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Kyoto vs Osaka: which is better, and when to go
Kyoto is at its best in October and Osaka in October. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Kyoto and Osaka
At a glance
| Kyoto | Osaka | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | October (7.5/10) | October (10/10) |
| Warmest month | August, 34°C | August, 34°C |
| Coolest month | January, 9°C | January, 10°C |
| Quietest month | February (Low) | January (Very Low) |
| Busiest month | November (High) | April (Extremely High) |
| Cheapest month | February ($$) | January ($$) |
Which one should you choose?
Little difference between them in: how cold the coolest month gets, how hot the warmest month gets, crowds across the year, how busy the peak month gets, prices across the year.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Kyoto | Osaka | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C · Low · $$ | 10°C · Very Low · $$ | Kyoto |
| February | 10°C · Low · $$ | 10°C · Very Low · $$ | Kyoto |
| March | 14°C · Moderate-High · $$$$ | 14°C · Moderate · $$$ | Kyoto |
| April | 20°C · High · $$$$$ | 20°C · Extremely High · $$$$$ | Osaka |
| May | 25°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | 25°C · Moderate · $$$ | Osaka |
| June | 28°C · Moderate · $$$ | 28°C · Very Low · $$ | Osaka |
| July | 32°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | 32°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | Close |
| August | 34°C · Moderate · $$$$ | 34°C · Moderate-High · $$$ | Kyoto |
| September | 29°C · Moderate · $$$ | 30°C · Low-Moderate · $$$ | Close |
| October | 23°C · Moderate-High · $$$$ | 24°C · Low-Moderate · $$$ | Osaka |
| November | 17°C · High · $$$$$ | 18°C · Very High · $$$$$ | Osaka |
| December | 12°C · Moderate · $$$ | 12°C · Moderate · $$$ | Kyoto |
FAQ
Kyoto or Osaka?
Is Kyoto or Osaka better?
Both are at their best in October, so the choice comes down to what you want from the trip. See which city suits you in the table below.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto and Osaka?
Kyoto: October. Osaka: October.
Which is cheaper, Kyoto or Osaka?
Prices are similar across the year. Check each month for the difference.
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