January · Japan
Best time to visit Kyoto in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Kyoto in January
Average temperature 3°C, 75 mm of rain, about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 84% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
4.3/10
Ranked #11 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 3°C
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
- Humidity
- 84%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 0
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
January in Kyoto scores 4.3/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #11 of 12. Expect around 3°C, 75 mm of rain, and roughly 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Kyoto reveals its quiet soul before the tour buses stir: temple bells drift through the air, moss gardens glisten, and lantern-lit lanes reward those who rise early and wander without rush.
January in Kyoto: expect compromises
At 3°C (37°F) this is proper winter weather in January: layer up and split the day between outdoor highlights and indoor stops.
Budget for roughly 75 mm of rain this month — a flexible day or two helps — with almost no days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 9.9 hours of daylight to work around it.
That is 4.3/10 on the same scale — 11th of 12 months, versus 6.6/10 for the best month here.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a packable rain layer.
Expect low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, May is materially better in Kyoto — 2.3 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Kyoto in January?
- In January, Kyoto averages 3°C, 75 mm of rain, and about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.3/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Kyoto?
- January earns a 4.3/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Kyoto in January?
- Expect about 75 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 84% and there are about 0 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Kyoto
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.