Hokkaido Weather in November 2025 & What to Do

One of the mid-seasons (transition periods) in Japan, November in Hokkaido starts the early winter and a short tourism shoulder season. The average temperature in Hokkaido in November is 6°C (42.8°F) during the day and 1°C (34°F) at night. The average amount of rainfall is 111 mm over around 15 days. It is a good time of year to visit Hokkaido, especially if you wish to escape the crowds and save your budget.

The island is quiet before tourists flock to the popular ski resorts in Hokkaido in December. You can still take in the beautiful autumn hues in early November, then some areas will witness their first snows in mid-November -- meaning opportunities for early skiing and snow activities in late November.

Read this post to see Hokkaido weather in November, discover top attractions, and the best things to do.

What Is the Weather in Hokkaido in November?

November in Hokkaido is in the transition from late fall to early winter, a month when temperatures gradually drop and the landscape changes from red leaves to snow. So, how cold is Hokkaido in November? The weather in Hokkaido varies greatly from the beginning to the end of the month.

In early November, the average daytime temperature is about 6°C to 9°C (43°F to 48°F), and the nighttime temperature is about 36°F to 39°F. You can still enjoy the last of the red foliage in Hakodate, Lake Toya, Otaru, etc.

In mid-November, the daytime temperature is approximately 5°C to 7°C (41°F to 45°F), and the nighttime temperature is 1°C to 2°C (30°F to 35°F), sometimes even below zero. In places like Dingshan Stream, you can experience the unique scene of the first snow paired with red leaves. Sapporo usually receives its first snowfall in mid-November. In northern Hokkaido (e.g., Asahikawa, Wakkanai, etc.), snow falls earlier than in the south.

In late November, the temperature in Hokkaido is about -1°C to 3°C (30°F to 37°F) during the day and -4°C to 0°C (24.8°F to 32°F) at night. White snow starts to cover the land, and winter begins. The Sapporo Lantern Lighting Festival (Sapporo White Illumination) is held.

Does It Snow in Hokkaido in November?

In early November, there will be less snowfall in Hokkaido. In Asahikawa, in northern Hokkaido, it may snow from the end of October to early November. In the middle and late November, it began to snow in many areas, such as Sapporo, Furano, Biei, Kushiro, and Hakodate.

The average snowfall in November ranges from 10 to 30 centimeters, and can reach more than 50 centimeters in mountainous areas. Some mountain ski resorts, such as Niseko and Furano, enter the snow season in late November. So let’s go skiing! There is little snow on the roads in the plains, so traffic is normal and you drive safely.

Is It Windy in November?

Historically, the wind in Hokkaido blasts at an average speed of 14.3 mph (23.0 kph) during November.

How Much Does it Rain in November?

The first half of November in Hokkaido is characterized by cold rain, short-lived but accompanied by cold winds. From the middle of the month, it changes from rainfall exclusively to snow, with precipitation mostly in the form of sleet or pure snow. However, coastal areas, such as Hakodate, have a warmer climate, and November is still dominated by rainfall with occasional sleet. On the other hand, eastern Kushiro is dry with little rain, and snowfall occurs later.

The Average Rainfall and Temperature of Hokkaido in  November

City Minimum temperature Maximum temperature Rainfall Sapporo 1°C (33.8°F) 8°C (46.4°F) 105mm Higashikawa -4°C (24.8°F) 3°C (37.4°F) 113mm Wakkanai 0°C (32.0°F) 5°C (41.0°F) 123mm Shiretoko 3°C (37.4°F) 7°C (44.6°F) 94mm Hakodate 4°C (39.2°F) 11°C (51.8°F) 108mm Furano 5°C (41°F) -3°C (26.6°F) 88mm

What to Wear in Hokkaido in November?

It is getting cold this month. We recommend wearing a windproof jacket, fleece jacket, down jacket, padded thick pants, waterproof boots, scarf, gloves, and a woolen hat.

Is November a Good Time to visit Hokkaido?

