Hokkaido Weather Guide: When to Visit by Season & Month

The best time to visit Hokkaido is in July, October, or February. Each of these months shows off a different side of Japan’s northernmost island, famous for its natural hot springs, fields of lavender, and otherworldly volcanic landscapes.

If you’re looking for the year’s finest weather, July is a great option. While other more southerly destinations in Japan descend into uncomfortable heat and humidity, Hokkaido offers pleasant temperatures and drier conditions.

July also sees the spring blooms come to the fore. In the lavender and flower fields around Furano and Biei, the blooms express themselves in bright pinks, indigos, and purples.

Likewise, October is a fun time to go to Hokkaido as the fall colors ramp up. Although cooler than the summer months, fall still offers mild temperatures and relatively dry conditions. Bundle up and tackle outdoor activities around the island, whether hiking or soaking in an onsen.

Undeterred by cold temperatures? Don’t discount visiting Hokkaido in February, either. Although you’ll need to bundle up, February offers plenty of sunny days to take on winter sports like skiing & snowboarding on the slopes of one of the island’s popular ski resorts or having a soak in the hot springs around Noboribetsu.

Itching for more info to plan your trip? Dig deeper with our complete Hokkaido weather guide by season and month!

Weather in Hokkaido: An overview

In my experience, choosing the best time to go to Japan isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Planning your itinerary can be a toss-up between wallowing in the beauty of spring cherry blossoms or fall colors, or getting soaked in a fury of rain and sticky humidity in summer.

(Okay, so maybe it’s not that complicated.)

The weather in Hokkaido throws yet another curveball. After visiting Japan’s northernmost island, I’ve seen firsthand that it isn’t quite like the rest of the country weather-wise.

And this can be a good thing. (Depending on whom you ask.)

In general, I found Hokkaido quite a bit cooler than the rest of Japan. Cold, snowy winters and more temperate summers dominate here. Spring and autumn fall somewhere in between, with relatively cool to mild temperatures as each season moves onward.

Truthfully, I think there’s good reason to travel to Hokkaido in any season, depending on what you want to do.

If you’re prepared to bundle up, I’d say winter is a great time to launch a Hokkaido itinerary. Visiting in winter, travelers can enjoy sports like skiing and snowboarding or events like the Sapporo Ice Festival.

Summer, on the other hand, is perfect for hikers who want to discover unbridled paths in the island’s far reaches. (Which would be my own favorite way to experience the island.)

When visiting in the spring or autumn, we can tackle even simpler pleasures like scoping out cherry blossoms or getting mesmerized by the fall colors. 

Weather by season

Spring

When is spring in Hokkaido?

Spring in Hokkaido is from April until early June.

What to expect in spring

With the long, cold winter slipping away, the warmer temperatures of spring breathe new life into the island. Visiting Hokkaido in spring sees cherry blossoms (sakura) hit their peak. In my experience, they always happen a little later here than in the rest of Japan.

To check out cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, I would suggest visiting in late April or early May.

What to wear in spring

There’s still a bit of a chill in the air in early spring. If you’re visiting Hokkaido in March, I recommend dressing in layers. Bring along a warm hardshell jacket, a toque (beanie), and gloves to stay warm.

As Hokkaido starts to warm up from late April onward, you can be a little more liberal with your clothing and outerwear choices. I would still recommend packing warm sweaters and a fleece jacket or softshell jacket to stay warm at night and on cooler days.

Summer

When is summer in Hokkaido?

Summer in Hokkaido is from mid-June until August.

What to expect in summer

Coming into summer, the island still experiences a smattering of cooler, rainy days left over from spring. It doesn’t take long, though, for the cool temperatures to give way to warmer, sunnier times.

I’m not surprised at how popular Hokkaido is in summer among Japanese holidaymakers. I normally dread traveling around Japan in the summer months. (I mean really dread it.) Summer in Hokkaido, however, offers a brilliant respite from the intense heat and humidity I’ve experienced while traveling around Honshu, Kyushu, or Shikoku.

Although the cherry blossoms are long gone by summer, foliage replenishes the barren trees to create beautiful scenery throughout the island. Flowers start to bloom in Hokkaido in early summer, hitting their peak in August.

