Weather in Kyoto 🇯🇵
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
November
Avg Temp
8°C
Rain Days
3 days
Sun Hours
1 hrs
Humidity
65%
Asia › 🇯🇵 Japan › Kyoto
Updated: March 2026
Is November a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?
4/10
Fair
November is a fair time to visit Kyoto (4/10). Average highs of 8°C and 1 sunshine hours daily make conditions workable, though not exceptional. November suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 3 potential rain days. Autumn Foliage Season takes place this month, adding cultural value for those planning around it. The 8°C highs require proper cold-weather clothing; many visitors underestimate how far the wind chill drops the perceived temperature, particularly near water or at elevated viewpoints. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
vs October:11°C avg high
Step off the plane in Kyoto in November and the air meets you at around 8°C, a bracing cold that announces the season the moment you step outside. By the time evening arrives and temperatures settle near 0°C, the city takes on a different character entirely. With 1 hours of daylight sun on offer, November gives you the raw material for a genuinely memorable trip.
8°C
46°F
Avg High
0°C
32°F
Avg Low
3 days
33 mm total
Rain Days
1h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
Temperature in Kyoto in November
The 8°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. The UV index of 2 is low, meaning sun exposure is minimal concern and sunscreen is largely optional. Wind averages 15 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 46°F average high, 32°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Kyoto in November
Morning0°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon8°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening3°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Kyoto in November means dressing for 8°C days and 0°C evenings. Layering is key: a thermal base, mid-layer fleece, and a windproof outer jacket for 8°C highs that feel colder in the wind. Evening temperatures settle at 0°C, a modest 8°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues.
Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Kyoto's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.
Events in Kyoto in November
Autumn Foliage Season
NatureMid-November to Early December
Kyoto's temples and gardens blaze with red, orange, and gold maple leaves. Tofukuji Temple and Eikando are famous foliage viewing spots. Evening illuminations run at select temples.
KyotoWhat to Pack for Kyoto in November
Based on 8°C average highs and 3 rainy days
- Warm jacket (down or fleece)
- Merino wool base layer (regulates temperature and resists odour)
- Sweaters and lined trousers
- Scarf and lightweight gloves
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Kyoto in November
- Vigorous walking tour of the UNESCO heritage districtMidday (12-2pm)The 8°C peak temperature provides ideal conditions for brisk sightseeing walks
- Cycling the riverside or park circuitAfternoon (1-4pm)Cool dry air makes long cycling sessions comfortable without overheating
- Explore hilltop viewpoints and fortressesMorning for clear viewsCold-weather atmospheric clarity gives the longest sightlines of the year
- Open-air Christmas or seasonal marketsAfternoon into eveningCool temperatures make festive outdoor markets genuinely atmospheric
- Afternoon in a world-class museum or galleryAfternoon (2-5pm)Pairs well with outdoor morning activities and provides a mid-day rest from sightseeing
- Coffee-house or traditional cafe culture experienceMid-morning or post-lunchA cultural ritual in this region that rewards slow appreciation regardless of weather
- Evening live music, theatre, or opera performanceEvening shows typically at 7-9pmConsistent evening temperatures make getting to and from evening venues comfortable
- Attend Autumn Foliage SeasonCheck specific event datesA once-yearly event that defines this city in this month and draws visitors from around the world
- Warm up with traditional hot dishes: local stew, fondue, or braised specialities at a neighbourhood restaurantLunch (12-2pm) or dinner (7-9pm)Cold-weather cuisine is a genuine cultural experience and the best local restaurants serve their heartiest dishes in cooler months
Why is Kyoto cool in November?
November brings the first meaningful shift toward cooler conditions in Kyoto, as the sun angle drops and day length shortens. Temperatures averaging 8°C by day and 0°C overnight are still comfortable by most standards, but the trend is clearly downward. At 35 degrees north latitude, autumn light has a particular quality: lower in the sky and warmer in tone, it gives the city a photogenic quality quite different from summer. Evening temperatures already demand a jacket, but midday hours stay pleasant for sightseeing. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kyoto in November
In November, Kyoto experiences average highs of 8°C (46°F) and lows of 0°C (32°F). Expect around 3 rainy days and 1 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 65%. The 8°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an extra jacket is essential for evenings. UV exposure is moderate at index 2.
Kyoto typically sees 3 rainy days in November, with total precipitation of around 33mm. This makes November one of the drier months of the year, and a reliable window for outdoor sightseeing and day trips. Rain showers tend to be brief when they do occur. For context, the driest month in Kyoto typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than November.
Pack a heavy winter coat, thermal underlayers, waterproof insulated boots, and accessories including hats, gloves, and a scarf for Kyoto in November. Temperatures regularly fall to 0°C and rarely climb above 8°C during the day. Layering is the key strategy: a base layer, mid-layer insulation, and a windproof outer shell provide flexibility as you move between heated indoor spaces and cold outdoor streets.
November is a reasonable time to visit Kyoto. Expect 3 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 8°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 1 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Kyoto in November is 8°C (46°F), and the average low is 0°C (32°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 4°C (39°F). The day-to-night range of 8°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Kyoto is generally May. May offers the most sunshine at 7 hours per day and only 6 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 23°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around May gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
November is shoulder or low season in Kyoto, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 1 sunshine hours and 3 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In November, Kyoto suits a range of activities thanks to cold temperatures of 8°C. With few rainy days, outdoor activities are highly recommended. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. Cosy cafes and cultural venues make ideal retreats on overcast days.
November ranks 11th sunniest of the year in Kyoto, with an average 1 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are January, February, and October. June is the hottest month (24°C avg high); December is the coolest (6°C). From here, temperatures fall 2°C into December. Compared to last month (October: 11°C high, 3 rain days), November is cooler and equally dry. November is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 0°C | 3 | 1h | View |
| February | 11°C | 3°C | 3 | 3h | View |
| March | 15°C | 7°C | 4 | 4h | View |
| April | 20°C | 12°C | 5 | 6h | View |
| May | 23°C | 15°C | 6 | 7h | View |
| June | 24°C | 16°C | 6 | 7h | View |
| July | 23°C | 15°C | 6 | 7h | View |
| August | 20°C | 12°C | 5 | 6h | View |
| September | 15°C | 7°C | 4 | 4h | View |
| October | 11°C | 3°C | 3 | 3h | View |
| November | 8°C | 0°C | 3 | 1h | View |
| December | 6°C | -2°C | 3 | 1h | View |
January
3 rain days, 1h sun
8°0°
February
3 rain days, 3h sun
11°3°
March
4 rain days, 4h sun
15°7°
April
5 rain days, 6h sun
20°12°
May
6 rain days, 7h sun
23°15°
June
6 rain days, 7h sun
24°16°
July
6 rain days, 7h sun
23°15°
August
5 rain days, 6h sun
20°12°
September
4 rain days, 4h sun
15°7°
October
3 rain days, 3h sun
11°3°
November
3 rain days, 1h sun
8°0°
December
3 rain days, 1h sun
6°-2°
Other Months in Kyoto
Plan Your Trip to Kyoto
Nearby Destinations
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Kyoto
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.