When to visit Kyoto without the crowds
Kyoto (Japan) is calmest in January, February and June: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in March, April, May and November. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with June: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
Jan–Feb, Jun & early Dec
When everyone heads home
Right after Golden Week (early May).
Tip
Hit the temples at opening, before tour groups.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm | 9 °C (49 °F) | Japanese New Year (Jan 1–3): many places close, Coming of Age Day |
| February | 2/5 · calm | 10 °C (51 °F) | Foundation Day, The Emperor's Birthday |
| March | 4/5 · busy | 15 °C (59 °F) | Vernal Equinox Day |
| April | 4/5 · busy | 20 °C (68 °F) | Hanami cherry blossoms (late Mar–Apr), Shōwa Day |
| May | 4/5 · busy | 25 °C (76 °F) | Golden Week (Apr 29–May 5), Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, Children's Day |
| June | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 28 °C (82 °F) | |
| July | 3/5 · moderate | 32 °C (90 °F) | Gion Matsuri (all July; parades on 17th & 24th), Marine Day |
| August | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 34 °C (92 °F) | Obon (mid-August), Mountain Day |
| September | 3/5 · moderate ⚠ | 30 °C (85 °F) | Respect for the Aged Day, Autumnal Equinox Day |
| October | 3/5 · moderate | 23 °C (74 °F) | Sports Day |
| November | 5/5 · busy | 18 °C (64 °F) | Momiji autumn leaves, Culture Day, Labour Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 3/5 · moderate | 12 °C (53 °F) |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Rainy season (tsuyu): rain most days until mid-July.
- Typhoon season (Aug–Sep): flights and trains can be cancelled.
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (e-Stat, Kyoto Prefecture, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Kyoto without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually January, February and June (crowds 2/5). In June the average high is 28 °C (82 °F). All the calm months: January, February and June.
When is Kyoto most crowded?
The busiest season is March, April, May and November. Right after Golden Week (early May).
What is the weather like in Kyoto?
Average highs range from 9 °C (49 °F) in January to 34 °C (92 °F) in August, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Kyoto?
Rainy season (tsuyu): rain most days until mid-July. Typhoon season (Aug–Sep): flights and trains can be cancelled.
What festivals are there in Kyoto?
The main ones: Hanami cherry blossoms (late Mar–Apr) (April); Golden Week (Apr 29–May 5) (May); Gion Matsuri (all July; parades on 17th & 24th) (July); Obon (mid-August) (August); Momiji autumn leaves (November).
More places in Japan
- Tokyo calm in January, February, June and September; busiest in April
- Osaka calm in January, February and June; busiest in March, April, May, August and November
- Hiroshima & Miyajima calm in January, February, June and December; busiest in April, May, August and November
- Nara calm in January, February, June and December; busiest in April, May, August, October and November
- Sapporo (Hokkaido) calm in March, April, May and November; busiest in February, July and August
- Naha (Okinawa) calm in January, February, April, June and December; busiest in July and August
- Hakone calm in January, February, June, July and September; busiest in August and November
- Kanazawa calm in January, February, June and July; busiest in May, August and November
- Nikko calm in January, February, March, April, June and December; busiest in August, October and November
- Fukuoka calm in January, February and June; busiest in May, August and November
- Kawaguchiko (Mount Fuji) calm in January, February, March, June, October and December; busiest in August