Best Time to Visit Kyoto 2025/2026: How to Enjoy by Season

Kyoto is a must-see city any time of the year. You can enjoy its unique charm in every season.

The best times to visit Kyoto are in spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November). The weather is most comfortable, and the scenery is the best. In spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms, and in autumn, you can admire the multicolored autumn foliage.

I know it's easy for you to find this answer, but the real question is not just when to go. It's about how you can experience the best of Kyoto during your travel time.

In this article, we will share insights from our experience to help you find the perfect time to visit. You'll discover tips on weather, experiences, crowds, and more.

Kyoto's Weather and Climate

Kyoto has four distinct seasons.

Spring (March to May): Warm and comfortable, offering the best scenery of cherry blossoms.

Summer (June to August): Hot and rainy, with high humidity making it feel even hotter than the actual temperature.

Autumn (September to November): Enjoy cool weather and multicolored fall foliage.

Winter (December to February): Cold and dry. The daily low temperature can drop below 0°C (33°F), and snowfall is occasional.

Kyoto's typhoon season usually occurs from late August to September. The city may experience 1-3 typhoons, leading to one or two days of rain and winds. Though typhoons generally don't disrupt your plans in Kyoto, it's wise to keep your itinerary flexible.

When is the Best Time to Visit Kyoto

The best times to explore Kyoto are in spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). During these seasons, you can enjoy pleasant weather and charming natural scenery.

Spring is one of the popular times to visit Kyoto, especially when the cherry blossoms bloom from late March to early April. Another popular time to visit is during the fall foliage season, which starts in late October and peaks in November.

However, these two periods also mean super peak seasons. Be prepared for large crowds and higher travel costs.

Looking to visit Kyoto with fewer crowds and still experience great scenery? Consider travelling in May, June, September, or October.

If you prefer exploring during the low season, choose December (except Christmas), January, or February.

Though the summer vacation (July to August) is hot and humid, you and your kids can enjoy a variety of traditional festivals and fully immerse yourselves in Japanese culture.

Spring in Kyoto (March to May): Best for Cherry Blossoms

Spring is one of the best times to visit Kyoto, especially during the cherry blossom season from late March to early April.

Kyoto has pleasant spring weather with lots of sunshine. The average temperature ranges from 11-17°C (52-64°F) and gradually warms up. Rainfall occurs about 10 days per month, mostly as showers or light rain.

When it comes to spring, you definitely shouldn't miss the cherry blossoms.

The cherry blossom season in Kyoto runs from late March to early April. Want to catch them at their peak? Visiting between April 1st and 10th. That's when most cherry blossoms at the popular viewing spots are in full bloom.

After visiting Japan this April, I highly recommend focusing your cherry blossom trip on Kyoto. The historic temples, combined with the blossoms, will make you feel the real Japan vibe. For more tips on enjoying the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, check out our Kyoto Cherry Blossom Guide.

There's no doubt that this busy season brings in large crowds and higher costs.

Starting your day early is the best way to avoid crowds at popular spots. We will arrange for your trip to begin between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. You can then explore top attractions like Kiyomizu-dera Temple first.

Although it can get busy, the crowds waiting to take photos at sights or lining up at restaurants are very organized, so it doesn't feel chaotic.

Clothing Tip: Dress in layers to be prepared for unexpected temperature changes. For warm days, wear a long-sleeved shirt with a coat. On cooler evenings or rainy days, opt for a sweater or a warmer coat.

Summer in Kyoto (June to August): Muggy but Full of Festivals

You might have seen comments online saying that traveling to Kyoto in summer is terrible. However, even though it can get hot and humid, it's not as bad as you think.

The average temperature in Kyoto ranges from 20-30°C (68-86°F), with highs in July and August sometimes exceeding 37°C (98°F). Due to its bowl-shaped setting, which traps heat, Kyoto is hotter than Tokyo or Osaka.

Also, summer is the rainy season in Kyoto. The rain typically falls between late June and late July, often as light showers or occasional heavy downpours. You may experience more rain in early July.

When it's raining, you'll feel cool. But after the rain, the humidity rises, which might make you feel even hotter.

So, how can you enjoy Kyoto while avoiding the heat?

We'll take you to explore outdoor attractions in the cooler mornings or late afternoons, and enjoy indoor activities (animal cafes, making pottery, or a geisha tea ceremony) during the hottest part of the day.

If you're planning a summer vacation trip to Kyoto, I highly recommend visiting in June. It's the coolest month of summer, with fewer crowds and lower costs. Plus, it's more comfortable since the humidity isn't too intense yet.

Moreover, summer in Kyoto is the best time to immerse yourself in Japanese festivals and culture.

You can admire traditional parade floats, watch locals wearing yukata (you can join in too!), and sample delicious Japanese food from various stalls. The Gion Festival and the Obon Festival are the two best festivals to experience.

• The Gion Festival (July 1–31) is the grandest summer festival in Kyoto and throughout Japan. I recommend visiting the parade floats on the 17th or the 24th, as they are the major highlights of the event.
• The Obon Festival (August 13–16) is often called Japan's Day of the Dead. In Kyoto, the Gozan no Okuribi bonfire (the Five Mountain Send-Off Fires) is the most iconic event during this festival.

Clothing tips: It's best to wear light and breathable clothes. Don't forget to bring a portable umbrella to shield yourself from both sunshine and sudden rain.

Autumn (September to November): Cool Weather and Fall Foliage

If you want to experience Kyoto's famous natural beauty in cooler weather with fewer crowds, autumn is the perfect choice.

Autumn in Kyoto is another one of the best times to visit. The weather is cool and comfortable, with average temperatures ranging from 14–22°C (57–72°F). It gets cooler as the months go by. Rainfall also decreases gradually, providing more sunny days for outdoor exploration.

Of course, the biggest highlight of this season is enjoying the multicolored fall foliage. The leaves typically begin changing color in late October and peak in November.

Beyond the usual maple viewing at temples and shrines, we can offer you some unique experiences. For example, you can ride a train through tunnels of maple trees, or cruise on a traditional Japanese boat along the riverbanks to enjoy the autumn leaves.

Clothing tips: Wear a T-shirt and a light jacket in September. For the cooler months of October and November, pack sweaters and jackets.

Winter in Kyoto (December to February): Cold and Dry

Kyoto's winter is not too cold for traveling, with average temperatures ranging from 2-9°C (35-48°F) and occasional snowfall. The snow adds to the atmosphere, making the ancient buildings look even more peaceful and sacred.

Want to spend New Year's in Kyoto? Great choice! You can immerse yourself in the Japanese New Year traditions by visiting a shrine. Yasaka Shrine is an ideal spot for this. The celebration starts at 7:30 pm on December 31st and lasts until 5 am on January 1st.

For a unique experience, visit Chion-in Temple to witness the New Year's bell-ringing ceremony. This event is a highly popular New Year's celebration activity in Kyoto.

Although the scenery in Kyoto during winter may not as attractive as in other seasons, you can enjoy fewer crowds and lower costs (except during Christmas and New Year).

Clothing tips: To stay warm, pack down jackets, thick coats, and gloves.

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Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Kyoto

Here are the weather details and travel guide information for each month in Kyoto.

• Kyoto Weather in January
• Kyoto Weather in February
• Kyoto Weather in March
• Kyoto Weather in April
• Kyoto Weather in May
• Kyoto Weather in June
• Kyoto Weather in July
• Kyoto Weather in August
• Kyoto Weather in September
• Kyoto Weather in October
• Kyoto Weather in November
• Kyoto Weather in December