Autumn in Nara gives you a break from the summer heat, shifting to cooler, more comfortable days.
You’ll usually get mild afternoons around 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F) and crisp evenings that really bring out the charm of the season.
The air feels fresher, and the changing leaves transform the city’s historic parks and temples into some of the most scenic spots in Japan.
Rain sticks around in fall, especially in September when typhoon season can bring heavier showers.
By October and November, the rain eases up, so outdoor walks and cultural visits become more enjoyable.
Sunshine hours get shorter as autumn goes on, but there’s still plenty of daylight for exploring comfortably.
Overview of Nara Climate
Nara has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, cool winters, and rainfall spread through the year.
The seasons stand out clearly, and the city’s inland spot shapes both its temperature swings and rain patterns.
Climate Classification and Location
Nara falls under the Köppen climate classification Cfa, which just means humid subtropical with no dry season.
You get warm to hot summers, mild to cool winters, and consistent rainfall all year.
The city sits in the Kansai region, about 30 kilometers east of Osaka.
Its elevation is around 64–110 meters (210–360 feet) above sea level, so it’s low enough to avoid alpine weather but high enough for cooler nights compared to coastal cities.
Because Nara’s away from the sea, it misses out on the moderating effect of ocean currents.
That’s why Nara often gets colder winter lows and hotter summer highs than places like Kobe or Osaka.
In summer, the inland setting also makes the humidity feel stronger, especially during the rainy season.
Year-Round Weather Patterns
Nara’s average annual temperature is about 14–15°C (57–59°F).
Winters can dip just below freezing, with January lows near -0.2°C (31.6°F).
Summers hit their peak at 32–33°C (90–91°F) in August.
Rain falls pretty steadily throughout the year, adding up to about 1,300–1,350 mm (51–53 inches).
June is the rainiest month, averaging 180–190 mm (7 inches), while December is driest with less than 50 mm (2 inches).
Snowfall is rare but shows up in January and February.
Most years, only light snow falls, though sometimes a cold snap will cover the city briefly.
Sunshine lasts longest in summer, but drops to about 5 hours a day in late autumn and winter.
Humidity stays high from late spring through early autumn, often above 70%, which makes the heat feel more intense.
Spring and autumn, though, bring cooler, drier air and much more comfortable weather.
Influence of Geography on Climate
Nara sits in a wide basin surrounded by low mountains.
This geography traps heat and moisture, so summers feel hotter and winters colder compared to the coast.
The hills around the city also funnel moist air during the rainy season, leading to frequent showers and sometimes heavy downpours, especially in June and September.
Since Nara doesn’t get direct coastal winds, temperature swings between day and night stand out more.
In winter, cold air settles into the basin overnight, making for frosty mornings.
In summer, the same effect traps hot air, sending daytime highs even higher.
This mix of inland geography and the seasonal monsoon shapes the Nara climate—warm, humid summers, colorful autumns, and crisp but manageable winters.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Nara
Fall in Nara brings cooler days after the sticky summer, with temperatures dropping from warm to chilly by late November.
You’ll notice changes every month, with mild afternoons, cooler evenings, and weather that’s comfortable for getting outside.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
In September, average highs hit about 27°C (81°F) while lows are around 19°C (66°F).
The air still feels warm, but evenings start to cool off.
By October, highs fall to about 21°C (70°F) and lows drop to 13°C (55°F).
This is when you really feel that autumn crispness, especially in the mornings.
In November, highs average 16°C (61°F) and lows dip to 7°C (45°F).
Nights can feel cold, so you’ll want a jacket.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 19°C / 66°F |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 13°C / 55°F |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 45°F |
These steady drops in temperature show a clear seasonal shift in the Nara climate.
Temperature Fluctuations During Fall
As fall goes on, daily temperature swings get more noticeable.
In September, the difference between highs and lows is usually about 8°C (14°F).
By November, the gap often grows to 9–10°C (16–18°F).
You should expect cooler evenings, even if afternoons are mild.
Light layers work in early fall, but by late fall, heavier clothing is a good idea, especially if you’re out after sunset.
Shorter daylight hours add to the chill.
By November, the sun sets earlier, and the cold settles in quickly once it’s dark.
Mornings feel brisk and evenings get cold, even if midday is still pleasant.
Comparing Fall to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Nara feels much more comfortable.
