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Mount Hiei

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Mount Hiei Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Mount Hiei year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): 10.5–19.3°C on average, the climate shifts from cold to warm, with increasing rainfall. Common activities: Hiking, enjoying mountain views. Recommended attire: Warm jacket, comfortable trousers and hiking boots, and it is recommended to bring rain gear.
  • Summer (June–August): 23.7–29.5°C on average, hot and humid, with abundant rainfall. Common activities: Avoiding the heat, visiting temples. Recommended attire: Light and breathable clothing, sun hat, and sunscreen.
  • Autumn (September–November): 19.1–27.1°C on average, pleasant climate, reduced rainfall. Common activities: Viewing autumn leaves, hiking. Recommended attire: Comfortable long-sleeved clothing, light jacket.
  • Winter (December–February): 5.1–7.2°C on average, cold and dry, with little rainfall. Common activities: Enjoying winter landscapes, onsen (in nearby areas). Recommended attire: Warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves.

Mount Hiei climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 17°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 1656 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: August

Mount Hiei monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
5.1°C
47.4
February
6.1°C
72.5
March
10.5°C
131.3
April
16.4°C
182.2
May
19.3°C
199.8
June
23.7°C
248.8
July
28.9°C
176
August
29.5°C
254.7
September
27.1°C
127.3
October
19.1°C
105.2
November
13.9°C
91.9
December
7.2°C
19.2

Mount Hiei weather for the next seven days

12/23
Tuesday
Patchy rain nearby
10.5°C/2.8°C
12/24
Wednesday
Heavy rain
11°C/9.4°C
12/25
Thursday
Patchy rain nearby
13°C/7.1°C
12/26
Friday
Patchy rain nearby
5.4°C/2°C
12/27
Saturday
Patchy rain nearby
5.6°C/1.3°C
12/28
Sunday
Sunny
8°C/1.8°C
12/29
Monday
Sunny
9.7°C/1.8°C

Mount Hiei Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

How long does it take to hike Mount Hiei?

For the Mount Hiei to Mount Uryu to Kitashirakawa out-and-back trail, which covers 11.1 miles with an elevation gain of 2,742 feet, it typically takes about 6.5 to 7 hours to complete.

Can you walk up Mount Hiei?

Yes, you can hike to the 848-meter summit of Mount Hiei. Starting from Kyoto's Shugakuin Station, the walk up takes approximately three hours through a dense forest that eventually opens up to towering cedar trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife during your ascent.

What is the significance of Mount Hiei?

Mount Hiei is a historically significant mountain located northeast of Kyoto. It is renowned as the home of the important Enryakuji Temple complex, a vast collection of temples and buildings that has played a crucial role in the development of Japanese Buddhism and culture.

How do you get to Mount Hiei?

There are a couple of primary routes to reach Mount Hiei. The Kyoto & Yase Route involves taking the cable car and ropeway from Yase, located northeast of Kyoto. Alternatively, the Lake Biwa & Sakamoto Route utilizes a cable car from Sakamoto in Shiga Prefecture.

What can I see at Mount Hiei?

Mount Hiei is most famous for the Enryakuji Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history and numerous halls and pagodas. The mountain also offers beautiful natural scenery with walking trails through forests, making it a popular destination for both spiritual reflection and outdoor activity.