Between the humidity of summer and the cold of winter, Kyoto City’s pleasant autumn weather is much-anticipated by locals eager to get back outdoors. Along with its mountainous surroundings, the city’s seemingly infinite array of temples and shrines in lush forests and parks provides breathtaking amber fall scenery!
From the beginning of November until early December, bright red maple leaves and dazzling golden ginkgo trees illuminate the region in a fiery display of mesmerizing patterns. Frequent days of fine weather make it an ideal time to spend the day outdoors snapping photos and soaking in nature!
Top image: Visun Khankasem / Shutterstock.com
What is Kyoto Like in Autumn?
Kyoto’s south, which holds the renowned Nanzen-ji Temple and Yasaka Shrine, experiences chilly November weather with average highs of 17°C and lows of 7.8°C (Japanese Meteorological Agency 1981-2010 Yearly Averages Report). While the final third of the month is traditionally colder, particularly during mornings and evenings, recent trends have seen an increase in tamer winters.
Pleasant, sunny days are frequent, allowing you to stretch your legs with long walks while admiring the stunning scenery.
Northern Kyoto, home to the famous Amanohashidate and Fukuchiyama Castle Park, is colder than the southern parts, speeding up the appearance of fall colors by a week. Of course, all these trends are bound to change, so definitely search for the most current information before heading out!
Kyoto Autumn Sightseeing Tips and Tricks! Local Know-how from Kansai Residents!
1. Protect Yourself Against Kyoto’s November Sunshine
During peak fall time in Kyoto, the numerous cloudless days beget harsh rays of sun. Naturally, when enjoying the outdoor autumn foliage, you’ll bear the brunt of it, so a trusty hat is an absolute essential! While a parasol will help, it can get in the way when taking photos, which is why passionate photographers tend to opt for hats along with shoulder bags or backpacks instead!
2. Wear Good Sneakers for Long Walks and Uneven Paths
The best places to see fall foliage are in mountains and temples, which often means large distances and lengthy walks. Uneven mountain tracks, gravel paths, and other places not meant for casual walking necessitate socks and a sturdy pair of sneakers. No matter how good you look in high-heels, it’s just not worth the pain!
3. Combat Temperature Changes with Layers!
For early November, a thick sweater over a shirt or light jacket over a blouse is perfect, while the extra cold from mid-November will necessitate a thicker jacket or coat. While recent years haven’t seen particularly cold winters, the full brunt of the cold will generally come as early as December, so be prepared! That said, ma…
