Kyoto in April

In April, Kyoto averages 20°C (68°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (135 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

April is a great month to visit Kyoto: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

20°C
Avg high
10°C
Avg low
9
Rain days
135 mm
Rainfall

How April compares to the rest of the year in Kyoto

7th
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
10%
of yearly rainfall falls in April
13 h 3 min
daylight on the 15th

April is in the middle of the year for warmth in Kyoto (7th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (21°C). April runs 6°C warmer than March (14°C) and warms a further 5°C into May (25°C).

April sunrise & sunset in Kyoto

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:25 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:28 PM
Day length
13 h 3 min

Times shown for Kyoto local time (Asia/Tokyo), calculated for the 15th of April. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Kyoto — April

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of April, in Kyoto's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:25 AM – 5:05 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:05 AM – 6:05 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:48 PM – 6:48 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:48 PM – 7:28 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Kyoto.

📅 When to book — Kyoto in April

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on April's tier (High season) and Kyoto's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is Japan's tightest hotel window — book 4-5 months ahead.

April in Japan — events that affect travel

Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.

🇯🇵
Golden Week
Travel surge · high impact

Japan's biggest domestic travel week — Showa Day through Children's Day. Trains, hotels, and attractions across Japan run at peak capacity; prices spike 30-100%, reservations vanish weeks ahead.

Plan: If you're visiting Japan in late April/early May, book trains and ryokan 2-3 months out. Or avoid the window entirely.

Crowds & pricing — April in Kyoto

High season

This is a busy month in Kyoto — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — April in Kyoto

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.4
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Kyoto in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 9°C / 48°F 1°C / 34°F 55 mm 5 0
February 10°C / 50°F 2°C / 36°F 75 mm 5 0
March 14°C / 57°F 5°C / 41°F 115 mm 8 0
April 20°C / 68°F 10°C / 50°F 135 mm 9 0
May 25°C / 77°F 15°C / 59°F 140 mm 9 0
June 28°C / 82°F 20°C / 68°F 180 mm 11 0
July 32°C / 90°F 24°C / 75°F 160 mm 9 0
August 33°C / 91°F 25°C / 77°F 115 mm 7 0
September 28°C / 82°F 21°C / 70°F 160 mm 9 0
October 23°C / 73°F 15°C / 59°F 110 mm 8 0
November 17°C / 63°F 9°C / 48°F 75 mm 6 0
December 12°C / 54°F 4°C / 39°F 55 mm 5 0

Other cities with similar April weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kyoto in April →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Kyoto in April?

In April, Kyoto averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in April?

April sees occasional rain in Kyoto, with about 9 rainy days on average.

Is April a good time to visit Kyoto?

April is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Kyoto in April?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full April packing list for Kyoto for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Kyoto on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.