Kyoto Weather in November

Season: Late Autumn
In Short: Getting cold, big temperature difference in a day, maple leaves in red

November is the late autumn in Kyoto and the weather is getting cold as a whole. In early month, the weather is still pleasant but after entering mid-month, the weather is a little bit cold. The temperature difference in a day is quite large so one more piece of thick overcoat is needed in the morning and evening. It doesn’t rain much in this month and the sky is mostly clear. November, especially the late November is the best time to appreciate the red maple leaves, and you can read our Japan Tours to see if any them meet your needs if you have decided to visit Kyoto during the time period in 2025.

Temperature

The temperature drops day by day and the temperature difference between day and night gets larger. The average temperature is 12°C (53.6°F). In late November, it can sometimes be as cold as winter, when it is necessary to wear thick warm clothes.
Average High Temperature: 17°C / 62.6°F
Average Low Temperature: 8°C / 46.4°F

Rainfall

Although the average rainfall is only 73mm, the humidity is 66%, which means the air is not that dry. It only has 8 rainy days in this month and in most of the time, the sky is pretty clear and it is suitable for appreciating the red maple leaves.
Average Rainy Days: 8 days

Average Humidity: 66%

Sunrise & Sunset

The duration of daylight is short in November. At around 06:30, the sun rises and after about 10.3h of daytime, the sun sets at 16:52. But the good news is that the sunshine hours occupy half of the daytime. It is advisable for visitors to travel in the afternoon when has more bright and warm sunshine.

Daylight hours: about 10.3h

Sunshine hours: around 5.5h

Recommended Clothes to Wear in November

November is the peak season of red leaves and it is advisable to wear warm and comfortable clothes while travelling to some suburban places to appreciate the red leaves.

Girls

Tops: In early November, girls can wear hoodie with outdoor jacket to travel in Kyoto. But when it comes to the late month, thick sweater and sweatpants are necessary to keep you warm.

Bottoms & shoes: Thick sweatpants can be the first choice in this month. Wearing a pair of sneakers to appreciate the red leaves can provide you a comfortable feeling.

Boys

Tops: Thin sweater are more suitable for the weather in early month and wool sweater can be prepared if traveling in late month. An outdoor jacket can prevent you getting cold in cooler morning or evening.
Bottoms & shoes: Jeans and sweatpants are both good choices in November. To keep the feet warm, a pair of hiking shoes is also needed.

Accessories: A scarf can protect you from getting cold in windy days. If needed, visitors who are afraid of coldness can prepare some heating pad.
Special Recommendation: November is a good time to experience kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. If you want to take unforgettable pictures with the red maple leaves, you can choose to rent a kimono in the local rental shops and wear the kimono to take some featured photos.

Top Attractions to Visit in Kyoto in November

Travel Recommendation:

November is a great month to view the red maple leaves. Here are some recommended places for you to appreciate the red leaves no matter you travel in early November or late November.

1. Higashiyama Jisho-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Higashiyama Jisho-ji is not less famous than the Kinkaku-ji, so do the red maple leaves there. In Higashiyama Jisho-ji, you can appreciate not only the red leaves, but also the orange and yellow leaves. Besides the colorful leaves, the Higashiyama Jisho-ji itself is worth seeing. Known as one of the World Heritages, the Higashiyama Jisho-ji has beautiful gardens and precious buildings inside. Walking in the Higashiyama Jisho-ji, visitors can appreciate the maple leaves as beautiful as paintings and the historical building together.

Higashiyama Jisho-ji

2. Ruriko-in Temple

Besides the Higashiyama Jisho-ji, the Ruriko-in is also a good choice. Unlike other sceneries open to the visitors for the whole year, the Ruriko-in only opens to the public for three times a year and you need to have an appointment if going there in autumn. In Ruriko-in, you can see the red leaves reflecting on the smooth floor. Especially at night, the maples and the reflection together form a spectacular scene, which is a rare and unique vision in the red maple season.

3. Kifune Shrine & Kodaiji Temple

Although the mid and late November is the peak time to see the red maple leaves, there are also some places where the leaves turn red in early November. Kifune Shrine and Kodaiji Temple can be your good choices to see the red leaves if your Kyoto trip is in early November. Both of the two temples have a long history and beautiful architectures.

4.Gion Kaikan - Gion Kabukai

Another place you should visit in early November is the Gion Kaikan, a famous place to watch the Gion Kabukai, a form of geisha performance. There are original plays and dances created by geisha and maiko. It ends with a gorgeous stage performance and it can fascinate all the audience. The Gion Kabukai lasts for 10 days and you can experience the most unique Japanese custom here.

Tip: Gion has strict rules about taking photos. Please don’t take photos if there’s a “No Photography” sign near-by.

Gion Kabukai Performance

Sanjusangendo Temple

5. Sanjusangendo Temple

The Sanjusangendo is known as the longest wooden building in the world with 1,001 amazing Buddha sculptures. Although these sculptures look roughly the same, their facial expressions are completely different. It is said that everyone can find a sculpture that looks like him or herself. Among all of the sculptures, the Seated Senju-Kannon is the national treasure of Japan and the 28 sculptures of gods around it are all representative works of Kamakura period (1192-1333AD). It is one of the attractions that visitors who are interested in Japanese culture cannot miss.

Tips:
1. Taking photos is not allowed inside of the Sanjusangendo.
2. The Sanjusangendo is a Buddhism site. If you are a Buddhist, it is a must-see scenic spot for you.

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