A Guide On Hokkaido's Weather & Climate

January

It is the coldest month in Hokkaido. No matter where you are in this vast prefecture, you'll feel really cold. Average temperatures lie around -4°C (25°F). When it’s cold, it gets as low as -6°C (21°F), and it’s around -1°C (30°F) even when it’s not so cold.

The roads in Hokkaido during the winter are often frozen, so it will be safer to attach anti-skid bands or tape to your shoes. During winter, anti-skid goods are widely available in various stores, so it is recommended to take a look at your nearest store.

February

Like the previous month, the brutal cold continues through February. Average temperatures lie around -2°C (28°F). The lowest temperature is around -6°C (21°F), while the highest is around 0°C (32°F), making it difficult to sightsee without some solid winter gear. The snow's still there, and many roads that people walk on (like crossroads) will be frozen, so you need to be careful when moving from place to place.

Down jackets will come in handy, as they are light, but will keep you warm. The ones with a hood will be especially useful when it is snowing. Also, wearing tights or leggings under your pants is a good way to ease the cold. Even during the cold season, various outdoor events - such as the Sapporo Snow Festival, where you can see a lot of ice sculptures - are held in Hokkaido. If you are well-prepared, you can have a lot of fun!

March

It will gradually get warmer in March, but you will still need a heater. Make sure you are putting on hats and gloves to keep yourself warm! Tights and leggings are still highly recommended. From late March, rainy days will increase. Average temperatures lie at around 2°C (35°F), with the lowest temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and the highest ones around 6°C (42°F).

Every March, a ski event called Vasaloppet Japan is held in Asahikawa. It is a casual cross-country ski competition that anyone can participate in. There is no better way to enjoy Hokkaido!

April

The cold gets much better in April, but cold days still continue in the eastern part of Hokkaido. Average temperatures lie around 8°C (46°F). The lowest temperature is 4°C (39°F), and the highest temperature is 12°C (53°F). From mid-April, the snow starts to melt away, so you can finally walk in sneakers or regular leather shoes.

Sakura (cherry blossoms) in Hokkaido bloom from mid to late April - which is later than the mainland - and come to full bloom in early May. At Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, 1,600 sakura trees light up at night to create an outstanding view. The view of the park from a nearby tower, Goryokaku Tower, is also worth seeing!

May

In May, you will finally feel the warmth of spring. The average temperature is around 15°C (59°F). The lowest temperature is around 10°C (50°F), which is still a bit chilly, but the highest temperature is around 20°C (68°F). It is best to go sightseeing or have a walk when it’s warm. It is still wise to take a coat with you, as it gets pretty cold at night.

The Sapporo Lilac Festival will take place during May. At the main site, Odori Park in Sapporo, you can see around 400 lilac trees, as well as enjoy an outdoor music festival.

June

Although the mainland experiences its rainy season during June, Hokkaido doesn't have a rainy season. It does rain at times, but not much. When it’s clear, it is a perfect day to go out and do some sightseeing. Average temperatures lie around 16°C (60°F). The lowest temperature is 13°C (55°F), and the highest temperature is 20°C (68°F). It is still cool in the morning and at night, so it is recommended to bring long sleeve shirts with you.

The Yosakoi Soran Festival - one of the main summer festivals in Sapporo - will happen this month. It is an energetic festival that gets around 2 million visitors. Some impressive dances will be performed by around 30,000 dancers, all dressed in colorful outfits, at various sites throughout Sapporo City.

July

Hokkaido is mainly perceived as a snow country, but it does actually have summer weather during July. You can get by perfectly fine in just a t-shirt, as most of the time, a lot of sunlight can be expected during the day. Average temperatures lie around 21°C (69°F). The lowest temperature is 18°C (64°F), and the highest temperature is 25°C (77°F). It gets pretty hot during the day, but gets cold from the evening, so a cardigan or jacket will come in handy.

The Hakodate Open-Air Play will be held in Hakodate this month. It is an event where Hakodate locals will perform plays based on local history, including the culture of the Ainu (indigenous people of Hokkaido) and the Hakodate War. All these plays are created by the citizens themselves, and they're performed in a vast theatre (100 m x 80 m) set at Goryokaku Park. What makes the festival even greater is the fact that the sound and lighting are both done by professionals. It is a show that has been loved by locals for many years!

August

August marks the start of Hokkaido's "real" summer. Average temperatures lie around 24°C (75°F). The lowest temperature is 20°C (68°F), and the highest it gets is around 28°C (82°F). You can visit beaches during this season. Unlike the weather at other parts of Japan, it is pretty dry even when it is hot. It is really nice and cool in the shade, but it still gets cold at night.

The Kushiro Port Festival takes place this month. It is the biggest festival in Kushiro, and a lot of people visit every year just to see the people carry the fishing boat-shaped festival float, along with dances and parades performed by the locals.

September

It starts to feel pretty cool from mid-September. Average temperatures lie at around 19°C (66°F). It is around 16°C (60°F) when it’s cold, and around 23°C (73°F) when it’s hot. You may not be comfortable in just a t-shirt anymore. It will be better to take a long sleeve shirt or windbreaker with you when you go outside.

The Sapporo Autumn Fest is an event held in Sapporo, where you can have a lot of good dishes that are unique to Hokkaido. You can try all the things Hokkaido has to offer, such as agricultural and marine products, local delicacies, and seasonal dishes.

October

This month marks the end of Hokkaido's short summer. Starting from October, it gets colder and colder. Average temperatures lie around 11°C (51°F). The lowest temperature is 7°C (44°F), and only 15°C (59°F) at the highest. You will need a jacket or coat when you are going outside. You may even need scarves and gloves!

At the Lake Toya Tsukiura Wine & Gourmet Festival held in Toyako-cho, Tsukiura, you can enjoy the town's specialty product, Tsukiura Wine. You can also try great dishes cooked with local ingredients, as well as charcoal-grilled local wagyu (Japanese beef).

November

November means that it is already winter in Hokkaido. This is the time of year when Sapporo and Asahikawa usually get their first snow. The average temperature is around 2°C (35°F). It gets as cold as -1°C (30°F) at the lowest temperature, and only 6°C (42°F) even at the highest temperature. You will need some proper winter clothes. It is recommended that you put on a down jacket, gloves, warm hat, and scarf.

The Sapporo White Illumination that lights up Sapporo starts this month and ends in February or March, depending on the year. Landmarks in the city - such as Odori Park, Minami-ichijo Street, and other streets around Sapporo Station - will be beautifully lit up. You will be surprised when you see the size and scale of the illuminations!

December

In December, it is below 0°C (32°F) even during the day, and the average temperature is -1°C (30°F). The lowest temperature is around -4°C (24°F), while the highest temperature is around 2°C (35°F). It will snow daily, and the roads will be frozen. To fully enjoy the winter view, you are highly advised to attach some anti-slip products, such as belts and sheets, in order to avoid falling and hurting yourself.

The Hakodate Illumination will start this month at the Motomachi district of Hakodate. The base of Mt. Hakodate, Hachiman-zaka Slope and Nijukken-zaka Slope, will be lit up, so you can expect to see some magical views there!

Hokkaido is a snowy land with a long and heavy snow season. You will need to be extra careful with your clothes during winter. In contrast, the island has a short yet comfortable summer, making it a great time for sightseeing. Use this article as a guide to help decide on which month to head up to Hokkaido!