What to wear in summer

With average temperatures finally in the teens, most days will bring opportunities to carry on with minimal layering. I recommend keeping a lightweight rain jacket and travel umbrella handy for the inevitable rain.

After visiting Hokkaido in summer, I’ve noticed that temperatures at night can still drop. I think it’s a good idea to pack a warm hoodie or fleece jacket in your daypack.

Autumn

When is autumn in Hokkaido?

Autumn in Hokkaido is from September to November.

What to expect in autumn

With intense colors bursting throughout the island, I think fall is one of the best times to visit Hokkaido. Temperatures are still pleasant throughout September and October. The truly chilly days don’t hit the island until late autumn in November.

The cavalcade of colors in October can attract many visitors to Hokkaido from Japan and abroad. During the peak of the fall foliage season, I recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

What to wear in autumn

Mild temperatures throughout most of the fall mean that dressing in layers with a good jacket should be fine. November sees slightly cooler temperatures in the single digits. I’d suggest something a tad heavier to stay comfortable.

Although the fall months are generally dry by Japanese standards, southern Hokkaido sees some remnants of typhoon season in September. I recommend bringing along a sturdy rain jacket.

(Actually, I’d say that’s a good idea all year round in Japan!)

Winter

When is winter in Hokkaido?

Winter in Hokkaido is from December to March.

What to expect in winter

With the island’s northern location, winter in Hokkaido is cold and chilly. Despite what you’ll hear, though, it’s probably not as unbearable as it’s made out to be.

In fact, I think winter is a wonderful time of year to visit Hokkaido to experience its world-class ski resorts and stunning winter scenery. Just don’t plan on getting much off the beaten path. While researching a winter trip here, I discovered that many of the island’s more remote locations, like Shiretoko National Park, become inaccessible to visitors in winter.

What to wear in winter

The sub-zero temperatures throughout Hokkaido in winter mean that you’ll need to bundle up to stay comfortable. Even if you’re not planning to spend time at the ski resorts, I’d suggest wearing a hardshell jacket with a warm mid-layer to stay toasty. It’s also a good idea to pack a warm winter hat (toque), gloves, and a pair of winter boots.

Weather By Month

January

January is the first complete winter month in Hokkaido, and it’s a chilly time to travel around the island. By now, average temperatures are firmly in the minuses (below 32°F), and snowfall hits its peak during the month.

The increased snowfall makes road travel around the island more difficult and less safe. In my opinion, January is a good month to use your Japan Rail Pass to avoid delays.

If you’re into winter sports, January is a fantastic month to travel to Hokkaido. By January, Hokkaido’s top ski resorts, including Niseko, Sahoro, and Rusutsu, really hit their stride. (If I ever get back into skiing, these will be on my bucket list, no doubt!)

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	-1°C / 30°F	-7°C / 19°F	-4°C / 25°F	110 mm
Asahikawa	-4°C / 25°F	-12°C / 10°F	-8°C / 18°F	70 mm
Hakodate	0°C / 32°F	-7°C / 19°F	-3°C / 26°F	71 mm
Kushiro	-1°C / 30°F	-12°C / 10°F	-6°C / 21°F	43 mm

February

There’s little difference in the weather in Hokkaido between January and February. Like the previous month, February is marked by heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. However, February can be a relatively pleasant month for travelers, with plenty of sunny days and clear skies.

Hokkaido’s ski resorts see their peak during the sunny days of February. Since this is an insanely popular time of year in Hokkaido, I recommend booking several months ahead if you’re planning to hit up the top winter resort towns.

February is also a fantastic time to visit Hokkaido’s hot springs (onsen) towns such as Noboribetsu or Jozankei and to enjoy the famous Sapporo Snow & Ice Festival.

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	-1°C / 30°F	-7°C / 19°F	-4°C / 25°F	100 mm
Asahikawa	-3°C / 27°F	-12°C / 10°F	-8°C / 18°F	60 mm
Hakodate	1°C / 33°F	-7°C / 19°F	-3°C / 27°F	59 mm
Kushiro	-1°C / 30°F	-12°C / 10°F	-6°C / 21°F	39 mm

March

March marks the transition between winter and spring, and it can be a bit of a mixed bag for weather. Remnants of winter remain with snow and sub-zero temperatures still on the docket. Things improve, though, towards the end of the month when temperatures ascend into the teens and mild sunny days emerge.

