Osaka edges it in October. Kyoto averages 14–23°C with moderate-high crowds; Osaka 16–24°C with low-moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Kyoto and Osaka
The verdict for October
Clear skies, autumn begins
+Excellent weather and a lively calendar
–Growing crowds and rising prices
Comfortable, dry weather makes this one of the best months for walking the city. Visitor numbers build through the month, and Jidai Matsuri parades through Kyoto on 22 October. Autumn colour has not yet reached the city.
Osaka’s sweet spot
+Osaka’s best all-round month — sunny, dry, comfortable, without spring or autumn’s crowds.
–Not much of a downside — book central hotels a little ahead on weekends.
Osaka’s best all-round month — sunny, dry, comfortable, without spring or autumn’s crowds.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month