What January feels like in Kyoto
January is the coldest stretch of winter in Kyoto. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights hover around freezing, so frost is common. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Kyoto in January
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 4. Wet days average about 6.9 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 12.6 mm per rainy day. January is Kyoto's driest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 7:04 am and sunset at about 5:07 pm (local time) — 10 h 2 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 13 min more daylight than in mid-December. Measured sunshine covers about 77% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Kyoto. Against December, the average high is 2.4°C (4.3°F) lower, with 13 mm less rain. This is the low point, and February starts to warm up. February averages a high of 8.9°C (48°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Kyoto in January
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Kyoto in January?
Afternoons average 7.8°C (46°F) and nights about -0.4°C (31.3°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in January?
Quite a lot — 55 mm spread over about 8 days.
What should I wear in Kyoto in January?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is January or February better for visiting Kyoto?
February, narrowly: it ranks #10 of 12 among Kyoto's months, against #11 for the other. February is warmer and has more rainy days.