Kyoto, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2018]
Traveling to Kyoto, Japan? If you're planning to go to Kyoto, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack:
When to go to Kyoto, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Kyoto, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
What to wear/what to pack for Kyoto, Japan by month
January
If you go to Kyoto in January, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain or snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Jacket or coat
- Socks
- Warm pants or jeans
- If you plan to ski, ski equipment
- Waterproof boots
- Light gloves or mittens
- Waterproof coat
- Fleeces
- Standard footwear
- Umbrella
February
If you vacation in Kyoto during February, you are likely to find that it can be brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Waterproof boots
- Waterproof coat
- Light gloves or mittens
- Standard footwear
- Jacket or coat
- Socks
- Fleeces
- Warm pants or jeans
- Umbrella
- If you plan to ski, ski equipment
March
In March, Kyoto is cold. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) range.
At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kyoto, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Warm pants or jeans
- Light gloves or mittens
- Waterproof coat
- Jacket or coat
- If you plan to ski, ski equipment
- Fleeces
- Waterproof boots
- Umbrella
- Standard footwear
- Socks
April
April in Kyoto is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Rain coat
- Light jacket or fleece
- Umbrella
- Waterproof luggage
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Dresses
- Pants or jeans
- Waterproof footwear
- Long skirts
- Socks
- Standard footwear
May
If you visit Kyoto during May, you are likely to find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).
In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Dresses
- Shorts or short pants
- Rain coat
- Light footwear
- Waterproof footwear
- If you're going to the beach, bathing suits, swimwear
- Skirts
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Sandals
- Waterproof luggage
- Umbrella
June
In June, Kyoto is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range.
At night, lows are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Kyoto, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Umbrella
- Rain coat
- Sunscreen lotion
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Waterproof luggage
- Dresses
- Light footwear
- Waterproof footwear
- If you're going to the beach, bathing suits, swimwear
- Skirts
- Shorts or short pants
- Sandals
July
July in Kyoto is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Dresses
- If you're going to the beach, bathing suits, swimwear
- Skirts
- Sunglasses
- Shorts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Rain coat
- Sandals
- Short sleeve shirts
- Waterproof footwear
- Umbrella
- Waterproof luggage
August
If you vacation in Kyoto during August, you are likely to find that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).
In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Short sleeve shirts
- Dresses
- Waterproof luggage
- Rain coat
- Umbrella
- Shorts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Skirts
- If you're going to the beach, bathing suits, swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sandals
- Waterproof footwear
September
September for Kyoto is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light footwear
- Waterproof luggage
- If you're going to the beach, bathing suits, swimwear
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Shorts or short pants
- Umbrella
- Sandals
- Sunscreen lotion
- Rain coat
- Waterproof footwear
- Dresses
- Skirts
October
October here is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Shorts or short pants
- Rain coat
- Waterproof luggage
- Light footwear
- If you're going to the beach, bathing suits, swimwear
- Umbrella
- Waterproof footwear
- Sandals
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Sunscreen lotion
November
November for Kyoto is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Standard footwear
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Waterproof luggage
- Waterproof footwear
- Umbrella
- Socks
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long skirts
- Rain coat
- Pants or jeans
- Dresses
December
December is cold. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains or snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Fleeces
- Umbrella
- Light gloves or mittens
- Waterproof coat
- If you plan to ski, ski equipment
- Socks
- Warm pants or jeans
- Waterproof boots
- Jacket or coat
- Standard footwear
Year-round what to wear/what to pack for Kyoto, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kyoto, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
- A plug adadpter that supports outlet types A and B
- A SIM card that works in Kyoto
- If you are visiting a temple, pack respectful clothing
- Appropriate museum wear
- Bicycle friendly attire, if you plan on biking anywhere
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