KyotoPhoto by Matze Bob on Unsplash

Kyoto

Japan · East Asia

The best time to visit Kyoto is March–May, July and October–November, when it is at its strongest for city breaks and culture. Peak cherry blossom viewing and pleasant temperatures make this the most popular time to visit. Golden Week holidays at the end of the month cause extreme crowding.

Plan a trip to Kyoto

Month by month

MonthFitWeatherCrowds & pricesWhat it's good for
January 7/10 8°C · 8 rain days crowds 1/5 · prices 1/5 Culture. Cold temperatures and short daylight hours make this a quiet time for temple visits. Occasional light snow adds a beautiful atmosphere to the city's historic sites.
February 7/10 10°C · 8 rain days crowds 1/5 · prices 1/5 Culture. Plum blossoms begin to bloom towards the end of the month. It remains quite cold, but crowds are at their annual minimum.
March 8/10 14°C · 13 rain days crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 City breaks, Culture. Cherry blossom season begins in late March, drawing significant crowds. The weather is mild but unpredictable with frequent rain.
April 10/10 19°C · 11 rain days crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 City breaks, Culture, Nature & wildlife. Peak cherry blossom viewing and pleasant temperatures make this the most popular time to visit. Golden Week holidays at the end of the month cause extreme crowding.
May 9/10 23°C · 11 rain days crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 Hiking, Nature & wildlife, City breaks. The weather is ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration before the summer heat. Early May is impacted by the Golden Week travel rush.
June 7/10 27°C · 14 rain days crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 Nature & wildlife, Culture. The rainy season (tsuyu) begins, bringing high humidity and frequent precipitation. Hydrangeas bloom beautifully in temple gardens during this time.
July 8/10 30°C · 18 rain days crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 Culture, Nightlife. The Gion Matsuri festival is a major cultural highlight in July. High heat and humidity make outdoor activities challenging.
August 6/10 32°C · 14 rain days crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 Intense heat and humidity dominate the month, often limiting daytime sightseeing. Obon festival events occur, but many locals leave the city.
September 7/10 29°C · 14 rain days crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 Nature & wildlife, Culture. Temperatures begin to moderate, though the risk of typhoons remains a factor. Early autumn is pleasant for temple visits.
October 9/10 22°C · 11 rain days crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 City breaks, Hiking, Nature & wildlife. Excellent weather with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Autumn foliage begins to turn, making it a prime time for nature and temple visits.
November 10/10 17°C · 7 rain days crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 Nature & wildlife, City breaks, Culture. Peak autumn foliage season draws massive crowds to Kyoto's temples and gardens. The weather is crisp and perfect for walking.
December 7/10 11°C · 7 rain days crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 Culture. The foliage season ends and the city becomes quiet before the New Year holidays. Temperatures drop significantly, signaling the start of winter.

Getting in

Israeli passport: Visa-free · up to 90 days — Passport must be valid for duration of stay.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.

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