Wakayama Weather in November

Season: Autumn
Summary: mild temperatures; low rainfall; autumn foliage season

Mild Temperatures

Average temperature in Wakayama in November: 11 - 18℃ (52 - 64℉)

Overall, Wakayama enjoys mild weather in November, making it a perfect time for visiting outdoor attractions, although the temperature is slowly decreasing. Early November still has some pleasantly warm periods, with the daytime temperature ranging from 20-25℃ (68-77℉). At this time of the year, autumn paints the world colorful and Wakayama enters its fall leaves season. Do note that mountainous areas are a tad chilly, and foliage here starts to change color a bit earlier in late October. Approaching the end of the month, cooler days gradually increase, and the maximum temperature often stays around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). In other words, even if not in the mountains, you need to wear thick clothes.

Another thing to note is that temperature difference between day and night reaches up to 10℃ (50℉) on some days, and it’s even wider in mountainous areas. 

Low Rainfall & Crisp Air

November is one of Wakayama’s driest months all year round, receiving the average rainfall of 84 mm (3.3 in) across 12 wet days. Mild rain occurs most frequently, with daily totals below 9 mm (0.4 in); then heavy rain, seeing roughly 35 mm (1.4 in) rainfall daily. Whatever, the duration of them is relatively short, normally no more than half a day. 

Meanwhile, the relative humidity during this month stays around 68%, and the air is crisp without any stuffiness and discomfort, which sparks your desire for outdoor sightseeing.

Short Daylength & Sunshine Hours

Sunrise Time: 6:18 - 6:46
Sunset Time: 16:50 - 17:07 
Daylength: 10 hours 5 minutes - 10 hours 49 minutes
Average Sunshine Hours: around 7.5 hours per day

Daylight hours in November get shorter and shorter, averaging under 11 hours, which means visitors should follow a tight schedule. Do note that most scenic spots like Kuroshio Market and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine close between 16:30 and 17:00, so it’s advisable to start your journey early and arrange the most interested destinations at the top of your daily itinerary.

If you’d like to take stunning sunset photos over Engetsu Island, where the orange-red sun right aligns with the circular gap of the island at some point, please arrive there at least 30 minutes prior to the sunset time to secure a superb location.

Is November a good time to visit Wakayama?

Of course, yes. Apart from Wakayama’s favorable climate in November, stunning autumn scenery, whether in cities or the mountains, is hard to forget. And the prefecture is less crowded and much quieter, compared with the popular travel destinations like Osaka and Kyoto.

Things You Need to Prepare for Wakayama Trip in November

 Clothes: In early November, hoodies paired with jeans are always good choices; in cooler times, wear a cardigan on top. At the middle and end of the month, thin sweaters, lightweight down coats and fleece sweatpants are more suitable for your daily outing.

 Footwear: Well-fitting sneakers or hiking shoes are the best, since they are both practical in urban and mountainous areas.

Where to See Colorful Autumn Foliage in Wakayama

1. Mount Koya: From around early November on, the area steps into its peak fall leaves season. An awe-inspiring panorama of red, golden and green hues stretching across the whole mountain unfolds before your eyes. Especially when autumn mist gently shrouds the peaks and the leaves slowly drift in the wind, everything around becomes extremely soothing.

2. Kumano Kodo: The pilgrimage routes around Kumano Kodo provide many viewing places from mid-November to early December. For example, a teahouse with thatched-roof along Nonaka Toge Pass blends perfectly with the surrounding trees, which form a dense canopy burst with autumn colors. A large gingko tree with a 400-year history at the Hosen-ji Temple is also a hot site among shutterbugs. 

3. Momijidani Teien Garden: Late in the month, autumn leaves here are in their prime, making it an ideal spot for leaf-viewing. The dark green pond reflects the quaint pavilion as a picturesque backdrop of red, yellow and green foliage.

Travel Suggestions for Wakayama in November

1. Please monitor the latest foliage conditions, because the best-viewing time varies annually with different temperatures, if you plan to visit Wakayama to enjoy fall foliage in this month of 2026.
2. Wakayama’s breathtaking autumn scenery is a great boost for people to go hiking during this period. Since it gets dark very early, hikers had better carry a headlamp or a small flashlight in case you return back late. For your safety, a bear bell and an alpenstock are also necessities. Don’t forget to book a hotel with hot springs to relieve your sore muscles.

Wakayama Weather by Month