The weather in November is mostly cool and mild, with the fewest rainy days of any month in Kyoto and most sunny days. November is the peak time for fall foliage in Kyoto — a vibrant time of the year, with fall foliage turning orange, gold, and bright red throughout the city. Other November activities include the Arashiyama Momiji and Kyokusui No Utage festivals, combining poetry and sake. The weather in November is mostly cool and mild, with the fewest rainy days of any month in Kyoto and most sunny days.
Kyoto's Weather and Climate in November
- Temperature: 8–17°C (46–63°F)
- Humidity: 68% (damp)
- Rainfall: 7 days
November in Kyoto is cool to mild, with temperatures peaking at around 17°C (63°F). In general, mornings and evenings are a lot cooler, and we recommend wrapping up for outdoor activities.
This is the driest month in Kyoto, with November seeing around 7 rainy days, with an average of 7 cm (or 3 inches) of rainfall. Humidity levels are around 68% for slightly damp days.
Most of the days are sunny in November, with around 5 hours of sunshine per day as the days shorten ahead of winter.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?
Kyoto is great to visit in November, with low rainfall, mild weather, and most sunny days on average. While temperatures drop to cool levels towards the end of the month, early November is still mild with a chance of warmer weather too.
There is gorgeous fall foliage that draws lots of visitors to Kyoto in November. The maple and ginkgo trees are crimson red, bright orange, and a glowing yellow, making for beautiful fall walks and temple surroundings.
Due to the favorable weather conditions and the beautiful fall colors, something to bear in mind is that it does get busier in November in Kyoto. There will be more crowds and prices for accommodation will be higher. We also recommend booking well in advance.
However, if you plan your trip ahead of time it is worth visiting at this time of year for the great scenery and events accompanied by clear skies and pleasant weather.
Top Places and Activities in Kyoto in November
1. Enjoy Kyoto's Most Beautiful Fall Foliage, or Momiji
From mid-October through to early December, Kyoto's maple and ginkgo trees turn from a glowing yellow through to a warm red, making for beautiful sights. November is peak fall foliage season, so we highly suggest getting out there and visiting some of the foliage hot spots throughout Kyoto and surrounding areas.
Philosopher's Path is a great place to start, being a scenic path lined with gorgeous maple trees. If you feel cold, we recommend popping into one of the cafés and getting a hot drink.
Another prime spot is Zenrin-ji Temple, where around 3,000 maple trees show their vibrant colors around the same time, making it a great spot to take photos and go for a walk.
For more quiet places to enjoy the leaves, we suggest visiting some of the quieter temples around Northern Higashiyama Sightseeing District. T
2. Celebrate Arashiyama Momiji Festival at Togetsu Bridge
Every November, the Arashiyama Momiji Festival is celebrated around Togetsu Bridge. On the river, past the red and gold fall leaves, people dressed up as historical characters in traditional outfits from the Heian Period will float by on beautiful boats.
Apart from traditional period outfits, you will also be able to see people playing traditional music and dancing, making for an interesting experience. The best place to watch festivities is from Togetsu Bridge itself, although it can get a little busy. We suggest taking a tour guide with you if possible, so that you can learn more about the festival, and get taken to some of the quieter spots from which to watch the parade.
Dates for 2025 are yet to be confirmed, but usually fall at the beginning of November.
3. Pretend to be a Japanese Noble in Ancient Japan at the Kyokusui No Utage Festival
In ancient Japan, nobles would watch poetry being performed in shrine gardens while drinking sake. Today, this tradition, dating back to the 8th century, is enjoyed on November 3 each year, starting at 2pm in the beautiful Jonangu Shrine gardens.
You can see silk robes and traditional costumes, and enjoy Japanese poetry along a certain theme. The event is worth partaking in because of the beautiful surroundings and traditional clothing, and while you're at the shrine we suggest checking out the gardens too.
The shrine's gardens are unique because they are made up of five separate parts, each of which is famous for a different flower or tree, and has a different significance. The shrine is believed to protect the southern part of Kyoto, and people come to pray for a number of different things, including safe travel.
4. Watch a Kotobuki-kai Geisha Show
While most of the main geisha districts in Kyoto hold their performances in the spring, there is also a more intimate version of these performances that is held annually in November. Dates for 2025 are yet to be confirmed, but usually these performances are held around the middle of November.
This performance, called Kotobuki-kai, traditionally consists of a number of separate dances, some of which will be of different styles in order to showcase the differences. The songs are also still the same as when these schools of geishas originally took to the stage, making the Kotobuki-kai a good way to learn more about geisha culture — the intricate traditional geisha costumes, the dances, and the songs.
What to Wear in Kyoto in November
For those visiting Kyoto in November, it is best to bring a range of different layers so that you're prepared for the potentially milder weather, as well as the cooler mornings and evenings. We suggest bringing a coat, as well as packing some jumpers and fleeces, so that you can layer up each day depending on your activities and the weather.
While it does not rain a lot in Kyoto in November, we do suggest packing an umbrella just in case, and bringing along waterproof footwear, or an additional pair of dry shoes, just in case. Sunglasses and a hat are also not a bad idea, although you'll need to remove any hats before entering shrines or temples.
Kyoto in November FAQs
Is November too cold to visit Kyoto and Japan?
November is not too cold to visit, temperatures are actually mild and more in line with fall, meaning that you don't have to wrap up in too many layers. The weather does gradually get cooler as the month of November progresses, as Kyoto heads into winter.
Is it sunny in Kyoto in November?
Yes, Kyoto in November tends to be sunny, with mild temperatures and clear skies making for the best time of the year to visit, weather-wise.
Detailed Kyoto Weather Info by Month
Kyoto Weather by Month
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