Hokkaido in November: Weather, Snow, What to Wear & What to Expect

Is November autumn or winter in Hokkaido?

Both. November sits between late autumn and early winter. Sapporo can still feel like late autumn at the beginning of the month, while Asahikawa, northern Hokkaido and mountain areas may already have snow. By late November, prepare with a winter-travel mindset.

How cold is Hokkaido in November?

Japan Meteorological Agency 1991–2020 normals show early-November daily mean temperatures in Sapporo around 8–9°C, with daytime highs sometimes around 12°C. Asahikawa's November monthly mean is about 2.3°C. Do not use a Sapporo forecast alone when traveling across Hokkaido.

Does it snow in November?

Yes, but snow is not guaranteed every day. In Asahikawa, the normal first snowfall date is October 19, the first day with at least 1 cm of snow cover is around November 4, and lasting snow cover begins around November 24. Sapporo can cycle between snow, melting, rain and another cold spell.

Early, mid and late November

Early November is late autumn moving into early winter. Mid-November can change from autumn-like weather to snow very quickly. By late November, inland and northern areas increasingly enter a more stable snow period and footwear, wind protection and warmth become more important.

What to wear

Use layers: a warm or long-sleeve base, knit or fleece mid-layer and a wind-resistant insulated outer layer. A heavy down jacket is not essential every day in early-November Sapporo, but it becomes more useful later in the month or for Asahikawa, Biei, Furano and mountain areas. Choose water-resistant footwear with good grip.

What can you see in November?

November is a transition month rather than a guaranteed autumn-leaf or deep-snow season. Sapporo may show bare late-autumn streets while inland and mountain areas already look wintry. For peak foliage, October is usually better; for reliably deep snow, December and later are generally more suitable.

FAQ

Snow is possible in November throughout Hokkaido, especially inland and in the north, but accumulation varies greatly by year. First-time visitors can still travel comfortably if they accept changing conditions and keep Sapporo and Otaru as a flexible base. Data reference: JMA 1991–2020 normals. Updated September 2026.