Weather: Kyoto — May
It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.
☔ Climate Overview
May is a wet time to visit Kyoto. Warm weather with highs of 24°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.
Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options
24°C
15°C
13days
14h
186mm
8.7h/day
72%
Humid7.5
Very High14 km/h (gusts 38)
Is May a good time to visit Kyoto?
It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.
Now
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Air Quality
Travel Context
- CrowdsQuiet
- Travel Costs Shoulder Rates
Daylight
04:55
18:54
Visiting Kyoto in May: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
- Fewer crowds and better hotel deals
- Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
Things to Do in May
Events & Festivals
Recommended for This Weather
Kyoto Weather by Month
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain | Sunshine | Humidity | UV Index | Crowds | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10°C | 2°C | 9d (55mm) | 7.4h | 74% Humid | 3.6 Moderate | | Good |
| Feb | 10°C | 2°C | 10d (68mm) | 7.9h | 72% Humid | 4.7 Moderate | | Good |
| Mar | 15°C | 6°C | 12d (129mm) | 8h | 70% Humid | 5.9 High | | Excellent |
| Apr | 20°C | 10°C | 10d (156mm) | 9h | 68% Humid | 7.3 Very High | | Excellent |
| May Current | 24°C | 15°C | 13d (186mm) | 8.7h | 72% Humid | 7.5 Very High | | Wet |
| Jun | 28°C | 20°C | 14d (229mm) | 8.7h | 77% Humid | 7.4 Very High | | Wet |
| Jul | 32°C | 25°C | 17d (289mm) | 9.1h | 79% Muggy | 7.2 Very High | | Wet |
| Aug | 34°C | 26°C | 15d (200mm) | 10h | 78% Muggy | 7.3 Very High | | Wet |
| Sep | 30°C | 23°C | 13d (139mm) | 8.6h | 78% Muggy | 5.8 High | | Wet |
| Oct | 24°C | 15°C | 11d (144mm) | 8h | 76% Humid | 4.9 Moderate | | Good |
| Nov | 18°C | 9°C | 6d (72mm) | 7.9h | 76% Humid | 4 Moderate | | Excellent |
| Dec | 12°C | 3°C | 7d (48mm) | 7.7h | 75% Humid | 3.4 Moderate | | Good |
Kyoto
Ancient capital, including bamboo groves, Fushimi Inari shrine gates and Arashiyama bamboo forest, golden pavilions, and zen gardens.
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What to Pack for May
Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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More Kyoto Guides
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Cost & Budget
Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown
Itineraries
Coming soon
Overview
Complete travel guide for Kyoto: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.