Hokkaido Island, located at the northernmost tip of Japan, is renowned for its magnificent natural scenery, abundant outdoor activities, and delicious seafood. In August, summer in Hokkaido is coming to an end. August is the warmest and most rainy month in Hokkaido. However, Hokkaido still offers mild and pleasant weather, which makes August also one of the best times to explore nature in Hokkaido.
This travel guide will provide detailed information on Hokkaido weather in August, the best places to visit in Hokkaido in summer, and practical travel advice to help you plan a perfect Hokkaido summer trip.
Table of Contents
Overview of Hokkaido Weather in August
Average Rainfall and Temperature of Hokkaido in August
What to Pack for Hokkaido in August
Best Activities in Hokkaido during August
Travel Tips for August Visits
FAQs on Hokkaido Weather in August
Enjoy Your Hokkaido Trip with Hi Five Trip
Overview of Hokkaido Weather in August
August is one of the hottest months of the year in Hokkaido, with a large temperature difference between day and night. But compared to Honshu Island in Japan, Hokkaido's weather in August is cooler and more pleasant, making it an excellent choice for summer leisure.
Mild Days, Cool Nights
Hokkaido's climate in August is warm, with an average temperature between 18-26°C (64-79°F). The highest temperature during the day is usually around 25-30°C (77-86°F), while at night it is cooler and the temperature can even drop below 20°C (68°F). This temperature difference between day and night is a major characteristic of summer in Hokkaido.
Hokkaido has a low humidity and a cooler summer than other parts of Japan. Especially in mountainous areas, like Daisetsuzan National Park, the temperature will be even lower due to its higher altitude.
Rainiest Month of the Year
August is the rainiest month in Hokkaido with an average rainfall of 156 mm. The rainy days in Hokkaido in August are about 15-20 days. It is usually a shower that lasts for a short time and won't have a significant impact on your Hokkaido summer travel.
Typhoon Risk
The typhoon season in Japan usually lasts from June to October. Because Hokkaido is located to the north and the terrain in the middle is relatively high, typhoons rarely land in Hokkaido summer, which hardly affects your visits in Hokkaido.
However, typhoons can bring showers and strong winds to Hokkaido. Fortunately, it is relatively less than in mainland Japan. It is still necessary to pay attention to the weather forecast so that you can appropriately adjust the arrangements for outdoor activities. Besides, a typhoon may affect flights.
Sunlight and UV Exposure
The duration of sunlight in Hokkaido in August is relatively long, with intense UV radiation. Sunshine hours in Hokkaido generally exceed 9 hours.
The bright sunshine of Hokkaido in summer increases the influence of UV rays. Attention should be paid to sun protection and avoiding sunburn, especially during the noon and afternoon period. Outdoor activities can be carried out in the early morning or evening to avoid the high temperature and strong UV radiation at noon.
Ideal for Outdoor Activities
Comfortable Hokkaido weather in summer and long daylight hours provide convenient conditions for outdoor activities. In August, Hokkaido is full of stunning natural scenery.
You can climb mountains, hike, or ride bikes. Head to Furano and Biei to admire the charm of the colorful flower fields and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the mountains. Or take a boat ride on the lakes to feel the cool breeze.
Average Rainfall and Temperature of Hokkaido in August
Due to the vast territory of Hokkaido, there are climatic differences among different regions. Located in the central part of Hokkaido, Sapporo's average temperature in August is slightly lower than the average level of the entire island. In the southern part of Hokkaido, Hakodate has fewer rainy days but more rainfall. The nights in Asahikawa in Northern Hokkaido are cooler.
City Minimum Temperature Maximum Temperature Rainfall
Sapporo 19°C (66°F) 27°C (81°F) 186mm
Asahikawa 16°C (61°F) 26°C (79°F) 177mm
Hakodate 18°C (64°F) 25°C (77°F) 209mm
Furano 16°C (61°F) 24°C (75°F) 187mm
Wakkanai 17°C (63°F) 23°C (73°F) 115mm
Shiretoko 17°C (63°F) 19°C (66°F) 119mm
What to Pack for Hokkaido in August
Clothing Essentials
Although the weather in Hokkaido in August is relatively cool and pleasant, you need to pay attention to the temperature difference between day and night. During the day, you can wear light and breathable summer clothes to stay comfortable, such as short-sleeved T-shirts, shorts, thin trousers, and skirts.
However, it will be very cold in the morning and evening. So, it is recommended to carry a light coat or jacket. If you plan to hike in mountainous areas, it's best to prepare long sleeves, pants, and hiking shoes.
Rain Gear & Accessories
Sun protection items: On some days, the sun can be very strong. Sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen, or other items are indispensable to prevent sunburn.
Rain gear: Carry a folding umbrella, a lightweight raincoat, and rain boots with you to cope with occasional rainfall.
Mosquito repellent: Summer is a season when mosquitoes are active. It is recommended to carry mosquito repellent or wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
Water bottles: Hot Hokkaido summer weather will make you sweat a lot. When you visit Hokkaido attractions, remember to bring water to replenish fluids in a timely manner.
