Skip to content

Weather Comparison

Kyoto vs Osaka

Side-by-side weather comparison for March

Kyoto: 12°COsaka: 13°C43 km apart

March Weather: Kyoto vs Osaka

MetricKyotoOsakaBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer12°C (54°F)13°C (55°F)Osaka
Average LowHigher is milder3°C (37°F)4°C (39°F)Osaka
Rain DaysFewer is drier13 days11 daysOsaka
PrecipitationLess is drier120 mm110 mmOsaka
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier8h/day8h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%70%Kyoto
UV IndexLower is safer66Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better17 km/h18 km/hKyoto

Which City is Better in March?

Kyoto and Osaka are closely matched in March. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Kyoto is on the cooler side at 12°C, requiring warmer clothing. Osaka is cooler at 13°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Osaka is the stronger choice in March.

Temperature Comparison in March

Kyoto reaches an average high of 12°C (54°F) and drops to 3°C (37°F) at night during March. The daily temperature range is 9°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Osaka averages 13°C (55°F) for the high and 4°C (39°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in March.

Rainfall Comparison in March

Kyoto receives approximately 120 mm of rainfall across 13 rain days during March. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Osaka sees 110 mm over 11 rain days. That makes Osaka the drier option by 2 rain days and 10 mm of total precipitation.

Humidity also differs: Kyoto averages 65% while Osaka sits at 70%. Osaka will feel muggier, especially at higher temperatures.

What to Pack: Kyoto vs Osaka

Packing for Kyoto in March

Highs of 12°C, lows of 3°C, 13 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Osaka in March

Highs of 13°C, lows of 4°C, 11 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during March.

Year-Round Comparison: Kyoto vs Osaka

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.March is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthKyotoOsaka
HighRainHighRain
Jan8°C8d8°C6d
Feb8°C10d9°C8d
Mar12°C13d13°C11d
Apr18°C12d18°C10d
May23°C11d23°C10d
Jun26°C15d26°C13d
Jul29°C17d30°C14d
Aug31°C13d32°C12d
Sep27°C13d28°C12d
Oct21°C10d22°C10d
Nov16°C8d16°C8d
Dec10°C8d11°C7d
12°

Kyoto Weather in March

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

13°

Osaka Weather in March

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kyoto warmer than Osaka in March?
No. In March, Osaka is warmer with an average high of 13°C (55°F) compared to Kyoto at 12°C (54°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in March, Kyoto or Osaka?
Kyoto gets more rain in March with 13 rain days and 120 mm of precipitation. Osaka is the drier option with 11 rain days.
Is it better to visit Kyoto or Osaka in March?
It depends on your preferences. Kyoto averages 12°C and 8 hours of daily sunshine with 13 rain days. Osaka averages 13°C with 8 sunshine hours and 11 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Osaka. For fewer rain days, Osaka is the better pick.
How far apart are Kyoto and Osaka?
Kyoto and Osaka are approximately 43 km (27 miles) apart. Kyoto is located in Japan (Asia) while Osaka is in Japan (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Kyoto and Osaka?
For Kyoto, August tends to be the best month with 10 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 31°C. For Osaka, August is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 32°C highs.

Compare Kyoto and Osaka in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Kyoto coordinates: 35.01°N, 135.77°E | Osaka coordinates: 34.69°N, 135.50°E