Month guide · Niseko · Japan
Niseko in November
What November is really like in Niseko: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Oga from ja , the copyright holder of this work, hereby publishes it under the following l, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
November is a month many travellers avoid. Expect average highs of 6°C (43°F), lows of -1°C (30°F), about 21 rainy days and roughly 9.7 hours of daylight. Grey, cold and quiet, with many businesses closed until the ski season begins.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 6°C (43°F) / -1°C (30°F)
- Rainy days
- About 21
- Daylight
- About 9.7 hours
- Crowds
- Very quiet
- Hotel prices
- Lowest
Weather in November
November is the 8th-warmest month in Niseko: days average 6°C (43°F) against a yearly average high of 11°C (52°F), and nights fall to about -1°C (30°F). Rain falls on roughly 21 of its 30 days. Compared with October (14°C (57°F)), November is cooler; by December highs drop to around -1°C (30°F).
- Sunrise (15 November)
- About 06:30
- Sunset (15 November)
- About 16:15
- Daylight
- About 9.7 hours
Autumn (September–November). Harvest season and autumn colours in October, turning cold, grey and very quiet in November before the lifts open.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, November rates 1 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 1 for hotel prices (highest in January). That makes November one of the better-value months to book.
Events in November
- Lifts usually start opening in late November or early December, depending on snow
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in November
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Experience · Hanazono
Hanazono
Head to Hanazono's tree zones on windy days, when they are more sheltered than the open upper bowls.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Outdoors
- Kids
Experience · Niseko Village
Niseko Village and Annupuri slopes
The southern and western faces of the mountain are linked near the summit, with Niseko Village's gondola and long, rolling runs down towards the Annupuri base.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Outdoors
- Views
Nature · Mount Niseko Annupuri
Backcountry gates
Go with a certified local guide, carry a transceiver, probe and shovel, and check the daily avalanche bulletin before using a gate.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Nature
- Outdoors
Nature · Kutchan
Mount Yōtei
The 1,898-metre stratovolcano opposite the ski fields is nicknamed Ezo Fuji for its resemblance to Mount Fuji.
- Time needed
- 8–10 hours return
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Active
- Views
- Nature
What to pack
For highs near 6°C, lows near -1°C and 21 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is November a good time to visit Niseko?
A month many travellers avoid, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, January–February and July–August are better overall. Compare every month.
Niseko in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is November a good time to visit Niseko?
It is a month many travellers avoid. Grey, cold and quiet, with many businesses closed until the ski season begins.
+How warm is Niseko in November?
Average highs are around 6°C (43°F) and lows around -1°C (30°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Niseko in November?
Expect rain on about 21 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.