Kyoto Weather in January

Season: Winter
In Short: Freezing cold, mostly cloudy

Snow Scene in Kyoto, January

Kyoto weather in January is freezing cold. Sometimes the temperature drops below 0°C (32°F). It is mostly cloudy and it seems like the sky is always grey. Another feature of the weather in January in Kyoto is changeable. Even in the sunny days, it may suddenly snow. Traveling in this month, visitors need to wear enough thick clothes especially when traveling to suburbs. Although the temperature is low, it is the best time to experience the hot spring bath in Kyoto.

Temperature

Falling in the mid-winter, the average temperature is about 1-9℃ (33.8-48.2℉). The sensible temperature is even lower. Even on the sunny days, the temperature isn’t very high. Thick clothes, scarf and hat are necessary to keep you warm.
Average High Temperature: 9°C / 48.2°F
Average Low Temperature: 1°C / 33.8°F

Rainfall

The climate in January is comparatively dry with the total rainfall of only 58mm. It has 9 rainy or snowy days and the humidity is about 63% averagely. Skin-care products are needed in this month.
Average Rainy Days: 9 days

Average Humidity: 63%

Sunrise & Sunset

Daytime length is short in January. The sun probably rises at 07:05 and falls at 17:08 which means the duration of daylight is pretty short, being only 10.1h. In this month, the daily sunshine hours are around 4h, short and precious.
Daylight hours: about 10.1h
Sunshine hours: around 4h

Recommended Clothes to Wear in January

During January, thick clothes are the musts for your trip to Kyoto. Considering that there are heating systems indoors, the outer clothes need to be easily removed.

Girls

Tops: For the tops, girls can choose the wool overcoat, padded overcoat with thermal shirt inside to fit the warm indoor places. Thick sweater is optional.

Bottoms & shoes: Both the winter pants and thick sweatpants can adapt to the weather and keep you warm. For having a more comfortable traveling, a pair of sneakers is also needed.

Boys

Tops: For tops, a thick down coat and wool sweater can perfectly keep you warm. When entering indoor rooms, boys can take off the down coat and the wool sweater inside can cope with the room temperature well.
Bottoms & shoes: Winter pants and thick sweatpants can also help you keep warm. To keep the feet warm, a pair of thick hiking shoes can come in handy.

Accessories: More importantly, to better protect yourself from chilliness, the gloves and hat are necessary too. People are more likely to get flu in January so masks are needed.

Top Attractions to Visit in Kyoto in January

Travel Recommendation:

1. Kyoto Ebisu Shrine

January is the beginning of the New Year and it’s right the time to go to the shrines and temples to pray for the future. Kyoto Ebisu Shrine, one of the three Ebisu Shrines in Japan, holds grand celebrations in January. On January 9th, the Kyoto Ebisu Shrine holds a big parade called Hoe Kago. The big procession is made up of more than 600 people, including celebrities, actors and lucky ladies who are responsible to hand out mascots. The atmosphere is very lively and visitors can join the local people to pray for the good luck in this year.

2. Kyoto Hirogawara Ski Area

Skiing is another popular activity in Kyoto in winter. After experiencing the sincere New Year’s worship, you can choose to enjoy the exciting skiing in the Kyoto Hirogawara Ski Area. It opens even at night when the atmosphere is totally different from that in the daytime. Besides, it also has different slopes for skiers of different levels.

3. Lake Biwa Valley Ski Resort

If you are a rookie of skiing, the Lake Biwa Valley Ski Resort is your best choice. It has the private lessons for the foreigners and the lessons are all in English. What’s more, the special parent-child slopes here are suitable for the visitors who bring the kids.

4. Arashiyama Onsen & Yunohana Onsen

Hot spring bath, called onsen in Japanese, is the unmissable activity in January. There are two advisable onsens in Kyoto. One is the Arashiyama Onsen, which is near the World Heritage, Tenryuji Temple. It has beautiful scenery and different types of onsen for you to enjoy. Another one is Yunohana Onsen. It’s pretty close to the downtown of Kyoto and the traffic is convenient.

Tips:
1. Swimming suits are not allowed in traditional onsens and you have to be naked.
2. People with tattoos are likely to be refused by the onsen. If you have a tattoo, please consult with the onsen staff before booking.

Arashiyama Scene in January

January Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

Kyoto Weather by Month

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