East Asia in November: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for November
Average temperature across East Asia in November.
Country Weather in November
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 17° | 9° | 49 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Japan | 16° | 8° | 87 mm | low | Cool |
| South Korea | 11° | 2° | 55 mm | low | Cold |
| North Korea | 9° | -1° | 38 mm | low | Cold |
| Taiwan | 23° | 17° | 180 mm | moderate | Mild |
| Mongolia | -5° | -18° | 4 mm | low | Freezing |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Mongolia & Inner Mongolia (northern China)
By November the landscape tightens into late autumn colours and then to frozen brown; daytime highs hover near freezing and skiffs of snow become common, especially in the north and at altitude. Travel becomes more logistically challenging as rural guesthouses scale back and overland services thin out, though city visits remain possible if you can tolerate the cold. Pack for −10°C to −20°C nights if venturing beyond urban centers and expect earlier sunsets.
Northeast China & Manchuria (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning including Harbin and Dalian)
November pushes the region back toward winter: daytime temperatures fall toward freezing, and the landscape takes on a late-autumn austerity with bare trees and early frosts. Train and road travel are still generally reliable, but mountain lodges begin to close and some services reduce hours as temperatures drop. If you’re aiming for Northern winter scenery without the harsh cold, late November can be a quieter option before festival crowds.
North & Central China Plain (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shaanxi corridor including Xi’an)
November turns notably colder with dry, windy days and the beginning of winter heating in cities; the landscape strips back to browns and russets. Tourist flows thin, making it a quieter time for museum visits and city walks, though rural attractions may have reduced services. Bring mid-weight layers and a windproof coat for brisk days and colder nights.
Tibetan Plateau & Southwest Highlands (Tibet, Sichuan highlands, Yunnan)
December is winter on the plateau - very cold, often windy and with many mountain roads and passes closed by snow; Lhasa is quiet and many pilgrimage circuits are not practicable. This is a low-service period for remote trekking; if you must travel, choose lower-elevation routes and confirm heating and permit arrangements beforehand. Altitude acclimatisation and cold-weather gear are non-negotiable at this time.