Kyoto changes completely with the seasons, and the season you choose shapes your whole trip: blossom-filled temple gardens in spring, festivals in summer, red maples in autumn and quiet, frosty mornings in winter. This guide goes month by month.
Kyoto weather and crowds by month
| Month | Average high (approx.) | Highlights | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | New Year shrine visits, occasional snow | Low (busy 1–3 Jan) |
| February | 10°C | Plum blossoms at Kitano Tenmangu | Low |
| March | 14°C | Cherry blossoms start late in the month | Rising |
| April | 20°C | Cherry blossom peak (early April) | Very high |
| May | 25°C | Fresh greenery, Aoi Matsuri (15 May) | High in Golden Week, then medium |
| June | 28°C | Rainy season, hydrangeas | Medium |
| July | 32°C | Gion Matsuri (parades 17 and 24 July) | High |
| August | 34°C | Daimonji bonfires (16 August), Obon | High |
| September | 29°C | Typhoon risk, cooler late | Medium |
| October | 23°C | Pleasant; Jidai Matsuri (22 October) | Medium–high |
| November | 17°C | Autumn leaves from mid-month, night illuminations | Very high |
| December | 12°C | Late autumn colours early in the month | Medium, then low |
Temperatures are typical averages; check a forecast close to your trip.
Cherry blossom season (late March–early April)
Kyoto’s cherry trees usually bloom from the last week of March, peaking in the first days of April; exact dates change every year and forecasts are published from January. The best spots: the Philosopher’s Path, Maruyama Park’s weeping cherry, Heian Shrine, the Okazaki canal and Arashiyama. Hotels sell out and prices rise — book 3–6 months ahead. Start at sunrise to enjoy the gardens before the crowds.
Autumn leaves (mid-November–early December)
Maples turn red from about mid-November, and in recent years the peak has been shifting later, often into late November and early December. Top spots: Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do, Kiyomizu-dera (with evening illuminations), Arashiyama and the Kifune–Kurama valley. Expect the same crowds and prices as spring.
Other seasons
May and October: the sweet spots
Warm, mostly dry weather and green or golden scenery, with fewer visitors than the peaks — except during Golden Week (29 April–5 May), when Japanese travellers fill the city.
Summer (June–September)
June brings the rainy season; July and August are very hot and humid, with the Gion Matsuri festival and riverside dining platforms (kawayuka). Typhoons can bring heavy rain in August and September. Sightsee early and late, and rest at midday.
Winter (December–February)
Cold, often sunny days, the lowest prices and the shortest queues. A light snowfall on Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto’s most magical sights, though it doesn’t happen every year.
Best time for…
| If you want… | Go in |
|---|---|
| Cherry blossoms | Late March–early April |
| Autumn leaves | Mid-November–early December |
| Good weather, fewer crowds | Mid-May, October |
| Lowest prices | January–February (after New Year) |
| Festivals | July (Gion Matsuri), 16 August, 22 October |
Tips for any season
- Book hotels early for spring and autumn — see where to stay in Kyoto or compare Kyoto hotels for your dates.
- Start at sunrise: Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera open early — see our Fushimi Inari guide.
- Avoid Japanese holidays (Golden Week, Obon, New Year) if you can.
- Pair Kyoto with Tokyo: see the best time to visit Tokyo.
- Budget for the new accommodation tax.
More Kyoto guides
- Kyoto itinerary
- Best things to do in Kyoto
- Where to stay in Kyoto
- Tokyo to Kyoto by shinkansen
- Kansai airport to Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari guide
- Kyoto accommodation tax
- Kyoto travel guide
FAQ: Best time to visit Kyoto
When is cherry blossom season in Kyoto?
Usually from the last week of March to early April, with the peak around the first days of April.
When are the autumn leaves best in Kyoto?
From mid-November to early December; the peak has been shifting later in recent years.
What is the least crowded time to visit Kyoto?
January and February, after the New Year holidays.
Is Kyoto too hot in summer?
July and August are very hot and humid. Plan early starts and indoor breaks.
Is Kyoto worth visiting in winter?
Yes: it’s quiet and cheaper, and temples look beautiful in crisp light or snow.
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