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Hokkaido Weather by Month
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is renowned for its distinct seasons, offering everything from snowy winters to mild summers. Its climate, cooler than mainland Japan, features significant seasonal shifts, with heavy snowfall in winter and pleasant, low-humidity summers. Below is a detailed breakdown of Hokkaido’s weather by month, including minimum and maximum temperatures, weather conditions, clothing recommendations, ideal locations to visit, areas to avoid, and records for temperature, rainfall, snow, and wind. The best and worst times to visit are also discussed, tailored to various traveler preferences, in approximately 1,000 words.
January
Weather: January is Hokkaido’s coldest month, with heavy snowfall, especially on the Sea of Japan side due to the Siberian High and Aleutian Low bringing cold air. The Pacific side sees more sunny days but remains dry and cold.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: -1.1°C (30.2°F); average low: -7.4°C (18.6°F).
Record Temperatures: Record low: -32.6°C (-26.7°F) in Horokanai (2021); record high: 11.2°C (52.2°F).
Record Snowfall: Up to 1.2 meters in 12 hours (Obihiro, February 2025, indicative of winter extremes).
Record Rainfall: 71.5 mm (average monthly).
Record Wind: Strong winds, with windchill dropping perceived temperatures by up to 10°C.
Clothing: Heavy winter gear is essential—down jackets with hoods, thermal layers, wool sweaters, insulated pants, snow boots with non-slip soles, gloves, scarves, and hats. Moisturizers and lip balm combat dry air.
Best Locations: Sapporo for the Snow Festival (early February, but preparations start in January), Niseko and Rusutsu for world-class skiing.
Locations to Avoid: Remote areas like Shiretoko National Park due to heavy snow and limited accessibility.
Notes: Roads are icy; use snow tires or Japan Rail Pass for safer travel. Light-up displays in Sapporo and Hakodate add festive charm.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: -1.1°C (30.2°F); average low: -7.4°C (18.6°F).
Record Temperatures: Record low: -32.6°C (-26.7°F) in Horokanai (2021); record high: 11.2°C (52.2°F).
Record Snowfall: Up to 1.2 meters in 12 hours (Obihiro, February 2025, indicative of winter extremes).
Record Rainfall: 71.5 mm (average monthly).
Record Wind: Strong winds, with windchill dropping perceived temperatures by up to 10°C.
Clothing: Heavy winter gear is essential—down jackets with hoods, thermal layers, wool sweaters, insulated pants, snow boots with non-slip soles, gloves, scarves, and hats. Moisturizers and lip balm combat dry air.
Best Locations: Sapporo for the Snow Festival (early February, but preparations start in January), Niseko and Rusutsu for world-class skiing.
Locations to Avoid: Remote areas like Shiretoko National Park due to heavy snow and limited accessibility.
Notes: Roads are icy; use snow tires or Japan Rail Pass for safer travel. Light-up displays in Sapporo and Hakodate add festive charm.
February
Weather: Similar to January, February brings heavy snow and cold temperatures, but with more sunny days, especially on the Pacific coast. Ideal for winter sports.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 0.7°C (33.3°F); average low: -6.6°C (20.1°F).
Record Temperatures: Record high: 17.1°C (62.8°F) in Yūbetsu (2024); record low: -30°C (-22°F).
Record Snowfall: Up to 4 meters in high-altitude areas.
Record Rainfall: 104 mm (average monthly).
Record Wind: Gusts intensify windchill, especially in ski areas like Niseko (-25°C at peaks).
Clothing: Down jackets, thermal underwear, tights under pants, snow boots, and winter accessories. Anti-skid bands for shoes are useful on icy paths.
Best Locations: Sapporo for the Snow Festival, Asahikawa for its Winter Festival, Noboribetsu for hot springs.
Locations to Avoid: Inland high-altitude areas with extreme cold and avalanche risks.
Notes: February’s clear skies make it great for snow activities, but road travel remains challenging.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 0.7°C (33.3°F); average low: -6.6°C (20.1°F).
Record Temperatures: Record high: 17.1°C (62.8°F) in Yūbetsu (2024); record low: -30°C (-22°F).
Record Snowfall: Up to 4 meters in high-altitude areas.
Record Rainfall: 104 mm (average monthly).
Record Wind: Gusts intensify windchill, especially in ski areas like Niseko (-25°C at peaks).
Clothing: Down jackets, thermal underwear, tights under pants, snow boots, and winter accessories. Anti-skid bands for shoes are useful on icy paths.
Best Locations: Sapporo for the Snow Festival, Asahikawa for its Winter Festival, Noboribetsu for hot springs.
Locations to Avoid: Inland high-altitude areas with extreme cold and avalanche risks.
Notes: February’s clear skies make it great for snow activities, but road travel remains challenging.
