Hakone Weather in November

Season: late autumn
Climate Overview: a little cold, low rainfall

Hakone in November

Temperature

Average Temperature: 12.4℃ (54.3℉)
Average High Temperature: 17.5℃ (63.5℉); according to recent years’ data, the highest temperature reached 26.7℃ (80.1℉)
Average Low Temperature: 7.1℃ (44.8℉); according to recent years’ data, the actual lowest temperature once dropped to 0.4℃ (32.7℉)

Generally, Hakone in November is a little cold. For most days, their highest temperatures fluctuate around 20℃ (68℉). As a result, you wouldn’t feel too cold during the daytime. However, the lowest temperatures are mainly below 10℃ (50℉). This makes it somehow cold in the early morning and evening. In addition, the temperature shows a decreasing trend as a whole. Coming here in late November, you should pack thick clothes that can keep you warm.

Rainfall

Average Rainfall: 79mm
Average Rainy Days: 5 days

Traveling in November, you don’t need to worry too much about rain. On one hand, it does not rain a lot. On the other hand, it is often light rain, and moderate or heavy rainy days are rare. Sometimes, the total rainfall within 24 hours is only 1 - 2 mm, which wouldn’t disturb your travel plan.

Sunrise, Sunset, and Day Length

Sunrise (1st → 30th): roughly 6:05 → 6:30
Sunset (1st → 30th): roughly 16:50 → 16:30
Average Day Length: 10h25min

Hakone Red Leaves Season

Generally, Hakone’s red leaves can be seen in the whole November, but the exact time when leaves turn red varies. Usually, the best viewing time is around mid and late November. In 2024, affected by relatively high temperature, the best viewing date was around November 30th, a little later than before. In 2025, if such warm climate continues, the date may also be postponed. If you have plans to go to Hakone in November 2025, check the leaves condition in advance.

How to Dress in Hakone in November

Upper: hoody/ shirt/ blouse plus trench coat/ autumn jacket

Lower: jeans/ sport pants

Shoes: casual shoes/ short boots/ hiking shoes

Special Dress: Kimono
You can take some memorable photos with red leaves while wearing kimono.

What to Do in Hakone in November

1. Appreciate Red Leaves

Japan is regarded as one of the countries with the most beautiful red leaves in the world. Wherever you go in Japan, appreciating red leaves in autumn is always recommended. In Hakone, whether you are walking in the mountains, visiting the shrines and temples, or soaking in the outdoor onsen hotel, you can always see the leaves. Because of temperature differences, the dates when leaves turn red are different in different places. Leaves around Owakudani Valley, Togendai, Sengokuhara, Gora, and Kowakudani start to turn red in early and mid-November, and those in Hakone Yumoto in late November.

Red Leaves in Gora

2. Trek along Hakone Old Road

November is mostly sunny and not too cold yet, suitable to trek in mountains. In Hakone, Hakone Old Road is a popular trekking trail. Walking along the trail, you can watch the dense forests and pass by the traditional teahouses where you can relax for a while. It starts from Sukumogawa and ends around Motohakone, stretching for about 7 km (4.3 mi), which can be finished in 2 - 4 hours.

Trekkers on Hakone Old Road

3. Watch Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu Parade

Every year on November 3rd, the Daimyo Gyoretsu parade would be held in Hakone. Then, about 400 performers dressed like princesses, samurais, and other Japanese characters walk along the streets of Hakone Yumoto and arrive at Fujiya Hotel finally. After the parade, the music and dancing performance are held around the Hotel.

Something to Know before Going to Hakone in November

1. Is it a good time to go to Hakone in November?

There are both advantages and disadvantages.

For the good, first, the climate is very comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold. Second, the scenery of red leaves is worthwhile. Coming here in December, Hakone may turn bleak. Third, the best time to watch Mount Fuji with a snow cap comes in November. With a few rainy days, the chance to successfully watch Fuji is high.

However, November is the most crowded month all over the year. This may cause poor traveling experience and higher accommodation cost, and it may not be easy to reserve hotel rooms.

To avoid that, it is suggested to: (1) book hotels 3 months in advance; (2) visit Hakone in a clockwise direction because most visitors do it in the anticlockwise direction; (3) change some attractions to other places; for example, if it is too crowded in Open Air Museum, then go to Venetian Glass Museum; if it takes much time to queue for boarding Pirate Ship, you can walk 7 minutes to visit Hakone Checkpoint Museum first, and continue your cruise after visiting the Museum.

2. Hakone day trip or staying overnight, which one is better?

Staying overnight is recommended. As mentioned above, Hakone gets dark before 17:00. This means you may not have enough time to visit all your planned attractions in 1 day. For Lake Ashi, Owakudani Valley, and other outdoor attractions, you may see nothing when it gets dark. Stay overnight in Hakone and continue your Hakone journey next early morning, and you can also avoid the main crowds.

3. Reserve Romancecar Train’s Observation Deck Seat in advance

The Romancecar Train is the most convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Hakone. Its observation deck seat enables travelers to enjoy the best view of Mount Fuji. However, the seat is always fully booked in the touristy November. If you want this seat, make reservation 1 month in advance.

November Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

Hakone Weather by Month

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