Visiting Hokkaido in January: Weather and Top Things to Do

The coldest month, January in Hokkaido sees bigger and more frequent snowfalls. Overall, it is mostly cloudy, with heavy snow and intermittent sunny days. The average minimum temperature is about -13°C to -7°C (8.6°F to 19.4°F), and the average maximum temperature is about -4°C to 0°C (24.8°F to 32°F). Yet the winter festive lights refuse to lull, and the passion of skiers has not waned either.

In the middle of winter, January is one of the best months to enjoy snow activities and ski in Hokkaido, despite the extremely cold days. However, make sure to wrap yourself up warm when out exploring Hokkaido in January.

If you’re planning to travel to Hokkaido in January, this is a complete guide that covers everything you need to know. Discover Hokkaido weather in January to expect, what you should wear, the best things to do, and places to go.

Hokkaido Weather in January at a Glance
What to Wear If Visiting Hokkaido in January?
Is January a Good Time to Visit Hokkaido?
Top Things to Do in Hokkaido in January & Where to Go
Winter Festivals

Hokkaido Weather in January at a Glance

Before embarking on your vacation to Hokkaido, it is suggested that you check Hokkaido’s weather forecast. The weather in Hokkaido in January is in the severe winter of a snowy country. As the coldest month of the year with the most frequent snowfall, it is characterized by extreme cold, strong winds, and thick snow accumulation.

Many people ask how cold Hokkaido is in January. In northern Hokkaido, such as Asahikawa and Wakkanai, the average temperature in January is -15°C to -5°C / (5°F to 23°F) (extreme lows can reach -25°C / -13°F, with a record low of -31.3°C / -24.3°F). In central Hokkaido, such as Sapporo and Otaru, the average temperature is -10°C to -1°C / 14°F to 30°F (often below -10°C / 14°F at night). In southern Hokkaido, such as Hakodate and Noboribetsu, the average temperature is relatively mild, ranging from -7°C to 2°C / 19°F to 35.6°F.

Generally, there is a small difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures.

How Much does it Snow in Hokkaido in January?

January in Hokkaido is the snowiest month of the year, with 20 to 25 days of snowfall, meaning that snow falls almost every day throughout the region (especially inland and in the mountains). In many areas, there are heavy snowfalls and even blizzards several times a week. Snow accumulations of 50 to 150 centimeters were recorded in several cities and even more in mountainous areas. In the north, such as Asahikawa, about 80~120 cm of snow fell, with accumulations of up to 1.5 meters or more. In the central part of the country, such as Sapporo, about 60 to 100 cm of snow falls, and the depth of snow often exceeds 50 cm. In the south, such as Hakodate, about 40 to 80 centimeters of snow falls (shallow snow accumulation).

January is also considered to be the best time to enjoy snow, ski, and experience a winter fairyland in Hokkaido. The snow is soft, dry, and known as powder snow - the world's best snow for skiing. Furano, one of the famous ski resorts in Japan, has about 90 to 120 cm of snow. And Niseko United, a world-famous ski resort, has more than 200 cm of snow.

The Average Temperature of Hokkaido in January

Based on the historical data, the average temperature of this month was summarized.

City Minimum temperature Maximum temperature Sapporo -7°C (19.4°F) -1°C (30.2°F) Higashikawa -13°C (8.6°F) -4°C (24.8°F) Wakkanai -9°C (15.8°F) -3°C (26.6°F) Shiretoko -11°C (12.2°F) --4°C (24.8°F) Hakodate -6°C (21.2°F) -0°C (32°F) Furano -13°C (8.6°F) -5°C (23°F)

Is It Windy in January?

Wind conditions in Hokkaido in January are significant due to the convergence of cold air from Siberia and warm, humid air from the Sea of Japan. The average wind speed is about 3 to 7 m/s (meters per second), with gusts of more than 10 m/s on some days. Coastal areas such as Kushiro and Otaru, and mountainous areas such as Shiretoko, Niseko, and Furano often experience strong winds with heavy snowfall.

Does it Rain in January?

It hardly ever rains in January in Hokkaido because temperatures are generally below freezing, and precipitation automatically turns to snow. The average number of rainfall days is 0 to 1. But a rain-snow mix occurs.