Skiing in Hokkaido is still kickin’ in the cool beginning days of March. Ski resorts like Niseko or Rusutsu are quieter than in February, although I’ve heard from skiiers who’ve tackled the slopes here that ski conditions can be hit or miss as the warmer, wet days of spring approach.

With spring yet to fully kick into gear, March doesn’t showcase the island at its best, in my opinion. Trees have yet to sprout their plumes, so the scenery can feel a tad underwhelming compared to late spring, summer, or fall. (Which, in my experience, seem to be far better seasons to visit the island.)

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	3°C / 37°F	-3°C / 27°F	0°C / 32°F	90 mm
Asahikawa	2°C / 36°F	-7°C / 19°F	-3°C / 27°F	60 mm
Hakodate	5°C / 40°F	-3°C / 26°F	1°C / 33°F	62 mm
Kushiro	2°C / 36°F	-6°C / 21°F	-2°C / 29°F	62 mm

April

April shows the first true signs of spring in Hokkaido as temperatures climb and quickly melt the winter’s worth of snow. Days get continually warmer throughout the month, while nights still remain somewhat chilly.

By the end of the month, spring flowers start to make their first appearance in Hokkaido. The cherry blossoms that are in full swing elsewhere in Japan don’t even start winking in Hokkaido until near the end of April, if not the beginning of May.

With the ski resorts shut down for another year, April is a good time to batten down in the cities of Hokkaido. My own recommendation would be to spend some time hunting down the island’s numerous ramen varieties in Sapporo and Asahikawa. It’d make for a great side trip!

The slow winter-to-spring transition leaves many of Hokkaido’s mountain activities off-limits.

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	11°C / 52°F	3°C / 37°F	7°C / 45°F	70 mm
Asahikawa	11°C / 52°F	1°C / 34°F	6°C / 43°F	60 mm
Hakodate	11°C / 52°F	2°C / 36°F	7°C / 44°F	77 mm
Kushiro	8°C / 46°F	0°C / 32°F	3°C / 38°F	84 mm

May

Coming into May, spring is finally in swing in Hokkaido. Temperatures pick up slack as averages inch into the teens throughout most of the island.

Like in other places I’ve traveled in Japan during this time, the weather in May, however, is hit-or-miss, with warm sunny days getting interspersed with cold rainy ones. Japanese spring flowers really start to show their colors in Hokkaido in May, even if they’re still in their infancy compared to the warmer days of summer.

By the end of the month, trees throughout the island become fully engulfed in foliage, returning much-needed color to the island’s scenery. And let’s not forget the cherry blossoms that start sprouting, moving south to north as the month ticks on.

The mixed bag of spring weather makes southern Hokkaido the best place to visit on the island in May. Cities like Sapporo and Otaru are wonderful to visit during this month, too, as they continue to wake from their winter/early spring slumber.

The cherry blossoms at Goryokaku Park in Hakodate and Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo both peak in May. From what I’ve heard from locals and fellow travelers, they’re simply stunning!

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	17°C / 63°F	8°C / 46°F	13°C / 55°F	60 mm
Asahikawa	18°C / 64°F	6°C / 43°F	12°C / 54°F	60 mm
Hakodate	16°C / 62°F	11°C / 53°F	12°C / 53°F	72 mm
Kushiro	12°C / 54°F	4°C / 40°F	8°C / 46°F	103 mm

June

As the summer rolls in, the full spring bloom is finally in effect in the warmer days of June. Average temperatures in June are usually in the high teens, and rainfall tails off towards the end of the month. Visiting Hokkaido in June, evenings can still get chilly with northerly winds swooshing in to drop the mercury.

The warmer temperatures and drier conditions make traveling throughout much of Hokkaido in June quite pleasant. By June, offbeat spots like Shiretoko National Park start to open up after a long off-season.

The flower blooms in places like Furano and Biei start in June. They don’t quite hit their peak until July, however.

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	22°C / 72°F	13°C / 55°F	18°C / 64°F	60 mm
Asahikawa	23°C / 73°F	12°C / 54°F	18°C / 64°F	80 mm
Hakodate	20°C / 67°F	11°C / 53°F	15°C / 60°F	82 mm
Kushiro	15°C / 59°F	8°C / 47°F	11°C / 53°F	122 mm

July

Better arriving late than never, July brings consistently warm and pleasant days to Hokkaido. Average temperatures inch into the twenties (68°F) throughout the popular central parts of the island. Even nighttime temperatures stick in the teens (above 50°F).

