Weather in Kyoto 🇯🇵
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
March
Avg Temp
12°C
Rain Days
13 days
Sun Hours
9 hrs
Humidity
65%
Asia › 🇯🇵 Japan › Kyoto
Updated: March 2026
Is March a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?
6/10
Good
March is a good time to visit Kyoto (6/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 13 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 2nd sunniest of the year in Kyoto. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find March a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak August without sacrificing all the good weather. Cherry Blossom Season takes place this month, adding cultural value for those planning around it. The main practical note: Kyoto's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
vs February:8°C avg high
Step off the plane in Kyoto in March and the air meets you at around 12°C, crisp and clear, the kind of chill that sharpens your senses and makes the first coffee taste twice as good. By the time evening arrives and temperatures settle near 3°C, the city takes on a different character entirely. With 9 hours of daylight sun on offer, March gives you the raw material for a genuinely memorable trip.
12°C
54°F
Avg High
3°C
37°F
Avg Low
13 days
120 mm total
Rain Days
9h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
Temperature in Kyoto in March
The 9°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Wind averages 17 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 54°F average high, 37°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Kyoto in March
Morning3°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon12°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening6°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Kyoto in March means dressing for 12°C days and 3°C evenings. Layering is key: a thermal base, mid-layer fleece, and a windproof outer jacket for 12°C highs that feel colder in the wind. Evening temperatures settle at 3°C, a modest 9°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 13 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes.
Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Kyoto's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.
Events in Kyoto in March
Cherry Blossom Season
NatureLate March to Early April
Kyoto is Japan's top cherry blossom destination. Maruyama Park, Philosopher's Path, and Kiyomizudera Temple draw enormous crowds. Book accommodation months in advance.
KyotoWhat to Pack for Kyoto in March
Based on 12°C average highs and 13 rainy days
- Warm jacket (down or fleece)
- Merino wool base layer (regulates temperature and resists odour)
- Sweaters and lined trousers
- Scarf and lightweight gloves
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Kyoto in March
- Vigorous walking tour of the UNESCO heritage districtMidday (12-2pm)The 12°C peak temperature provides ideal conditions for brisk sightseeing walks
- Cycling the riverside or park circuitAfternoon (1-4pm)Cool dry air makes long cycling sessions comfortable without overheating
- Explore hilltop viewpoints and fortressesMorning for clear viewsCold-weather atmospheric clarity gives the longest sightlines of the year
- Open-air Christmas or seasonal marketsAfternoon into eveningCool temperatures make festive outdoor markets genuinely atmospheric
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 13 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Attend Cherry Blossom SeasonCheck specific event datesA once-yearly event that defines this city in this month and draws visitors from around the world
- Warm up with traditional hot dishes: local stew, fondue, or braised specialities at a neighbourhood restaurantLunch (12-2pm) or dinner (7-9pm)Cold-weather cuisine is a genuine cultural experience and the best local restaurants serve their heartiest dishes in cooler months
Why is Kyoto cool in March?
March marks the transition into warmer conditions in Kyoto, as the sun angle climbs and day length extends. Temperatures averaging 12°C by day and 3°C overnight reflect a city shaking off winter: the morning air still carries a cool edge, but afternoons are noticeably warmer than even four weeks prior. At 35 degrees north latitude, spring is one of the most dynamic periods in the annual cycle, with weekly temperature changes that can be larger than the month-to-month shifts of summer. This volatility is part of the appeal: Kyoto in March has a freshness and energy that peak-summer heat tends to mute. Layers remain essential, but there are reliable pockets of warmth that reward patience. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kyoto in March
In March, Kyoto experiences average highs of 12°C (54°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). Expect around 13 rainy days and 9 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 65%. The 9°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an extra jacket is essential for evenings. UV index averages 6, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Kyoto typically sees 13 rainy days in March, with total precipitation of around 120mm. Rain is moderate and manageable. Showers tend to pass quickly, and a light rain layer or foldable umbrella is sufficient protection for most days. For context, the driest month in Kyoto typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than March.
Pack a warm jacket, sweaters, and layering pieces for Kyoto in March. Temperatures can drop to 3°C at night, so thermal underlayers are advisable for evening outings. Waterproof footwear is important with 13 rainy days expected. A scarf, hat, and gloves handle the windchill on clear cold days, which often feel colder than the thermometer reads.
March is a reasonable time to visit Kyoto. Expect 13 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 12°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 9 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Kyoto in March is 12°C (54°F), and the average low is 3°C (37°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 8°C (46°F). The day-to-night range of 9°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Kyoto is generally May. May offers the most sunshine at 9 hours per day and only 11 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 23°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around May gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
March is shoulder or low season in Kyoto, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 9 sunshine hours and 13 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In March, Kyoto suits a range of activities thanks to cool conditions around 12°C. Mix of indoor and outdoor activities works well given the moderate chance of rain. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 9 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
March ranks 2nd sunniest of the year in Kyoto, with an average 9 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are January, November, and December. August is the hottest month (31°C avg high); January is the coolest (8°C). From here, temperatures rise 6°C into April. Compared to last month (February: 8°C high, 10 rain days), March is warmer and wetter. March is among the top three sunniest months to visit Kyoto.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 0°C | 8 | 8h | View |
| February | 8°C | 1°C | 10 | 8h | View |
| March | 12°C | 3°C | 13 | 9h | View |
| April | 18°C | 8°C | 12 | 9h | View |
| May | 23°C | 13°C | 11 | 9h | View |
| June | 26°C | 18°C | 15 | 8h | View |
| July | 29°C | 22°C | 17 | 9h | View |
| August | 31°C | 23°C | 13 | 11h | View |
| September | 27°C | 19°C | 13 | 9h | View |
| October | 21°C | 13°C | 10 | 8h | View |
| November | 16°C | 8°C | 8 | 8h | View |
| December | 10°C | 2°C | 8 | 8h | View |
January
8 rain days, 8h sun
8°0°
February
10 rain days, 8h sun
8°1°
March
13 rain days, 9h sun
12°3°
April
12 rain days, 9h sun
18°8°
May
11 rain days, 9h sun
23°13°
June
15 rain days, 8h sun
26°18°
July
17 rain days, 9h sun
29°22°
August
13 rain days, 11h sun
31°23°
September
13 rain days, 9h sun
27°19°
October
10 rain days, 8h sun
21°13°
November
8 rain days, 8h sun
16°8°
December
8 rain days, 8h sun
10°2°
Other Months in Kyoto
Plan Your Trip to Kyoto
Nearby Destinations
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Kyoto
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.