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 when night temperatures hovering around 0℃ (32℉).
2. The rainfall is relatively high, and the first snow may occur.
3. The fall foliage season lasts till mid-November, when there are more tourists.

Autumn Scenery

Getting Cold

Average Temperature: 3 - 13℃ (37.4 - 55.4℉)

Being the last month of autumn, Shirakawa-go weather in November is getting cold, but at an acceptable level. Specifically, in the first half of the month, the daily highs are usually around 15 - 20 degrees Celsius (59 - 68 degrees Fahrenheit): when the sun shines on you, you feel a bit warm; 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 it becomes really cold at night, with the low temperatures close to freezing. Therefore, if you plan to go out in the evening, be sure to wear more.

Frequent Light Rain & Possibly First Snow

Average rainfall: 195mm (7.7 in) from 14 days 

In November, Shirakawa-go often receives light rain, lasting for most of that rainy day, and sometimes it rains heavily. The first snowfall may take place in late November, very likely in the form of sleet. 

Whether it is rain or sleet, it usually leads to a fall in temperature. What’s more, in these days, winds are relatively strong, making your feels-like temperature even lower. 

November Snowfall

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. Due to the early sunset, you should arrange your itinerary wisely to make full use of day time. If necessary, set strict time limits on each attraction to be visited, or just spend more days in Shirakawa-go. 

The sunshine hours are 4.8 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?

It depends on ones’ preferences.

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, although it is also a locally short high season.

However, there are no snow-capped landscapes here yet, making November an unsuitable time for those who would like to admire snowy scenery. For those groups, you’d better come here in December or later months. 

What to Wear in Shirakawa-go in November

 Clothes: For the upper body, layered dressing is extremely helpful. For example, prepare hoodies and thin sweaters as inner clothes, and a 3-in-1 jacket with a detachable down liner as outer one. You can decide whether to add or remove the down liner based on the temperature changes. For the lower body, sweatpants and medium-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.
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 of Shirakawa-go in November

Beautiful Autumn Landscapes

By November, the trees in the village turn 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 yellow 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.

Wada House

Spectacular Fire Drill

As the farmhouses, made of wood and thatch, are prone to catch fire, so a grand fire drill is held in late October or early November every year. 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 season, early and middle November is the local high season. So, the village sees more visitors than usual and hotels can be fully booked, particularly on weekends. You’re advised to reserve everything in advance and choose to travel during weekdays.
2. The timing of leaf color changing varies a little bit each year due to the actual temperature changes. Thus, if you wish to visit Shirakawa-go to see the colorful autumn leaves in November 2025, remember to check the leaf forecast and adjust your travel date promptly.

Thatched-roof Cafe

Lounge in Local Hotel

Shirakawa-go Weather by Month