Hokkaido Weather in December

Season: winter
In short: chilly, continuous snowfall, blizzards in northern parts

You can fully feel the arrival of Hokkaido’s winter when the average temperature of all parts drops below 0℃ (32℉) in early December, which often remains for the whole month. The northern area even sees a low temperature of nearly -10℃ (14℉). Although the winds are not strong yet, it can be freezing outdoors.

Visiting Hokkaido in mid-December 2024, you will find it covered by white snow. Hokkaido experiences continuous snowfall this month. There would be rare sunny days in central cities such Sapporo and Otaru, while the eastern part sees more. Blizzards occasionally occur near the Okhotsk Sea, resulting in extremely cold climate in Wakkanai, Shiretoko and other northern cities as well as affecting their public transportation sometimes.

The sunshine duration of Hokkaido is becoming shorter and shorter due to increasing snowy days, with Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Hakodate receiving less than 100 hours on average.

See more: Japan Weather in December

Dress Code for Visiting Hokkaido in December

Top: Wearing in layers is a wise choice to deal with the temperature variation between indoors and outdoors. For inner layer, thermal shirt is advised. Then you can wear a sweater or hoodie when staying indoors or on public transport with heating. Before going outsides, you need to put on a hooded down coat or padded overcoat, which can insulate coldness and snowflakes.
Bottom: Winter pants or padded trousers are suitable for outdoor activities. If you are afraid of coldness, you can add long johns next to the skin. Jeans are not advised actually because it does not work efficiently in cold December.
Shoes: Waterproof and non-slip snow boots are necessary. If you do not have a suitable choice, it is advised to buy waterproof spray, non-slip stickers on soles or snow shoe covers from local stores. Remember to bring two or more pairs of socks for replacement.
Accessories: You can wear a fur hat instead of using umbrellas to cope with the snowfall, because the snowflakes in Hokkaido are light powders that do not melt quickly and can be easily brushed off your outwear. To get full protection, scarf and gloves can also be packed.

Activities Not to Miss in Hokkaido in December

Tourism Rate:

Doing Snow Sports at Furano Ski Resort

Many ski resorts in Hokkaido reopen to welcome visitors in early December. As it belongs to the shoulder season for skiing, you can fully enjoy snow sports without worrying about crowded tourists or high prices. Furano Ski Resort is an excellent skiing destination. It boasts more than 20 world-class ski slopes with soft powder snow. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, you can have great fun doing various sports including snowboarding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more.

Tips:
1. To avoid catching a cold after exciting sports, it is advised to put on a sweat absorbing shirt as the inner layer. Local people often tuck a towel into the clothes on their back beforehand to absorb sweat.
2. Hot drinks can help to get warmth immediately in cold weather.

Mountain Snow in December

Appreciating Snow Scenery in Otaru

Otaru is a popular destination for snow viewing in Hokkaido. Coming here in December, you can appreciate the wonderful scenery of Snow Story around the Otaru Canal. About 10,000 blue LED lights are on when darkness falls, creating a dreamy atmosphere. You can take a cruise to fully watch the ancient buildings along the canal in the snow. If feeling cool, you can visit some indoor attractions such as Otaru Music Box Museum, the oldest and largest music box museum in Japan and Kitaichi Glass Studio, which displays and sells various glass crafts; and taste delicious sushi at the Otaru Sushi Restaurant Street.

Tip:

Please be careful of icy roads, and try to slow down when walking.

Snow Scenery of Otaru

Taste Delicious Sushi at the Otaru Sushi Restaurant Street

Enjoying Warm Onsens

Onsen Hotel on Noboribetsu Onsen Street

Soaking in warm hot springs is a must-do for visitors travelling to Hokkaido in winter, which can help you to get warm in the cold climate of December. Hokkaido has the most onsen resorts in Japan, among which Noboribetsu onsen ranks the top. Various hot spring hotels of different sizes are located at the onsen street, where you can soak in hot springs while admiring snow scenery. In Noboribetsu Hell Valley, you can also visit the source of onsens. Soaking in the outdoor pools of Kotan Onsen Hot Spring in Lake Kussharo area, you have the chance to view swans flying back and forth & perching on the lake for winter. Besides, Jozankei Onsen, Lake Toya Onsen, and Shiretoko Onsen are also worth experiencing.

Other things recommended to do:
1. Watch celebrations of winter festivals: Sapporo White Illumination, Hakodate Illumination, and Marimo Festival in Lake Akan area.
2. Observe wild cranes in Kushiro Marsh.
3. Feel the atmosphere of Christmas at the Sapporo German Christmas Market.

December Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

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

Hokkaido Weather by Month

Recommended Hokkaido Tour

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