Best Activities in Hokkaido during August
Hokkaido's temperature in August is relatively low. There is neither the scorching heat of summer nor the slight coldness of spring. These make August the best time to visit Hokkaido. Let's see what to do in Hokkaido in August.
Explore Natural Wonders
Located in the northeast of Hokkaido, Shiretoko is the only UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. In Shiretoko National Park, you can volcanic landscape and see rare wildlife. Shiretoko Five Lakes offers one of the most famous hiking trails in the park.
Summer is the ideal time to enjoy the beautiful flowers in Hokkaido, including lavender, cosmos, sunflowers, etc. Furano's Flower Fields are famous for the lavender fields, which bloom from July to early August. You can take a leisurely walk in the lavender fields of Furano.
In Biei's Shikisai-no-Oka (Hill of Seasonal Colours), not far from Furano, you can enjoy the colorful farmlands in the hilly areas. Taking a tractor bus or cart while exploring around Biei. Why not go on a Hokkaido summer road trip along Patchwork Road? Don't forget to taste the melons and lavender-flavored soft ice cream.
From mid-July to late August, the sunflower fields in Hokkaido bloom. Hokuryu Sunflower Village is one of the best places to view sunflowers. You can see the beautiful scene of about two million yellow flowers in full bloom.
Outdoor Adventures
The fields of farm products and vibrant flowers on Biei's Patchwork Road are arranged in a staggered manner, forming a beautiful scenery like colorful patchwork. It is one of the most popular cycling routes in Hokkaido.
Daisetsuzan National Park is renowned for its magnificent volcanic landscape, alpine vegetation, and rich natural scenery. The mountainous terrain is relatively cool and suitable for hiking. At Lake Abashiri, you can experience canoeing to enjoy leisurely lake time and search for wild birds.
Cultural Experiences
Summer festivals are part of Hokkaido's traditions and culture that are worth experiencing. In Japan, the Obon Festival is held from August 13th to 16th and is a festival that commemorates the spirits of ancestors. There are activities like obon dances and music in different cities, such as Mikasa City and Odori Park in Sapporo.
Sapporo Beer Festival (Sapporo Summer Festival), from late July to mid-August, takes place in the beer garden in Odori Park. There are about 13000 seats here for tourists to enjoy a variety of beer produced in Japan and around the world, and Hokkaido cuisine.
During the Otaru Lantern Festival, you can stroll on the streets or enjoy a boat tour along the Otaru Canal and appreciate the colorful lanterns.
Abashiri Prison Museum offers a chance to explore the prison complex and get a glimpse of dark prison life in Japan. You can also taste a prisoner's meal in the restaurant of the museum.
Check Hokkaido weather by month to explore more of Hokkaido that you're interested in.
Travel Tips for August Visits
Weather Forecast Tools
August weather in Hokkaido is changeable with showers sometimes. Remember to check the weather forecast to flexibly adjust the itinerary. You can use the following weather forecast apps to obtain accurate weather information, such as Tenki.jp, Yahoo, and WeatherJapan.
Health and Safety
Prolonged outdoor activities can lead to dehydration. In muggy weather in Hokkaido, you'd better carry a water bottle with you, which can help you stay hydrated and avoid heat stroke.
Japan reaches its peak typhoon season in August and September. At this time, there are a few times when it will land in Hokkaido. Watch typhoon alerts and weather forecasts in advance.
Accommodation and Transport
August is one of the peak seasons for travel in Hokkaido because of the peak lavender season and the summer holiday in Japan. Book the hotel in advance to get peak-season discounts.
To travel around Hokkaido, renting a car can give you a more flexible itinerary and allow you to explore remote areas. A JR Hokkaido Pass makes it convenient for you to travel between various cities in Hokkaido. You can also travel with Hi Five Trip for a hassle-free Hokkaido summer tour.
FAQs on Hokkaido Weather in August
1. Is August too hot for Hokkaido?
No. Even in summer, Hokkaido climate is more temperate than that of the central islands in Japan because of the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.
2. Is August the best time to visit Hokkaido?
Yes, August is one of the best times to visit Hokkaido for a summer escape. It is warm but not extremely hot in August in Hokkaido. Hokkaido's mild weather and natural views provide ideal temperature conditions for various outdoor activities.
3. Do I need winter clothing?
No, but layers are suggested. During the day, you can wear short sleeves. However, at night or in high-altitude areas where the temperature is lower, a jacket can keep you warm.
4. Can I swim in Hokkaido in August?
Yes. Hokkaido boasts spacious beaches at places like Otaru and Ishikari.
5. Are mosquitoes a problem?
Although Hokkaido temperature in August is relatively low, there are still some mosquitoes in some areas (like rural areas, wetland, and forests). It is recommended to bring insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing and pants in areas with dense vegetation or near lakes and rivers.
Enjoy Your Hokkaido Trip with Hi Five Trip
Look forward to immersing yourself in the sea of flowers in Hokkaido and feeling the coolness of summer? Whether pursuing nature or wanting to discover culture, we can help you create a unique Hokkaido tour package to explore the charming Hokkaido.
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