Tokyo edges it in October. Tokyo averages 15–22°C with moderate crowds; Kyoto 14–23°C with moderate-high crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Tokyo and Kyoto
The verdict for October
The best month of the year
+Dry, clear, mild days with comfortable evenings and manageable crowds.
–Autumn demand means the best hotels book out early.
Perfect walking weather, early autumn colour and the whole city functioning normally.
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.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month