Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Kyoto is best to visit during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring offers cherry blossoms and mild weather, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is hot and humid, and winter can be cold.
The high season in Kyoto is during cherry blossom season in late March to early April and autumn foliage season in late October to early November.
The shoulder seasons in Kyoto are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the high season.
The low season in Kyoto is winter (December to February) due to colder temperatures and fewer tourists.
Spring in Kyoto is mild and offers cherry blossoms. It's a great time to visit temples and gardens.
Summer in Kyoto is hot and humid. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions and participate in summer festivals.
Autumn in Kyoto is cool and showcases vibrant foliage. Popular attractions include Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Winter in Kyoto is cold with occasional snowfall. It's a quieter time to visit, and you can enjoy hot springs and winter illuminations.
→ -3 to 4 °C (27 to 39 °F)
January in Kyoto is cold with occasional snowfall. It's a good time to visit temples and participate in New Year celebrations.
→ -2 to 5 °C (28 to 42 °F)
February in Kyoto is still cold, but cherry blossoms start to bloom towards the end of the month.
→ 2 to 12 °C (36 to 53 °F)
March in Kyoto marks the beginning of spring with cherry blossoms blooming. It's a busy time with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties.
→ 7 to 17 °C (45 to 63 °F)
April in Kyoto is the peak of cherry blossom season. The city is filled with beautiful pink blooms.
→ 14 to 24 °C (57 to 74 °F)
May in Kyoto is mild and comfortable. It's a good time to explore gardens and enjoy outdoor activities.
→ 20 to 29 °C (69 to 85 °F)
June in Kyoto is warm and humid. It's a quieter month with fewer tourists.
→ 27 to 34 °C (81 to 94 °F)
July in Kyoto is hot and humid. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions and participate in summer festivals.
→ 29 to 36 °C (84 to 98 °F)
August in Kyoto is hot and humid. It's a popular time for fireworks festivals and traditional Obon events.
→ 23 to 30 °C (74 to 86 °F)
September in Kyoto is cool and pleasant. Autumn foliage begins to appear towards the end of the month.
→ 14 to 22 °C (57 to 71 °F)
October in Kyoto is a peak season for autumn foliage. The city is painted in shades of red and gold.
→ 7 to 15 °C (44 to 59 °F)
November in Kyoto is another peak season for autumn foliage. It's a great time for hiking and visiting temples.
→ -0 to 7 °C (32 to 45 °F)
December in Kyoto is cold with occasional snowfall. Winter illuminations and hot springs are popular attractions.
Kyoto offers a range of accommodation options from traditional ryokans to modern hotels. Stay in a ryokan to experience Japanese hospitality and soak in hot springs.
Kyoto has an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses and trains. The city is also bicycle-friendly, and renting a bike is a popular way to explore.
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main airport serving Kyoto. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to Kyoto city center.
There are direct train and bus services from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto city center. The journey takes approximately 75 minutes by train and 90 minutes by bus.
Kyoto is generally a safe city to visit. However, it's always advisable to take normal safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
According to the Global Peace Index, Japan ranks 9th among all countries in the world in 2023. Japan achieved a score of 1.34 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.
The best time to visit Kyoto is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the city is filled with cherry blossoms or vibrant foliage.
Best Kyoto Visit LengthA 3-4 day trip is sufficient to explore the main attractions in Kyoto. However, if you want to take your time and visit more off-the-beaten-path places, 5-7 days would be ideal.
Must-See Attractions in KyotoSome must-see attractions in Kyoto include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
Kyoto Nightlife: What to DoKyoto has a serene and enchanting atmosphere at night. Visit Gion district for a chance to spot geisha and explore the illuminated temples and gardens.
Getting Around Kyoto EfficientlyThe best way to get around Kyoto is by using the city's reliable public transportation system, which includes buses and trains. Renting a bicycle is also a popular option to explore the city at a more leisurely pace.
Start your day by visiting Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) to admire its stunning architecture. Next, explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and enjoy a boat ride on the Hozu River. End the day with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for panoramic views of Kyoto.
Spend the morning exploring Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and its famous torii gates. In the afternoon, visit Nijo Castle and its beautiful gardens. End the day with a stroll in the historic Gion district.
Start the day with a visit to the peaceful Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji Temple. Next, explore the vibrant Nishiki Market for local street food and souvenirs. End the day with a relaxing walk along the Philosopher's Path.
