The Best Time to Visit Kyoto Japan (When I Would Visit Again) 2026

Kyoto is easily one of the most visited spots in Japan, and just like anywhere else in the country, the timing of your trip is going to completely change the vibe of your experience.

Japan has so many distinct seasons, you’ve got everything from the cherry blossoms and fall foliage to “Golden Week” and even typhoon season to think about.

I’d definitely recommend doing a bit of digging before you book your flights, because you don’t want to accidentally land in the middle of a massive national holiday unless you love being stuck in crowds.

I spent about a month in Japan, traveling from the end of October through November, so I basically lived through the peak of fall. I visited Kyoto specifically at the beginning of November and, honestly, I thought it was perfect. Yeah, I had a couple of rainy days, but the trade-off was more than worth it.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, like when the cherry blossoms actually show up or when the leaves start changing in autumn, I’ve put together this quick guide on the best time to visit Kyoto Japan.

The Best Time to Visit Kyoto – My Experience

I visited Kyoto in November, and while I had a great time, I have to be honest: the weather was very much a mixed bag. I had days with perfect blue skies, but then I had days where it just wouldn’t stop raining, like my day trip to Nara, which was a literal wash-out.

But here’s the thing: I actually didn’t mind it. There’s something about grabbing an umbrella and wandering through Kyoto’s narrow alleyways in the mist and gloom that is just such a vibe. It felt incredibly atmospheric and I loved it! And honestly, one of my favorite things was spending a chilly, rainy day exploring and then heading into a tiny local ramen shop for a steaming bowl of noodles.

Another plus to the “not-so-perfect” weather was that the crowds weren’t nearly as bad as they get in the spring. Apparently, around March and April, the tourism levels hit “actually insane” territory, so I was happy to skip that. 

I also loved seeing the first hints of the fall foliage. I’ll admit, I thought I’d be there for the peak colors, but it turns out the end of November into December is actually the prime time for that, lesson learned for next time!

So, even with the rain, autumn in Kyoto was fantastic for me. I know the weather is technically “better” and more predictable in the spring, but then I’d have to deal with the mass tourism, and Kyoto can get crazy. I was more than happy with the moody, quieter experience I had.

Visiting Kyoto By Season

Autumn in Kyoto (September – November) – This is When I Visited Kyoto

Autumn in Kyoto is exactly when I visited, and like I mentioned, I absolutely loved it. If I had to pick, I’d probably say it’s the best time to visit the city. 

When you’re choosing your dates, you have to look at more than just the weather. I personally hate nothing more than insane crowds (and trust me, Kyoto gets them). I was more than happy to explore with an umbrella if it meant I didn’t have to deal with thousands of people at every single shrine. 

On top of that, the fall foliage is incredible. When I was in Kyoto, I only caught the first hints of it, but when I made it to Mount Fuji later in November, I saw the peak colors and it was amazing, honestly, it might even be up there with cherry blossom season for me.

Kyoto in Winter (December – February)

I’m actually planning my next trip to Japan right now, and I’m pretty much set on going in the winter. You might think I’m crazy, but hear me out. For a start, I love skiing, so getting some Japow time is obviously on the list, but that’s not even the main reason. Seeing Japanese cities, especially Kyoto, covered in snow would be stunning.

I also just think cooler temperatures are way better for exploring Japan. Imagine mid-summer in Kyoto, walking from temple to temple in that thick, humid heat, that sounds like a total nightmare to me. 

I’d much rather wear a cozy coat, see a beautiful snow-covered shrine, and then warm up with a hot bowl of ramen. Think about it: it’s just a much better and way more wholesome experience.

Spring in Kyoto (March – May) – Best Time to Visit Kyoto For Cherry Blossoms

I haven’t visited Kyoto in the spring myself, but as far as the weather goes, I’m pretty sure it’s basically perfect. You get super crisp blue skies and mild temperatures which, for me, are the ideal conditions for Japan. When I was there, I spent so much time just wandering from temple to temple, and having a nice day really does make all the difference when you’re on your feet for hours.

However, there is a massive “but” when it comes to spring: Cherry Blossom season. It looks amazing in photos, I know, but this is also when you get the absolute biggest crowds. 

I’m not joking when I say it gets insane. I’ve seen videos of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest where it’s just packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and I promise you, that will completely ruin the experience. However I do want to say that March is probably an amazing time to visit too, just before the cherry blossoms crowds arrive!

