Autumn Leaves in Kyoto in Early December: Will You Catch Them? (2026)
In an average year, Kyoto's autumn leaves reach peak color around November 25. For a December 1–10 trip, the chance of overlapping peak color is ~57%, and the chance of seeing at least some autumn color is ~57%.
57%chance of peak colorA coin-flip — worth a backup plan.
usual color
this window
Nov 7darker = peak colorDec 18
What you'll likely see
Peak colour · ~2.5 daysFalling / past peak · ~7 days
Your dates most likely catch the colours at or near their best early on, fading and falling toward the end.
This window is a stretch in Kyoto — on the same dates you'd likely have better odds of autumn leaves in Tokyo (84%) or Beppu (Oita) (83%) instead. Hotels there for these dates: Tokyo · Beppu.
About these numbers: Famous viewing spots in Kyoto typically peak about 10 days earlier than JMA's reference tree at the city observatory; these odds follow the spots' typical timing. Why?
Nearby dates & cities
Kyoto by date:
Better odds on the same dates:
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