Best Times to Visit Kyoto, Japan
Quick Answer:
The best time to visit Kyoto is during spring (late March to early May) for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, or autumn (mid-November to early December) for stunning fall foliage and crisp air. Shoulder seasons (April-May & September-October) offer a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cold and may see snow.
Monthly Weather Data Table
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Daylight (h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | 0°C | 43°F | 32°F | 50mm | 6 days | 9.5h |
| Feb | 7°C | 1°C | 45°F | 34°F | 60mm | 7 days | 10.5h |
| Mar | 11°C | 3°C | 52°F | 37°F | 90mm | 8 days | 12h |
| Apr | 16°C | 7°C | 61°F | 45°F | 110mm | 10 days | 13.5h |
| May | 21°C | 12°C | 70°F | 54°F | 140mm | 12 days | 14.5h |
| Jun | 25°C | 16°C | 77°F | 61°F | 180mm | 14 days | 15h |
| Jul | 29°C | 21°C | 84°F | 70°F | 200mm | 13 days | 14h |
| Aug | 30°C | 22°C | 86°F | 72°F | 170mm | 12 days | 13h |
| Sep | 26°C | 18°C | 79°F | 64°F | 150mm | 11 days | 12h |
| Oct | 20°C | 12°C | 68°F | 54°F | 120mm | 9 days | 11h |
| Nov | 14°C | 6°C | 57°F | 43°F | 80mm | 7 days | 10h |
| Dec | 8°C | 2°C | 46°F | 36°F | 60mm | 6 days | 9.5h |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Kyoto?
The best time to visit Kyoto is during spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms or autumn (September-November) for fall foliage. However, these seasons are also the most crowded and expensive.
How many days should I spend in Kyoto?
Most travelers spend 3-5 days in Kyoto to see the major sights. However, you could easily spend a week or more exploring the city and surrounding areas.
What is the weather like in Kyoto?
Kyoto has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, winters are relatively mild, and spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures. Be prepared for rain at any time of year.
What is the cost of a trip to Kyoto?
The cost of a trip to Kyoto varies greatly depending on your travel style and time of year. Expect to spend at least $100-$150 per day for budget travel, and significantly more for luxury travel.
How do I get around Kyoto?
Kyoto has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and trains. Walking is also a great way to explore the city, especially the more traditional neighborhoods.
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