March
Weather: Snow persists, especially in mountains, but melting begins in urban areas. The weather is cold with occasional rain as spring approaches.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 4°C (39.2°F); average low: -3°C (26.6°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 15°C (59°F); lows around -25°C (-13°F).
Record Snowfall: Significant but less than January/February.
Record Rainfall: 64–74 mm.
Record Wind: Moderate, with occasional stormy gusts.
Clothing: Layered clothing (sweaters, fleece jackets, waterproof boots). Rain gear is needed for melting snow and occasional showers.
Best Locations: Kurodake for late-season skiing, Sapporo for urban exploration as snow melts.
Locations to Avoid: Remote northern areas like the Okhotsk region due to lingering snow and cold.
Notes: Snow activities are still viable, but prepare for slushy conditions in cities.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 4°C (39.2°F); average low: -3°C (26.6°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 15°C (59°F); lows around -25°C (-13°F).
Record Snowfall: Significant but less than January/February.
Record Rainfall: 64–74 mm.
Record Wind: Moderate, with occasional stormy gusts.
Clothing: Layered clothing (sweaters, fleece jackets, waterproof boots). Rain gear is needed for melting snow and occasional showers.
Best Locations: Kurodake for late-season skiing, Sapporo for urban exploration as snow melts.
Locations to Avoid: Remote northern areas like the Okhotsk region due to lingering snow and cold.
Notes: Snow activities are still viable, but prepare for slushy conditions in cities.
April
Weather: Snow mostly melts in urban areas, with chilly mornings and evenings. Rainfall increases, and cherry blossoms bloom late in the month.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 11°C (51.8°F); average low: 3°C (37.4°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 20°C (68°F); lows near -10°C (14°F).
Record Snowfall: Rare, but possible in early April (e.g., Sapporo snowfall on April 17, 2023).
Record Rainfall: 64–74 mm.
Record Wind: Moderate, with occasional cold northern winds.
Clothing: Layers (fleece-lined parkas, hoodies, trench coats), waterproof boots, and rain gear.
Best Locations: Matsumae for cherry blossoms, Nijukken Road for sakura-lined paths.
Locations to Avoid: High-altitude ski resorts, as snow quality declines.
Notes: Late April is ideal for cherry blossom viewing, with fewer crowds than mainland Japan.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 11°C (51.8°F); average low: 3°C (37.4°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 20°C (68°F); lows near -10°C (14°F).
Record Snowfall: Rare, but possible in early April (e.g., Sapporo snowfall on April 17, 2023).
Record Rainfall: 64–74 mm.
Record Wind: Moderate, with occasional cold northern winds.
Clothing: Layers (fleece-lined parkas, hoodies, trench coats), waterproof boots, and rain gear.
Best Locations: Matsumae for cherry blossoms, Nijukken Road for sakura-lined paths.
Locations to Avoid: High-altitude ski resorts, as snow quality declines.
Notes: Late April is ideal for cherry blossom viewing, with fewer crowds than mainland Japan.
May
Weather: Spring fully arrives, with mild days, chilly nights, and blooming flowers. Dry and sunny, though rain is possible in western areas like Kushiro.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 17°C (62.6°F); average low: 7°C (44.6°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 25°C (77°F); lows around 0°C (32°F).
Record Snowfall: None in urban areas; minimal in mountains.
Record Rainfall: 56 mm.
Record Wind: Light to moderate.
Clothing: Light jackets, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and breathable shoes. Carry a scarf or nylon jacket for evenings.
Best Locations: Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park, Takinoue for pink moss phlox, Hokkaido University for greenery.
Locations to Avoid: None specifically, though western areas may be wetter.
Notes: Perfect for hiking and enjoying cherry blossoms, especially early May.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 17°C (62.6°F); average low: 7°C (44.6°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 25°C (77°F); lows around 0°C (32°F).
Record Snowfall: None in urban areas; minimal in mountains.
Record Rainfall: 56 mm.
Record Wind: Light to moderate.
Clothing: Light jackets, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and breathable shoes. Carry a scarf or nylon jacket for evenings.
Best Locations: Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park, Takinoue for pink moss phlox, Hokkaido University for greenery.
Locations to Avoid: None specifically, though western areas may be wetter.
Notes: Perfect for hiking and enjoying cherry blossoms, especially early May.
June
Weather: Warm, sunny, and dry, with no rainy season unlike mainland Japan. Evenings can be cool.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 20°C (68°F); average low: 12°C (53.6°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 37.8°C (100°F) in 2014; lows around 5°C (41°F).
Record Snowfall: None.
Record Rainfall: 61.5 mm.
Record Wind: Light, with occasional sea fog on the southeast coast.
Clothing: T-shirts, light pants, summer dresses, and a cardigan or fleece for evenings. Sunscreen and hats for sun protection.
Best Locations: Sapporo for the Yosakoi Soran Festival, Furano for early lavender fields.
