Sapporo→
Station: SapporoSapporo
High
8.7℃
Low
1.6℃
- Precip.
- 113.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 15cm
- Sunset
- 16:13
Ginkgo leaves in early November, illuminations in late November. Snow starts to settle
Hokkaido Weather Guide
Hokkaido Weather in November: What to Wear & Expect
November is when Hokkaido shifts from autumn to winter. In early November, Sapporo's ginkgo trees turn gold, but snowy days increase from mid-November, and by late November the city starts turning white. Sapporo's high is 8.7°C and mornings drop to 1.6°C, so you'll need a winter coat. Illuminations begin in late November, and ski resort openings are just around the corner.
- Sapporo high
- 8.7℃
- Sapporo low
- 1.6℃
- Sapporo snow depth
- 15cm
- Sapporo sunset
- 16:13
Overview
Hokkaido in November: Key Points
- ✓Sapporo's high is 8.7°C; mornings are 1.6°C, so you need a winter coat
- ✓More snowy days from mid-November, and snow starts to settle in late November
- ✓The Sapporo White Illumination begins in late November
- ✓Sunset is just after 4 pm — the days feel short
By Area
November Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for November 15.
Otaru→
Station: OtaruOtaru, Shakotan
High
8.3℃
Low
1.6℃
- Precip.
- 152.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 15cm
- Sunset
- 16:13
More rainy and snowy days. Watch for icy slopes
Niseko→
Station: KutchanNiseko, Kutchan, Rusutsu
High
6.9℃
Low
−1.0℃
- Precip.
- 182.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 36cm
- Sunset
- 16:15
About 1 m of snow falls in a month; ski season approaches in late November
Asahikawa & Biei→
Station: AsahikawaAsahikawa, Biei, Mt. Asahidake, Sounkyo
High
6.2℃
Low
−1.5℃
- Precip.
- 114.5mm
- Max snow depth
- 27cm
- Sunset
- 16:07
Mornings below freezing and snowy scenery from mid-November. Asahiyama Zoo closes for a while in early November
Furano→
Station: FuranoFurano, Tomamu
High
6.4℃
Low
−2.1℃
- Precip.
- 104.2mm
- Max snow depth
- 23cm
- Sunset
- 16:08
Mornings around -2°C. Snow starts to settle
Hakodate→
Station: HakodateHakodate, Onuma
High
10.0℃
Low
1.8℃
- Precip.
- 110.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 9cm
- Sunset
- 16:18
Highs around 10°C, warm for Hokkaido. Still little snow
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya→
Station: MuroranNoboribetsu, Lake Toya, Muroran, Shiraoi
High
9.3℃
Low
3.5℃
- Precip.
- 83.2mm
- Max snow depth
- 2cm
- Sunset
- 16:16
Little snow — a good season for hot spring hopping
Obihiro & Tokachi→
Station: ObihiroObihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen
High
8.4℃
Low
−1.1℃
- Precip.
- 54.2mm
- Max snow depth
- 7cm
- Sunset
- 16:05
Mostly sunny, but mornings drop below freezing
Kushiro & Akan→
Station: KushiroKushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan
High
8.9℃
Low
−0.3℃
- Precip.
- 64.7mm
- Max snow depth
- 3cm
- Sunset
- 16:01
Mostly sunny, with almost no snow
Abashiri & Shiretoko→
Station: AbashiriAbashiri, Shiretoko, Utoro
High
7.6℃
Low
0.4℃
- Precip.
- 58.1mm
- Max snow depth
- 6cm
- Sunset
- 15:58
Highs around 8°C. Shiretoko's mountains are dusted with snow
Wakkanai & Rishiri→
Station: WakkanaiWakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island
High
6.3℃
Low
1.3℃
- Precip.
- 121.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 15cm
- Sunset
- 16:05
Few sunny breaks and more snowy days
What to Wear
What to Wear in Hokkaido in November
Base layer
Thermal underwear
Tops
Sweater or fleece
Outerwear
Down coat or other winter coat
Bottoms
Thick long pants
Shoes
Non-slip winter shoes in late November; sneakers are OK if there's no snow
Accessories
Gloves, scarf and knit hat
Good to Know
Good to Know
Watch for ice after the first snow
On roads where snow has just started falling, melted snow refreezes and gets very slippery. Wear non-slip shoes and carry slip-on spikes.
Days are very short
In mid-November, the sun sets just after 4 pm in Sapporo and around 4 pm in Kushiro. Start sightseeing in the morning.
Tourist off-season
Between the autumn leaves and ski season, there are fewer travelers. Hotel prices tend to drop, so you can travel at a relaxed pace.
Winter closures begin
Some summer attractions and mountain roads close for winter. Check the opening status of places you want to visit.
Events
November Events & Highlights
Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue
SapporoUsually late October to early NovemberAbout 70 ginkgo trees form a golden tunnel — one of Sapporo's classic autumn sights.
Odori Park and Ekimae-dori street are decorated with light sculptures — a Sapporo winter tradition.
Read the guide：Sapporo White Illumination →Stalls in the style of a German Christmas market line Odori Park.
Read the guide：Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Ski Resort Openings
Niseko, around Sapporo and moreUsually from around late NovemberDepending on snow conditions, some ski resorts start to open.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
Recommended Tours & Activities in NovemberPR
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Sapporo in November?＋
On average, the high is 8.7°C and the low is 1.6°C. Bring a winter coat and gloves.
Q. Is there snow on the ground in Hokkaido in November?＋
Snowy days increase from mid-November, and snow starts to settle in late November. Sapporo's average maximum snow depth is 15 cm, so it's not full winter yet.
Q. Can you ski in November?＋
Some ski resorts usually open in late November. The full season starts around mid-December.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Hokkaido TripPR
Other Months
Hokkaido Weather in Other Months
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.