Verdict: Excellent month
Kyoto Weather in May
May hits the sweet spot in Kyoto — highs around 23°C (73°F), ideal for a full day on foot. Expect showers on roughly 13 days of the month — rarely trip-ruining, worth planning around. Overall, May is one of the best months of the year to be in Kyoto.
Average high
23°C / 73°F
Average low
13°C / 55°F
Rain days
~13
Precipitation
209 mm
What to pack for Kyoto in May
- Summer clothes, plus one light layer for air-con and evenings
- Rain gear is non-negotiable — expect rain on roughly 13 days
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
May against the rest of the year
Warmest in Kyoto: Aug (32°C / 90°F) · Coolest: Jan (9°C / 48°F) · Wettest: Jul (~18 rain days)
9°
-1°
Jan
10°
0°
Feb
14°
3°
Mar
19°
8°
Apr
23°
13°
May
27°
18°
Jun
30°
23°
Jul
32°
24°
Aug
29°
21°
Sep
22°
13°
Oct
17°
7°
Nov
10°
1°
Dec
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)