Supervisor of this article
Hiroyuki Kitahara
Weather forecaster for the Japan Weather Association. After researching drift ice in the marine field, he appeared as a weather forecaster on television programs in Sapporo for 16 years. He is currently the head of the weather forecast media "tenki.jp". He is such an aviation enthusiast that he trained to fly airplanes when he was young and even completed a solo flight. His top recommendation in Hokkaido is the view of the Okhotsk drift ice fields dyed in the sunset from Utoro in Shiretoko.
Clothing index for Hokkaido region is here (on the Japan Weather Association website)
Annual temperatures in Hokkaido
Compared to Honshu and other areas, Hokkaido has low temperatures throughout the year. Let's take a look at the average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures in Sapporo, a representative location.
Table: Average annual temperatures in Sapporo
| Month | Maximum Temperature | Minimum Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1.1℃ | -4.9℃ |
| February | 1.5℃ | -5.1℃ |
| March | 4.2℃ | -2.7℃ |
| April | 15.7℃ | 6.5℃ |
| May | 19.1℃ | 9.8℃ |
| June | 23.9℃ | 15.1℃ |
| July | 28.0℃ | 20.1℃ |
| August | 28.4℃ | 21.7℃ |
| September | 24.5℃ | 15.7℃ |
| October | 18.3℃ | 9.0℃ |
| November | 9.6℃ | 2.0℃ |
| December | 0.7℃ | -4.6℃ |
Between December and February, the cold season continues for a long time, with the average monthly maximum temperature being around 1°C and the average minimum temperature being around -5°C. The average maximum temperature in July and August does not reach 30°C, so it is clear that the temperature is comfortable even in the summer. The minimum temperature in June and September is in the 15°C range, with a daily temperature difference of nearly 10°C, making this a region with a large temperature difference. If you visit Hokkaido with the seasonal feeling of Honshu, you may find it cold in just a short sleeve shirt. It is important to check the temperature before traveling and choose clothes appropriate for the season.
Temperatures vary from area to area
Hokkaido is a vast area, so the climate and temperature vary from area to area. Below is a list of the average annual temperatures in areas with airports. Even just looking at the temperature, you can see that there are significant differences between areas.
Table: Average monthly temperatures for each location in Hokkaido
| point | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | -1.8℃ | -1.9℃ | 0.8℃ | 10.4℃ | 14.2℃ | 19.0℃ | 23.3℃ | 24.6℃ | 19.9℃ | 13.8℃ | 6.0℃ | 1.9℃ |
| Asahikawa | -5.8℃ | -5.5℃ | 1.9℃ | 8.8℃ | 13.2℃ | 18.3℃ | 22.9℃ | 23.8℃ | 17.4℃ | 11.0℃ | 3.2℃ | -5.5℃ |
| Hakodate | -0.2℃ | -0.4℃ | 1.8℃ | 10.4℃ | 14.0℃ | 18.4℃ | 22.8℃ | 24.7℃ | 20.5℃ | 14.5℃ | 6.4℃ | -1.3℃ |
| Obihiro | -5.5℃ | -4.8℃ | -0.9℃ | 9.7℃ | 13.2℃ | 17.3℃ | 22.9℃ | 22.7℃ | 18.7℃ | 12.2℃ | 4.2℃ | -3.3℃ |
| Abashiri | -4.3℃ | -5.4℃ | -1.6℃ | 7.8℃ | 10.3℃ | 15.4℃ | 20.4℃ | 21.5℃ | 17.8℃ | 12.4℃ | 4.5℃ | -3.3℃ |
| Kushiro | -3.6℃ | -3.9℃ | -0.6℃ | 7.2℃ | 9.9℃ | 14.3℃ | 19.9℃ | 21.2℃ | 17.7℃ | 13.4℃ | 5.6℃ | -2.9℃ |
| Wakkanai | -3.5℃ | -4.0℃ | -0.2℃ | 7.2℃ | 9.3℃ | 14.1℃ | 19.3℃ | 19.6℃ | 18.4℃ | 13.2℃ | 4.7℃ | -3.2℃ |
While Sapporo is relatively warm in Hokkaido both in summer and winter, Asahikawa, located in the northern central part of the prefecture, receives a lot of snow in winter and has an average temperature of -5.8℃ in January, with particularly cold mornings and evenings. On the other hand, Kushiro, a popular summer resort, is particularly cool, with an average temperature of 21.2℃ even in August.