Summer in Kyoto (June – August) – Worst Time to Visit Kyoto

I have a pretty strong opinion on summer in Japan, mostly from talking to friends who live there and everyone tells me it gets hot. And I don’t just mean “warm,” I mean aggressively hot and humid, all while being peak typhoon season. It sounds like a nightmare.

If you’ve ever been to Florida in the summer and spent the whole day exploring on foot with zero air conditioning, that’s basically what Japan feels like. On top of that, Kyoto is packed with buildings and concrete that just trap the heat. I bet it’s still better than Tokyo or Osaka, those cities probably feel like a literal hell hole in July, but it’s still not exactly “vacation vibes.”

At the end of the day, I’m all about exploring on foot. When I was in Kyoto, I loved being able to walk from temple to temple all day, and I honestly think in the peak of summer, that would be miserable. I’d much rather bundle up and be cozy in a coat during winter than spend my entire trip sweating through my clothes in the summer.

What Else to Know For Visiting Kyoto

Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto (Sakura)

Cherry blossom season in Kyoto (late March to early April) is obviously one of the most famous times to visit. People rave about the Philosopher’s Path during this time, and I actually stayed right there. Even in November, that area was beautiful, so I can only imagine how it looks covered in pink flowers.

But I have to emphasize this again: this time of year gets aggressively busy. Hotels book out months in advance, prices skyrocket, and the crowds are just insane. Honestly, as beautiful as the photos look, I personally wouldn’t recommend it. I’d much rather have the city to myself than fight a thousand selfie sticks for a view of a tree.

Golden Week in Kyoto

Golden Week is a cluster of public holidays in late April and early May, which is when basically everyone in Japan travels at the same time. 

There isn’t even anything “special” happening for tourists during this period, it’s just a time when locals finally get a break and head to Kyoto. Unless you enjoy being packed into trains like a sardine and waiting in line for every single thing, avoid traveling in Kyoto (or anywhere in Japan) during this week at all costs.

Typhoon Season in Kyoto

Typhoon season in Kyoto generally runs from June through September, with the peak usually hitting in August and September. This basically overlaps with the rainy season, and as if the heat and humidity weren’t enough, you also get the joy of potential tropical storms. 

I already have a pretty low opinion of visiting Kyoto in the summer, but having the rainy season hitting at the exact same time just makes things worse. It’s yet another reason to just cross summer off your list entirely.

FAQs About the Best Time to Go to Kyoto Japan

When should I go to Kyoto?

I personally think autumn is the absolute best time to visit. That’s when I went, and even though the weather was a bit of a gamble with some sunny days and some rainy days, I didn’t have to deal with the soul-crushing crowds you get in the spring. For me, October and November are the sweet spot.

Is Kyoto Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Kyoto is easily one of the best places I’ve visited in Japan. I’m a sucker for the calm vibe here, and between the shrines, the temples, and the food, it’s definitely at the top of my list for any Japan itinerary.

What month is the best to visit Kyoto?

If I’m being honest, I’d say October and November are the winners, but February and March are probably great too if you don’t mind the cold. Basically, I’m a huge advocate for visiting during the shoulder season if you want to keep your sanity.

When is cherry blossom season in Kyoto?

Usually, the blossoms hit around late March to early April. The thing is, it’s different every single year and the forecast changes constantly, so honestly, nobody can ever fully guarantee when peak Sakura is going to happen until right before.

Final Thoughts on When to Visit Kyoto

All in all, I’d recommend aiming for either February/March or October/November. Based on my own experience, that’s when you get decent enough weather while still managing to avoid the worst of the crowds, well, as much as you possibly can.

With Japan being so hyped right now, the crowds aren’t going to get better anytime soon, so you just have to plan wisely. 

My biggest tip? Be an early bird. I was getting to the temples and shrines by 7:00 AM, and it made such a difference. I actually got to enjoy the places I was visiting instead of just staring at the back of someone else’s head. If you can handle the early wake-up call, it’s 100% worth it.

I hope this guide helps you figure out the best time for your trip so you can actually enjoy Kyoto without the stress!

Check Out My Other Kyoto Guides

Is Kyoto worth visiting: My Honest Review

2 Day Kyoto Itinerary: How I spent 48 Hours in Kyoto

How Many Days in Kyoto: A Realistic Guide for First Timers

Best Time to Visit Kyoto: My Seasonal Guide to Kyoto

Check Out My Other Japan Travel Guides

Japan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Japan

Best eSIM for Japan: My Honest Comparison

Is Japan Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Is Japan Expensive to Visit? Japan Budget Guide

7 Days in Japan Itinerary: How I Spent 1 Week in Japan