01Weather
Kyoto weather in September
Afternoons in September average 30.3 °C (87 °F) and nights cool to 22.6 °C (73 °F). The month brings about 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain spread over roughly 10 days. Compared with August it is 4.1 °C cooler; October is 6.5 °C cooler again.
What the averages hide
| In a typical September | Value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Warm afternoons (90th percentile) | 35 °C / 95 °F | one day in ten is at least this warm |
| Cool afternoons (10th percentile) | 26 °C / 79 °F | one day in ten stays below this |
| Cold nights (10th percentile) | 19 °C / 65 °F | one night in ten is colder than this |
| Days above 30 °C (86 °F) | 16.3 | per month, average 2016–2025 |
| Nights at or below 0 °C (32 °F) | 0.0 | frost mornings per month |
| Chance of rain on any given day | 34 % | at least 1 mm |
| Hottest / coldest September day 2016–2025 | 37.2 °C / 14.7 °C | extremes in the ten-year record |
02Daylight
Sunrise, sunset and the length of the day
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 September | 05:29 | 18:24 | 12.9 h |
| 15 September | 05:39 | 18:04 | 12.4 h |
| 30 September | 05:51 | 17:42 | 11.9 h |
Daylight shrinks by about 60 minutes over the month. Times are local (Asia/Tokyo).
03Crowds
How busy Kyoto is in September
moderate The main sights are moderate in September. What drives it:
- typhoon risk
- residual heat
- Silver Week
04Public holidays
Public holidays in September 2027
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 20 Sep 2027 | Respect for the Aged Day |
| 23 Sep 2027 | Autumnal Equinox Day |
On public holidays many shops close and museums run on Sunday hours; check opening times for the day before and after as well.
05Events
What's on in Kyoto in September
No major recurring events fall in September.
07Packing
What to pack for Kyoto in September
- light, breathable clothing
- sun hat and sunscreen
- refillable water bottle
- a compact umbrella or hooded rain jacket, rain falls on roughly one day in three
- something for heat: 16 days a month pass 30 °C on average
08Editor's notes
What the numbers don't tell you
September remains hot in the first half, around 30 °C, with typhoon risk throughout, then cools gradually to around 26 °C. Silver Week holidays fall mid-month in some years with Respect for the Aged Day and the Autumnal Equinox. It is a shoulder month with lower prices, and the first hints of colour appear at high-altitude temples by the end. Rain falls on about ten days.
The moon-viewing festivals at Daikakuji's pond and Shimogamo Shrine fall at the harvest full moon. The Seiryu-e dragon procession at Kiyomizu-dera falls in mid-September. Daylight shrinks from thirteen hours to twelve. For the dry, mild festival month with the Jidai Matsuri, see October.
09Compare
Kyoto month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun h | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10 °C | 2 °C | 6 | – | quiet | Good |
| February | 11 °C | 2 °C | 8 | – | quiet | Good |
| March | 16 °C | 6 °C | 9 | – | busy | Mixed |
| April | 21 °C | 10 °C | 9 | – | very busy | Good |
| May | 25 °C | 15 °C | 8 | – | busy | Excellent |
| June | 29 °C | 20 °C | 11 | – | moderate | Excellent |
| July | 33 °C | 25 °C | 13 | – | busy | Mixed |
| August | 34 °C | 26 °C | 8 | – | busy | Good |
| September | 30 °C | 23 °C | 10 | – | moderate | Good |
| October | 24 °C | 16 °C | 8 | – | busy | Excellent |
| November | 18 °C | 10 °C | 7 | – | very busy | Good |
| December | 12 °C | 4 °C | 7 | – | moderate | Good |
Not sure about September? See the best time to visit Kyoto.
10Elsewhere
September in nearby cities
| City | High | Rain days |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo in September | 28 °C | 12 |
| Seoul in September | 27 °C | – |
| Shanghai in September | 30 °C | 12 |
| Beijing in September | 28 °C | 8 |
| Bangkok in September | 33 °C | 24 |
| Singapore in September | 32 °C | 11 |
11FAQ
Kyoto in September: your questions
Is September a good time to visit Kyoto?
September is a good month to visit Kyoto. Daytime highs average 30 °C (87 °F), rain falls on about 10 days, and hotel arrivals run above the yearly average, so the main sights are moderate.
What is the weather like in Kyoto in September?
Expect hot days around 30 °C (87 °F) and nights near 23 °C (73 °F). One September in ten brings afternoons above 35 °C, and one in ten stays below 26 °C.
Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in September?
September brings about 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain over roughly 10 days, which is showery by Kyoto standards. On any given day the chance of at least 1 mm of rain is 34 percent.
What should I wear in Kyoto in September?
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun hat and sunscreen, refillable water bottle.
Is Kyoto crowded in September?
The main sights are moderate in September. Main drivers: typhoon risk; residual heat; Silver Week.
What time does it get dark in Kyoto in September?
Around the middle of September the sun sets at about 18:04 and rises at 05:39, giving 12.4 hours of daylight.