Hokkaido Weather in October

Season: autumn
In short: pleasantly cool day & cold night, a few rains, high season for viewing red autumn leaves

As it enters October, the autumn of Hokkaido accelerates its pace, contributing to a dramatic decrease of temperature across the region. It fluctuates around 6-16℃ (42.8-60.8℉), averaging at 11℃ (51.8℉) throughout the month. The temperature also changes greatly from day to night: during the day, the sun shines brightly and offers pleasantly cool weather; at night, it becomes cold, and even frost appears sometimes.

There isn’t much precipitation in Hokkaido in October. It experiences occasional rainfalls, most of which are light showers. At the end of the month, the first snowfall may occur in northern regions such as Wakkanai and Asahikawa.

See more: Japan Weather in October

Charming Night View of Hokkaido

Dress Guide for Visiting Hokkaido in October

Considering the temperature change between day and night, adjusting clothes in time is advised.

In the daytime: Lightweight sweaters, hoodies, sweatpants and jeans are enough for walking in the warm sun. Shirt with a thin knitwear is also a good match. If it is cloudy or rainy, you need to carry a thick jacket or windbreaker for keeping warm. The same goes for autumn sightseeing in mountainous areas.
At night: As the temperature drops sharply after the sunset, you need to add a wool overcoat. If you plan to stay on mountains for a long time, wearing a padded jacket is not an exaggeration. 
Shoes: It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers to deal with multifarious outdoor exploration activities.

Top Things to Do in Hokkaido in October

Tourism Rate:

Viewing Red Autumn Leaves 

October is the best time to appreciate the red autumn leaves in Hokkaido. You can overlook leaves all over the mountains and plains turning red in Furano and Biei from Mount Tokachidake Observatory. Coming to Noboribetsu area in October 2024, you can admire the red leaves outside the window while soaking in hot springs, which can be a unique experience. If you prefer urban attractions, Maruyama Park in Sapporo may fit your needs. Besides, a golden tunnel composed of 70 ginkgo trees with golden leaves at Hokkaido University is also worth visiting.

Autumn Scenery of Hokkaido in October

Autumn Outing in Shikotsu-Toya National Park

In October with cool climate and a few tourists, it is highly recommended to go hiking meanwhile for beautiful natural landscapes. Shikotsu-Toya National Park boasting multiple volcanoes and lakes is the best choice for autumn outings in Hokkaido. You can go hiking on Mount Tarumae to appreciate the charming scenery, walk along the wooden boardwalk between the hot spring ponds in Noboribetsu Hell Valley, and observe varieties of birds inhabiting around Lake Shikotsu. At night, beautiful fireworks are set off on Lake Toya. You can watch the fireworks show by the lake or in your onsen hotel.

Taking a Cruise on Lake Shikotsu

Appreciating Charming Night View

If you want to make the most of your travel time with not long daytime in October, appreciating night view can be a good idea. In Hakodate, you can get to the top of Mount Hakodate through the ropeway. Within 30 minutes after sunset, you will find the entire sky appears a quiet blue, and later the whole city of Hakodate is lit up by colorful lights. Remember to press the shutter to capture this charming scenery. Reaching the summit of Mount Moiwa in Sapporo, you can enjoy the charming panoramic view of the city. It features warm lights from special orange bulbs and is known as one of the new three major night scenes in Japan.

October Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

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

Hokkaido Weather by Month