PlanoPlanoMarch to May (cherry blossoms) and October to November (autumn foliage) are Kyoto's two great seasons. Late November offers the most vivid foliage with slightly fewer crowds than cherry blossom season. May provides comfortable weather between the peaks.
| Month | Temp | Rain | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C | 50mm | Low | Budget |
| February | 5°C | 60mm | Low | Budget |
| MarchBest | 9°C | 110mm | High | Expensive |
| AprilBest | 15°C | 120mm | High | Expensive |
| MayBest | 20°C | 145mm | Medium | Moderate |
| June | 24°C | 215mm | Medium | Moderate |
| July | 28°C | 215mm | Medium | Moderate |
| August | 29°C | 140mm | Medium | Moderate |
| September | 25°C | 175mm | Medium | Moderate |
| OctoberBest | 18°C | 115mm | Medium | Moderate |
| NovemberBest | 12°C | 70mm | High | Expensive |
| December | 7°C | 45mm | Low | Budget |
Cherry blossoms (late March to mid-April) transform Kyoto into a pink wonderland. Philosopher's Path and Maruyama Park are iconic. Temperatures rise from 9°C to 20°C. Extremely crowded during peak bloom.
Hot and humid (24-29°C) with the famous Gion Matsuri festival throughout July — Japan's most iconic festival with elaborate floats. Rainy season (tsuyu) in June can be atmospheric in temple gardens.
The autumn foliage (koyo) season from mid-November to early December rivals cherry blossoms for beauty. Tofuku-ji and Eikan-do temples are stunning. October is comfortable for temple-hopping.
Cold (5-7°C) with occasional snow dusting temples. Kinkaku-ji in snow is one of Japan's most photographed scenes. Far fewer tourists, reasonable prices, and a contemplative atmosphere.
March
July
November
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Plan my Kyoto tripLate March to mid-April (cherry blossoms) and late November (autumn foliage) are the busiest periods. Hotel prices double and major temples have hour-long queues. Book 3-6 months ahead.
January, February, and June (rainy season) offer the best prices. Winter is cold but atmospheric, and June's rain creates beautiful moss garden scenes.
April, May, October, and November provide the best temperatures (15-20°C) for walking between temples, hiking Mount Kurama, and exploring Arashiyama bamboo grove.