Osaka edges it in May. Kyoto averages 14–25°C with moderate-high crowds; Osaka 16–25°C with moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Kyoto and Osaka
The verdict for May
Fresh green and riverside dining
+Great weather and lush scenery
–Golden Week is very crowded and expensive
Golden Week is busy, but once it ends the city eases into warm, dry, brilliantly green days. Kawadoko terraces open along the Kamogawa and the Aoi Matsuri procession runs on 15 May.
Near-perfect spring weather
+Near-perfect weather, wisteria and azaleas, far calmer than April.
–Golden Week (Apr 29–May 6) packs the first week with domestic travelers.
Near-perfect weather, wisteria and azaleas, far calmer than April.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month