Locations to Avoid: Southeast coast (e.g., Kushiro) due to sea fog.
Notes: Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 20°C (68°F); average low: 12°C (53.6°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 37.8°C (100°F) in 2014; lows around 5°C (41°F).
Record Snowfall: None.
Record Rainfall: 61.5 mm.
Record Wind: Light, with occasional sea fog on the southeast coast.
Clothing: T-shirts, light pants, summer dresses, and a cardigan or fleece for evenings. Sunscreen and hats for sun protection.
Best Locations: Sapporo for the Yosakoi Soran Festival, Furano for early lavender fields.
Locations to Avoid: Southeast coast (e.g., Kushiro) due to sea fog.
Notes: Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park.
July
Weather: Warm and pleasant, with long sunny days and cool nights. Minimal humidity.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 27.8°C (82°F); average low: 20.7°C (69.2°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs near 35°C (95°F); lows around 15°C (59°F).
Record Rainfall: 61.5 mm.
Record Wind: Light.
Clothing: Summer wear (T-shirts, shorts, dresses), light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, and hats.
Best Locations: Furano for lavender fields, Otaru for the Tide Festival, Lake Shikotsu for kayaking.
Locations to Avoid: None, as weather is favorable island-wide.
Notes: Peak summer; great for water activities like rafting or paddleboarding.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 27.8°C (82°F); average low: 20.7°C (69.2°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs near 35°C (95°F); lows around 15°C (59°F).
Record Rainfall: 61.5 mm.
Record Wind: Light.
Clothing: Summer wear (T-shirts, shorts, dresses), light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, and hats.
Best Locations: Furano for lavender fields, Otaru for the Tide Festival, Lake Shikotsu for kayaking.
Locations to Avoid: None, as weather is favorable island-wide.
Notes: Peak summer; great for water activities like rafting or paddleboarding.
August
Weather: The warmest month, with sunny days and occasional rain. Sea fog may affect the Pacific coast.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 25°C (78°F); average low: 18°C (65°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 37.8°C (100°F); lows around 12°C (53.6°F).
Record Rainfall: 236 mm.
Record Wind: Moderate, with frontal activity increasing rain.
Clothing: Light clothing, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and a foldable umbrella for sudden showers.
Best Locations: Shiretoko Peninsula for hiking, Abashiri for kayaking, Tomita Farm for lavender.
Locations to Avoid: Kushiro due to frequent fog and rain.
Notes: Perfect for mountain hiking and summer festivals like the Sapporo Beer Festival.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 25°C (78°F); average low: 18°C (65°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 37.8°C (100°F); lows around 12°C (53.6°F).
Record Rainfall: 236 mm.
Record Wind: Moderate, with frontal activity increasing rain.
Clothing: Light clothing, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and a foldable umbrella for sudden showers.
Best Locations: Shiretoko Peninsula for hiking, Abashiri for kayaking, Tomita Farm for lavender.
Locations to Avoid: Kushiro due to frequent fog and rain.
Notes: Perfect for mountain hiking and summer festivals like the Sapporo Beer Festival.
September
Weather: Mild with cooling temperatures and increased rainfall. Fall foliage begins.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 22°C (71.6°F); average low: 14°C (57.2°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 30°C (86°F); lows around 8°C (46.4°F).
Record Rainfall: 171 mm (wettest month).
Record Wind: Moderate, with occasional cyclonic systems.
Clothing: Long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, jeans, and a thick jacket for evenings. Umbrellas or raincoats.
Best Locations: Daisetsuzan National Park for early fall colors, Hokkaido University for ginkgo leaves.
Locations to Avoid: Pacific coast areas like Kushiro due to heavy rain.
Notes: Great for foliage viewing, but prepare for wet weather.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 22°C (71.6°F); average low: 14°C (57.2°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 30°C (86°F); lows around 8°C (46.4°F).
Record Rainfall: 171 mm (wettest month).
Record Wind: Moderate, with occasional cyclonic systems.
Clothing: Long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, jeans, and a thick jacket for evenings. Umbrellas or raincoats.
Best Locations: Daisetsuzan National Park for early fall colors, Hokkaido University for ginkgo leaves.
Locations to Avoid: Pacific coast areas like Kushiro due to heavy rain.
Notes: Great for foliage viewing, but prepare for wet weather.
October
Weather: Cool, with rapid temperature drops and vibrant fall foliage. Rainy, especially early in the month.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 16°C (60.8°F); average low: 8°C (46.4°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 25°C (77°F); lows near 0°C (32°F).
Record Rainfall: 101 mm.
Record Wind: Moderate, with cyclonic activity.
Clothing: Sweaters, fleece hoodies, wool coats, and sturdy shoes. Rain gear essential.
Best Locations: Jozankei for onsen and foliage, Furano for autumn scenery.
