The most auspicious time to visit Izumo Taisha is during Kamiari-zuki — the 10th month of the old lunar calendar, roughly November in the modern calendar — when all the gods of Japan are said to assemble here. The Kamiari Festival on the first day of that month is one of the most important ceremonies in the Shinto calendar, and the shrine is especially busy. Spring cherry blossom and autumn foliage are also popular times.
Summer (July–August) is hot and humid on the San'in coast; winter brings cold winds off the Sea of Japan and occasionally snow. The best visiting weather is May–June or September–October. The Grand Festival of Izumo Taisha (Jinzai Festival) in mid-November involves traditional ceremonies including a kagura performance and a procession.