Autumn Leaves in Kyoto in Mid December: Will You Catch Them? (2026)
In an average year, Kyoto's autumn leaves reach peak color around December 5. For a December 11–20 trip, the chance of overlapping peak color is ~52%, and the chance of seeing at least some autumn color is ~55%.
52%chance of peak color · 55% chance of catching at least some
usual color
this window
Nov 17darker = peak colorDec 28
What you'll likely see
Colours turning · ~1 dayPeak colour · ~2.5 daysFalling / past peak · ~6.5 days
Across December 11–20 in an average year, expect roughly 6.5 days of falling / past peak, and 2.5 days of peak colour. Past peak — colours fading and leaves coming down. Gingko carpets can still be striking.
This window is a stretch in Kyoto — on the same dates you'd likely have better odds of autumn leaves in Yokohama (67%) or Shizuoka (Fuji area) (65%) instead. Hotels there for these dates: Yokohama · Shizuoka.