When to Go

Cherry-blossom time in spring (usually the first week of April) and the glorious autumn foliage in early November are remarkable, though the city can become extremely crowded and very expensive. Except for the depths of winter, the rainy season in June, and the peak of summer heat in late July and August, Kyoto's climate is mild enough to make sightseeing pleasant the rest of the year. In the high season (April, May, and from September to November) the large numbers of visitors can make accommodations scarce.