Best Time to Visit Kyoto
Your complete month-by-month guide to Kyoto's seasons, weather, festivals, and crowd levels. Plan the perfect trip.
Quick Answer
March-April (Spring) and November (Autumn) are the absolute best times to visit Kyoto for cherry blossoms and fall foliage. However, these are also the busiest and most expensive periods.
Peak Season
March-April & November
Most beautiful, most crowded
Shoulder Season
May & October
Great weather, fewer crowds
Low Season
January-February & Summer
Cheapest, least crowded
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Spring (March - May)
March
Weather: 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Crowds: Building up
Highlights: Plum blossoms, early cherry blossoms (late March)
Cherry blossom forecast crucialApril
BESTWeather: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
Crowds: VERY HIGH
Highlights: Peak cherry blossoms (early-mid April), Miyako Odori
Book 6 months ahead!May
Weather: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Crowds: Moderate
Highlights: Fresh green foliage, Aoi Matsuri (May 15), perfect temperatures
Excellent shoulder seasonSummer (June - August)
June
Weather: 19-28°C (66-82°F)
Crowds: Low
Highlights: Hydrangeas, rainy season (tsuyu)
Pack an umbrellaJuly
Weather: 23-32°C (73-90°F)
Crowds: Moderate
Highlights: Gion Matsuri (all month), summer festivals
Best for festivals!August
Weather: 24-33°C (75-91°F)
Crowds: Moderate
Highlights: Gozan no Okuribi (Aug 16), hot & humid
Very hot, stay hydratedAutumn (September - November)
September
Weather: 19-28°C (66-82°F)
Crowds: Low
Highlights: Cooler weather, early autumn colors (late Sept)
Good value monthOctober
Weather: 13-23°C (55-73°F)
Crowds: Building up
Highlights: Early autumn colors, Jidai Matsuri (Oct 22), perfect weather
Excellent choiceNovember
BESTWeather: 7-17°C (45-63°F)
Crowds: VERY HIGH
Highlights: Peak autumn foliage, temple illuminations
Book 4-6 months ahead!Winter (December - February)
December
Weather: 3-12°C (37-54°F)
Crowds: Low (except New Year)
Highlights: Winter illuminations, fewer tourists
Budget-friendlyJanuary
Weather: 1-10°C (34-50°F)
Crowds: Very low
Highlights: New Year ceremonies, plum blossoms (late Jan), snow on temples
Best for avoiding crowdsFebruary
Weather: 2-11°C (36-52°F)
Crowds: Very low
Highlights: Plum blossoms, Setsubun Festival (early Feb), Baika-sai
Cheapest accommodationAt-a-Glance Comparison
| Season | Pros | Cons | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Cherry blossoms, perfect weather, festivals | Very crowded, expensive | 5/5 |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Festivals, fewer crowds, green scenery | Hot & humid, rainy season | 3/5 |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Stunning foliage, comfortable weather, illuminations | Very crowded in Nov, expensive | 5/5 |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Few tourists, cheap, snow on temples | Cold, shorter days | 4/5 |
Pro Tips for Timing Your Visit
Cherry Blossom Timing
Peak bloom varies by 1-2 weeks each year. Monitor forecasts from late February. Early April is usually safest bet.
Avoid Golden Week
Late April/Early May (April 29 - May 5) is Golden Week, Japan's biggest holiday. Avoid if possible - domestic crowds surge.
Weekday Temple Visits
Visit popular temples on weekday mornings (8-10 AM) even during peak season to avoid the worst crowds.
Book Accommodation Early
For March-April and November, book 4-6 months in advance. Popular ryokans sell out even earlier.
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