Kyoto Weather in March

Season: Early Spring
In Short: Cold in early month, gradually gets warm, sakura season

As spring is coming, the temperature in March in Kyoto is on an increasing trend in general. In early March, the weather is still cold and thick clothes are necessary. After entering the mid and late month, the weather gradually gets warm and it’s nice to travel outdoors. But you still need to pay attention to the sudden climate change. Also, the temperature difference between day and night is large, so a thick coat is also needed. Oriental cherry, called sakura in Japanese, is starting to bloom in March and March is one of the best months to travel in Kyoto.

Temperature

In details, the temperature is 4-13°C (39.2-55.4°F) averagely. In early month, the temperature is still as low as in winter. When entering mid and late month, the temperature gradually climbs up and this period is one of the best time to travel in Kyoto.
Average High Temperature: 13°C / 55.4°F

Average Low Temperature: 4°C / 39.2°F

Rainfall

The average rainfall in this month is 102mm. It rains about 11 days and the humidity is about 61%. Although the rainfall increases relatively, it is more likely to drizzle so visitors don’t need to worry about a lot.
Average Rainy Days: 11 days

Average Humidity: 61%

Sunrise & Sunset

In March, the sun may rise at around 06:08 and fall at around 18:29. Day and night each accounts for half of the day, about 12h. The sunshine hours are mainly in the afternoon and it lasts for about 6.3h averagely. Visitors can choose to travel in the pleasant afternoon.
Daylight hours: about 12h
Sunshine hours: around 6.3h

Recommended Clothes to Wear in March

With the climbing temperature, the thick clothes should be gradually taken off. But considering the big temperature difference in a day, a thick overcoat still can’t be forgotten in the luggage.

Girls

Tops: Girls can choose thick jacket to be the overcoat. Under the overcoat, wear the thin sweater or hoodie. Both of them are suitable for the weather in the daytime.

Bottoms & shoes: For easily moves, sweatpants and sneakers can help you a lot.

Boys

Tops: In cooler mornings and evenings, boys should better wear a thick overcoat to keep warm. When the temperature rises, a hoodie pair with a wool sweater is fair enough.
Bottoms & shoes: Winter pants and thick sweatpants are both good choices in case of the climate change. Pack a pair of hiking shoes so that you can walk around comfortably.

Accessories: In some windy days, a scarf can help you to keep out the wind. Also, a cap or knitted hat is also recommended.
Special Recommendation: The weather in March is suitable for experiencing the Japanese traditional clothing, kimono. If you are interested in it, you can choose a rental shop in Kyoto and rent one. It will be a lot of fun to take photos while traveling among Japanese antique architectures.

Top Attractions to Visit in Kyoto in March

Travel Recommendation:

1. Kyoto Tower

When talking about Kyoto, the most famous place must be the Kyoto Tower. It is the highest building in Kyoto and it has many entertainments for you to enjoy. If it is the sunny day, standing on the top of Kyoto Tower, you could even see the Kiyomizu-dera in the distance. What’s more, it also has the Tawawachan Shrine which is the highest shrine in Kyoto. After appreciating the sceneries, visitors can also go to other floors to taste delicious local food or buy featured souvenirs.

Kyoto Tower

2. Nijo-jo Castle - Sakura Festival

In March, with the blooming of oriental cherry, called sakura in Japanese, many sakura viewing spots get popular. Thereinto, the Nijo-jo Castle Sakura Festival is highly recommended. It has not only more than 300 sakura trees, but also the electric sakura. After the sunset, the electric sakura will be projected onto the ancient walls, which is pretty unforgettable. In addition, as one of the World Heritages, its history, culture and unique Japanese customs behind are absolutely worth exploring. In 2025, Sakura Festival is scheduled to be held from early March to early April.

Kyoto Nijo Castle

3. Yodo Waterway

Another recommended place for visitors to appreciate the sakura is the Yodo Waterway. Yodo Waterway is a tributary of the Uji River. There are over 300 sakura trees on the river banks and the two whole banks are just like pink paradise in March. The sakura in Yodo Waterway begin to bloom in early February every year. The best flower viewing period is in early to mid-March.

Tip: People who is allergic to pollen should wear a mask to appreciate the sakura.

March Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

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