Summer highs often go over 30°C (86°F) with high humidity, while fall rarely gets that hot.
The lower humidity also makes the air feel fresher.
Winter is colder than fall.
Average highs in January hover near 8°C (46°F), and lows can dip close to freezing.
Fall works as a transition, giving you cooler weather without the bite of winter.
Spring in Nara feels a lot like fall in terms of comfort, but temperatures rise instead of fall.
By May, highs reach about 21°C (70°F), which is close to October averages.
So, fall and spring are probably the two best times for outdoor sightseeing in the city.
Autumn Precipitation Patterns
During autumn in Nara, rainfall shifts from the heavy summer season to more moderate levels.
You’ll notice clear differences in monthly totals, how often it rains, and how the humidity drops as you move from September through November.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Nara during autumn trends downward.
September still carries some of the summer’s rain, averaging around 160–180 mm of precipitation.
It’s one of the wetter autumn months.
By October, totals drop to about 100–120 mm, which means more stable weather for outdoor plans.
November sees the biggest decrease, with 60–80 mm of rain being typical.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 160–180 |
| October | 100–120 |
| November | 60–80 |
This steady decline means you’ll probably run into less disruptive rain as autumn goes on, which is why many travelers prefer October and November.
Number of Rainy Days in Fall
The number of rainy days in Nara drops as fall moves forward.
September usually has 12–15 days with measurable rain.
That’s still fairly frequent, though not as intense as the peak in June and July.
October brings 9–11 rainy days, so you get more dry breaks between showers.
By November, it falls further to 7–9 days, making it the driest autumn month.
- September: 12–15 days
- October: 9–11 days
- November: 7–9 days
Shorter and less frequent rain spells make it easier to plan sightseeing, especially in late autumn when the leaves are at their best.
Humidity Levels in Autumn
Humidity in Nara during autumn drops off compared to the sticky summer.
In September, relative humidity averages 65–68%, which can still feel a bit damp.
By October, it drops closer to 60–63%, and the air feels fresher.
November is the least humid, averaging 58–60%, which pairs nicely with the cooler temperatures.
This gradual drop in humidity makes outdoor activities much more pleasant.
You’ll notice clearer skies and less muggy weather, especially later in the season.
These patterns are typical of Nara’s humid subtropical climate, where each season brings its own feel.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Fall
In fall, you’ll notice shorter days, fewer hours of sunshine, and clearer skies compared to the muggy summer.
The season brings steady, gradual changes that affect how much daylight you get and how often the sky stays overcast.
Average Daily Sunshine
Fall in Nara gives you a moderate amount of sunshine daily.
September still has some of summer’s humidity, so expect around 5–6 hours of sunshine on average.
By October, skies clear up more, and you get 6–7 hours of sun each day.
November keeps up with about 6 hours of sunshine per day.
It’s not as bright as summer, but the sunlight feels nicer with the cooler air and lower humidity.
This mix of mild temperatures and reliable sunshine makes outdoor activities like temple visits or strolls in Nara Park really enjoyable.
Changes in Daylight Length
Daylight hours shrink as fall goes on.
In early September, sunrise comes before 6:00 a.m., and sunset is just after 6:00 p.m., giving you about 12.5 hours of daylight.
By October, you get closer to 11.5 hours.
In November, days get even shorter, with sunrise around 6:30 a.m. and sunset before 5:00 p.m., so there’s about 10.5 hours of daylight.
This change means you’ll want to start your day earlier if you want to fit in lots of sightseeing, since evenings get dark much sooner as fall goes on.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloud cover changes a lot during autumn.
September still brings plenty of cloudy or overcast days, with skies covered about 50% of the time.
As the month ends, the rainy influence fades and you start seeing more blue sky.
In October, cloud cover drops to about 35–40%, and you get more clear days.
November continues that trend, with many crisp, clear days and cloud cover closer to 30%.
These clearer skies in late fall mean better visibility for sightseeing and great conditions for photography, especially when autumn leaves are at their peak.
Seasonal Experiences and Outdoor Activities
Autumn in Nara brings mild temperatures, fewer rainy days than summer, and colorful scenery that makes outdoor travel a lot more comfortable.
You can enjoy cultural festivals, seasonal foods, and activities that show off the region’s natural and historic spots.
