Month guide · Kyoto · Japan
Kyoto in November
What November is really like in Kyoto: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 663highland, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
November is one of the best months to visit Kyoto. Expect average highs of 17°C (63°F), lows of 8°C (46°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 10.3 hours of daylight. Autumn foliage usually peaks from mid to late November, turning Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do and Arashiyama red; expect peak crowds and prices.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 17°C (63°F) / 8°C (46°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 10.3 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in November
November is the 8th-warmest month in Kyoto: days average 17°C (63°F) against a yearly average high of 21°C (70°F), and nights fall to about 8°C (46°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 30 days. Compared with October (23°C (73°F)), November is cooler; by December highs drop to around 12°C (54°F).
- Sunrise (15 November)
- About 06:32
- Sunset (15 November)
- About 16:52
- Daylight
- About 10.3 hours
Autumn (September–November). A hot start, then dry, clear days and spectacular maple colour from mid-November, with evening temple illuminations.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, November rates 5 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in April). Book accommodation early: November is one of the pricier months.
Events in November
- Autumn leaves and evening temple illuminations (usually mid-November to early December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in November
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Garden · Kita
Ryoan-ji
Visit early or late in the day when the veranda is quieter and you can sit for a while.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Couples
Religious site · Kyoto Station area
To-ji
Founded in 796, To-ji has Japan's tallest wooden pagoda at about 55 metres and a lecture hall of Buddhist statues arranged as a three-dimensional mandala.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Shopping
- Photo spot
Religious site · Higashiyama
Tofuku-ji
Outside peak foliage season in November it is calm, and the Hojo gardens are worth a visit at any time of year.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Architecture
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
Religious site · Kita
Daitoku-ji
A walled complex of more than 20 Zen sub-temples, Daitoku-ji is closely tied to the tea ceremony.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 17°C, lows near 8°C and 7 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is November a good time to visit Kyoto?
One of the best months to visit Kyoto, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are March–May and October. Compare every month.
Kyoto in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is November a good time to visit Kyoto?
It is one of the best months to visit Kyoto. Autumn foliage usually peaks from mid to late November, turning Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do and Arashiyama red; expect peak crowds and prices.
+How warm is Kyoto in November?
Average highs are around 17°C (63°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in November?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.