Best time to visit · Kyoto · Japan
The best time to visit Kyoto
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: matsuyuki, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Kyoto are late March to May and October to November, when the weather is mild and cherry blossom (early April) or autumn foliage (mid to late November) colours the temples — but these are also the most crowded and expensive weeks. January, February and June are quieter and lower-priced, while July and especially August are very hot and humid.
Key facts
- Best months
- March–May and October–November
- Shoulder season
- June, September and December–February
- Warmest month
- August (avg high 34°C (93°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 9°C (48°F))
- Rainiest month
- July (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
Kyoto sits in a basin, so summers are hot and humid, often above 33°C in August, and winters are cold and damp with occasional light snow. Spring and autumn are mild and dry, and the June–July rainy season (tsuyu) brings frequent rain.
March–May
Spring
Plum blossom in March, cherry blossom in early April and fresh green maples in May; Golden Week and blossom season bring heavy crowds.
June–August
Summer
The rainy season in June and early July, then intense heat and humidity; Gion Matsuri in July and the Okuribi bonfires in August.
September–November
Autumn
A hot start, then dry, clear days and spectacular maple colour from mid-November, with evening temple illuminations.
December–February
Winter
Cold and quiet, with low prices, occasional snow on the temples and New Year rituals at shrines.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 1°C | 7 | 10 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 10°C | 1°C | 8 | 10.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 14°C | 4°C | 11 | 11.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 20°C | 9°C | 10 | 13 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| May | 25°C | 14°C | 10 | 14 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 28°C | 19°C | 12 | 14.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 32°C | 23°C | 13 | 14.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 34°C | 24°C | 9 | 13.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 29°C | 20°C | 11 | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 23°C | 14°C | 8 | 11.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 17°C | 8°C | 7 | 10.3 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| December | 12°C | 3°C | 7 | 9.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Hatsumode — New Year shrine visits, busiest at Fushimi Inari and Yasaka (1–3 January); Toka Ebisu festival at Ebisu Shrine near Gion (around 8–12 January) |
| February | Setsubun bean-throwing ceremonies at Yoshida and Yasaka shrines (2 or 3 February); Plum blossom at Kitano Tenmangu (late February to March) |
| March | Early cherry blossom at the Imperial Palace's weeping cherries (late March) |
| April | Cherry blossom along the Philosopher's Path, Maruyama Park and Arashiyama (usually late March to early April); Miyako Odori — spring dances by Gion's geiko and maiko (usually April) |
| May | Golden Week holidays (late April to early May); Aoi Matsuri — Heian-era costume procession (15 May); Kawayuka river-terrace dining season opens (May) |
| June | Hydrangea season at Mimuroto-ji in Uji (June) |
| July | Gion Matsuri — month-long festival with float processions (17 and 24 July) and yoiyama street nights before them |
| August | Gozan no Okuribi — bonfires in kanji shapes on the hills for Obon (16 August) |
| September | Moon-viewing events at Daikaku-ji and Shimogamo Shrine (mid-September or early October) |
| October | Jidai Matsuri — historical costume parade (22 October); Kurama Fire Festival in Kurama village (22 October) |
| November | Autumn leaves and evening temple illuminations (usually mid-November to early December) |
| December | Joya no Kane — temple bells rung 108 times on New Year's Eve at Chion-in and other temples (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in January–February. Many visitors avoid August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Kyoto?
The best times to visit Kyoto are late March to May and October to November, when the weather is mild and cherry blossom (early April) or autumn foliage (mid to late November) colours the temples — but these are also the most crowded and expensive weeks. January, February and June are quieter and lower-priced, while July and especially August are very hot and humid.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Kyoto?
Usually in January–February. Cold, crisp and quiet after the New Year holidays; temples are calm and a rare snowfall turns Kinkaku-ji white.
+What is the rainiest month in Kyoto?
July, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Kyoto get?
The warmest month, August, averages highs of 34°C (93°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).