Kyoto in October is mild and warm, making it a great time for sightseeing. It's one of the best months to visit, as you can enjoy early fall foliage before the autumn crowds arrive. Additionally, you can experience shrine ceremonies, including Jidai Matsuri, one of the biggest festivals of the year.
Kyoto's Weather and Climate in October
In October, Kyoto is warm, with temperatures around 23°C (73°F). Mornings and evenings can be cooler, especially as the month transitions into November.
There are moderate levels of rainfall in Kyoto in October, with around 14 cm (6 inches) of rain throughout the month, across approximately 9 rainy days.
Given there is some rain, you might experience a few overcast times, but, in general, October sees more sunny days than in summer, with an average of around 5 hours of sunshine per day.
Kyoto Weather in October Summary Table
| Averages | Description | |
| Temperature Range | 14–23°C (57–73°F) | Cool–warm |
| Rainfall | 14 cm (6"), 9 days | Moderate |
| Humidity | 68% | Muggy |
| High Feels Like | 24°C (75°F) | Warm |
| Sunshine | 5 hours | Sunny with occasional overcast |
Is October a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?
October is a great time of the year to visit Kyoto, with mild weather, and only a moderate amount of rainfall. Apart from the festivals and ceremonies that are held, it's a good time for beautiful fall foliage scenes too.
While you will still be able to enjoy warm temperatures in the middle of the day, mornings will be cooler, making it a good time of the year to visit if you don't love the heat and prefer lower temperatures for your adventures.
October is the second busiest time of the year to visit Kyoto, with spring being the peak visiting time. As a result, it can be crowded at popular tourist destinations, and you will also be likely to pay slightly more for your accommodation and transportation.
Something to bear in mind is that you could see a typhoon in October. While typically Kyoto is more affected by typhoons in September, there is always a slight chance in early October. You can read more about Japan's typhoon season here.
Top Places and Activities in Kyoto in October
1. Relax on a Beautiful Walk through Fall Foliage
The fall foliage in Kyoto is incredible and makes the middle through to the end of October a great time of the year to visit.
The leaves generally start changing in the middle of October, and autumnal hues peak in mid-November, with leaves gone by mid-December.
Some spots that we recommend are Tofuku-ji temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple. All these temples have plenty of maple trees. These temples can be quite busy because of their popularity and location in Kyoto. If you're willing to travel a bit outside the city, consider the charming village of Takao in the mountains. It has a cable car that takes you up the mountain, offering a lovely escape from the city crowds.
2. Enjoy the Jidai Matsuri, or the Festival of the Ages
One of the biggest festivals in Kyoto is the Jidai Matsuri, or Festival of the Ages, held every year on October 22. The parade starts at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and ends at Heian-jingu Shrine, and you can view it from various points along the route.
During the festival, participants wear period costumes from different eras, including the Meiji Restoration in the 1800s. This wide range of traditional outfits is unique and hard to find elsewhere. The event also features historical reenactments, traditional Japanese dances, and music performances.
3. Visit the Mishoryu Sasaoka Ikebana Exhibition at Shoren-in Temple
Every October, the temple hosts beautiful ikebana flower arrangements. The exact date for 2025 is not confirmed yet, but if you want to include this in your Kyoto visit, let us know, and our Asia Highlights team can help.
Ikebana is a Japanese art of flower arranging that highlights the entire life cycle of flowers, from budding to withering.
The exhibition features gardens, over a hundred unique flower arrangements, and calligraphy scrolls in a beautiful setting. The Mishoryu Sasaoka school is known for its minimalist style, focusing on the beauty of individual flowers rather than on large quantities.
4. Attend Funaoka Taisai
Funaoka Taisai takes place at Kenkun Shrine in northwest Kyoto on October 19 each year. This shrine honors the 16th-century warlord Oda Nobunaga, who entered Kyoto victoriously on this day in 1568.
At Funaoka Taisai, you can enjoy stunning views of the Kyoto skyline and learn about the Warring States period. The festival features traditional dances and beautiful costumes from that era.
Additionally, there are rifle demonstrations, displays of old weaponry, and falconry shows. This festival is perfect for anyone interested in Kyoto's rich history or Japanese military heritage.
What to Wear in Kyoto in October?
October in general is warm enough to wear just trousers and a long-sleeved t-shirt in the daytime, but we do recommend bringing along a jumper or a fleece just in case you run cold, if you hit a cooler day, or if you prefer to go outside to explore in the mornings or late into the evenings.
There are some showers in October, so we do also recommend bringing an umbrella or a waterproof layer to keep out the rain, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen for those warmer and sunnier days.
Kyoto in October FAQs
Is Kyoto rainy in October?
There is a some rain in Kyoto in October (lots on the rare year that a typhoon hits early in the month), with around 9 rainy days throughout the month. October's rainfall is not worth postponing a trip to Kyoto over, but we suggest packing an umbrella just in case.
How crowded is Kyoto in October?
October in general is not as busy as other months in the fall, or spring. However, crowds do pick up towards the end of October, as the foliage turns dark orange and red, and the temperatures drop further after Kyoto's hot summer.
Detailed Kyoto Weather Info by Month
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