Kyoto京都

City guide

Kyoto in DecemberA good time to go

Weather: Cool · 4 to 12 °C
Rain: Dry · Comfortable air
Events: New Year closures, Autumn leaves
What to pack: Layers and a jacket.

Our advice: The weather suits your trip. Book early if the dates fall in a busy week. Better months for your interests: April, May, November.

The old capital: temples, gardens, geisha districts and quiet lanes. Spring and autumn are very busy, so start early.

Make it yours

Who travels友 Friends 恋 Couples 独 Solo 家 Families

I like

食 food 夜 nightlife 寺 temples 買 shopping遊 anime and games 山 nature 湯 onsen 芸 art and design 屋 indoor and immersive+ 5 moreShow fewer

The lists are ordered for your choices. Nothing is hidden. Clear my choices

Good fitKyoto StationA big modern hub with trains to everywhere, shops and many hotels.because temples, shopping家Families独Solo友Friends¥¥

Good fitGion and HigashiyamaOld wooden streets, tea houses and big temples on the hill. The most traditional area.because temples, art and design恋Couples独Solo¥¥¥

Good fitKita: Kinkaku-ji and KitanoA quiet north side with the Golden Pavilion, small shops and local food.because temples, art and design独Solo恋Couples家Families¥

Okay fitKawaramachi and NishikiThe central shopping and food area, with a covered market and many bars.because shopping友Friends恋Couples独Solo¥¥

Okay fitArashiyamaA river, a bamboo grove and mountain temples at the west edge. Quiet at night.because temples恋Couples独Solo¥¥

Reading for this place

Seasons5 min readArashiyama in autumn: how to beat the crowdsArashiyama is busy in autumn, from October to December. Here is how to plan an early visit, pick a quieter path and check the leaf forecast before you go.About this place

Seasons6 min readAutumn leaves: the timing, city by cityAutumn leaves change colour at different times in each place. Learn how to read the leaf forecast for Kyoto, Nikko and Tokyo and plan a trip with some room to spare.About this place

Seasons5 min readWinter in the old cities: quiet streets and short daysWinter in Kyoto and Tokyo is cold, with short days and fewer crowds. Learn how to plan the shorter light, the cold and the quieter streets.About this place

Weather by season

Spring春

Mild9 to 20 °CSome rain

Summer夏

Hot23 to 31 °CWet

Autumn秋

Mild15 to 23 °CSome rain

Winter冬

Cool2 to 10 °CDry

Official climate normals (Japan Meteorological Agency), checked 2026-10-04.