Kyoto
Japan
Discover the best time to visit
Weather in Kyoto
Monthly temperature ranges and rainfall patterns to help you pack right
When to Save Money
Monthly crowd levels and price indices for Kyoto
Pro Tip
Months marked with a star offer the best balance of low crowds and affordable prices. In Kyoto, consider visiting in January, February, June.
The Sweet Spot
Perfect balance of comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and great value in Kyoto
January
#1 recommended
December
#2 recommended
February
#3 recommended
September
#4 recommended
Best months to visit Kyoto:
January, December, February
What to Expect Each Month
Detailed month-by-month guide to help you plan the perfect trip to Kyoto
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during January.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during February.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during March.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during April.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during May.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during June.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during July.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during August.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during September.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during October.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during November.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for Kyoto during December.
Highlights
- Research local attractions
- Check for local events
- Book accommodations in advance
Consider
- Weather can vary
- Popular periods may be crowded
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Essential documents
What's Happening in Kyoto
Major events, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year
January
New Year Celebrations
Ring in the new year with local celebrations and events.
holidayApril
Spring Festivals
Various springtime cultural events and celebrations.
festivalJuly
Summer Events
Peak season events including outdoor concerts and festivals.
musicOctober
Autumn Celebrations
Fall harvest festivals and cultural events.
culturalDecember
Holiday Season
End of year celebrations, markets, and festivities.
holidayRelated Tools
More tools to help plan your perfect trip to Kyoto
Golden Hour Times
Perfect photography lighting
Discover the exact sunrise, sunset, golden hour, and blue hour times for Kyoto. Plan your photography sessions with precision timing data.
Travel Budget
Plan your expenses
Calculate your daily budget for Kyoto including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Get realistic cost estimates for your trip.
Capture the Season in Kyoto
Thoughtful prompts to help you journal about how the season shaped your experience
Describe the feeling of seeing cherry blossoms along the Philosopher's Path.
Sakura season
How did the summer heat and humidity affect your temple visits?
Hot summers
What was it like experiencing momiji (autumn leaves) at a Zen garden?
Koyo season
Describe the serenity of a snowy temple scene in winter.
Winter stillness
How did the Gion Matsuri or other festivals shape your summer experience?
Festival culture
What was it like spotting a geiko or maiko in different seasons?
Geisha culture
Perfect Photo Moments in Kyoto
Know exactly when to capture the best shots based on season and timing
Cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park
Evening hanami with lanterns
Autumn leaves at Tofuku-ji Temple
Famous bridge view of maples
Snow on golden Kinkaku-ji
Rare but magical when it happens
Fushimi Inari gates at dawn
Empty torii tunnel shots
Gion Matsuri float procession
Traditional parade through streets
Bamboo grove morning light
Shafts of light through bamboo
Geiko in Gion at dusk
Hanamikoji Street
Zen garden raked patterns after rain
Rain darkens sand patterns
Arashiyama cormorant fishing
Traditional ukai by torchlight
Summer hydrangeas at Mimuroto-ji
10,000 hydrangeas in bloom
New Year sunrise at Kiyomizu-dera
Hatsumode first temple visit
Misty morning on Philosopher's Path
Early autumn fog
Pro tip: Save this list to your TripMemo journal for quick reference while exploring
Ready to Start Planning?
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