May · Japan
Best time to visit Kyoto in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Kyoto in May
Average temperature 17°C, 214 mm of rain, about 24 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 80% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
6.6/10
Ranked #1 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 17°C
- Rainfall
- 214 mm
- Humidity
- 80%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 24
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
May in Kyoto scores 6.6/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - the single best month of the year. Expect around 17°C, 214 mm of rain, and roughly 24 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.
May in Kyoto tops the year's climate scores
May averages 17°C (62°F), the range most people find easiest for walking a city all day without either overheating or losing daylight to weather.
214 mm makes this the wettest stretch of the year, though about 24 days with 6+ hours of sunshine still appear — keep an indoor fallback ready.
On our climate-comfort scale this is the top-ranked month of the year for Kyoto at 6.6/10 — the reference point every other month on this page is measured against.
Pack layers you can shed by midday plus one warm layer for the evening, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Plan for peak pricing, with crowds are moderate. You are paying the year's highest rates for the year's best conditions — book early or shift a few weeks either side.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Kyoto in May?
- In May, Kyoto averages 17°C, 214 mm of rain, and about 24 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 6.6/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Kyoto?
- May earns a 6.6/10 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 May?
- Expect about 214 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 80% and there are about 24 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.