Japan Kyoto Weather in September — Climate Guide
September in Kyoto is Moderate
September is Moderate for Kyoto.
September in Kyoto is the bridge between summer and autumn. Early month stays hot at 28-30°C; late month drops quickly to a comfortable 25°C. The catch is typhoon season — late August to early October is when the strongest typhoons hit the region. In 2018, Typhoon Jebi flooded Kansai Airport. Flights face cancellation risk; travel insurance is essential.
The upside: hotel and flight prices drop 30-40% from April-May or August. Business hotels at $53-75 / ¥8,000-11,000. Round-trip flights from major hubs at 25-40% below peak. Crowds at Kiyomizu, Arashiyama, and Gion are at normal levels — relaxed sightseeing is genuinely possible.
Travel score
Kyoto September Weather Stats
Avg High
28°C
Avg Low
20°C
Rainy Days
11
179mm total
Sunshine
5h
Daily avg
Humidity
70%
Muggy
UV Index
8
Very high
Wind
10 km/h
Gusts 26
Sea Temp
25°C
Avg water temp
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
September Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
21 μg/m³
PM10
30 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
32°C
Nighttime
22°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
10 km/h
Max gust 26 km/h
Activities Recommended for September
September Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30-40% cheaper than August — strong value
- Late-September temperatures around 25°C — outdoor activity comfortable
- Kangetsusai full-moon ceremonies at Daikaku-ji
Cons
- Typhoon season — flight cancellations and rail stoppages possible
- Early-to-mid September still 28-30°C
- 179 mm rainfall — frequent rain
September Events & Festivals
- Kyoto typhoon season — late August to early October, peaks in September
- Kangetsusai (観月祭, mid-September) — full-moon ceremonies at Daikaku-ji and Shimogamo Shrine
- Foliage begins — major peak still mid-October to November
- Korean Chuseok overlap (varies) — short-term flight spike
Kyoto in September — Full Picture
September in Kyoto is the bridge between summer and autumn. Early month stays hot at 28-30°C; late month drops quickly to a comfortable 25°C. The catch is typhoon season — late August to early October is when the strongest typhoons hit the region. In 2018, Typhoon Jebi flooded Kansai Airport. Flights face cancellation risk; travel insurance is essential.
The upside: hotel and flight prices drop 30-40% from April-May or August. Business hotels at $53-75 / ¥8,000-11,000. Round-trip flights from major hubs at 25-40% below peak. Crowds at Kiyomizu, Arashiyama, and Gion are at normal levels — relaxed sightseeing is genuinely possible.
September's hidden gem is Kangetsusai (観月祭, Moon-Viewing Festival). Temples and shrines including Daikaku-ji, Shimogamo, and Kitano Tenmangu hold 1,000-year-old ceremonies under the full moon — traditional waka poetry recitations, classical music performances, and tea ceremonies. On the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (mid-to-late September on the solar calendar). Free to ¥3,000 / $20 entry. Largely unknown to international tourists.
Typhoon prep tips: monitor the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast a week ahead, buy travel insurance, choose flexible/refundable flights if possible. If a direct hit is predicted, delaying by 1-2 days is the right call.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Early-to-mid September still summer (28-30°C). Late month drops to about 25°C. Short sleeves and cotton pants stay default; add a light cardigan late month. Typhoon season — pack a waterproof bag and shoes for strong wind and downpours. Late September flights can spike short-term if dates overlap with Asian autumn holidays.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
18.7°C
9°C
9.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
30.3°C
22°C
10.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
Current22.3°C
13.3°C
8.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
10°C
2°C
5.7/mo
Kyoto Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9° | 1° | 5.5d·50mm | 4.5h | 65% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 10° | 2° | 6.5d·68mm | 4.8h | 64% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| March (Best) | 13° | 4° | 9.5d·113mm | 5.5h | 62% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 19° | 9° | 9.5d·116mm | 6.5h | 60% | 7 | Very busy | Peak |
| May (Best) | 24° | 14° | 9d·161mm | 6.5h | 64% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| 27° | 19° | 12.5d·215mm | 4.5h | 75% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 23° | 11d·224mm | 5.5h | 75% | 11 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 33° | 24° | 8.5d·154mm | 7h | 70% | 11 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 28° | 20° | 11d·179mm | 5h | 70% | 8 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 22° | 13° | 8d·124mm | 5.5h | 67% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| November (Best) | 17° | 7° | 6d·75mm | 4.8h | 65% | 3 | Very busy | Peak |
| 11° | 3° | 5d·53mm | 4.5h | 65% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
Kyoto September Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is September a good time to visit Kyoto?
Kyoto in September is Moderate. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Kyoto in September?
Kyoto September averages a high of 28°C and a low of 20°C.
Does it rain much in Kyoto in September?
Kyoto September averages 179mm of rainfall over about 11 rainy days.
What should I wear in Kyoto in September?
Early-to-mid September still summer (28-30°C). Late month drops to about 25°C. Short sleeves and cotton pants stay default; add a light cardigan late month. Typhoon season — pack a waterproof bag and shoes for strong wind and downpours. Late September flights can spike short-term if dates overlap with Asian autumn holidays.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Kyoto in September?
Kyoto September sunrise is 05:45 and sunset is 18:10, with 12h 25m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Kyoto in September?
Kyoto September air quality (AQI) averages 45, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 21μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Kyoto in September?
In September, Kyoto is great for Kangetsusai (moon-viewing ceremonies), Early foliage at Tofuku-ji, Temple walks.
Is September peak season in Kyoto?
Kyoto September crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Kyoto
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.