Month guide · Nara · Japan
Nara in October
What October is really like in Nara: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Nara. Expect average highs of 23°C (73°F), lows of 12°C (54°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 11.2 hours of daylight. Comfortable and dry; deer antlers are cut in a traditional ceremony, and the Shoso-in Exhibition opens late in the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 23°C (73°F) / 12°C (54°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 11.2 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in Nara: days average 23°C (73°F) against a yearly average high of 21°C (70°F), and nights fall to about 12°C (54°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with September (29°C (84°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 17°C (63°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 06:02
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 17:22
- Daylight
- About 11.2 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, October rates 4 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in April). Book accommodation early: October is one of the pricier months.
Events in October
- Deer antler-cutting ceremony (usually October weekends)
- Shoso-in Exhibition at the Nara National Museum (usually late October to mid-November)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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Park · Nara Park
Nara Park and its deer
This large public park of lawns, ponds and forest links Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji and Kasuga Taisha.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Kids
- Free
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Garden · Nara Park
Isui-en and Yoshiki-en gardens
Combine both with lunch at Isui-en's restaurant overlooking the pond; Yoshiki-en has been free for foreign visitors showing a passport.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
Religious site · Nara Park
Nigatsu-do Hall
A hillside hall of Todai-ji with a wooden veranda looking over the Great Buddha Hall's roof and the city.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Couples
Viewpoint · Nara Park
Mount Wakakusa
Climb to the first plateau for sunset views; the summit can also be reached by car via the Nara Okuyama Driveway.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Outdoors
- Active
- Couples
What to pack
For highs near 23°C, lows near 12°C and 8 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Nara?
One of the best months to visit Nara, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are March–May and November. Compare every month.
Nara in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Nara?
It is one of the best months to visit Nara. Comfortable and dry; deer antlers are cut in a traditional ceremony, and the Shoso-in Exhibition opens late in the month.
+How warm is Nara in October?
Average highs are around 23°C (73°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Nara in October?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.