Yes. November in Hokkaido is the transitional season between autumn and winter, when the weather gets colder but not yet severe, making it suitable for those who enjoy a quiet trip in Hokkaido.

You can still enjoy the fall foliage in parts of southern Hokkaido (e.g., Hakodate) and central Hokkaido (e.g., outside Sapporo). And when the weather turns cold, Noboribetsu Onsen, Toyako Onsen, and Jyuzankei Onsen are especially beautiful in the snow. Soaking in the hot springs while enjoying the snowy scenery is the unique charm of Hokkaido in November. Niseko and other ski resorts open at the end of the month for those who want to avoid the ski rush.

In addition, November is not the peak season for Hokkaido tourism, with fewer tourists and no need for long lines at popular attractions. Moreover, airfare and hotel prices are relatively affordable.

For foodies, winter seafood such as sea urchin, salmon, cod, and crabs is available. And at the end of November, you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in Hokkaido - some streets are decorated with winter lights.

Best Things to Do in Hokkaido in November

Snow and Red Maple Photography

In early November, get your camera ready to capture Hokkaido's unique fall/winter scene - a combination of red leaves and white snow. Riding the Kurodake cable car, you can overlook the canyon where the red leaves coexist with the snow on top of the mountain. In addition, you can walk through the snow-covered streets, parks, and country lanes to experience the romance and tranquility of the first snowfall in northern Japan.

Best places to visit: Hakodate, Lake Shikotsu, Sapporo, Daisetsuzan National Park, Furano

Hot springs in a snowy landscape

Experience Noboribetsu Onsen, Toyako Onsen, and Jingshankei Onsen. Enjoy the snowy landscape while soaking in the Hokkaido hot springs. In early November, the banks of Jingsankei are still red with maple, and at night, there is a red leaf light show. Some hot spring hotels offer a seasonal, limited menu of maple tempura. In Noboribetsu, there is a new package of sulfur steam aurora projections and ginger sake baths to ward off the cold from November.

Early Winter Seafood Feast

The Hokkaido crab season starts in November. At Hakodate Asaichi, you can enjoy freshly killed king crabs at a price 30% cheaper than in December. You can also choose your own freshly steamed live crabs, which are uniquely delicious when served with buttered corn from Hokkaido. In addition, freshly caught salmon and cod are also available.

Best places to visit: Otaru, Sapporo, Nijo Market, Hakodate Asaichi

First Skiing Experience of the Year

Starting from late November in Hokkaido, you can experience Niseko Ski Resort, the powder snow paradise, which is also the best place for beginners to experience Japanese skiing culture. Furano Ski Resort, with its diverse terrain, is open to the public with its night-lit ski slopes.

Wildlife Safari

Explore peaceful and pristine nature reserves in the Kushiro Wet Plains, Nopu Peninsula, and Lake Akan. Watch the wintering migration of red-crowned cranes. See rare birds that are endemic to Japan.

More FAQs on Hokkaido Weather in November

1. When are sunrise and sunset in November?

Hokkaido enters the late autumn and early winter season in November, and the sunshine hours gradually shorten. In early November, the sun rises at about 06:00 to 06:10 and sets at about 16:30 to 16:40, with about 10 hours of sunshine. In mid-November, the sun rises at about 06:20 to 06:30 and sets at about 16:10 to 16:20, with about 9 hours and 50 minutes of sunshine. In late November, the sun rises at about 06:40 to 06:50 and sets at about 16:00 to 16:10, with about 9 hours and 50 minutes of sunshine. The length of sunshine is about 9 hours and 20 minutes.

2. When is the best time to visit Hokkaido in November?

If you want to see the spectacle of the first snow of the year combined with maple leaves, mid-November is the ideal time.

If you are more interested in experiencing pure snow with hot springs and skiing, late November is a better choice.

Plan Your Hokkaido Tour in November with Hi Five Trip

If you are planning a journey to Hokkaido, our travel packages below will make every moment of your trip interesting and memorable.

Discuss with our Japan travel expert to tailor-make a trip to Hokkaido with a dynamic mix of snow beauty and local cultural richness.