October · Autumn · Humid subtropical — hot, sticky summers and cool, dry winters.

What to pack for Kyoto in October

A four-season city with extremes at both ends. June's tsuyu rainy season and August's 35 °C humidity are punishing; winter is dry, crisp, and surprisingly cold for the latitude thanks to the surrounding mountains.

Travel month

Pick the month you're visiting — the list updates to match.

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Climate at a glance · October

Avg high
23°C · 74°F
Avg low
16°C · 60°F
Rain days
8
Daylight
11h

Pack for Kyoto in October

Anchored on Kyoto's October climate.

0 of 9 packed

Base layers

Mid layers

Outer shell & accessories

Footwear

Local quirks & hazards

  • Tsuyu (rainy season) mid-June to mid-July — daily showers, 80%+ humidity.
  • August humidity is the dangerous kind: hydrate, schedule temple visits before 10:00.
  • Winter cold in unheated wooden temples and old machiya — colder indoors than out.
  • Late-summer typhoon risk September–early October.

Dress & culture in Kyoto

  • Slip-on shoes are essential — you will remove them at every temple, ryokan, and many restaurants.
  • Shoulders and knees covered for temples; tank tops draw stares even in summer.
  • Tattoos must be coverable for onsen and many sentō — pack a long-sleeve rashguard if applicable.
  • Bring socks without holes. You will be seen in them constantly.

Leave at home

  • Lace-up boots — the constant on/off will exhaust you.
  • Strong perfume — considered intrusive in tea houses and small restaurants.

Kyoto month by month

Average high / low and rainy days. Helpful for planning a trip outside this month.

MonthHighLowRain days
Jan9°C · 48°F3°C · 38°F7
Feb10°C · 50°F4°C · 39°F8
Mar14°C · 57°F6°C · 43°F10
Apr20°C · 68°F9°C · 48°F10
May25°C · 77°F16°C · 60°F9
Jun28°C · 82°F20°C · 68°F13
Jul32°C · 90°F23°C · 74°F12
Aug34°C · 93°F26°C · 79°F9
Sep29°C · 85°F22°C · 72°F11
Oct23°C · 74°F16°C · 60°F8
Nov17°C · 63°F10°C · 50°F7
Dec12°C · 53°F5°C · 41°F7
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