Japan Kyoto Weather in November — Climate Guide
November in Kyoto is Excellent
Kyoto Weather in November — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 17° / 7°
- Rainfall
- 75mm · 6 days
- Crowds
- Very busy
As of 2026, Kyoto in November averages a high of 17°C and low of 7°C with 75mm of rain over about 6 days. Foliage peak season — Kyoto's annual highlight. 17°C/7°C is similar to late autumn in Korea or New York. Trench coats, wool cardigans, and knits work. Mornings and evenings at 7°C are chilly — bring a scarf. Beige, brown, and burgundy tones complement the foliage photography.
November is Excellent for Kyoto.
November is foliage peak — pairs with April cherry blossom as Kyoto's most popular month. 17°C/7°C is comparable to Korean or American Northeast autumn. Rainfall of 75 mm is one of the year's lowest, with frequent clear days perfect for photography.
The five top viewing spots: Tofuku-ji (東福寺) Tsuten-kyo bridge with its valley-of-foliage view from above, Eikan-do (永観堂, Kyoto's #1 foliage temple), Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) main hall with foliage night views below, Arashiyama (Hogon-ji, Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyo Bridge), and Toji Pagoda (東寺) with pond reflection shots. Night illuminations ($5.30-8 / ¥800-1,200) are the season's signature — best from sunset to 9 PM.
Travel score
Autumn foliage peak — Tofuku-ji + Kiyomizu + Arashiyama
November Weather at a Glance
November averages 17°C / 63°F highs and 7°C / 45°F lows — autumn peak. Foliage colors peak at Tofuku-ji (mid-to-late November), Kiyomizu-dera (mid-November through early December), Arashiyama (mid-to-late November), and Mount Koya (early-to-mid November). 7-8 rainy days.
November Travel Advice
Light puffer + sweater + scarf. Foliage spots are mobbed on weekends; weekdays strongly recommended. Tofuku-ji Tsutenkyo bridge (foliage season $7) + Kiyomizu-dera night illumination ($3 extra) are the signature night foliage view. November 23 is Japan's Labor Thanksgiving. Monthly antique markets continue (To-ji on 21st, Kitano Tenmangu on 25th).
Flying In from Overseas
Korean and Japanese foliage seasons overlap, lifting fares 1.5x ($340-600 round-trip from Seoul). Early November (first week) is the last value window before foliage peak. Korean kimjang (winter kimchi prep) and Japanese foliage season concentrate family/middle-aged travelers.
November Pricing Trends
Hotels +50-100% during foliage peak (November 15-28): 4-star Kyoto Station $190-340/night. Gion/Higashiyama ryokan $400-800/night. 5-month advance booking essential.
Kyoto November Weather Stats
Avg High
17°C
Avg Low
7°C
Rainy Days
6
75mm total
Sunshine
4.8h
Daily avg
Humidity
65%
Comfortable
UV Index
3
Moderate
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 20
Sea Temp
19°C
Avg water temp
Crowds
Very busy
At attractions
November Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
18 μg/m³
PM10
26 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
16°C
Nighttime
5°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
9 km/h
Max gust 20 km/h
Activities Recommended for November
November Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Foliage peak — Kyoto's annual highlight
- Temple night illuminations — Japan's autumn signature
- Clear days predominate (75 mm rainfall) — photography ideal
Cons
- Foliage hotels at yearly maximum, 6-month advance booking required
- 1-hour waits at temple entries standard
- Mornings and evenings at 7°C are chilly
November Events & Festivals
- Foliage peak (mid-November to early December) — Kiyomizu-dera, Tofuku-ji, Arashiyama, Eikan-do
- Tofuku-ji Tsuten-kyo bridge foliage night illumination (mid-November)
- Eikan-do (永観堂) foliage illumination — Kyoto's #1 autumn light-up
- Kiyomizu-dera night illumination (late November to early December)
Kyoto in November — Full Picture
November is foliage peak — pairs with April cherry blossom as Kyoto's most popular month. 17°C/7°C is comparable to Korean or American Northeast autumn. Rainfall of 75 mm is one of the year's lowest, with frequent clear days perfect for photography.
The five top viewing spots: Tofuku-ji (東福寺) Tsuten-kyo bridge with its valley-of-foliage view from above, Eikan-do (永観堂, Kyoto's #1 foliage temple), Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) main hall with foliage night views below, Arashiyama (Hogon-ji, Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyo Bridge), and Toji Pagoda (東寺) with pond reflection shots. Night illuminations ($5.30-8 / ¥800-1,200) are the season's signature — best from sunset to 9 PM.
The downsides are price and crowds. The third and fourth weeks of November hit yearly hotel highs — business hotels at $120-165 / ¥18,000-25,000, ryokan at $535-1,000+ / ¥80,000-150,000. Round-trip flights also peak. Temple entry waits of 1 hour are normal. Weekday mornings and early evening illuminations (until 7 PM) are noticeably less crowded. The first week of November still sees foliage starting but at lower prices — a smart-value window.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Foliage peak season — Kyoto's annual highlight. 17°C/7°C is similar to late autumn in Korea or New York. Trench coats, wool cardigans, and knits work. Mornings and evenings at 7°C are chilly — bring a scarf. Beige, brown, and burgundy tones complement the foliage photography.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
18.7°C
9°C
9.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
30.3°C
22°C
10.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
Current22.3°C
13.3°C
8.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
10°C
2°C
5.7/mo
Kyoto Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9° | 1° | 5.5d·50mm | 4.5h | 65% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 10° | 2° | 6.5d·68mm | 4.8h | 64% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| March (Best) | 13° | 4° | 9.5d·113mm | 5.5h | 62% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 19° | 9° | 9.5d·116mm | 6.5h | 60% | 7 | Very busy | Peak |
| May (Best) | 24° | 14° | 9d·161mm | 6.5h | 64% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| 27° | 19° | 12.5d·215mm | 4.5h | 75% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 23° | 11d·224mm | 5.5h | 75% | 11 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 33° | 24° | 8.5d·154mm | 7h | 70% | 11 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 28° | 20° | 11d·179mm | 5h | 70% | 8 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 22° | 13° | 8d·124mm | 5.5h | 67% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| November (Best) | 17° | 7° | 6d·75mm | 4.8h | 65% | 3 | Very busy | Peak |
| 11° | 3° | 5d·53mm | 4.5h | 65% | 2 | Moderate | Shoulder |
View Other Months
Kyoto November Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit Kyoto?
Kyoto in November is Excellent. Tourist crowds are very busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Kyoto in November?
Kyoto November averages a high of 17°C and a low of 7°C.
Does it rain much in Kyoto in November?
Kyoto November averages 75mm of rainfall over about 6 rainy days.
What should I wear in Kyoto in November?
Foliage peak season — Kyoto's annual highlight. 17°C/7°C is similar to late autumn in Korea or New York. Trench coats, wool cardigans, and knits work. Mornings and evenings at 7°C are chilly — bring a scarf. Beige, brown, and burgundy tones complement the foliage photography.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Kyoto in November?
Kyoto November sunrise is 06:30 and sunset is 17:00, with 10h 30m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Kyoto in November?
Kyoto November air quality (AQI) averages 40, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 18μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Kyoto in November?
In November, Kyoto is great for Eikan-do foliage illumination, Tofuku-ji Tsuten-kyo bridge foliage, Kiyomizu-dera night light-up.
Is November peak season in Kyoto?
Kyoto November crowds are very busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Kyoto
View Other Months
Planning a November trip to Kyoto?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.