In this study, we explored the risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with type II endometrial carcinoma (EC). Patients diagnosed with type II EC who underwent staged surgery and lymph node dissection were included. Univariate analysis was performed using a chi-square test for factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, histologic type, histologic grade, myometrial invasion, lymphatic vascular invasion (LVSI), tumor volume index, and para-aortic lymph node (PALN) or pelvic lymph node (PLN) metastasis. An analysis of multivariate factors was performed on the factors that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis. Pelvic lymph node metastasis was identified in 38 of the 184 patients with type II EC. Univariate analyses revealed that age ≥55 years, menopause, more than one-half myometrial invasion, and LVSI were risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis. Multivariate analysis indicated that myometrial invasion of more than one-half (hazard ratio (HR): 4.259) and LVSI (HR: 3.317) were independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis. Para-aortic lymph node metastasis was identified in 13 of the 184 patients with type II EC. Univariate analysis indicated that para-aortic lymph node metastasis was significantly associated with LVSI and pelvic lymph node metastases. Multivariate analysis suggested that pelvic lymph node metastasis (HR: 5.887) was an independent risk factor for para-aortic lymph node metastasis. LVSI and myometrial invasion depth >1/2 were significant predictors of pelvic lymph node metastasis in patients with type II EC. Patients with type II EC who have pelvic lymph node metastasis may be at risk of para-aortic lymph node metastasis.