Kyoto month by month

The best time to visit Kyoto

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Kyoto is May · April · November: 25° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	9° / 1°	Low	$	Quiet
February	10° / 1°	Low	$	Quiet
March	14° / 4°	High	$$	Great
April	20° / 9°	High	$$$	Ideal
May	25° / 14°	High	$$	Ideal
June	27° / 19°	Moderate	$$	Fair
July	32° / 23°	Moderate	$$	Fair
August	34° / 24°	Moderate	$$	Fair
September	30° / 20°	Moderate	$$	Fair
October	24° / 13°	Moderate	$$	Great
November	17° / 7°	High	$$$	Ideal
December	11° / 2°	Moderate	$$	Fair

Best months May April November October

The year in Kyoto

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Kyoto.

Spring Ideal

Mar–May · highs around 20°C · Peak sakura season, book months ahead

Mar ·Apr ·May

Summer Fair

Jun–Aug · highs around 31°C · Rainy season starts, humid and wet

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

Autumn Ideal

Sep–Nov · highs around 24°C · Peak maple colors, temples packed

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Winter Fair

Dec–Feb · highs around 10°C · Cold and quiet after leaves fall

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

May ·April

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

January ·February

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

January ·February

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

March ·April ·July

Practical basics

Region: Asia
Local currency: JPY
Hemisphere: Northern (summer in Jun–Aug)
Yearly range: 1° – 34°
Strongest months: May, April, November
Good for: culture · city · food · nature

Events in Kyoto

Mar–Apr Cherry Blossoms (Hanami) — Sakura sweep the city, from Maruyama Park to the Philosopher’s Path.
Jul Gion Matsuri — Centuries-old procession of towering wooden floats through downtown Kyoto.
Oct Jidai Matsuri — Costumed parade retraces a thousand years of Kyoto history.
Nov Autumn Foliage (Koyo) — Maple leaves turn at temples like Tofuku-ji and Eikando.

Every month in Kyoto

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

Kyoto in January 9° · $ Quiet Kyoto in February 10° · $ Quiet Kyoto in March 14° · $$ Great Kyoto in April 20° · $$$ Ideal Kyoto in May 25° · $$ Ideal Kyoto in June 27° · $$ Fair Kyoto in July 32° · $$ Fair Kyoto in August 34° · $$ Fair Kyoto in September 30° · $$ Fair Kyoto in October 24° · $$ Great Kyoto in November 17° · $$$ Ideal Kyoto in December 11° · $$ Fair

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Kyoto?

What is the cheapest time to visit Kyoto?

January — This month counts as low season: some of the best deals of the year. Save 65%.

What is the weather like in Kyoto?

Average highs sit around 34°C with lows near 1°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.

Things to do in Kyoto