Towards the end of the month, rainfall starts to ramp up with the increased humidity. In my experience, though, it’s nothing compared to what you’ll find in southern Japan at this time of year. (Which is, frankly, not usually overly pleasant.)

Most of Hokkaido is near its best weather-wise in July, especially in the first part of the month. Just about anywhere I’ve visited in July around Hokkaido has been enjoyable. (Maybe I got lucky, though.)

One of my favorite activities to do in Hokkaido in July is to check out the lavender fields of Furano and Biei at their peak color. Hiking in Hokkaido is also superb in July. I would just warn you that you should expect to share the privilege with a ton of locals and other tourists.

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	25°C / 77°F	17°C / 63°F	21°C / 70°F	60 mm
Asahikawa	26°C / 79°F	16°C / 61°F	21°C / 70°F	80 mm
Hakodate	23°C / 74°F	16°C / 61°F	19°C / 67°F	114 mm
Kushiro	19°C / 66°F	13°C / 55°F	15°C / 60°F	110 mm

August

The true summer weather in Hokkaido hits its apex in the dog days of August. As I’ve come to expect from my Japanese summer travels, conditions are hot and humid—although far more pleasant than on Honshu, Shikoku, or Kyushu—with plenty of rain to boot. Average daytime temperatures swell into the twenties, while nighttime averages feel far milder.

On my last summer trip to East Asia, I wasn’t surprised to see the crowds peak in August as tourists rush to Hokkaido to escape the sticky discomfort of southern Japan. Like July, central Hokkaido is at its most brilliant in August, with flower gardens like Shikisai-no-Oka in Biei showing off their wonderful colors.

August is also the ideal time of year to visit Shiretoko National Park in the remote northeast of the island.

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	26°C / 79°F	18°C / 64°F	22°C / 72°F	140 mm
Asahikawa	27°C / 81°F	17°C / 63°F	22°C / 72°F	140 mm
Hakodate	26°C / 78°F	18°C / 65°F	22°C / 71°F	158 mm
Kushiro	21°C / 70°F	15°C / 59°F	18°C / 64°F	118 mm

September

As September rolls into Hokkaido, the short summer slowly starts to come to a close. In the northern part of the island, the trees are already starting to transition from their greens to their vivid fall colors.

Southern Hokkaido still sees a torrent of rainfall at the beginning of September, thanks to the typhoons that hover over the three other main Japanese islands. Although daytime highs are still warm and pleasant, temperatures markedly drop from dusk until dawn.

As the cooler autumn temperatures set in, I don’t think there’s any better place to enjoy Hokkaido to its fullest than at a hot springs resort. Try out Daisetsuzan National Park or Noboribetsu to get the full Japanese onsen experience.

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	22°C / 72°F	13°C / 55°F	18°C / 64°F	110 mm
Asahikawa	21°C / 70°F	11°C / 52°F	16°C / 61°F	130 mm
Hakodate	22°C / 72°F	13°C / 56°F	18°C / 64°F	176 mm
Kushiro	19°C / 66°F	11°C / 52°F	15°C / 59°F	136 mm

October

October marks the true peak of autumn in Hokkaido, in appearance and feel. Throughout the island, the trees flash their fall colors, painting Hokkaido’s finest scenery in explosive red, yellow, and orange hues.

Temperatures are still relatively mild in October, especially at the beginning of the month, with average temperatures sitting in the teens (above 50°F). Nights cool down quite a bit, although it’s hardly as chilly as the lows of November or the winter months ahead.

October offers the peak in fall scenery and decent weather, meaning that most of Hokkaido is at your fingertips. I believe this month is a great time to visit its cities and enjoy the great outdoors, whether hiking in Noboribetsu or zipping up Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo.

Just remember: October is one of the busiest tourist months in Hokkaido. I recommend booking your flights and accommodations well ahead of time.

