Characteristic features of Ho, Er, and Yb L-1-edge and L-3-edge XANES spectra of their various complex oxides were investigated to find a relationship to the local configuration around these late lanthanide atoms. A pre-edge peak area of the L-1-edge or a full width at half-maximum of the white line of the L-3-edge XANES spectra have a significant correlation with an abstract geometrical index defined by bond angles formed by a center atom, Ho, Er, or Yb, and two adjacent oxygen atoms, which acts as an indicator of disorder of the local configuration. Theoretical calculation based on multiple scattering theory revealed a general trend of the pre-edge peak at Ln L-1-edge XANES spectra and the broadening of the white line of Ln L-3-edge XANES spectra. This finding will open a way to analyze the local structure of late lanthanide elements by means of XANES spectroscopy.