Month guide · Nara · Japan
Nara in November
What November is really like in Nara: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Kimon Berlin ( Gribeco ), CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
November is one of the best months to visit Nara. Expect average highs of 17°C (63°F), lows of 6°C (43°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 10.3 hours of daylight. Autumn colour peaks in Nara Park, Isui-en and Yoshiki-en, usually mid to late November; very busy at weekends.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 17°C (63°F) / 6°C (43°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 10.3 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in November
November is the 8th-warmest month in Nara: days average 17°C (63°F) against a yearly average high of 21°C (70°F), and nights fall to about 6°C (43°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 30 days. Compared with October (23°C (73°F)), November is cooler; by December highs drop to around 11°C (52°F).
- Sunrise (15 November)
- About 06:31
- Sunset (15 November)
- About 16:52
- Daylight
- About 10.3 hours
Autumn (September–November). Pleasant temperatures, the deer antler-cutting, the Shoso-in Exhibition and maple colour in November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, November rates 5 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in April). Book accommodation early: November is one of the pricier months.
Events in November
- Autumn leaves in Nara Park (usually mid to late November)
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.
Historic site · Nishinokyo
Heijo Palace site
It is large and exposed; visit in spring or autumn and rent a bike from near Yamato-Saidaiji station.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Free
- Outdoors
- Architecture
Religious site · Nara Park
Todai-ji and the Great Buddha
Founded in the 8th century as the head of Japan's provincial temples, Todai-ji's Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) holds a seated bronze Buddha about 15 m tall.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Kids
Religious site · Nara Park
Kasuga Taisha
Walk the stone-lantern approach early in the morning, and come back for the Mantoro lantern festivals in early February or mid-August if your dates allow.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
- Couples
Religious site · Kintetsu Nara and Higashimuki
Kofuku-ji
Once the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan, Kofuku-ji has a rebuilt Central Golden Hall (2018) and a National Treasure Museum whose star is the three-faced, six-armed Ashura statue from 734.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Art
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 17°C, lows near 6°C and 6 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; comfortable walking shoes.
Is November a good time to visit Nara?
One of the best months to visit Nara, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are March–May and October. Compare every month.
Nara in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is November a good time to visit Nara?
It is one of the best months to visit Nara. Autumn colour peaks in Nara Park, Isui-en and Yoshiki-en, usually mid to late November; very busy at weekends.
+How warm is Nara in November?
Average highs are around 17°C (63°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Nara in November?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.