Shirakawa-go Weather in November
Season: Autumn What is the weather like in Shirakawa-go in November?
1. It becomes cold, especially in late November with night temperatures hovering around 0℃ (32℉).
2. The village receives low rainfall, and the first snow may occur.
3. The fall foliage season is early to mid-November, overlapping the high season.
Getting Cold
Average Temperature: 3 - 13℃ (37.4 - 55.4℉)Being the last month of autumn, November weather in Shirakawa-go is getting cold. Specifically, the first half of the month is quite cool: the daily highs are usually around 15 - 20 degrees Celsius (59 - 68 degrees Fahrenheit), while the daily lows often hover around 5℃ (41℉). During the second half of the month, daytime temperatures are in the range of 10 - 15℃ (50 - 59℉), and nights become really cold, with the low temperatures close to freezing. Therefore, if you have an outing plan in the evening, be sure to keep warm.
Possibly Rain and Snow
As one of the months with lowest precipitation, November has an average of 195mm (7.7 in), spreading over 14 days. Shirakawa-go often receives light rain, lasting for most of the day, and sometimes you may encounter heavy rain. In some rainy days, winds are relatively strong, making your feels-like temperature lower. The first snowfall may take place in late November, and sleet is more common. Whether it is rain or sleet, it usually leads to a fall in temperature.Short Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours
During this month, the average duration of daylight is around 10 - 11 hours, from sunrise at 6:16 - 6:46 to sunset at 16:39 - 16:58. Thanks to short daylight hours, you should arrange your itinerary wisely to make full use of time. If necessary, set strict time limits on each attraction. The sunshine hours are 4.8 hours on average per day.The bright side is that the maximum UV index is only 5, and light sun-protective measures are enough.
Is Shirakawa-go November worth it?
Of course, yes. This month is one of the best periods to visit the village. Though Shirakawa-go climate in November turns cold, the rainfall is not frequent, making outdoor activities more pleasant. Plus, during early and middle November, you have a chance to admire vivid autumn scenery in Shirakawa-go. Compared with Tokyo and Kyoto, the village receives fewer visitors and provides more affordable accommodations and transportation.What to Wear in Shirakawa-go in November
Clothes: For the upper body, layered dressing is extremely important. For example, prepare hoodies and thin sweaters as inner clothes, and 3-in-1 jacket with a detachable down liner as outer ones. You can decide whether to add or remove the down liner based on the temperature changes. For the lower body, sweatpants and thin fleece jeans are both needed. Shoes: Considering that you may walk a lot, comfortable hiking shoes are highly recommended. Others:1. Remember to bring along raingear and sunblock.
2. When it sleets, scarves and gloves are necessary.
3. As the sun sets early, Shirakawa-go comes into a deep darkness before 18:00. If you would like to take a walk at night, a compact flashlight is advised.
Seasonal Highlights for Shirakawa-go in November
Beautiful Autumn Landscapes
By November, the trees in the village turns golden and red. Apart from well-known Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck and Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck, Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine is a wonderful place to enjoy the full view of Shirakawa-go ablaze with the autumn colors. Plus, in early November, ginkgo and maple trees in Myozenji Temple are adorned with golden and crimson leaves, offering a striking contrast with the gassho-style main hall. The Shoromon Gate of the temple with a thatched roof, is also a popular shooting spot. Meanwhile, Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum hosts light-up events at night, when you can appreciate different charm of fall leaves under the glow of the lights.Spectacular Fire Drill
As the farmhouses, made of wood and thatch, are prone to fire, so a grand fire drill is held in late October or early November. At 8:00 o’clock, the blowing whistle marks the beginning of the drill: dozens of fire pumps on the roofs squirt 20-meter (65.6-ft)-high water columns, showing a spectacular scene.Travel Suggestions for Shirakawa-go in November
1. Due to the autumn foliage, early and middle November is regarded as the high season. So, the village sees more visitors and hotels are fully booked, particularly on weekends. You’re advised to make all reservations in advance and choose to travel during weekdays.2. To a certain extent, high temperatures may delay the timing of leaf color changes. Thus, if you wish to visit Shirakawa-go to see the colorful autumn leaves in November 2025, remember to check the weather forecast and adjust your travel date promptly.
