Kyoto Weather in November 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 7 rainy days across the month, on average.
November delivers Kyoto's peak visitor month with 16.3C/61.3F highs, 7.4C/45.3F lows, 78mm rain across 7.2 wet days, and 7.7 sunshine hours daily. Dry-day count is the year's highest at 22 days without measurable rain, humidity drops to 55%, and cool nights push momiji red maple pigmentation to maximum saturation. Morning frost begins November 25 in outer districts.
On the ground November 20-30 momiji red maples at Tofuku-ji peak with evening light-ups drawing 500,000 across the ten-day window, Eikan-do and Kiyomizu-dera run yozakura-style night illumination until 9pm, and buses beat trains for temple loops requires 5am starts to secure Tofuku-ji Tsutenkyo bridge photos before the 7am gate rush.
Ten-year trends show November peak advancing eight days later since 2015; 2026 momiji peak is forecast November 22-December 3 based on delayed autumn cooling patterns, meaning traditional Nov 15 arrival timing now catches only 30% color, and December 1 travelers may see peak that shifts historic assumption.
For 2026 travelers November demands aggressive planning: book Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do, and Kiyomizu-dera night viewing tickets when they release March 2026, reserve hotels within Higashiyama walking distance by January (2026 rates 3x February), and structure daily loops with 5am dawn starts to avoid 9am crowd walls.
Gion geisha spotting has become tourist harassment; the city banned photos on Hanamikoji since 2019 with 10,000 yen fines. Real Kyoto food is obanzai vegetable-focused; Menami in Kiyamachi serves it home-style. Kyoto's coffee culture rivals Vienna; % Arabica at Higashiyama and Weekenders in Tominokoji are pilgrimages. Nishiki Market's covered arcade closes 6pm sharp. Buses beat trains for temple loops.
What to pack for Kyoto in November
Autumn peak layering; cold mornings, mild afternoons, brisk night-viewing lines. Bring:
- Merino base layer plus wool sweater
- Insulated jacket for outdoor night light-up queues
- Warm scarf and gloves for pre-dawn temple starts
- Waterproof shoes for occasional rain days
- Compact camera or phone tripod for low-light momiji photography
What to pack for Kyoto in November
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Where to stay in Kyoto
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Kyoto across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated November trip to Kyoto
Off-season pricing — good value if the weather works for you. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Kyoto?
Flights to Kyoto in November can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Tofuku-ji Tsutenkyo bridge momiji peak Nov 20-30, Eikan-do night illumination until 9pm, Kiyomizu-dera evening light-up, Arashiyama Hozugawa river cruise foliage, Kurama-Kibune momiji hike November 15-25.
November vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Kyoto. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Kyoto
November is one of the best months to visit Kyoto. 11-year climate data (2015–2025) confirms it: comfortable temperatures, manageable rainfall, and a healthy dose of sunshine.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for KyotoOther places with a similar climate right now
Read more about Kyoto
Where to travel in November 2026: Kyoto peak momiji, Lapland aurora, Malta warm winter, Rovaniemi Santa season, and Nuremberg pre-market week.
The best October travel destinations for 2026: Iceland aurora, Kyoto autumn colours, Cappadocia balloons, Colorado foliage, Munich Oktoberfest.
Kyoto in November — FAQ
Q01Should I visit Kyoto in November?
Should I visit Kyoto in November?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In November, Kyoto averages a high of 16°C (62°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F), with 78mm of rainfall across roughly 7 rainy days. Late March-early April cherry blossom at Philosopher's Path; November 20-30 momiji red maples at Tofuku-ji peak with evening light-ups.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in Kyoto during November?
What temperatures should I expect in Kyoto during November?
The average high temperature in Kyoto during November is 16°C (62°F), with an average low of 7°C (45°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Is November a rainy month in Kyoto?
Is November a rainy month in Kyoto?
Kyoto averages approximately 7 rainy days in November, with a total monthly rainfall of about 78mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04How should I dress for Kyoto in November?
How should I dress for Kyoto in November?
For Kyoto in November, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Slip-on shoes because you'll remove them 8-15 times daily at temples; laced hiking boots are hell.
Q05Is November a busy travel month for Kyoto?
Is November a busy travel month for Kyoto?
Tourist crowds in Kyoto during November are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Gion geisha spotting has become tourist harassment; the city banned photos on Hanamikoji since 2019 with 10,000 yen fines. Real Kyoto food is obanzai vegetable-focused; Menami in Kiyamachi serves it home-style. Kyoto's coffee culture rivals Vienna; % Arabica at Higashiyama and Weekenders in Tominokoji are pilgrimages. Nishiki Market's covered arcade closes 6pm sharp. Buses beat trains for temple loops.