Hokkaido Weather in April

Season: spring
In short: a bit cold, big temperature difference between day and night, rarely rains

Hokkaido enters spring in April, later than in other regions of Japan. It enjoys gradually warming weather this month, but the temperature difference between day and night is big. The temperature can reach around 12℃ (53.6℉) during the day and drop to about 2℃ (35.6℉) at night. Due to the warming climate, the snow cover continues to melt and finally disappear by the end of the month. If you want to appreciate the snow scene or ski, you can go to mountainous areas with lower temperature and thicker snow. Cloudy days account for the majority of April. It occasionally rains, with a total precipitation of 75mm (3.0in) on average. The sun rises as early as 4 to 5 o’clock, so you have enough time to have fun.

See more: Japan Weather in April

Taking Photos with Blooming Cherry Blossoms

Dress Code for Visiting Hokkaido in April

Although it enters spring, regular spring clothes are not enough to deal with the intensifying temperature variation in April. It’s more sutiable to wear in layers with clothes easy to put on and take off.

Clothes: Sweater with thick overcoat is a good match. Both wool overcoat and padded jacket can help you to keep warm. In cold morning and evening, a light down coat is a good choice. For bottom, thick sweatpants or fleece jeans are necessary.
Shoes: Considering the melting snow, warm and non-slip walking shoes are needed for walking safely especially on slippery ground. Besides, some roads may be muddy, so it is best to wear waterproof boots that are easy to clean when exposed to mud.
Tips: 
1. Many tourists choose to visit Hokkaido attractions in a kimono. It is advised to rent a warm suit of kimono to avoid catching a cold.
2. Hats, scarves and gloves can provide additional warmth after sunset. You can decide whether to carry them according to your needs.

Recommend Things to Do in Hokkaido in April

Tourism Rate: 

Viewing Bloomed Cherry Blossoms

Mid to late April marks the beginning of the cherry blossom season in Hokkaido, the scenery of which is a must-see for your trip to Hokkaido in 2025. The cherry blossom first bloom in Matsumae Town, southernmost in Hokkaido, where you can appreciate about 10,000 blooming cherry blossom trees of 250 varieties inside the Matsumae Park. In Hakodate, 1,600 cherry blossom trees are in full bloom in the star-shaped Goryokaku Park late this month. You can enjoy a panoramic view on the adjacent Goryokaku Tower. At night, all blossoms are illuminated by lights, forming a fascinating landscape.

Tip:
If you are allergic to pollen, please take necessary precautions when going outside such as wearing masks and control the time for outdoor visiting. Anti-allergic medicines should also be carried with you in case of emergency.

Appreciating Cherry Blossoms in Kimono

Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival 

Lake Toya is one of the famous hot spring resorts in Hokkaido. From late April to late October, the Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival is celebrated here, during which 450 fireworks are set off on the lake every night. With clear weather late in this month, you can enjoy the brilliant scene while soaking in a rooftop onsen of hot spring hotels, which can be a unique experience. 

Playing Exciting Sports

Visiting Hokkaido in April, you can leisurely ski in large ski resorts with fewer tourists as the peak skiing season comes to an end. You also have more chances to experience doing snow sports on sunny days, among which snowboarding and snowmobiling are the most popular.

Late in the month, the Odan Road in Shiretoko blocked due to heavy snow in winter is passable. You can join the locals to experience snow hiking along the tall snow walls of accumulated snows on the road, which is challengeable and exciting.

Besides, the melting snow causes an increase in the water volume of rivers, and white-water rafting thus becomes another activity you can experience. Both Niseko and Furano are popular boating destinations in Hokkaido, and you can choose as you wish.

Tip for Visiting Hokkaido in April

Be careful when walking on melting snow in case of slipping.

April Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

• Tokyo Weather in April
• Kyoto Weather in April
• Osaka Weather in April
• Nara Weather in April
• Nagoya Weather in April
• Hiroshima Weather in April
• Fukuoka Weather in April

Hokkaido Weather by Month