Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Kyoto in October
Kyoto cools off: highs slip to 71°F (22°C), from 81°F in September, with lows of 56°F (13°C) and about 6.3 in (161 mm) of rain.
October opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 73/100 (3rd of 12).
- Avg high
- 71°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 56°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 6.3 in (161 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 68%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 06 min
- Comfort score
- 73/100 · Good
What October feels like
Highs settle around 71°F (22°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 56°F (13°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 6.3 in (161 mm) across the month.
Plan around October
October is one of Kyoto's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: November highs fall to 60°F.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: April & May and October & November.
- Comfort improves from 57/100 in September to 73/100.
- Our Japan Golden Route recommends Mar – May, so October falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for October
- Light, breathable clothes71°F afternoons
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Kyoto in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Pontocho Alley
Narrow lantern-lit lane of restaurants and bars along the Kamo River.
Why now October scores 73/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Path through towering bamboo stalks in western Kyoto's Sagano district.
Why now Highs near 71°F and 6.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing Mount Inari behind the main shrine.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Kinkaku-ji
Gold-leaf-covered pavilion reflected in a pond, Kyoto's most photographed temple.
Philosopher's Path
Canal-side walk lined with cherry trees between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji.
Nearby in October
- Osaka in October~27 mi · highs 72°F, 7.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Tokyo in October~224 mi · highs 71°F, 8.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Kyoto?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 73/100. Expect highs of 71°F (22°C) and 6.3 in (161 mm) of rain. Our Japan Golden Route recommends Mar – May, so October is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Kyoto in October?
Average highs are 71°F (22°C) and average lows 56°F (13°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in October?
Yes: about 6.3 in (161 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 65.2 in (1657 mm).
What should I pack for Kyoto in October?
Bring light, breathable clothes (71°F afternoons), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Kyoto in October?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.