Kyoto Weather in April

Season: Spring
In short:
1. The weather of Kyoto in April is favorably warm, ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
2. Kyoto gets moderate rainfall in about 10 days on average in April, and it basically won’t rain heavily.
3. By virtue of pleasant weather and beautiful cherry blossoms, April is a good month to visit Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha in April

Girls in Kimonos under Torii Gates

Temperature Gets Warm Overall.

As Kyoto is in the middle of spring, the weather of the city in April is pleasantly warm in general, with the average high temperature of about 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit).

During the day, the highest temperatures range from 12 to 24°C (54 to 75°F). People may feel a bit cool in early April, while temperature conditions in mid and late April will make people comfortable and warm during their visit. In the last few days of this month, the city may experience weather of 20°C (68°F) and above, and people may even feel a little hot at midday.

Occasionally, the temperature of Kyoto varies a lot within a day, for 13°C (23°F) the greatest. So, the low temperature is just 3 to 9°C (37 to 48°F) in the first ten days of April. In light of these, it’s quite necessary for people to keep warm at dawn and dusk, especially in early April.

Precipitation Features a Moderate Amount and Low Intensity.

In April, the weather of Kyoto is not so rainy, and the city just receives about 114 mm of rainfall in around 10 days on average. Forms of precipitation are mainly sprinkles and moderate rain, and the low-intensity rain basically doesn’t affect your Kyoto tour. Furthermore, after the rain, the air will become even fresher and the plants will be in more verdant green, making it a good time to visit traditional Japanese gardens.

Sunrise and Sunset in Kyoto in April

Sunrise Time: 05:43-05:07

Sunset Time: 18:18-18:41

In April, daytime of Kyoto experiences a gradual increase from about 12.5 to 13.5 hours, which means you have more time to travel around the city as days pass in this month. In April, the UV index can reach 8 at its highest, when you need to prevent sunburn.

Is April a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?

Yes, April is one of the best months to visit Kyoto. First, April has good weather conditions all month long: without extreme temperature or heavy rain, the weather is just right for people to enjoy sightseeing. Second, early April is the cherry blossom season, when you can enjoy the pink and lovely flowers in many attractions.

Crowds & Costs in Kyoto in April

Early April is the peak season of Kyoto due to the large crowds of visitors coming to see the Sakura. Then, in late April, Japan welcomes its “Golden Week”, when numerous domestic visitors flood into attractions in Kyoto and also make the city quite crowded. During these two periods, transportation fees and accommodation expenses are both high, and it’s wise to make early bookings.

For those who want an economical and uncrowded Kyoto tour in April 2026, the middle of this month is more suitable.

Packing List for Traveling to Kyoto in April

In early April: A knitted sweater and a thick jacket are suggested tops. For bottoms, wear outer windproof pants.

In mid-to-late April: The climate of Kyoto is warmer, so pack thinner tops including a long-sleeved shirt and a trench coat. To make you more comfortable during the visit, sweatpants or loose casual pants are better choices.

Shoes: Anti-slippery and breathable flats / sneakers are suitable shoes, which can keep you safe even walking on stone-slab-paved roads on rainy days.

Others:
1. You are advised to bring a foldable umbrella to cope with sudden rain.
2. People allergic to pollen need masks.
3. Sun block or a sun hat is required on days with strong UV radiation.

Top Things to Do in Kyoto in April

1. View Flowers, Especially Sakura, in Various Attractions

(1) Have Fun in this Peak Sakura Season

Cherry blossoms are still in full bloom in early April, and they are also the core highlight this month.

In the Arashiyama Scenic Spot, cherry blossom trees are planted on mountains, so that you can view the pink and white flowers, the continuous ranges, and the flowing river at the same time. Another thing worth a try here is to take a sightseeing train to pass through the road lined with cherry blossom trees, which will provide a romantic experience.

Rickshaw in Kyoto's Arashiyama

Or, start from the Ginkaku-ji Temple, walk from north to south along the Philosopher's Path, and you will see pretty cherry blossoms on branches and a “pink river” covered by petals. As gentle breezes blow on a clear day, petals swirl in the air under soft sunlight, as if a rain of cherry blossoms came down. If you prefer viewing the delicate flowers at an even lower pace, fancy restaurants and cafes provide you with quiet places.

In addition, Maruyama Park and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are also excellent viewing spots.

(2) Enjoy Other Colorful Flowers during Your Trip

From mid-April on, azaleas are in their full bloom in Kyoto, and the Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine with a 60-meter-long azalea path is the best choice to view the flowers. Unlike normal azaleas in pink and white, the azaleas here attract people with their vermilion color.

If you visit Byodoin Temple and Heian Shrine in the second half of April, in addition to the traditional Japanese architecture, you will also see impressive wisterias.

2. Stroll / Cycle by the Kamo River in Warm April

The warm and sunny weather makes it wonderful to have a walk / ride by the Kamo River, which flows throughout downtown Kyoto and boasts serene and cozy vibes. Some people take pictures under cherry blossom trees, some enjoy a fantastic guitar performance given by street artists, and some just lie on the lawn, basking in the sun. All you get on the banks is the purest joy.

Take Photos with Sakura by Kamo River

3. View Lighted Lantern in the Yasaka Shrine at Night

If you want to have a rich trip, you can go out and pay a visit at night in April, when the daily low temperature is also on an upward trend. For instance, when the sky is dark, rows of lanterns hung on the dance stage in the Yasaka Shrine shine, becoming the unmissable highlight in Kyoto. The warm-yellow lanterns with black Japanese words and red patterns are in a mysterious mood and compose an iconic night view. Wandering around the temple just helps to relax your mind.