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	16°C / 61°F	7°C / 45°F	12°C / 54°F	110 mm
Asahikawa	14°C / 57°F	5°C / 41°F	10°C / 50°F	120 mm
Hakodate	16°C / 61°F	6°C / 43°F	11°C / 52°F	100 mm
Kushiro	15°C / 58°F	5°C / 40°F	10°C / 50°F	109 mm

November

Tracking into November, the autumn is already slowly slipping away. By now, the fall leaves have already hit their peak colors and are slowly falling away from the trees.

Average temperatures and highs throughout the island begin to dip into the single digits (below 50°F). Toward the middle and end of the month, northern Hokkaido and the highlands will start to see trickles of snowfall.

The cooler temperatures outside make outdoor activities in Hokkaido slightly less appealing in November than in October. For something a little different, spend time in Hakodate sampling fresh sushi or in Otaru tasting sake. From what I’ve heard from locals and other travelers, both of these Japanese delicacies find their peak in November here.

If you’re caught dreaming of Europe while in Japan, the Sapporo Munich Christmas Market, starting at the end of November, should put you into an early festive spirit.

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	8°C / 46°F	2°C / 36°F	5°C / 41°F	90 mm
Asahikawa	5°C / 41°F	-1°C / 30°F	2°C / 36°F	120 mm
Hakodate	9°C / 49°F	1°C / 33°F	5°C / 41°F	104 mm
Kushiro	8°C / 47°F	-2°C / 29°F	4°C / 39°F	73 mm

December

The winter runs full steam ahead in Hokkaido in December. The average temperatures throughout Hokkaido continue to slip, already dropping into the sub-zero range.

Both days and nights are chilly in December, so bundle up! By the middle and the end of the month, snowfall will start to pick up, blanketing the entire island. As long as the colder weather doesn’t scare you off, the scenery can look quite magical.

One of the best ways to deal with Hokkaido’s cold winter temperatures is to embrace them. Warm up in the hot springs of Noboribetsu or be one of the first people on the pistes at one of Hokkaido’s top ski resorts.

(For the best conditions, however, I would recommend waiting until January.)

City	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Temp	Avg. Precip.
Sapporo	2°C / 36°F	-4ºC / 25°F	-1°C / 30°F	100 mm
Asahikawa	-1°C / 30°F	-7ºC / 19°F	-4°C / 25°F	90 mm
Hakodate	3°C / 38°F	-4ºC / 24°F	0°C / 31°F	81 mm
Kushiro	3°C / 37°F	-7ºC / 19°F	-2°C / 28°F	45 mm

Final recommendations

The best months to visit Hokkaido are July, October, or February.

Why visit in July?

If I could only choose one month to visit Hokkaido, July would be it. Thanks to its far north location, Hokkaido’s weather lags behind the rest of Japan.

This serves the island perfectly in July. While cities like Kyoto and Tokyo are already seeing their worst summer weather brewing, Hokkaido is just getting a first peek at its warmest days.

And the warm and relatively dry weather in Hokkaido isn’t the only reason I love to travel here in July.

Visiting Hokkaido in July unfolds one of Japan’s most unique scenes. Near the towns of Furano and Biei, we can experience the height of the lavender bloom, which paints the beautiful Hokkaidan countryside in brilliant indigos and violets.

Of course, with all its beauty, July is one of the busiest times to visit Hokkaido. In my experiences traveling here in the summer, I would recommend planning your accommodations well ahead to avoid disappointment.

Why visit in October?

Like July, visiting Hokkaido in October is all about the scenery. The autumn season starts early in Hokkaido, with the gorgeous fall colors hitting their full stride in the mild days of October.

October is a great month to enjoy the outdoors in Hokkaido. Days are neither uncomfortably hot nor cold nor wet.

The only caveat is that, like July, October is extremely popular. In my experience, securing rooms around the island in October can be challenging without timely pre-planning.

Why visit in February?

For anyone who isn’t scared of a little chilliness, February is among the best times to go to Hokkaido. The winter sports season is at its peak in February with the top ski resorts in Hokkaido, such as Niseko and Rusutsu, competing for your attention (and your adrenaline).

February isn’t just about skiing, either. The island’s hot spring towns (onsen) are lovely at this time of year, with Noboribetsu and Jozankei among the top picks.

Other popular events, such as the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival and Sapporo Snow & Ice Festival, give February an even bigger boost as a top choice for when to visit Hokkaido.