone, keys and a small water bottle.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Japan's outlets take its US plug, and the 5 ports mean one small ryokan outlet can still charge everything you brought.
Clothing
- Quick-drying shirts · 5July and August hit 33–34°C with heavy humidity
- Neat casual trousers or skirts · 2Cover up a little for temple halls and Gion restaurants
- Shorts · 2Fine in summer
- Warm coat · 1Dec–Feb highs of 9–11°C, January lows of -1°C
- Light layersChilly spring mornings; November evenings fall to 7°C
- Warm hatWinter streets are cold
- Socks without holes · 6 pairsShoes come off at temples and ryokan
- Warm socks · 2 pairsTemple floors are unheated wood in winter
Footwear
- Slip-on walking shoes with cushioning and grip · 1 pairOn and off all day; long climb at Fushimi Inari
Gear
- Compact umbrella14 to 15 rain days a month Jun–Sep
- Small cooling towelYou'll sweat through a shirt walking up to Kiyomizu-dera
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenLong summer walks in 33–34°C heat
- Handkerchief or small towel
Documents and money
- Passport
- Cash
- Advance bookings for cherry blossom and maple seasonLate Mar–early Apr and mid–late Nov are busiest
Tech
- Portable power bank
What shoes should you pack for Kyoto?
Shoes you can get off and on in seconds without untying anything. You'll take them off at temples, ryokan, some restaurants and even fitting rooms. The full loop at Fushimi Inari is a long climb through the gates, so you still want cushioning and grip. And bring socks without holes, people will see them.
What do people wear in Kyoto?
Kyoto dresses neatly and a bit conservatively. Clean casual works, beachwear doesn't. Shorts are fine in summer, but cover up a little for temple halls and the nicer restaurants in Gion. Plenty of visitors rent a kimono for a day in Higashiyama, so there's no need to pack anything formal for photos.
What plugs does Kyoto use?
Japan uses type A and B plugs at 100V, the same flat-pin shape as the US. US two-pin plugs fit straight in, but many older outlets won't take a third grounding pin. Most phone and laptop chargers work at 100V, while hair dryers and straighteners from 230V countries often don't.
Tours and things to do in Kyoto
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Kyoto.
What should you leave at home for Kyoto?
Leave the big suitcase. Kyoto's buses are cramped and plenty of ryokan rooms are small, so ship luggage between hotels with a takkyubin service if you're carrying a lot. Skip lace-up boots, you'll be untying them all day. Heavy winter gear is overkill too, lows bottom out at -1°C (30°F).
Around Kyoto
Packing for Kyoto: questions people ask
What should I wear in Kyoto in summer?
Light, quick-drying clothes and shoes you can slip off fast. August averages 34°C (93°F) with lows of 25°C (77°F), and the humidity is the hard part.
What should I wear in Kyoto in November?
Layers and a warm jacket for the evenings. November highs are 17°C (63°F) with lows of 7°C (45°F), and it's one of the driest months with 6 rain days.
Do you have to take your shoes off at temples in Kyoto?
In most temple halls, yes, and at ryokan and many traditional restaurants too. Wear shoes that come off easily and clean socks.
Do I need a plug adapter for Japan?
US visitors usually don't, since Japan uses type A and B at 100V. Visitors from the UK, Europe or Australia need one.
When is the rainy season in Kyoto?
It starts in June, and rain days stay at 14 to 15 a month through September. Pack a rain shell from June on.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.