Best times to plan your Kyoto trip

Just like a maiko (apprentice geisha), who sports a unique hairpin for each month, Kyoto harmonizes with the seasons—so should your travel plans. Maximize your visit by embracing the seasonal experiences and flavors, from winter's snowfall to spring's cherry blossoms.

Kyoto's renowned traditional Japanese architecture shines in any weather, but witnessing the city's temples blanketed in snow is truly enchanting. With an array of festivals and a refined culinary scene, there’s never a bad time to explore. Here’s your guide to the prime visiting times.

Visit during the low season (mid-December to February) for serene, snow-clad temples and tranquil exploration

Winter in Kyoto is a time of stillness. Chilly temperatures deter many tourists, yet the city radiates winter charm. January and February often bring snow, creating a fairytale setting for temples like Kinkaku-ji. After a day of sightseeing, unwinding in an onsen (hot spring) is the perfect way to escape the winter cold.

Visitors in winter will find a wider selection of accommodations and can enjoy lower rates and off-season deals. If you're in Kyoto during the New Year holiday, remember that many restaurants, shops, museums, and similar establishments close from about December 29 to January 3 for Ōmisoka (New Year's Eve). However, visiting one of the major temples on New Year's Eve offers a truly unforgettable way to celebrate the occasion.

Shoulder season (June to September) is the prime time for festivals and cultural events

Summer brings festival season to Kyoto, with an exciting lineup of unforgettable celebrations. The highlight is Gion Matsuri, featuring vibrant street festivities and colorful parades where performers maneuver massive wooden floats through the city. The summer heat can be intense and muggy, with June and July experiencing frequent rain, but this nourishes the city’s Japanese gardens, such as the lush moss garden at Giō-ji, which thrive beautifully after the rains.

The heat and humidity during summer often keep the crowds away, except for major events and festivals, making this an ideal time to discover Kyoto's unique neighborhoods. The O-Bon holiday in August marks a peak period for domestic travel, causing accommodation prices to rise significantly during that week.

High season (March to May and October to mid-December) features cherry blossoms and autumn foliage

Kyoto’s busiest travel times align with nature's beauty, as the spring cherry blossoms and fall colors draw large crowds of both domestic and international tourists. If you can handle the hustle and bustle, visiting during these vibrant seasons lets you experience Kyoto at its most stunning, along with enjoying the ideal weather. Both spring and fall offer mild temperatures and pleasant conditions, perfect for city exploration or hiking in the nearby mountains.

The sakura (cherry blossom) season typically starts in late March or early April, enveloping the city in a dreamlike canopy of soft pink blooms. It’s a breathtaking spectacle that attracts throngs to Kyoto’s exquisite gardens and parks for hanami (flower viewing). Some of the best spots for viewing include Maruyama Kōen, the Path of Philosophy, and Heian Jingu, but expect them to be quite crowded. Accommodation prices peak during this time, and it’s wise to book well in advance—often up to a year ahead. As autumn arrives, Kyoto bursts into color once more, with its maples and other deciduous trees transforming into deep reds, brilliant golds, and fiery oranges. The peak kōyō (fall foliage) season runs from mid-November to early December, with temples open late for special illumination events. For the most spectacular views, visit Eikan-dō, Tōfuku-ji, or Kiyomizu-dera, but be ready for the crowds. Accommodation prices also rise during this season, and reservations should be made several months in advance.

January brings tranquility to Kyoto

Kyoto gradually awakens after the quiet of the New Year holiday (most venues reopen on January 2 or 3). It’s cold, yet travel-friendly, and the city remains uncrowded. Key events: Hatsumōde, Tōshiya

February is the perfect month to witness temples draped in snow

February remains cold and tranquil, with the possibility of snow in the city (which usually melts by noon). The northern mountains may retain their snowy blanket throughout the month. Rise early for stunning photos of temples adorned with snow. Key events: Setsubun Matsuri

March ushers in the transition from plum blossoms to cherry blossoms

By March, Kyoto begins to warm up. Plum trees typically bloom around mid-March, followed by the cherry blossoms making their appearance by the month's end, attracting large crowds. If you haven't secured your accommodation months in advance, you may find it challenging to book a place.

April marks the peak season for cherry blossom viewing

By April, spring is in full bloom, although mornings and evenings may still be brisk. The cherry blossoms typically reach their peak in early April, leading to large crowds in Kyoto’s popular sightseeing areas and high demand for accommodations. Key events: Cherry blossom viewing (hanami)

May brings fewer crowds and warmer weather

May is one of the most delightful months to explore Kyoto. The weather is warm and sunny, and blossoms continue to flourish. However, Golden Week (April 29 to May 5) attracts many domestic tourists, so it’s wise to book your accommodations and transport well in advance. Key events: Yabusame at Shimogamo-jinja, Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival), Golden Week Holidays

June offers a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere, with occasional rain showers

June is a delightful month to visit Kyoto; it’s warm but not overly hot, and the fresh green leaves adorning the trees are stunning. However, it is also the wettest month, so be prepared for intermittent downpours. Key events: Takigi Nō

July brings soaring temperatures – don’t forget to bring a fan!

As the rainy season wraps up in late June or early July, the heat intensifies, making Kyoto quite hot and humid. However, if you don’t mind a little perspiration, it's an exciting time to be in the city, as Kyoto celebrates its largest festival, Gion Matsuri, throughout the entire month. Key events: Gion Matsuri

The humidity in August keeps the crowds at bay

August can be hot and muggy in Kyoto, but the skies are typically clear and most tourist attractions remain uncrowded, except during the O-Bon holiday in mid-August—so be sure to reserve accommodations in advance for this three-day period (and for several days before and after). Key events: Daimon-ji Gozan Okuribi, Tōki Matsuri, O-Bon

September brings a refreshing drop in temperature

Around mid-September, the heat subsides, cool breezes roll in, and temperatures in Kyoto become quite pleasant. With generally clear skies and fewer tourists, it’s an ideal time to explore the sights. Key events: Karasu Zumō, Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair

October offers bright, sunny weather perfect for sightseeing

October is one of the prime months to visit Kyoto. The weather ranges from warm to cool, typically under sunny skies. By the end of the month, the leaves begin to change color, especially in the hills. Key events: Jidai Matsuri, Kurama Hi Matsuri, Kyoto Experiment

November sets Kyoto ablaze with autumn hues

November competes with October and late spring as the ideal time to explore Kyoto. The skies are clear and the temperatures remain comfortably cool. Fall foliage typically reaches its peak late in the month, leading to larger crowds. Key events: Fall foliage (kōyō) viewing

December is a serene time in Kyoto as venues close for Ōmisoka

December in Kyoto is characterized by cool to cold temperatures. Early in the month, you may still catch glimpses of beautiful fall foliage. Most shops, museums, and restaurants close around December 29, but public transport continues to operate, and accommodations remain available. Nearly all temples and shrines are open during the New Year festivities. Key events: Ōmisoka