Taking these points into consideration, we will now explain what to wear depending on the season.
Illustrated guide! Recommended clothing for Hokkaido trips according to season
| season | Month |
|---|---|
| spring | April to May |
| summer | June to August |
| autumn | September to October |
| winter | November to March |
According to weather forecaster Kitahara, if Hokkaido were to be divided into four seasons, they would look like the table above. Winter is long, while spring and autumn are short.
From here on, we will introduce recommended clothing for each season with illustrations. In addition, we will also share advice on clothing and tourist spots from JAL staff in various parts of Hokkaido.
Spring: April to May
April
In Honshu, April means "spring in full bloom." The cherry blossom season arrives and it's getting warmer, but the maximum temperature in Hokkaido is often below 10°C even in early April. For this reason, it's best to wear a thick coat rather than a light one, which is more appropriate for spring. April is also the time when the snow melts. Puddles of ice water form everywhere, so water-repellent shoes are a must.
Comments from JAL staff
・Hakodate is warmer than other areas, so the cherry blossoms have started to bloom earlier in recent years, around mid-April. The cherry blossoms at Goryokaku Park, as seen from Goryokaku Tower, are magnificent! (Hakodate Branch)
May
As May approaches, the weather starts to become more spring-like, but in late May when the lilac flowers bloom, the weather suddenly becomes cold, a phenomenon known as "lilac chill." A light coat or jacket is fine for outerwear, but it's best to bring a cardigan or hoodie to help regulate your temperature.
Comments from JAL staff
・It's still cold in Hokkaido during Golden Week. For those living in Honshu, it feels like the cold weather of March. (Hokkaido Branch)
・In Asahikawa, the remaining snow melts in May. In April and May, it doesn't feel like spring has arrived yet. It's chilly, so a windbreaker is useful. (Asahikawa Branch)
・Thin shawls and other wraps are easy to adjust and are a must-have item. (Obihiro Branch)
Summer: June to August
June
During the daytime on sunny days, you can get by in short sleeves, but mornings and evenings can be around 15°C, so the temperature difference between day and night can be large. It's best to wear a jacket to adjust.
Comments from JAL staff
・June is said to be the month when UV rays are strongest in the year, so don't forget to take precautions against sunburn! It's useful to have a scarf or stole to cover your skin or wrap around your neck when it's chilly. (Hokkaido Branch)
July
You can wear short sleeves during the day, but the temperature can drop below 20°C at night. As in June, it's a good idea to bring a cardigan or a light sweatshirt.
Comments from JAL staff
・Hokkaido is said to have no rainy season, but there are rainy days. A recommended spot during this time is Mount Hakodate. Many tourists take the ropeway, but it is also possible to hike to the top during the summer daytime. Why not try a different approach by wearing comfortable clothing and sneakers? (Hakodate branch)
August
This is the perfect season to enjoy nature, which is the best part of traveling to Hokkaido. The sun will be stronger, so don't forget to take precautions against UV rays, such as wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Comments from JAL staff
・Asahikawa and Furano are geographically basins like Kyoto and Kofu, so even though they are in Hokkaido, the daytime high temperatures can exceed 35°C. It is important to drink fluids frequently, so a bag large enough to carry a plastic bottle is convenient. (Asahikawa Branch)
・The Tokachi region is so hot that temperatures often exceed 35°C. The sun is also strong, so it's a good idea to bring sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The temperature drops sharply after the sun goes down. (Obihiro Branch)
Autumn: September to October
September
While the midsummer days continue in Honshu, the temperature drops significantly in Hokkaido in September. If you are heading to the mountains or lakes, it is a good idea to bring a long-sleeved T-shirt and a jacket.