Best Months to Visit During Fall
The most pleasant stretch usually runs from mid-October through late November.
During this time, daytime highs average between 15°C and 20°C (59°F–68°F), while nights cool down to around 10°C (50°F).
This range makes it easy to spend hours outside without sweating or shivering.
Rain falls less often than in summer.
September can still bring some lingering humidity and the odd shower, but by October, the air feels drier and clearer.
November often brings crisp mornings and stable weather, which is perfect for sightseeing.
If you want to catch the autumn foliage at its peak, late October to mid-November is your best bet.
Popular spots like Mount Yoshino and Nara Park are full of color during this period.
If you visit earlier in September, you’ll find quieter trails, but the foliage isn’t as dramatic yet.
What to Pack for Autumn Weather
Packing really depends on whether you’re sticking to the city or heading out into the countryside. For daytime walks, I’d go with light layers—long-sleeve shirts and a medium-weight jacket usually do the trick.
Evenings get chilly, so you’ll want a warm sweater or fleece in your bag.
Rain doesn’t show up as much as it does in summer, but honestly, I’d still toss in a compact umbrella or light rain jacket just in case.
You’ll need comfortable walking shoes, since a lot of the sights have long paths, stone steps, or bumpy ground.
If you’re planning to hike up in places like Yoshino or Soni Highland, expect it to feel colder. By November, hats, scarves, and gloves might be a good idea.
For ryokan stays, you probably don’t need to pack loungewear—most inns give you a yukata robe to wear indoors.
Popular Fall Events in Nara
Nara puts on some great seasonal events that really show off local traditions. In October, you can catch lion dances at shrines, usually as part of harvest celebrations.
These performances are full of music and costumes, and they’ve been around for centuries.
The Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri happens in late autumn and includes processions, dances, and rituals tied to Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
It’s a rare chance to get up close with Shinto traditions you won’t see anywhere else.
People also love outdoor gatherings. Picnics at Soni Highland among the pampas grass or cycling through cosmos flower fields give you a quieter way to soak up the season.
Festival food stalls sell chestnut snacks, persimmons, and other local autumn treats—definitely worth trying.
Weather-Related Travel Tips for Nara in Autumn
Autumn in Nara feels mild during the day, with cooler evenings and a mix of sunny and rainy spells. You’ll want to plan for changing temperatures, occasional showers, and know where to check local updates so you can make the most of your trip.
Staying Comfortable in Varying Conditions
October and November usually bring daytime highs around 17–23°C (62–73°F). Nights cool off to about 10–12°C (50–54°F).
Sudden rain showers pop up pretty often, especially in October, so you might have to switch up your plans on the fly.
Keep a small umbrella or compact rain jacket in your daypack. Parks and temples stay open in light rain, but the paths get slippery.
Shoes with good traction help you stay steady.
If you’re spending time outside at Nara Park or Mount Wakakusa, bring water and light snacks. Even when it’s cool, long walks can wear you out.
Stopping at a tea house or café is a nice way to warm up and take a breather.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Layering just makes sense. A long-sleeved shirt or blouse works during the day. When it gets cooler, throw on a light sweater, cardigan, or hoodie.
By late autumn, you’ll probably want a trench coat or light jacket too.
Definitely pack comfortable walking shoes, because most of the best spots mean walking through parks, temple grounds, or along stone paths. Water-resistant shoes help after it rains.
A few handy extras:
- Compact umbrella or foldable raincoat
- Hat or cap for sunny afternoons
- Thin gloves or scarf for those chilly November nights
- Small backpack for layers, snacks, and water
With a little planning, you’ll stay comfortable and ready for both city streets and outdoor trails, no matter what the weather throws at you.
Local Resources for Weather Updates
You need reliable weather updates to plan your day. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) gives pretty accurate regional forecasts in English.
Local TV and radio stations usually share short-term updates, especially when it comes to rain.
If you’re traveling, try smartphone apps like tenki.jp or even global services such as Weather.com. They show hourly forecasts, which comes in handy if you’re hoping to fit in a temple visit or a quick hike between showers.
Tourist information centers in Nara City and near Nara Park usually post daily forecasts. Staff at these centers can tell you if it’s a good day for outdoor activities, like climbing Mount Wakakusa or wandering through gardens.
That local advice can really help, especially if you’re not sure what to expect from the weather.