Kyoto Weather in September

Season: Autumn
In short:
1. As autumn starts in September, the weather of Kyoto is hot at the beginning and then comfortably cool.
2. September is in Kyoto’s typhoon season, and heavy rain can happen.
3. The last few days of this month, with cooler weather, are more suitable for making a Kyoto tour.

Generally Decreasing Temperature

In general, the temperature of Kyoto in September experiences a slight decrease, and the weather hence changes from hot to a little cooler.

In early-to-mid September, the daily highest temperatures still fluctuate from 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F), and the weather during the daytime is typically hot. Strolling around for a long time may still make people feel not that pleasant, and heatstroke-prevention measures are essential during outdoor sightseeing. The daily lowest temperatures in this period are in a comfortable range from about 21 to 26°C (70 to 79°F).

In late September, the climate of Kyoto is pleasant and ideal to have a city walk / ride, with the daily high temperature from 23 to 28°C (73 to 82°F). As for the weather after sunset, it’s mostly favorably cool, and the temperatures are mainly from 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F). On some days, the lowest temperature can decrease to 17°C (63°F) and the daily temperature variations can be 10°C (18°F) and even more, so it’s necessary to add clothes in time to prevent getting a cold.

Relatively High Precipitation Caused by Monsoon and Typhoons

In September, the rainfall of Kyoto is relatively high and totals about 180 mm, which is mainly brought by the southeast monsoon and occasional typhoons. Rainy days amount to around 12 averagely in this month.

September is the month when typhoons are the most active in Kyoto. The city is likely to experience heavy rain and strong winds brought by typhoons this month. In this situation, outdoor visiting can be significantly affected. You are recommended to check the weather forecast frequently before your trip, and if a typhoon with heavy effects is forecasted, it’s best to cancel your trip or change your traveling dates.

Except for that caused by typhoons, the precipitation mainly comes in the form of light and moderate rain. However, you should know that it can happen suddenly. More than that, the alternations between clear and rainy weather conditions can be frequent in a day, and people thus need to carry rain gear all day long to cope with unexpected rain.

Another factor related to the precipitation is the humidity of air, which averages about 68% this month and is the second-highest in a year. People who go sightseeing in such high humidity are likely to feel stuffy, especially just after rain.

Sunrise, Sunset, and Daytime

 Sunrise time: 05:29-05:50
 Sunset time: 18:23-17:42

In September, the daytime of Kyoto shortens day by day from about 13 to 12 hours. It’s noteworthy that the UV index can still be 8 the highest, which means without sun-protective measures, people easily get sunburn.

 See also: Japan Weather in September

Is September a Good Month to Visit Kyoto?

Relatively speaking, the last few days enjoying cooler weather conditions, quieter attractions, and lower travel costs are more suitable to make your tour. 

Early to mid-September is still a bit hot and typhoons may bring much inconvenience to your tour. Plus, in Japan’s Silver Week from September 19 to 23, 2026, increased domestic tours will cause a great demand for transport tickets and a surge in accommodation expenses. 

Entrance to Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto

Visitors in Kimonos in Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Packing List for Visiting Kyoto in September

In early-to-mid September: T-shirts, shorts, dresses, and other quick-dry summer clothes are enough. As for shoes, sandals and breathable sneakers are both OK. To prevent sunburn, please bring sun-protective items like a sun-protective jacket and sunglasses. You can alternatively just bring an all-weather umbrella to protect yourself from both rain and UV radiation. In addition, to relieve stuffiness, you can pack cooling towels and a handheld fan into your luggage.

In late September: A short-sleeved shirt plus a thin jacket or knitwear are proper tops, and thin long pants / sweatpants make you comfortable during the walk. For shoes, wear flats or sneakers. Sun-protective items and an umbrella are also requisites in this period.

Tips to Gain a Better Travel Experience in Kyoto in September

Kyoto Nijo Castle on Sunny Day

1. For those can only make their tours in relatively hot early September, you can consider going to outdoor attractions in the cooler early morning, and dusk to night. Plus, cooling measures are vital during your visit.

2. In mid-September with crowds, it’s suggested to arrange your sightseeing about 2 hours after opening time or before closing time of attractions, during which the number of tourists is less.

3. As for late September, the relatively suitable period for making a Kyoto tour, just seize the not very long daylight hours to travel around.

 After knowing these tips, you may be interested in what you are recommended to visit in Kyoto in September, when both sunny and rainy days show up a lot:

Top Things to Do in Kyoto in September

1. Step through Crimson Torii Gate Tunnel
In the Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the iconic shrines in Kyoto, the best thing to do is to step up the stairs arched by thousands of large and red torii gates. By virtue of the great number, the torii gates even form a complete trail up to the top of Mount Inari, from which you can have a full view of the downtown area in good visibility.

Fushimi Inari Taisha in Good Weather

Walk through Torii Gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha

2. Admire Golden Pavilion in Golden Sunshine
Another good place to visit is the Kinkaku-ji Temple with a golden pavilion by a lake. Under bright sunshine, the gold foil on the exterior walls of the pavilion is in a shining hue. Moreover, the lake surface is like a mirror, with the reflection of the golden pavilion.

Kinkaku-ji Temple in September

3. Wander around the Gion District 
In the Gion District with the most authentic Kyoto charm, all the teahouses and restaurants are in a traditional architectural style. Take a city walk on the Hanamikoji Street in this district, and you may meet Geishas on their way to work.

Take a Rickshaw in Gion District

Come across Geishas in Gion District

 Note: Sunny days are the most suitable time to visit the above attractions, and slightly rainy days create a more serene vibe for sightseeing. As for heavy-rain periods, it’s suggested to go to some indoor attractions such as the Nishiki Market.

Festival in Kyoto in September

On September 14 and 15 each year, local people celebrate the Blue Dragon Festival in the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Performers in traditional costumes hold a large dragon figure and give a dragon dance in the temple. This procession further makes its way around the temple and also the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka not far away.

Kyoto Weather by Month