Climatic Zones: humid subtropical monsoon climate zone

Climate Feature: four distinct seasons, abundant rainfall 

Hokkaido has four distinct seasons. It is bitterly cold in winter, pleasant in summer, and relatively cool in spring and autumn. Affected by the ocean current, its temperature varies significantly between day and night as well as in the four seasons. 

Unaffected by the plum rainy season not like other regions in Japan, Hokkaido has moderate precipitation in a year. The rainfall concentrates in August to December, totaling around 800-1,200mm (31.5-47.2in), which is below the average of Japan. In winter, it often snows heavily, with the deepest snow covering up to 4 meters (13.1 feet).

Special climate phenomenon: Hokkaido often encounters sea fog on the southeast coast in summer. Typhoons rarely hit it throughout the year.

Warmest Month: August: 19~27℃ (66.2-80.6℉)

Coolest Month: January: -7~-1℃ (19.4-30.2℉)

Wettest Month: August: 163mm (6.4in)

Driest Month: May: 56mm (2.2in)

June to August is one of the most popular times to visit Hokkaido, when enjoys pleasant and fresh climate. The temperature is favorable and the precipitation is moderate. Besides, it has beautiful landscapes consisting of various blooming flowers, the most charming of which is the lavender.

Hokkaido is renowned for its enchanting snow scenery. It enjoys abundant snowfall from December to March, making it another best time to travel here. There are many things to do about snow this season: appreciate ice sculptures in the grand snow festival, do snow sports in ski resorts and so on. 

Actually, Hokkaido has different charms throughout four seasons. You can decide the visit time according to your time and interests.

Time	Climate	Highlights	Tourism Rate
April to May	gradually getting warm, a little rainfall	blooming cherry blossoms
June to August	moderate temperature,  sunny	fascinating lavender fields,  summer festivals
September to November	cool,  rainy	red autumn leaves
December to March	chilling, cold,  heavily snowy	snow festivals,  various snow sports

See more: Best Time to Visit Japan

Spring: April to June

Average Temperature: 3-22℃ (37.4-71.6℉)
Precipitation: 221mm (8.7in)
Dress Code: 
1. Early spring: thin sweater with padded jacket or wool overcoat; thick sweatpants; short boots, warm sneakers
2. Mid to late spring: thin knitwear, hoodie; jeans; thin jacket; casual shoes

Weather: 
With the arrival of spring, the temperature in Hokkaido is gradually rising, reaching above 10℃ (50℉) in early this season. In mid-spring, the snow begins to melt due to the warm climate, causing the water volume of rivers to increase. However, it can still be cold in the morning and evening. Hokkaido receives no much precipitation in spring, averaging at 221mm (8.7in), which is the least of the four seasons. It usually meets showers, which do not last for a long time. 

Top Things to Do:
1. Appreciate cherry blossoms at the Shizunai Cherry Blossom Festival. 
2. Explore charming Sapporo. You can visit the Former Hokkaido Government Office, view spring flowers such as tulips in Shiroi Koibito Park and shop on Tanukikoji Street.
3. Experience snow sports such as walking along high snow walls in Shiretoko.

Tip:
If you have hay fever, be sure to take effective measures when admiring the cherry blossoms such as wearing masks and control the visiting time.

Blooming Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido

Summer: July to August

Average Temperature: 19-26℃ (66.2-78.8℉)
Precipitation: 236mm (9.3in)
Dress Code: 

1. For sunny daytime: T-shirt, blouse, lightpants, summer dress
2. For cool or cold morning and evening: adding a thin overcoat
3. For visiting mountains or lakes: long sleeve T-shirt with a trench coat or windbreaker
4. Shoes: breathable casual shoes

Weather:

Hokkaido has the most comfortable summer in Japan, with the average temperature remaining above 20℃ (68℉) and below 30℃ (86℉). Even in midsummer, you will not feel hot but refreshing and cozy when traveling around. However, it has intensifying temperature variation between day and night, so you need to add clothes in time. Unlike other regions, Hokkaido is not affected by the plum rainy season and does not have much rainfall in summer, so not influencing outdoor traveling. Heavy shower is prone to occur in the afternoon. Sea fog can often be met in the southeast coastal region. 

Top Things to Do:
1. Stroll through the sea of purple lavender in Furano and enjoy other flowers including tulips, lilies, sage, dahlia, etc. in Shikisai no Oka (Four Seasons Hill).
2. Do some outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and camping in Hokkaido’s natural attractions or take a cruise on famous lakes.
3. Watch celebrations of and have fun at Hokkaido’s summer festivals such as the Sapporo Summer Festival and the Long Run Fireworks Festival in Lake Toya.

Tip:
As summer is the peak season for tourism in Hokkaido, you may see a large influx of visitors to popular attractions and rising prices.

Autumn: September to November

Average Temperature: 2-23℃ (35.6-73.4℉)
Precipitation: 370mm (14.6in)
Dress Code: 
1. Early autumn: long sleeve T-shirt, hoodie, jeans, long-sleeve dress; adding a jacket or trench coat in cold morning and evening; lightweight casual shoes
2. Mid-autumn: knitwear or sweater, sweatpants; putting on a thick jacket when temperature drops after sunset; comfortable sneakers
3. Late autumn: fleece hoodie or sweater with a wool overcoat or padded overcoat, thick sweatpants or winter pants; thick walking shoes or boots

Weather:
Autumn in Hokkaido is progressing fast. Arriving in September, the temperature drops rapidly and varies significantly between day and night. You can see warm sunshine during the day but feel particularly cold after sunset. In November, the nighttime temperature can drop below 10℃ (50℉). It is often rainy in autumn, with a total precipitation of 370mm (14.6in), which is the most of the four seasons. Showers are quite common, while prolonged heavy rain is unlikely to occur.
Top Things to Do:
1. View beautiful natural scenery: red autumnal leaves in Furano and Asahidake and golden ginkgo leaves in Hokkaido University.
2. See a variety of wild animals in Asahiyama Zoo.
3. Taste freshly harvested agricultural products.

Tip:
Remember to carry raingear with you during the trip in case of sudden showers.

Beautiful Autumn Scenery of Hokkaido

Winter: December to March

Average Temperature: -7~5℃ (19.4-41℉)
Precipitation: 312mm (12.3in)
Dress Code: 
1. Inner layers: wool sweater, thermal shirt with hoodie or sweater; thick long johns
2. Outer layers: padded overcoat, downcoat; winter pants, padded trousers
3. Shoes: snow boots, waterproof and non-slip shoes; warm socks
4. Additions: scarf, padded or fur hat and gloves

Weather:
Winter is the longest and coldest season in Hokkaido. Entering December, the temperature keeps dropping; till January, it remains below 0℃ (32℉) for the whole day, requiring sufficient clothes and items to keep warm. It sees frequent snowfall and heavy snow accumulation in this season. The first snow usually falls in early November. The daytime in Hokkaido during winter is very short, with less than 8 hours of duration.  
Best Things to Do:
1. Enjoy onsens in Noboribetsu and Lake Toya area.
2. Do snow sports such as snowboarding in the Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Ski Resort and Furano Ski Resort.
3. Appreciate snow sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival in early February.
4. View drift ice up close by icebreakers.

Tips:

1. Make sure you wrap up in case of catching a cold.
2. The heavy snow in winter may affect transportation and sightseeing. It is recommended to check the weather condition in advance if you plan to travel there in the winter of 2024.
3. Be careful when walking on ice during the trip. Adding anti-slip stickers on your soles is a good choice. Leather shoes or high heels are not advised.

Appreciating Thick Snow of Hokkaido