Kyoto Weather in May

Season: Spring
In short:
1. The weather of Kyoto in May is generally warm without too much rain, making people comfortable.
2. Crowded Golden Week falls in early May, and the middle-to-end May with both good weather and fewer tourists is a good time to visit the city.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Sunny May

Temperature

The temperature of Kyoto in May sees a gradual increase, and the weather is perfectly warm and makes people comfortable almost all month long. The high temperatures are generally between about 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit), which are quite suitable for sightseeing in this ancient city with temples, shrines, and gardens. In late May, the daily high can reach 28°C (82°F), and people may feel a little hot around midday. With the low temperatures mostly from 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F), the weather after sunset is a little cool.

Besides, note that the city may experience a large temperature difference of about 10°C (18°F) within a day, especially during the early month, so you need to prevent catching a cold.

Rainfall

In May, the precipitation of Kyoto totals around 149mm, and there are about 10 days with rainfall on average. It should be noted that the rain this month basically won’t last for all day long, but it can come up all of a sudden. As for the forms, both heavy rain and sunny rain are possible. On the plus side, these two forms of precipitation make the city even more attractive. After being washed by rainwater, attractions in this historic city can be in refreshing and tranquil atmospheres, in which people feel peaceful.

Sunrise and Sunset in Kyoto in May

Sunrise time: 05:06-04:44

Sunset time: 18:42-19:05

Extending daytime from about 13.5 to 14.5 hours enables you to immerse yourself longer in the beautiful natural scenery and also visit more attractions to learn about this city. What you need to notice is that sun-protective measures matter on sunny days, since the UV index can be as high as 9 and the duration of sunlight can last for about 6 hours per day on average.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?

Generally speaking, mid-to-late May is a good time to visit Kyoto.

In light of climate and scenery, the favorably warm weather and dynamic scenery with flourishing plants in vibrant green make the whole month perfect to visit Kyoto. However, in consideration of costs and crowds, there are fewer tourists and cheaper air tickets and hotel rooms after Golden Week between May 1 to 6, 2026.

What to Wear in Kyoto in May

Clothes: Long-sleeved shirts and casual long pants are suitable clothes. It’s better to bring a thin jacket to deal with the cooler climate of Kyoto at dawn and dusk.

Shoes: Breathable sneakers / flats.

Others:
1. Raingear: A foldable umbrella is useful in May with sudden rain.
2. Sun-protective items: A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen help to prevent sunburn.

Top Things to Do in Kyoto in May

Experience Kyoto’s Lively Spring

1. Indulge Yourself in Endless Green in Ruriko-in Temple

In May, the most unmissable scene in Kyoto could be the green maple leaves in the Ruriko-in Temple with distinctive Japanese gardens. On the ground floor, the verdant moss, the flowing spring, and the koi fish in the pond jointly constitute a fantastic sight. What makes the green leaves so attractive is the black polished table on the second floor, which reflects the luxuriant maple trees outside the empty window.

2. Wear a Kimono and Visit Iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha

Warm sunny weather makes it ideal to put on a kimono and take photos under the red torii gates in the Fushimi Inari Taisha, one landmark of Kyoto. They are neatly arranged all along the stairs up to the top of the Inari Mountain, on which you can have a panoramic view of downtown Kyoto.

3. Visit Nijo Castle with a Combination of History and Nature

In Kyoto with plenty of World Heritage Sites, the Nijo Castle is a visit-worthy spot in May. You can view garden scenes in different styles: one is western, with green vast lawn; and the other is Japanese, featuring rocks, springs, and ponds.

4. Make a One-day Tour in Arashiyama Scenic Spot

Arashiyama Scenic Spot boasts mountains, rivers, and temples. In this month with many pleasant clear days, it would be wonderful to take a sightseeing train or a drifting boat here, to view the spring views on both sides. Moreover, in the Tenryu-ji Temple, purple and white wisteria flowers are in exquisite bloom.

Experience Kyoto’s Festival Atmosphere

On May 15 every year, people hold celebrations of the Aoi Matsuri Festival, one of the three great festivals in Kyoto. During the festival, you will be impressed by the procession that is composed of around 500 people in traditional Japanese clothes with historical characteristics. Some of them further ride horses. Want to admire? The procession sets off from the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Tips for Visiting Kyoto during Golden Week

Numerous tourists flock to famous attractions in this crowded period, so, if you prefer a quiet trip, go to Kyoto after the Week. If you are available only during this period, for a better travel experience, you can consider visiting must-go attractions in the early morning to avoid crowds. Besides, to ensure your trip goes smoothly and save expenses in the tour, it’s suggested to book hotel rooms, air flights, and Shinkansen train tickets as early as possible.