Mid-spring · Weather & things to do
Kyoto in April
Kyoto warms up: highs climb to 65°F (18°C), from 54°F in March, with lows of 46°F (8°C) and about 4.7 in (119 mm) of rain.
April opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 78/100 (the top score of the year).
- Avg high
- 65°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 46°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 4.7 in (119 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 69%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 78/100 · Great
What April feels like
Highs near 65°F (18°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 46°F (8°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.7 in (119 mm).
Plan around April
April is one of Kyoto's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: April & May and October & November.
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 6°C (10°F) from March.
- Comfort improves from 60/100 in March to 78/100.
- April sits inside the Mar – May window our Japan Golden Route recommends.
What to pack for April
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 46°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Kyoto in April
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Philosopher's Path
Canal-side walk lined with cherry trees between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best early Apr or Nov.
Kinkaku-ji
Gold-leaf-covered pavilion reflected in a pond, Kyoto's most photographed temple.
Kiyomizu-dera
Hillside temple with a wooden stage over the trees and views across the city.
Omen Ginkakuji
Long-running udon restaurant serving thick noodles with seasonal vegetables to add yourself.
Pontocho Alley
Narrow lantern-lit lane of restaurants and bars along the Kamo River.
Why now April scores 78/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Nearby in April
- Osaka in April~27 mi · highs 66°F, 5.3 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Tokyo in April~224 mi · highs 66°F, 5.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~251 m to Kyoto's ~51 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Kyoto in April: quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Kyoto?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 78/100. Expect highs of 65°F (18°C) and 4.7 in (119 mm) of rain. April is inside the Mar – May window our Japan Golden Route recommends.
How hot is Kyoto in April?
Average highs are 65°F (18°C) and average lows 46°F (8°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in April?
Some: about 4.7 in (119 mm) of rain falls across April on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 65.2 in (1657 mm).
What should I pack for Kyoto in April?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 46°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in April
- Japan Golden Route Mar – May
Planning Kyoto in April?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.