Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Kyoto in January
This is the coldest month in Kyoto: highs average 44°F (7°C) and lows 32°F (0°C), with about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cloud cover.
- Avg high
- 44°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 32°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 3.8 in (97 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 83%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 44°F (7°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 32°F (0°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.8 in (97 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 83%.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April & May and October & November.
- Comfort slips from 51/100 in December to 42/100.
- Our Japan Golden Route recommends Mar – May, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 44°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.8 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Kyoto in January
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Omen Ginkakuji
Long-running udon restaurant serving thick noodles with seasonal vegetables to add yourself.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 44°F.
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Sake brewer's museum in Fushimi's old brewing district, with a tasting at the end.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Nishiki Market
Covered five-block food market for pickles, tamagoyaki, tofu and knives.
Why now A cozy break on a 44°F day.
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.
Nearby in January
- Osaka in January~27 mi · highs 46°F, 2.6 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, drier
- Tokyo in January~224 mi · highs 47°F, 2.6 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, drier
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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Kyoto?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are April & May and October & November. Expect highs of 44°F (7°C) and 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain. Our Japan Golden Route recommends Mar – May, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Kyoto in January?
Average highs are 44°F (7°C) and average lows 32°F (0°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in January?
Some: about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 65.2 in (1657 mm).
What should I pack for Kyoto in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 44°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.8 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Kyoto in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.