Locations to Avoid: Remote eastern areas due to rain and cooling temperatures.
Notes: Peak foliage season; ideal for scenic drives and hot springs.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 16°C (60.8°F); average low: 8°C (46.4°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 25°C (77°F); lows near 0°C (32°F).
Record Rainfall: 101 mm.
Record Wind: Moderate, with cyclonic activity.
Clothing: Sweaters, fleece hoodies, wool coats, and sturdy shoes. Rain gear essential.
Best Locations: Jozankei for onsen and foliage, Furano for autumn scenery.
Locations to Avoid: Remote eastern areas due to rain and cooling temperatures.
Notes: Peak foliage season; ideal for scenic drives and hot springs.
November
Weather: Winter begins with first snowfalls, especially in Sapporo and Asahikawa. Cold and rainy, with icy roads.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 10.3°C (50.5°F); average low: 2.9°C (37.2°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 20°C (68°F); lows near -5°C (23°F).
Record Snowfall: Light initially, increasing late in the month.
Record Rainfall: 126.5 mm.
Record Wind: Strong, with windchill effects.
Clothing: Down jackets, gloves, scarves, warm hats, and snow boots.
Best Locations: Sapporo for White Illumination, Hakodate for light-up displays.
Locations to Avoid: Mountainous areas due to early snow and limited access.
Notes: Prepare for winter conditions; festive lights add charm to cities.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 10.3°C (50.5°F); average low: 2.9°C (37.2°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 20°C (68°F); lows near -5°C (23°F).
Record Snowfall: Light initially, increasing late in the month.
Record Rainfall: 126.5 mm.
Record Wind: Strong, with windchill effects.
Clothing: Down jackets, gloves, scarves, warm hats, and snow boots.
Best Locations: Sapporo for White Illumination, Hakodate for light-up displays.
Locations to Avoid: Mountainous areas due to early snow and limited access.
Notes: Prepare for winter conditions; festive lights add charm to cities.
December
Weather: Full winter with daily snow and freezing temperatures. Roads are icy, and seas may freeze in northern areas.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 2°C (35.6°F); average low: -4°C (25°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 15°C (59°F); lows around -20°C (-4°F).
Record Snowfall: Up to 4 meters in high-altitude areas.
Record Rainfall: 312 mm (snow equivalent).
Record Wind: Strong northwesterly winds from Siberia.
Clothing: Heavy winter coats, thermal layers, snow pants, non-slip boots, and accessories.
Best Locations: Niseko for skiing, Otaru for winter scenery, Noboribetsu for hot springs.
Locations to Avoid: Remote northern areas like the Okhotsk coast due to extreme cold and ice.
Notes: Ideal for winter sports and cozy onsen visits.
Min/Max Temperatures: Average high: 2°C (35.6°F); average low: -4°C (25°F).
Record Temperatures: Highs up to 15°C (59°F); lows around -20°C (-4°F).
Record Snowfall: Up to 4 meters in high-altitude areas.
Record Rainfall: 312 mm (snow equivalent).
Record Wind: Strong northwesterly winds from Siberia.
Clothing: Heavy winter coats, thermal layers, snow pants, non-slip boots, and accessories.
Best Locations: Niseko for skiing, Otaru for winter scenery, Noboribetsu for hot springs.
Locations to Avoid: Remote northern areas like the Okhotsk coast due to extreme cold and ice.
Notes: Ideal for winter sports and cozy onsen visits.
Best Time to Visit
June to August: Perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and festivals (e.g., Yosakoi Soran, Otaru Tide Festival). Mild temperatures (20–27.8°C) and low humidity make it comfortable.
December to March: Ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, with world-class ski resorts in Niseko and Furano, and events like the Sapporo Snow Festival. Heavy snow creates a winter wonderland.
December to March: Ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, with world-class ski resorts in Niseko and Furano, and events like the Sapporo Snow Festival. Heavy snow creates a winter wonderland.
Worst Time to Visit
September: The wettest month (171–370 mm rainfall), with potential for torrential downpours, especially on the Pacific coast.
November: A transitional month with cold, rainy weather and early snow, making travel less predictable and outdoor activities limited.
November: A transitional month with cold, rainy weather and early snow, making travel less predictable and outdoor activities limited.
Summary
Hokkaido’s climate offers diverse experiences, from snowy winters perfect for skiing to mild summers ideal for hiking and festivals. Winter (December–March) demands heavy gear and caution on icy roads, while summer (June–August) allows light clothing and outdoor adventures. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are transitional, with cherry blossoms and foliage, respectively, but require layers for fluctuating temperatures. Key records include a low of -32.6°C (January 2021, Horokanai), a high of 37.8°C (June 2014), and snowfall up to 4 meters in winter. Plan visits based on preferred activities, avoiding remote areas in harsh weather and embracing Hokkaido’s seasonal highlights
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
