Autumn Leaves in Kyoto in Early December: Will You Catch Them? (2026)
In an average year, Kyoto's autumn leaves reach peak color around December 5. For a December 1–10 trip, the chance of overlapping peak color is ~65%, and the chance of seeing at least some autumn color is ~89%.
65%chance of peak color · 89% chance of catching at least some
usual color
this window
Nov 17darker = peak colorDec 20
What you'll likely see
Still green · ~1 dayColours turning · ~3.5 daysPeak colour · ~3 daysFalling / past peak · ~2 days
Across December 1–10 in an average year, expect roughly 3.5 days of colours turning, and 3 days of peak colour. A mix: greens shifting to yellows and first reds, deepening daily.