Kyoto in December
Last colour, then winter hush
The short answer
December is a reasonable month in Kyoto — with trade-offs.
Late maples linger in early December before the city turns quiet and cold. Arashiyama Hanatouro lights up the district in mid-month. The days around New Year get busy again as locals travel.
6.5/10 overall4–12°CModerate crowds$$$
Weather6/10
Crowds6.5/10
Prices$$$
Events7/10
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- 4–12°C
- Last colour, then winter hush
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
- $$$
+Falling crowds after the autumn peak
–Cold, and a pricier, busier final week
My tip for December
Visit in the first week for late colour with thinning crowds.
- Late foliage
- Winter illuminations
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
4th of 12 overall in Kyoto, 6th for weather, 5th for space, 5th for value. The emptiest month is February; the best value is February.
See all twelve months for KyotoNot set on December?
Even stronger months in Kyoto
Ready to book December in Kyoto?
Falling crowds after the autumn peak
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