Lake Kawaguchi Weather in November

Season: late autumn

Overview: cold, not many rainy days, getting dark early, possible snowfall, very suitable for traveling

Lake Kawaguchi in November

How is the November Weather in Lake Kawaguchi?

1. Cold Enough to Wear a Lightweight Down Coat

Lake Kawaguchi in November is cold, with the average temperature around 6℃ (42.8℉). Sometimes, even at noon, the temperature wouldn’t exceed 20℃ (68℉). Meanwhile, as it is windy around the lakeside, the apparent temperature may be even colder. At night, the temperature sometimes drops to below 0 degrees Celsius (32℉). If you want to appreciate maple leaves at night, remember to put on thick clothes.

Average Highest Temperature: 12℃ (53.6℉)

Average Lowest Temperature: 0℃ (32℉)

2. 12.3 Rainy Days on Average and Possible Snowfall

Mount Fuji with Snow Cap in November

The chance of rainfall in November is not too high, and there are more sunny days than in many other months. It may snow, but don’t worry too much about traffic being disturbed, as the average snowy days is only a few. The comparatively good climate makes the chance of watching Mount Fuji reach 57%. In addition, in November, the Fuji’s summit is usually covered with snow. All these make November a good month to go to Lake Kawaguchi to appreciate Mt. Fuji.

Average Precipitation: 115mm rainfall and 29mm snowfall

Average Precipitation Days: 12 rainy days and 1 snowy day

Average Humidity: 79%

Average Sunny Days: 13 sunny days

3. Getting Dark around 16:00 and 17:00

In November, it gets dark around 16:00 and 17:00. If you only have one day for visiting Lake Kawaguchi, it is suggested to begin your travel itinerary early in the morning. Or, don’t arrange too many attractions. If possible, you are recommended to stay here for at least 2 days to have a leisurely trip.

Sunrise: 6:05 – 6:35

Sunset: 16:30 – 16:50

Average Day Length and Sunshine: 10.2 hours; 6.1h

Lake Kawaguchi Foliage Peak Season Comes in November

Maple Leaves in Lake Kawaguchi

Usually, the best appreciation time of Lake Kawaguchi’s maple leaves is around mid-November. Due to the change of the global climate, the accurate date of the peak season also changes. For example, in 2024, it was near the end of November when the maple leaves here turned completely red. To watch the Lake’s best red leaves in November 2025, don’t forget to check the foliage forecast in advance.

November Dressing Code in Lake Kawaguchi

Top: During the daytime, for the interior, you can wear thermal underwear and a thick sweater. For the exterior, for easy walking, you can put on a thick autumn coat. However, at night, it is much colder. You are advised to change the coat to a lightweight down coat.

Bottom: Single-layer pants are not enough to keep your legs warm. You’d better add a pair of leggings and thermal pants inside. Last, to keep your feet warm, thick cotton socks plus anti-slippery boots are good choices.

As the wind is a little strong along the Lake, you need a scarf, hat, and gloves to avoid catching a cold. Last, remember to take an umbrella.

Tip: To take beautiful photos with maple leaves, light color clothes are more suggested.

Top Places to See Mt. Fuji in Lake Kawaguchi in November

1. North bank of Lake Kawaguchi

At sunrise, the holy Mt. Fuji is reflected on the surface of Lake Kawaguchi, forming an upside-down Fuji. You can appreciate this picturesque scene from the north bank of the Lake.

2. Lawson Convenience near Kawaguchiko Station

Many visitors would come to this Lawson Convenience to take a photo. With the towering Fuji and the bustling convenience store as the background, the photo is full of the lively atmosphere.

Lawson Convenience Store before Mt. Fuji

3. Honcho Street

Honcho Street is a Japanese shopping street facing Mount Fuji. Seen from a distance, the Street looks like a sky ladder leading to Fuji.

Honcho Street near Mount Fuji

4. Kanadorii Gate

As a top attraction near Fuji, Kanadorii Gate is also frequently visited by photography lovers. Seen from a particular angle, the high Kanadorii Gate is like a photo frame, and the Fuji far away is the scenery in the photo.

Where to Appreciate Red Leaves in Lake Kawaguchi in November

Maple Corridor is the best place in Lake Kawaguchi to watch red leaves. It is a long walking trail, on both sides of which grow maple trees and ginkgo trees. Every autumn, the dense yellow ginkgo leaves and burning red maple leaves on the tree crowns form a yellow and red tunnel. In addition, during the Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival from late October to late November, the lights would be turned on at night. With the shining of light, Maple Corridor is like a world in a fairytale.

Other Travel Suggestions for Visiting Lake Kawaguchi in November

1. Wherever in Japan, the maple leaf season is always the tourist peak period, especially on weekends. For a better traveling experience, it is suggested to visit Lake Kawaguchi on weekdays.
2. Near the bank of Lake Kawaguchi, there are many onsen hotels where you can experience Japanese onsen culture in cold November.
3. During the Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, there is a craft market where traditional Japanese crafts made of wood, glass, and silver are sold. Don’t miss it if you go to Lake Kawaguchi in November.