Summary
Similar to a maiko (apprentice geisha), adorned with a distinctive hairpin each month, Kyoto is finely attuned to the changes of the seasons, and your travel itinerary should reflect this. Optimize your experience in this city by delving into the unique offerings that each season presents, from winter’s serenity to spring’s cherry blossoms.
The city’s renowned traditional Japanese architecture is captivating in all weather conditions; however, there is a particular charm in witnessing Kyoto’s temples blanketed in snow. Coupling this with the city’s extensive festival calendar and its refined culinary scene, there is never truly a dull moment to visit. This guide outlines the optimal times for exploration.
Visit During Low Season (Mid-December to February) for Snow-Covered Temples and Tranquil Viewing
Winter marks a serene period in Kyoto. While the cold weather may deter many visitors, it unveils the city’s enchanting winter appeal. Occasional snowfall in January and February cloaks temples like Kinkaku-ji in a beautiful white shroud. After exploring, enjoying a rejuvenating soak in an onsen (hot spring) presents the ideal remedy against the winter’s chill.
Travelers in winter will find an abundance of accommodation options and can benefit from lower prices and off-peak discounts. If your visit coincides with the New Year, be advised that many restaurants, shops, museums, and similar establishments typically close from around December 29 to January 3 in observance of Ōmisoka (New Year’s Eve). Nevertheless, visiting one of the city’s prominent temples on New Year’s Eve provides a remarkable way to welcome the New Year.
Experience Shoulder Season (June to September) for Festivals and Cultural Celebrations
Summer heralds a vibrant festival atmosphere in Kyoto, with a calendar brimming with unforgettable events. The pinnacle of this season is Gion Matsuri, characterized by spirited street festivities and colorful parades wherein performers transport grand wooden floats through the heart of the city. The weather during summer is typically hot and muggy, with June and July frequently experiencing rain showers; nevertheless, the city’s Japanese gardens, including the verdant moss garden at Giō-ji, flourish after these rains.
The sweltering heat and humidity tend to keep larger crowds away during the summer months, apart from significant events and festivals, thereby presenting an excellent opportunity to discover Kyoto’s varied neighborhoods. The O-Bon holiday in August also marks a peak travel time for domestic tourists, resulting in higher accommodation costs during this week.
High Season (March to May and October to Mid-December) Features Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Colors
The peak travel periods in Kyoto coincide with nature’s cycles, with spring’s cherry blossoms and autumn’s vibrant foliage attracting substantial domestic and international visitors. Provided you do not mind larger crowds, visiting during these visually stunning seasons allows you to witness Kyoto at its most picturesque while enjoying optimal weather conditions. Both spring and autumn present agreeable temperatures and delightful conditions ideal for urban exploration or hiking in nearby mountainous areas.
The sakura (cherry blossom) season typically commences in late March or early April, dressing the city in an enchanting array of pale pink blooms. It is a remarkable spectacle, drawing crowds to admire the fleeting beauty of Kyoto’s gardens and parks. Some of the premier spots for hanami (flower viewing) include Maruyama Kōen, the Path of Philosophy, and Heian Jingu, though be prepared for significant crowds. Accommodation rates peak during this time, necessitating reservations well in advance.
Once again, Kyoto bursts into color during autumn as the city’s deciduous trees transition to deep reds, brilliant golds, and vibrant oranges. The height of the kōyō (autumn foliage) season spans mid-November to early December, with many temples operating later into the evening for special illumination events. For the most stunning views, explore Eikan-dō, Tōfuku-ji, or Kiyomizu-dera for the richest displays, though anticipate large crowds. Accommodation prices also surge during this season, necessitating early reservations.
Monthly Overview
January Brings Tranquility to Kyoto
Kyoto gently resurfaces following the hush of the New Year holiday (most locations reopen on January 2 or 3). While the temperatures are cold, they are generally manageable for travel, and the city offers a quieter atmosphere.
Key events: Hatsumōde, Tōshiya
February is Ideal for Viewing Temples in the Snow
February remains cold and tranquil, with the potential for light snowfall throughout the city (usually melting by midday). The northern mountains may retain snow cover for the entirety of the month. Rise early for optimal photographic opportunities of temples adorned with snow.
Key events: Setsubun Matsuri
March Sees the Transition from Plum Blossoms to Cherry Blossoms
As March unfolds, Kyoto begins to warm. Plum trees typically reach bloom by mid-March, with cherry blossoms often emerging by month’s end, drawing sizeable crowds. If accommodations are not secured months in advance, finding suitable lodgings may prove challenging.
Key events: Higashiyama Hanatouro illuminations, plum blossom viewing
April Marks the Peak for Cherry Blossom Observation
Spring is in full motion by April, although mornings and evenings can still have a chill. Cherry blossoms typically reach their peak in early April, leading to dense crowds at various tourist spots and elevated demand for accommodations.
Key events: Cherry blossom viewing (hanami)
May Offers Smaller Crowds and Warming Temperatures
May is regarded as one of the finest months to visit Kyoto, offering warm, sunny conditions, with blossoms still in bloom. The Golden Week holidays (April 29 to May 5) attract a large number of domestic tourists, hence it is advisable to secure accommodations and transportation well in advance.
Key events: Yabusame at Shimogamo-jinja, Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival), Golden Week Holidays
June Presents a Calm and Comfortable Experience
June is a delightful month for visiting Kyoto: it is warm, yet not excessively hot, and the new green foliage of the trees is captivating. However, it is also the wettest month, making occasional rains a possibility.
Key events: Takigi Nō
July Brings High Temperatures – Bring a Fan!
As the rainy season concludes in late June or early July, temperatures soar, leading to heat and humidity in Kyoto. Despite this, if you do not mind the warmth, it is an exhilarating time to be in the city as Kyoto hosts its largest festival, Gion Matsuri, throughout the month.
Key events: Gion Matsuri
August’s Humidity Deters Crowds
August is marked by high temperatures and humidity in Kyoto, yet the generally clear skies mean most tourist attractions remain uncrowded, except during the O-Bon holiday in mid-August; thus, it is prudent to finalize accommodations ahead of this period (and several days before and after).
Key events: Daimon-ji Gozan Okuribi, Tōki Matsuri, O-Bon
September Offers a Respite from Heat
Mid-September typically heralds the end of the heat, inviting refreshing breezes and creating pleasant temperatures in Kyoto. Clear skies and fewer crowds provide an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s highlights.
Key events: Karasu Zumō, Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair
October Features Bright, Inviting Weather for Sightseeing
October is regarded as one of the most favorable months for visiting Kyoto, with fluctuating temperatures providing a mix of warmth and coolness, typically accompanied by sunny conditions. The leaves begin to transform in color toward the end of the month, especially in the hilly areas.
Key events: Jidai Matsuri, Kurama Hi Matsuri, Kyoto Experiment
November Showcases the Splendor of Fall Colors
November is on par with October as one of the top months to visit Kyoto, with clear skies and comfortably cool temperatures. The peak of fall foliage generally occurs late in the month, attracting significant crowds.
Key events: Fall foliage (kōyō) viewing
December Brings Quiet to Kyoto as Venues Close for Ōmisoka
December in Kyoto is characterized by cool to cold temperatures. The remains of autumn foliage might still be observable early in the month. Most shops, museums, and restaurants typically close around December 29, although public transport continues to operate, and accommodations remain available. Almost all temples and shrines remain open throughout the New Year period.
Key events: Ōmisoka
This article was initially published on February 18, 2021, and subsequently updated on December 9, 2023.
