Kyoto Weather in May

Season: Late Spring
In Short: Generally pleasant and comfortable, hot in late month

May is the late spring in Kyoto and the temperature keeps increasing. The weather is generally pleasant and comfortable which makes it one of the best time to travel in Kyoto. But in late month, the weather can sometimes be hot and the UV rays can also be strong. So it is advisable to take proper sun protection measures. Although the oriental cherry season has passed, visitors can still appreciate other beautiful flowers like wisteria flower and rhododendron in May.

Temperature

The average temperature is about 19°C (66.2°F) which is very comfortable. The daytime highest temperature hovers around 24°C (75.2°F) and nighttime lowest temperature is 15°C (59°F) averagely, marking the temperature difference between day and night is quite huge, which means you need an additional coat to keep warm at night.
Average High Temperature: 24°C / 75.2°F
Average Low Temperature: 15°C / 59°F

Rainfall

The total rainfall is about 149mm in this month and it has increased compared to previous months. It has 10 rainy days on average according to historical records but it doesn’t rain heavily. The humidity is about 63% which is nice for our human body. Traveling in this month, visitors can choose to bring an umbrella to protect yourself from either rain or sun.
Average Rainy Days: 10 days

Average Humidity: 63%

Sunrise & Sunset

The sun rises at around 04:54 and falls at 18:53. The duration of daylight reaches 14h and the sunshine hours are also pretty long, around 8.9h, meaning that visitors can bathe in the sunshine most of the day. But sometimes the sunshine is pretty strong in May and it is advisable to bring sun cream with you.

Daylight hours: about 14h

Sunshine hours: around 8.9h

Recommended Clothes to Wear in May

Because of the increasing temperature, light and comfortable clothes are more recommended. Besides, it is advisable for you to wear clothes in bright colors to cope with the bright sunshine, as well as for a happy mood.

Girls

Tops: Hoodie and long-sleeve T-shirt are suitable for the weather. In cooler mornings and evenings, a thin overcoat is necessary too. Entering late month, girls can choose to wear blouses pair with a knitted overcoat.

Bottoms & shoes: Jeans are the first choice in May. Girls can also choose to wear long skirt if the temperature increases. What’s more, a pair of casual shoes can help you feel comfortable while traveling.

Boys

Tops: Boys can choose to wear hoodie and shirt in early month. If you travel in Kyoto in late month, a simple T-shirt can adapt to the weather. Similarly, a thin overcoat like sweatshirt is needed when the weather is cool.
Bottoms & shoes: For bottoms, you won’t go wrong with jeans or light pants. For spring outing, you may need a pair of comfortable sneakers.

Accessories: To prevent getting sunburn from the sunshine, a sun hat can be prepared in your luggage. If needed, please remember to bring the sun cream.
Special Recommendation: The weather in May is not that hot and it is suitable to wear kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. Kyoto has plenty of kimono rental shops and you can choose any of them to rent one. Traveling in Kyoto while wearing the kimono can give you a unique travel experience.

Top Attractions to Visit in Kyoto in May

Travel Recommendation:

It’s “Golden Week” at the beginning of May in Kyoto. Every year at this time, a lot of activities and festivals are held and it enters a short peak period of tourism. In the Golden Week, the hotels and transport tickets are hard to book. If you are planning your trip in the Golden Week, please reserve them in advance.

1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

In May, Kiyomizudera Temple lying in the green is also a travel-worthy spot. It is the largest wooden building in Japan. The temple has a mountain spring inside, which springs all year around. Besides the spring, it also has many other famous spots inside. Three Story Pagoda, Niomon Gate, Stage of Kiyomizu and Jishu-Jinja Shrine are all sight-worthy attractions. Every attraction is said that can bring different kinds of good luck to people. Traveling in Kiyomizudera Temple, don’t forget to view these attractions, either.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

2. Shimogamo Shrine - Aoi Matsuri Festival in 2025

The Shimogamo Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, holds the Aoi Matsuri Festival in early May. The most excellent part is on May 15th. During this day, the people in Aoi Matsuri Festival Procession show you the aristocratic dress in Heian period (794-1185AD). The whole procession starts from the Kyoto Imperial Palace and ends in Kamigamo Shrine. You can experience the ancient aristocratic customs and lifestyles in this festival. This year, Aoi Matsuri Festival will also be held on 15th May.

Shimogamo Shrine

Byodoin Temple

3. Byodoin Temple

If you are looking for the beautiful natural scenery in Kyoto in May, you can’t miss the wisteria flower in Byodoin Temple. Every spring, the temple is covered by the wisteria flowers and it is definitely your best choice to experience the spring except the oriental cherry. In addition, the landmark of Byodoin Temple, Phoenix Hall, is also worth seeing. With the antique atmosphere, it is strongly advisable to wear a kimono while traveling here.

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