When are Sunrise and Sunset in January?

January in Hokkaido is one of the months with the shortest sunshine hours of the year. The sun rises at around 6:45 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and sets at around 4:10 p.m. to 4:35 p.m., giving a total of about 9 hours and 30 minutes of sunshine.

What to Wear If Visiting Hokkaido in January?

We recommend that you wear a thick down jacket/ski jacket / waterproof windproof jumper, thermal underwear, wool or fleece jacket, padded warm pants, ski pants, snow boots or waterproof hiking boots, wool socks, a warm hat, a thick scarf, and waterproof protective gloves. If you go skiing, it is recommended to wear snow goggles.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Hokkaido?

Yes, January is a great time to visit Hokkaido for travelers who enjoy snowy scenery, winter sports, and a festive atmosphere. Covered with thick white snow, especially in Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa, it is like a fairy tale world for photography. Ski resorts in Hokkaido, such as Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu, and Tomamu, are suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers.

In addition, from mid to late January, there are a number of lantern festivals and snow festivals, such as the Otaru Snow Lantern Route, Sapporo Ice and Snow Festival, and the Jingsankei Hot Springs Snow Lantern Route. Soaking in a hot spring in the snow is also a great winter experience in Hokkaido in January.

Top Things to Do in Hokkaido in January & Where to Go

Hokkaido in January is especially appealing to winter enthusiasts and snow lovers. We come up with the top 4 things to do for those looking for what to do and see this month.

Skiing and Beyond

With its world-renowned powder snow, Hokkaido's major ski resorts offer not only professional skiers but also a wide range of family-friendly recreational programs.

Niseko Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts for international tourists in Hokkaido and even in Japan, with state-of-the-art facilities and soft snow. Furano is suitable for beginners and intermediate/advanced skiers, with less crowded slopes and beautiful scenery, while Rusutsu and Tomamu are recommended for families and beginners, with snowmobiles, toboggans, and ski laps.

Snowshoeing and ice fishing (especially at Lake Akan) are also winter activities not to be missed in Hokkaido in January.

Winter Festivals

Do you want to experience the warm and romantic atmosphere of Hokkaido at night, decorated with snow lanterns and ice sculptures? When the Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro is held from late January to early February, hundreds of candle lanterns are lit up every night. And the combination of shrines and snowy scenery makes it a very dreamy event.

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is held in early February, but you can feel the atmosphere around the canals at the end of January. Similarly, although the Sapporo Snow Festival is officially held in early February, large snow sculptures are already being erected at major venues at the end of January, and some of the lanterns are lit in advance.

Onsen in the Snow

Onsen in the snow is one of the most enjoyable and special experiences in Hokkaido in January. Noboribetsu Onsen is famous for the volcanic landscape of Jigokudani, and has a wide variety of hot springs and hotels to choose from.

At Lake Toya Onsen (Toyako Onsen), you can soak in the hot spring while enjoying the snowy lake view. The winter fireworks here are also romantic. And at Lake Kussharo Onsen and Kawatsuyu Onsen - open-air hot springs by the lake or in the forest - you can experience a more tranquil, relaxing atmosphere.

Seasonal Cuisine

Cold weather is all the more reason you need delicious Hokkaido food. Fortunately, January is the month when Hokkaido's seafood is at its peak. King crabs, hairy crabs, sea urchins, salmon eggs, oysters, etc., are most delicious in winter. You can enjoy fresh seafood at Sapporo Nijo Market, Otaru Market, and Hakodate Asaichi. Don't miss out on the must-try food in Hokkaido - ramen. Miso ramen, which originated in Sapporo, is perfect for warming up in winter. Genghis Khan Yakiniku with beer offers a unique food culture tour of Hokkaido.

Other winter delicacies include hot pots, Ishikari pots, and milk pots, combining local vegetables and seafood.

Customize Your Hokkaido Tour in January with Hi Five Trip

Enjoy your Hokkaido winter holiday filled with skiing, Onsen, snow fun, and delicious food. From Onsen hotels to ramen shops, every detail of our tour packages is curated by our Japan travel expert.