Kyoto City→
Station: KyotoKyoto, Arashiyama, Gion, Fushimi Inari
High
25.1℃
Low
14.5℃
- Precip.
- 151.4mm
- Sunshine
- 182h
- Sunset
- 18:52
Aoi Matsuri on the 15th. Beautiful fresh greenery in Arashiyama and Higashiyama
Kansai Weather Guide
Kansai Weather in May: What to Wear & Expect
May in Kansai brings lots of sunny days and beautiful fresh greenery. Kyoto's high is 25.1°C and mornings are around 14°C. There are more days warm enough for short sleeves, but humidity is low and the muggy summer heat hasn't arrived yet. On the 15th comes the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three great festivals, and along the Kamo River and in Kibune the yuka season begins, when you can dine on platforms over the water. Golden Week in early May is crowded.
- Kyoto high
- 25.1℃
- Kyoto low
- 14.5℃
- Kyoto rainfall
- 151.4mm
- Kyoto sunset
- 18:52
Overview
Kansai in May: Key Points
- ✓Kyoto's high is 25.1°C, with mornings around 14°C. Some days are warm enough for short sleeves
- ✓Sunny with low humidity: an ideal season for sightseeing
- ✓Aoi Matsuri on the 15th. Kawadoko riverside dining begins on the Kamo River and in Kibune
- ✓Strong sunshine. Bring a hat and sunscreen
By Area
May Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for May 15.
Osaka→
Station: OsakaOsaka, Namba, Umeda, Osaka Castle
High
24.9℃
Low
16.0℃
- Precip.
- 136.5mm
- Sunshine
- 204h
- Sunset
- 18:53
Highs around 25°C. Good for waterside strolls and river cruises
Nara→
Station: NaraNara, Nara Park, Todaiji, Mt. Yoshino
High
24.9℃
Low
13.9℃
- Precip.
- 138.5mm
- Sunshine
- 188h
- Sunset
- 18:51
Fresh greenery in Nara Park. Deer fawning season is approaching
Kobe & Arima Onsen→
Station: KobeKobe, Arima Onsen, Kitano Ijinkan, Mt. Rokko
High
23.6℃
Low
16.5℃
- Precip.
- 134.7mm
- Sunshine
- 203h
- Sunset
- 18:54
A pleasant season for Mt. Rokko's fresh greenery and sunset views over the harbor
Himeji→
Station: HimejiHimeji, Himeji Castle, Mt. Shosha
High
23.7℃
Low
13.5℃
- Precip.
- 127.3mm
- Sunshine
- 203h
- Sunset
- 18:56
The Himeji Castle Festival is held around mid-May
Lake Biwa→
Station: HikoneOtsu, Hikone, Omihachiman, Nagahama
High
22.6℃
Low
13.5℃
- Precip.
- 146.9mm
- Sunshine
- 197h
- Sunset
- 18:51
Highs around 23°C. Ideal for cycling along the lakeshore
Shirahama & Nanki→
Station: Nanki-ShirahamaShirahama, Kumano Kodo, Nachikatsuura, Kushimoto
High
23.4℃
Low
15.4℃
- Precip.
- 167mm
- Sunshine
- —
- Sunset
- 18:51
Highs around 23°C. Shirarahama Beach opens for swimming in early May
Koyasan→
Station: KoyasanKoyasan, Okunoin, Danjo Garan
High
20.1℃
Low
8.9℃
- Precip.
- 166.6mm
- Sunshine
- 186h
- Sunset
- 18:51
Mornings around 9°C. Walk among fresh green cedars
Amanohashidate & Ine→
Station: MaizuruMiyazu, Amanohashidate, Ine
High
23.6℃
Low
12.7℃
- Precip.
- 142.8mm
- Sunshine
- 183h
- Sunset
- 18:56
Highs around 24°C. Good for touring Ine's funaya boathouses
Ise & Shima→
Station: ObataIse, Ise Jingu, Toba, Shima
High
24.0℃
Low
13.9℃
- Precip.
- 188.1mm
- Sunshine
- 191h
- Sunset
- 18:47
Highs around 24°C. A pleasant season for visiting Ise Jingu
What to Wear
What to Wear in Kansai in May
Tops
Short sleeves or light long sleeves; some days are warm enough for short sleeves
Outerwear
A light cardigan or shirt for mornings, evenings and air conditioning
Bottoms
Long pants or lightweight trousers
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes like sneakers
Accessories
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
On Koyasan, mornings and evenings drop to around 9°C. A fleece or light down jacket is handy.
Good to Know
Good to Know
After Golden Week is a great time to go
From mid-May, once the holidays are over, tourist spots calm down and the weather is settled. It's one of the best times of the year to visit.
UV is as strong as midsummer
In May, UV is strong for the temperature. On days when you'll be walking outside for a long time, use a hat and sunscreen.
Kawadoko season
From May to September, you can dine on yuka (also called toko) — platforms set up by restaurants along the Kamo River and over the river in Kibune. Reservations are recommended at popular places.
Prepare for the rainy season late in the month
From around the end of the month, cloudy and rainy days start to increase. A folding umbrella is handy to have.
Events
May Events & Highlights
One of Kyoto's three great festivals: a procession of about 500 people in Heian-period costume makes its way from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine.
Read the guide：Aoi Matsuri →A classic Kyoto summer tradition: dining on platforms that jut out from restaurants along the Kamo River, or on seating set up over the river in Kibune.
Read the guide：Noryo Yuka / Kawadoko (Kamogawa & Kibune) →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Fresh Greenery Season
Arashiyama, Higashiyama, Koyasan and moreLate April–MayThe season when the fresh green maple leaves, called aomomiji, are at their most beautiful. There are fewer people than in autumn leaf season, so you can take your time.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Kyoto in May?＋
On average, the high is 25.1°C and the low is 14.5°C. Some days are warm enough for short sleeves.
Q. Is May a good time to visit Kansai?＋
With lots of sunny days and low humidity, it's one of the best times of the year to visit. To avoid the crowds, go after Golden Week.
Q. When is the Aoi Matsuri?＋
It's held every year on May 15. If it rains, it's postponed to the following day.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Kansai TripPR
Other Months
Kansai Weather in Other Months
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.
