Best Time to Visit Hokkaido (with Things to Do for Each Month)

It’s Hokkaido weather and your interest to think about when determining what is the best time of year to visit Hokkaido, Japan. First, you should learn what to expect for each season (month) of the year. Typically, it starts to snow in December. Cherry blooms in April and May, while lavender carpets the fields in July and August. Summer is also great for those who love the beach. Then, from September to October, it will be the seafood season in Hokkaido.

Another thing to take into consideration is the tourist crowds. Winter and summer are usually the busiest seasons of the year. Lastly, you will need to determine with whom you are going to travel to Hokkaido, and which activities you plan on doing.

In this post, we explain the climate and weather of Hokkaido and also break down the top things to do in Hokkaido in each season, so you can see what is the best time to visit Hokkaido.

Hokkaido’s Weather & Climate

Hokkaido, located in the north of Japan, is the second largest island in Japan and is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Sea of Japan. Hokkaido has a temperate monsoon climate. It has four distinct seasons with cold and dry winters and warm, hot, and rainy summers.

The average temperature in January, the coldest month of Hokkaido, is -4 to -10°C (24.8 to 14.0°F); in August, the hottest month of Hokkaido, the average temperature is 18 to 20°C (64.4 to 68.0°F).

The annual precipitation in Hokkaido is 800 to 1,200 millimeters.

There is snow from December to March, with a maximum depth of 4 meters. In summer, there are many sea mists on the southeast coast; in winter, there is drift ice on the north and east coasts.

Hokkaido Weather by Month

Visiting Hokkaido in Spring: Best Time for Flowers (Especially Cherry Blossom)

Months: March to May

Weather

The March of Hokkaido will see a change from winter to spring, with occasional snowfall. The north remains cold, but the south begins to warm up. In April, the snow gradually melts, and there might be light rain. It is necessary to prepare rain gear. The cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom. In May, there is little rainfall and most of the days are sunny. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the springtime is in full swing.

What to Wear

We recommend packing windproof jackets (still needed in March), light down/sweaters (big difference in temperature between morning and evening), waterproof boots (for snowmelt), light sneakers (for city tours), scarves and gloves (a must in March), seasonal clothing (spring clothes can be brought in May), and sunscreen (UV rays intensify in May).

Top Things to Do in March

For skiing enthusiasts, Hokkaido's ski season is not quite over yet. The ski resorts in Niseko and Furano are still open until the end of March, with good snow quality and relatively few tourists. In early March, you can see the brilliant floating ice that spreads south by taking the ice breaking ship Aurora. If you're lucky, you'll be able to spot seals and white-tailed sea eagles. The penguin walk at Asahiyama Zoo continues until mid-March.

Top Things to Do in April

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at Hakodate Goryokaku Park, one of the earliest cherry blossom locations in Japan. The star-shaped fortress is a perfect match for the pink cherry blossoms, which are illuminated at night. The Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival is a great opportunity for cherry blossom viewing in the southernmost part of Hokkaido, where the oldest cherry trees are located. About 250 kinds of cherry blossoms bloom from late April to early May. It is also nice to stroll through Sapporo Odori Park and Hokkaido Shrine and enjoy the tulips in the streets.

For active travelers, why not rent a bicycle and travel through Furano's lavender fields (early blooming varieties) and idyllic scenery?

Top Things to Do in May

Experience the romance of Higashi-Motokane and Takigami-machi, where the ground is covered with pink shiba-sakura. For nature lovers, you can also visit the Kushiro Wet Plains, where wildflowers abound, and take a sightseeing boat ride to look for dandelion cranes and demoiselle cranes. Or just take a city walk in Sapporo and Otaru for gourmet food and hot springs.

Visiting Hokkaido in Summer: Best Time for Lavender and Beach

Months: June to August

Weather

Summer is the most pleasant time of the year in Hokkaido: cool, sunny, and green. June is cool in the north and warm in the south, with the heaviest rainfall. July has the most pleasant weather in Hokkaido, with mostly sunny days and the lavender season. August is the hottest time of the summer, with occasional short thunderstorms. Overall, summer is the best time to visit Hokkaido for lavender, road trips, beach activities, and other outdoor activities.

What to Wear

T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, thin long-sleeved (to keep you warm at night), thin jackets or windbreakers (for mountainous areas/evening temperatures), lightweight pants, shorts, and skirts are recommended.

Top Things to Do in June

The azaleas of Furano are in full bloom, like the “Colors of the Seasons Hill” on the Patchwork Trail. In late June, you can experience planting lavender seeds at Tomita Farm. The geothermal landscape of Noboribetsu Jigokudani, combined with the Shinryoku Forest, the night view of Hakodate, and the seafood market, are also not to be missed.

Top Things to Do in July

Tomita Farm in Nakafurano is a must-see, where lavender is in full bloom and the purple fields of flowers blend with the mountain scenery. Renting a bicycle or taking the lavender train is highly recommended.

Attend the Sapporo Beer Festival in mid to late July - Odori Park is transformed into an open-air pub. There are lavender-flavored limited edition beers and a variety of local Japanese food.

Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and sea urchin fishing experiences are available at Niseko Biluo Beach, Hakodate Yunokawa Beach, and Sekidan Peninsula (Kamui Point) in July and August.

Top Things to Do in August

Ever heard of the Japanese Summer Fireworks Festival? It is an iconic Japanese summer experience. In Toyako, Fire, Asahikawa, and Sapporo, head to the lakeside or riverside at night to watch the fireworks. In early August, experience the local Shinto culture and lively atmosphere at the Hokkaido Jingu Festival.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Mount Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan National Park is suitable for light hiking, and alpine flowers bloom from July to August. Shiretoko Goko Kanko, a World Natural Heritage Site, is rich in flora and fauna in summer, so bear-proofing is a must.

For foodies, sweet corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, and sea urchins are most delicious at this time!

Visiting Hokkaido in Autumn: Best Time for Seafood & Red Leaves

Months: September to November

Weather

The weather in Hokkaido is mild in September, with occasional light rain and typhoons. October is dry and sunny with fresh air, but there is a big difference in temperature between day and night. In November, the weather turns cold, with the first snowfall in some areas. With its golden rice paddies, leafy mountains, and bountiful harvests, fall is the perfect time for photography, nature tours, and food tours in Hokkaido.

What to Wear

In September, it is recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts, knitwear, and fall trousers/jeans. After late October, you will need to have a fleece or thin down jacket, warm socks, a warm hat, and a scarf.

Top Things to Do in September

Biei and Furano are breathtakingly beautiful in the fall with golden rice paddies intertwined with green hills. At the Odori Park Harvest Market, you can enjoy fall fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe and potatoes, and Hakodate Asaichi Market has the best seafood in autumn. In addition, you may still be able to see Shibazakura and lilies in mid-September in Furano and Takigami.

Top Things to Do in October

In the Josankei Leaf Valley on the outskirts of Sapporo, you can enjoy the red maple leaves while soaking in a hot spring. Mount Kurodake and Mount Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan National Park have the earliest red leaves in Hokkaido from late September to early October. You can take a gondola ride overlooking the spectacular sea of red leaves hidden in clouds. For food lovers, don't miss out on the Matsuba crab.

Top Things to Do in November

The parks and streets of Sapporo and Hakodate are paved with golden ginkgoes, which are the last touch of autumn. Since late November, the Otaru Canal have been lit up, while the Asahikawa Zoo has come to life. As the weather turns cold, let's have a bowl of hot Hokkaido ramen!

Visiting Hokkaido in Winter: Best Time for Skiing & the Snow Festival

Months: December to February

Weather

Hokkaido has a lot of snowfall in winter, especially in Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Niseko.  The duration of daylight is short. It starts to get dark around 4 p.m. Despite the dryness and coldness, both indoors and on trains are heated, so be aware of the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. It began to snow in December, and the ski resorts gradually opened. In January, the snow is thick and the quality of powder snow is the best, making it the peak season for skiing. The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in February.

What to Wear

Down jacket (waterproof material is recommended), wool sweater, fleece jacket, thermal underwear, windproof and waterproof ski pants or thick winter pants, non-slip and waterproof snow boots, wool hat/ear muffs, scarf, gloves (waterproof is preferred), and thick wool socks are just what you need.

Top Things to Do in December

Hokkaido is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Japan. In Sapporo's Odori Park, the Christmas market is brightly lit with Christmas goods and food. From late December, the light of kerosene lamps along the Otaru Canal, paired with the first snowfall, creates a romantic night scene. You can also visit Noboribetsu or Jyuzankei Hot Springs to enjoy the snowy scenery while soaking in the hot springs. At this time, Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu are open for skiing.

Top Things to Do in January

Without a doubt, January is the best time to visit Hokkaido for skiing. Niseko is a world-famous ski paradise. It has world-class powder snow for intermediate to advanced skiers. For international visitors, the ski resort has English-speaking services to suit your needs. In addition, Asahiyama Zoo has a special winter-only event -- the penguins are out for a walk. During the New Year, you can also be encouraged to visit the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine and experience the traditional Japanese culture of “hatsumode” (first attainment).

Top Things to Do in February

In early February (sometimes January), the Sapporo Snow Festival opens in grand style and is a playground for adults and children alike. The giant snow sculptures and nighttime light show in Odori Park are a must-see. In addition, the Japanese Sky Lantern Festival, held in the Kushiro Wetlands, features 10,000 people releasing wishing lanterns, making the night sky look like a river of stars. The Furano Lavender Ice Sculpture Exhibition is also not to be missed: dried lavender flowers are combined with ice sculptures to produce fantastical visual effects.

Worst Times to Visit Hokkaido

Between mid-March and early April, the snow in Hokkaido melts, leading to waterlogging and the closure of some mountain roads. When the snow disappears and the ski resorts are closed, the cherries have not yet bloomed. Therefore, it is not recommended that you travel to Hokkaido at this time.

June is one of the rainiest times in Hokkaido, and is also the low season for tourism. There is neither snow nor flowers, and some sightseeing trains and restaurants may be closed.

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