Kyoto Weather in March

Season: Spring
In short:
1. The weather of Kyoto gets pleasantly warm in late March.
2. Throughout the month, there are about 11 rainy days on average, and snow can happen in mountain areas.
3. Cherry blossom season starts in late March, and Kyoto enters its peak season at that time.

Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka in March

Kyoto Weather in March in Detail

1. As spring begins, the weather of Kyoto may still be a little cold in early March, but gets warmer in the middle and end of this month. The high temperature mainly fluctuates between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius (41 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit). In the first few days of March, it is usually not higher than 10°C (50°F), while by the end of this month, the high temperature can be over 20°C (68°F), bringing warm sunny days in a row. Based on these, it would be more comfortable to travel around in Kyoto in the second half of this month.

2. Other temperature conditions you need to note are: (1) daily temperature variation can be as large as 10°C (18°F) and above; (2) Cold air may suddenly hit the city, bringing a temperature decrease of 6°C (11°F). Therefore, it’s necessary to prevent catching a cold if you plan to make a Kyoto tour in March, 2026.

Kyoto Tower at March Night

3. Precipitation of Kyoto in March is not too much, and forms of rainfall are mainly drizzles and moderate rain. In the entire month, the city receives precipitation of about 102 mm in about 11 rainy days on average. Since Kyoto is famous as an ancient capital with traditional buildings and Japanese gardens, it would be a unique experience to stroll around the city on slightly rainy days.

4. There are variations in weather conditions between downtown and mountain areas in Kyoto in March. In terms of temperature, the difference exists but is not that dramatic, and you may just feel a little cool in the mountain area, since even the highest mountain around Kyoto is less than 1,000 meters (3,200 feet) high. However, precipitation shows a large variation: while the sky is clear in the downtown area, snow can fall in the mountain area.

Sunrise, Sunset, and Length of Day

Sunrise time: 06:26 - 05:45
Sunset time: 17:52 - 18:17

Daytime: about 11.5 to 12.5 hours

 See also: Japan Weather in March

What to wear in Kyoto in March?

 Packing tip: To keep warm under large temperature variations within a day and also cope with a sudden temperature drop, you can bring two complete sets of clothes: one is warm and lightweight, and the other is relatively thin and comfortable.

On warm days: The principle of dressing on these days is to wear comfortable clothes for a probably all-day-long visit outdoors, and they are a knitted sweater /a hoodie, a trench coat, and sweatpants. As for shoes, wear breathable sneakers or flats.

On slightly chilly days: Bring warm clothes such as a lightweight down jacket, a knitted sweater, long johns, and jeans. Boots and warm sneakers are suitable shoes.

Others:
(1) A beanie helps block cold wind.
(2) For people allergic to pollen, bring masks, since Kyoto sees blooming Sakura this month. (3) Sun-protective items are also requisite.

Peak Cheery Blossom Season

March is when cherry blossoms gradually bloom and reach their peak in Kyoto. Typically, early March sees the first early-blooming varieties appearing in some parts of Kyoto. Then, most cherry blossoms usually begin to bloom around the city by late March and reach their peak at the end of the month.

Destinations to View Cherry Blossoms

1. In the first half of March, you will have a chance to view the flowers by the Yodo Waterway, the location with the earliest blooming Sakura every spring. A total of about 300 cherry trees on both banks are studded with pretty pink blossoms, forming unparalleled riverside blossom scenery.

Blooming Sakura along Yodo Waterway

2. For those who prefer weeping cherry blossoms, go to the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, the Honman-ji Temple, and the Heian Shrine. Long hanging flower branches are just like fireworks exploding in the sunlight.

3. If you love a combination of ancient buildings and delicate flowers, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Daigoji Temple are worth visiting. Once you reach the Kiyomizu Stage, the vermilion hall, the cherry trees with light pink blossoms, and the iconic sunset will form a superb scene for taking photos. In the Daigoji Temple with a serene Japanese garden, wandering around under the cherry blossom trees could be the most peaceful activity you can enjoy. In addition, looking upward, you will find that the cherry blossoms and layers of pagoda eaves contrast beautifully.
  
4. Cherry blossom sights by water are also unmissable. The upper reach of the Kamo River is a good place to have a city ride, and branches of cherry blossom trees are so thick and lush that they almost constitute a tunnel on the road. Besides, taking a Sakura cruise in Fushimi is absolutely an unrivalled experience. As the sightseeing boat sails forward slowly on the petal-covered water surface, you will have a chance to view the rosy pink cherry blossoms and the verdantly green willow branches on the banks.

Other Related Recommendation – View Cherry Blossoms at Night

During cherry blossom season, some Kyoto attractions illuminate the cherry blossoms after dark, allowing visitors to admire the dreamlike pale pink flowers even at night.

Recommended locations that provide this activity include: (1) The Maruyama Park with a 200-year-old, high, and large cherry blossom tree. When the light shines in the evening, the large tree is reflected on the lake. What’s also enjoyable is that you can sit below cherry blossom trees, taste delicious Japanese snacks, and drink beer with your travelling companions. The place is full of natural beauty and happy laughter at night. (2) The Yasaka Shrine with illuminated cherry blossoms and lighted lanterns hung in rows. (3) The Nijo Castle featuring an avenue lined with cherry blossom trees and also wonderful light shows.

Kyoto Nijo Castle on Sunny Day

Travel Tips in Kyoto in March

1. Early morning is a recommended period for photographing, during which flocks of tourists haven’t arrived at attractions and streets in traditional styles are relatively quiet.

2. In the last 10 days of March, Kyoto enters its peak season, and it would be quite hard and expensive to book flight tickets and hotel rooms. So, please make bookings as early as possible.

3. It’s indeed a recommended activity to take pictures in a kimono, the traditional Japanese costume, in relatively warm March, however, it’s suggested not to wear it with clogs together, since you may feel tired on a long stroll.

Kyoto Weather by Month