Kyoto Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Kyoto. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Kyoto has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1713 mm of rain/snowfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

The seasons in Kyoto, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, July, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 241 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 18 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, December, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 71 mm over 18 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

July, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 31°C. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 11°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Kyoto Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Japan

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Japan. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Kyoto’s average annual precipitation is 1713 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

The climate in San Francisco, USA, is influenced by coastal weather, with 469 mm of rainfall mostly during the winter months.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm, with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm, with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Interesting weather facts

• The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
• Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
• A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.

For more detailed information about Kyoto’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Kyoto Climate page.