A Complete Guide to Hokkaido Weather in May 2025

Once in Hokkaido, you will see how it is possible to be captivated by cherry blossoms and lavender fields and seize every moment to ski or soak in the hot spring while enjoying the snowscape. In May, Hokkaido has fully embraced spring - it opens its doors to warmer weather with more sunny days, verdant surroundings, and budding flowers.

In this article, we present the details about the weather in Hokkaido in May, including the temperatures and rainfalls. You will understand whether it is cold or warm this month. Besides, you can find inspiration for the best things to do in Hokkaido in May and where to go.

What Can We Expect from the Weather in Hokkaido in May?

Hokkaido in May sees the end of spring and the beginning of summer. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It is mostly sunny with little precipitation, but there may be thunderstorms occasionally. The temperature during the day is comfortable, but it is cooler in the morning and evening. The temperature difference between day and night is very large, about 7°C to 10°C (44.6°F to 50°F). In mountainous areas or inland cities, it can even drop below 5°C (41°F) in the morning and evening. Good news for travelers, the duration of sunlight will be extended to approximately 14 hours, so you can enjoy a longer time for outdoor activities.

However, we know that Hokkaido has a vast territory, so there may be differences among various regions. For example, it might be cooler in the north and warmer in the south. So please continue reading to check the temperature conditions in different cities such as Sapporo, Furano, Kamikawa, etc., in May.

Is It Windy in May?

Winds in Hokkaido in May are moderate to strong. Historical data indicates that the average wind speed in May in Hokkaido is 13.2 mph (21.3 kph). Winds are stronger in coastal areas (e.g., Hakodate, Otaru, Wakkanai) and milder in inland areas (e.g., Sapporo, Furano, Asahikawa). The winds in May are milder than those in winter (December-February) and stronger than those in summer (July-August).

Does it Rain a lot in May?

In May, Hokkaido has not yet entered the rainy season (which begins in June), so the overall amount of precipitation is on the low side, about 60 to 80 millimeters. The number of rainfall days ranges from 6 to 8, making it one of the most pleasant months of the year, with a high percentage of sunny days. The type of rainfall is dominated by brief showers, with few sustained rainfalls or heavy rainfalls.

Average Rainfall and Temperature of Hokkaido in May

What to Pack and Wear in Hokkaido in May?

It is recommended that you wear a thin windproof jacket, long-sleeved T-shirts and knitwear, lightweight pants or jeans, waterproof hiking shoes (to cope with wet surfaces in mountainous areas) or sneakers. Thin scarves (to keep you warm in the morning and evening), sun hats, and sunglasses (for UV protection) are also needed.

Is May a good time to visit Hokkaido?

May may not be the best time to visit Hokkaido, but it is still considered a good time because it is ideal in many ways, including natural landscapes, weather conditions, and tourist crowding. You can enjoy flowers (shiba cherry blossoms, tulips, cauliflower), go outdoors for hiking, biking or driving. Boating on a beautiful lake or forest bathing are also great travel experiences.

In addition, May is not the peak tourist season in Japan (after the Golden Week), so hotel and air ticket prices are relatively reasonable. The number of tourists in the scenic area is moderate.

Best Things to Do in Hokkaido in May

Spring is very much in the air, and flowers are beginning to blossom. Here are our recommendations for top things to do in Hokkaido in May, along with suggestions for the best places to visit to enrich your experience of Japan's springtime charm.

Admire the Blooming Shibazakura

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park in Oko-machi is at its peak from mid-May to early June. The pink color of the cherry blossoms stretches all over the mountainside. Combined with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains in the distance, it creates a spectacular view. It is recommended that you visit by a private car or from Memanbetsu Airport.

Takigami Shibazakura Park is even larger, and also at its best in mid to late May. The colors are truly intense.

A Rural Tour of Biei’s and Furano’s Countryside

Although it's not yet lavender season, Biei's fresh greenery and early spring flower fields are very pleasant. We recommend that you rent a bicycle or drive to experience the wavy hills and the Tokachi-dake backdrop.

In May, the flower fields in Furano have just begun to be sown, and you can also try sowing them yourself. Hiking in the rural Tianjian and soaking in hot springs are very comfortable. For food lovers, don’t miss Furano cheese and desserts.

A Vacation among Lakes and Mountains

Lake Shikotsu (near New Chitose) is one of the clearest lakes in Japan. May is great for boating, stand-up paddling, and forest bathing. And enjoy open-air baths at hot spring hotels around the lake at any time.

Lake Toya and Mt. Arisu offer crater hiking overlooking the beautiful lake. The trails are easy for beginner hikers. In the evening, the lakeside open-air hot springs offer a view of the nightly fireworks (available most evenings in May).

Shiretoko National Park Wildlife Safari

In May, take a boat trip and you'll still see brown bears and white-tailed sea eagles. And there's still the Icebreaking ship Aurora - offering an Arctic experience.

You are also encouraged to take a guided trek to Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Falls and hike through the primeval forest.

Authentic Encounters with Gastronomic Experiences

At Otaru Canal, take an early morning stroll along the canal. Then you can discover famous glass craft stores, music box halls, and sushi brunch restaurants in Sakai Machidori.

And at the Hakodate morning market, you can try fresh sea urchin, salmon roe, and scallops over rice. After nightfall, take the cable car to Mount Hakodate, overlook the myriad lights, and enjoy the unique night view.

FAQs on Hokkaido Weather in May

1. When are Sunrise and Sunset in May?

In May, Hokkaido experiences 14.7 hours of daylight on average, with the sun rising at 3:59 AM and the sun setting at 6:39 PM.

2. Does it Snow in May in Hokkaido?

It depends on the specific region and altitude. In major cities, snow accumulation or snowfall hardly occurs in May. However, in mountainous areas at higher altitudes, there will still be residual snow or occasional snowfall. According to the historical data of the ski resort Sapporo Bankei, in Sapporo and the surrounding low-altitude areas, it hardly snows in May. The last snowfall usually occurs in the first ten days of April. The same is true of low-altitude cities such as Hakodate and Otaru.

The Daisetsuzan range, the Shiretoko Mountains, and other high mountains, with an altitude of over 1,500 meters, still often have residual winter snow in May. It may also snow, especially in the first ten days.

3. Which Fruits Are in Season in Hokkaido in May?

May is the time when Hokkaido's spring fruits start to ripen: strawberries, greenhouse cherries, and greenhouse cantaloupes. If you're planning a fruit picking trip in Hokkaido, we recommend Yuichi - Nitori Kanko Fruit Tree Garden, Tsukigata Town - Unity Farm, Oga Farm, Kobayashi Strawberry Farm, and Nan No Hana Farm.

Enjoy Your Hokkaido Trip with Hi Five Trip

All our Japan itineraries can be tailor-made to cater to your interests. You can also talk with our travel consultant about creating your own Japan tour to Hokkaido in May.

More about Hokkaido Tour Planning