Late spring · Weather & things to do
Kyoto in May
Kyoto warms up: highs climb to 73°F (23°C), from 65°F in April, with lows of 55°F (13°C) and about 5.5 in (140 mm) of rain.
At 75/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 73°F (23°C)
- Avg low
- 55°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 5.5 in (140 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 70%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 73°F (23°C).
Lows average 55°F (13°C).
Expect regular rain: about 5.5 in (140 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around May
May is one of Kyoto's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 73°F, up from 65°F in April.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 56/100.
- Comfort slips from 78/100 in April to 75/100.
- May sits inside the Mar – May window our Japan Golden Route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 73°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.5 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Kyoto in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Hanamikoji Street
Gion's main lane of wooden teahouses where geiko and maiko are sometimes seen at dusk.
Why now May scores 75/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing Mount Inari behind the main shrine.
Why now Highs near 73°F and 5.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Path through towering bamboo stalks in western Kyoto's Sagano district.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Sake brewer's museum in Fushimi's old brewing district, with a tasting at the end.
Nishiki Market
Covered five-block food market for pickles, tamagoyaki, tofu and knives.
Nearby in May
- Osaka in May~27 mi · highs 75°F, 6.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Tokyo in May~224 mi · highs 74°F, 5.6 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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Kyoto?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 75/100. Expect highs of 73°F (23°C) and 5.5 in (140 mm) of rain. May is inside the Mar – May window our Japan Golden Route recommends.
How hot is Kyoto in May?
Average highs are 73°F (23°C) and average lows 55°F (13°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in May?
Yes: about 5.5 in (140 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 65.2 in (1657 mm).
What should I pack for Kyoto in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 73°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.5 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in May
- Japan Golden Route Mar – May
Planning Kyoto in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.