What September feels like in Kyoto
September is early autumn in Kyoto. Afternoons are warm and pleasant, good for long days out. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay warm and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in Kyoto in September
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about one day in 2. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 14.9 mm (0.6 in) on an average rainy day. The yearly figure is similar, around 12.6 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in September
In mid-September, sunrise is at about 5:39 am and sunset at about 6:06 pm (local time) — 12 h 27 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 1 h 4 min less daylight than in mid-August. Measured sunshine covers about 71% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How September compares to the rest of the year
In Kyoto's temperature order, September sits as the 3rd warmest month. Compared with August, afternoons are 4.1°C (7.4°F) cooler, with 32 mm more rain. October is cooler again. By October, typical highs are 21.7°C (71.1°F).
Who September suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Hiking: a good fit — mild temperatures for trails.
Tips for visiting Kyoto in September
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Kyoto in September?
It feels warm: typical highs are 27.7°C (81.9°F), with lows near 19.9°C (67.8°F).
Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in September?
It does: about 13 rainy days bring roughly 194 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Kyoto in September?
Based on the averages: rain protection and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is September or October better for visiting Kyoto?
On our 12-month climate ranking, October comes out ahead (#1 of 12 vs #7). October is cooler and has fewer rainy days.