Comments from JAL staff
・September is autumn. It's chilly in just a short-sleeved T-shirt, so you'll need something to put on over your clothes. (Hokkaido Branch)
October
Autumn in Hokkaido is short. Even though it is autumn, the average temperature in Sapporo in October is 13.8°C, which is as cold as the beginning of winter, so be sure to choose clothes that can protect you from the cold. Even if it is warm during the day, it gets cold in the mornings and evenings, so it is essential to wear clothes that can be layered. Bring warm wool outerwear.
Comments from JAL staff
・In October, the short arrival of autumn can be felt, but you can still cycle. We recommend renting a bicycle and going around the Tokachi cycle route "Tokapuchi 400", enjoying the hot springs and saunas along the way. It is convenient to bring a light jacket or other outerwear. (Obihiro branch)
・In October, the ski resorts around Sapporo turn red with autumn leaves! We recommend taking a gondola ride to see the autumn leaves from a high vantage point. (Hokkaido Branch)
Winter: November to March
November
The temperature drops suddenly in November. The first snow is observed in early November, and it's time to bring out the stove. It's a good idea to bring accessories such as hats, scarves, and gloves to protect yourself from the cold, and to have non-slip shoes in preparation for the snow. A thick coat or down jacket is recommended as an outer layer.
Comments from JAL staff
・Snow starts falling in Sapporo from mid-November, so you'll need a coat like you would in mid-winter. (Hokkaido Branch)
December
December is a month when snowy days continue and temperatures below freezing become the norm. A hooded outer layer made of cold-weather material is a must, so you're prepared for snowfall at any time. Of course, you should also choose an inner layer that provides good protection from the cold.
Comments from JAL staff
・Compared to other areas in Hokkaido, Hakodate has higher temperatures and less snow, but it still gets cold and the roads can become icy. Snow boots, a down coat with a hood, and gloves are essential cold weather measures. Protecting your head with a hat or hood will help to alleviate the cold a little. (Hakodate Branch)
・Northern Hokkaido is an area with particularly harsh cold and heavy snowfall. A down jacket with a hood will protect your head from the snow and protect your ears. Gloves and snow boots are a must. (Asahikawa Branch)
January
The average temperature in Hokkaido in January is more than 10 degrees Celsius lower than in Honshu. Wearing warm leggings under your long pants and long, thick socks will keep out the wind and keep you warm. There is always snow on the ground, so don't forget to bring shoes suitable for walking on snowy roads.
Comments from JAL staff
・The roads are frozen, so you need winter shoes. There are normal shoes with anti-slip pads, but they can get stuck in the snow, so you'll probably get wet in normal shoes. You'll hardly ever see locals wearing normal shoes.
Also, please be careful as the crosswalks (white lines) are slippery. On slippery surfaces, walking with your legs slightly inward is less likely to cause slipping. (Hokkaido Branch Office)
February
Hokkaido has bitterly cold winters, but once you go indoors the heating is on and you'll be nice and warm. There is a big difference in temperature between indoors and outdoors, so be sure to choose clothes that you can easily take off and put on.
Comments from JAL staff
・Sapporo has a lot of underground walkways and it's warm inside. Even when it snows, people don't often use umbrellas, so it's a good idea to wear a hooded jacket when walking outside! (Hokkaido Branch)
March
Although temperatures will rise slightly, it will still be cold in March. Just like in December through February, be sure to take proper cold weather precautions when heading out.
Comments from JAL staff
・In Kushiro, red-crowned cranes gather at feeding areas from January to early March. During this time, it is useful to bring warm clothing and a heating pad. (Kushiro Branch)
Enjoy a comfortable trip to Hokkaido by wearing appropriate clothing for the season
To fully enjoy Hokkaido, a popular tourist destination, it's important to be well prepared. Make sure you understand the year-round weather and temperatures and choose the right clothes for the season.
"tenki.jp", a weather forecast specialist website operated by the Japan Weather Association, allows you to check the weather forecast for each location up to two weeks in advance. It also introduces tourist spots and clothing guidelines for each location, making it useful before and during your trip. Enjoy a comfortable trip while checking the weather forecast on "tenki.jp".
Click here for tenki.jp
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
