Tokyo · Month comparison
November vs October
November ranks #1 overall vs October at #2. Peak autumn foliage — arguably Tokyo's most beautiful month, rivalling cherry blossom.
November
#1 of 12 months
Best match
Peak autumn foliage — arguably Tokyo's most beautiful month, rivalling cherry blossom.
- ↑Koyo peak: ginkgo trees gold, maples deep red — Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingu and Hamarikyu spectacular
- ↑Comfortable cool temperatures: 16°C, far more pleasant than spring's crowds and rain
October
#2 of 12 months
Best match
Autumn colours begin and the heat finally breaks — the best weather month, growing crowds.
- ↑Autumn koyo (foliage) begins arriving late October: Shinjuku Gyoen and Rikugien extraordinary
- ↑Perfect temperature for long walking days: 22°C with low humidity
| Factor | November | October |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 8 | 7 |
| Value score | 5 | 6 |
| Crowd score | 4 | 5 |
| Events score | 7 | 7 |
| Atmosphere | 9 | 8 |
| Avg high temp | 16.6°C | 22.4°C |
| Monthly rain | 93mm | 197mm |
| Daily sunshine | 5.9hrs | 5.5hrs |
November trade-offs
- ↓Hotel prices rival spring: book 2–3 months ahead or pay peak rates
- ↓Popular foliage spots (Rikugien, Kokedera in Kyoto) sell out weeks in advance
- ↓International tourist numbers have grown sharply in recent years — no longer the secret season
October trade-offs
- ↓Rainfall still relatively high at 197mm — not as clear as spring
- ↓Autumn foliage crowds building by mid-month, especially at popular spots
- ↓Increasing international tourist numbers as "second cherry blossom season" reputation grows
Scores compare months within Tokyo. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →