Hokkaido is a year-round destination with distinct seasons. The best times to visit Hokkaido are from January to February (for skiing and hot springs) and July to August (for outdoor fun).
Hokkaido's spring is cool and later compared to the rest of Japan, so you could still enjoy cherry blossoms from late April to early May. In Autumn, you could appreciate the earliest foliage colors in Hokkaido from late September.
- Peak time: January to February (for skiing and hot springs); July to August (for hiking and sightseeing)
- Mild time: December and March (less skiers and tourists); April to May (for cherry blossoms); September to October (for autumn foliage)
- Off-season: June and November
What's the Climate Like in Hokkaido?
Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island, is located in the northernmost part of the country. It features relatively cool springs and autumns, pleasant summers, and cold winters. Unlike other parts of Japan, Hokkaido does not have a typical rainy season.
Generally speaking, the northern you head, the weather becomes drier and cooler. Cities in the southern region, such as Sapporo, Asahikawa, Hakodate, Otaru, and Fukagawa, generally enjoy warmer temperatures compared to those further north, such as Kushiro and Wakkanai.
| Main Cities | Average Annual Temperatures | Monthly Rain or Snow Days |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 3–20°C (37–68°F) | 10.1 |
| Asahikawa | 2–19°C (36–66°F) | 9 |
| Hakodate | 5–20°C (41–68°F) | 9 |
| Kushiro | 3–16°C (37–61°F) | 6.8 |
| Wakkanai | -4–20°C (24–68°F) | 8.8 |
When Should I Visit Hokkaido?
The best times to visit Hokkaido are from January to February in winter and from July to August in summer. These months are ideal for skiing and enjoying outdoor activities.
In winter, Hokkaido experiences its heaviest snowfall in January and February, offering excellent conditions for skiing. After a day in the snow, you could unwind in a traditional onsen (hot spring) and drink some warming coffee milk. However, these are also the busiest travel months, so expect large crowds and consider booking 3 to 6 months in advance.
In summer, from July to August, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59–77°F) and the least rainy days. This is the perfect time to explore the beautiful lavender farms in Furano and Biei, and engage in various outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing.
Hokkaido in Spring (April, May, and June)
Admire cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park- Recommended rate: 4 stars
Spring arrives late in Hokkaido, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 15°C (32–59°F). The weather could be unpredictable, with sunny days occasionally interrupted by rain or snow, especially in early April.
As the season progresses, temperatures gradually warm up, but there could be a significant difference between day and night, so it's advisable to dress in layers and keep a warm coat handy.
By the end of April, cherry blossoms begin to bloom and last until mid-May. Popular spots like Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo offer stunning views of sakura, transforming the landscape into a sea of pink.
As May continues, the scenery shifts to vibrant greens and colorful flowers. Visit Abira to see fields of golden rapeseed flowers or head to Shibazakura Takigami Park in Takigami for hiking and breathtaking views with fewer crowds.
The Yosakoi Soran Festival
- Expected dates: from June 4th to 8th, 2025
The Yosakoi Soran Festival has been held in Odori Park in Sapporo since 1992. This event is free to attend. During the event, the whole city becomes a stage for activities and is filled with dances and wild music.
The Hokkaido Shrine Festival
- Expected dates: from June 14th to 16th, 2025
The Hokkaido Shrine Festival is also known as the Sapporo Festival and has a history of over 100 years. During the event, people are dressed in colorful costumes and parade through the city with portable shrines and floats to show their respect and thankfulness to the gods for their protection.
Hokkaido in Summer (July and August)
Lavender flowers fields in Furano, Hokkaido, Japan- Recommended rate: 5 stars
Hokkaido's summer is renowned for its mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59–77°F). This season is perfect for outdoor activities and is especially popular with hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Visit the famous lavender flower fields and the meadow of Shikisai-no-oka in Furano, which are in full bloom in mid-July. You could enjoy the stunning landscape while enjoying some handmade lavender ice cream and pudding to cool down.
Pay a visit to Otaru in the summer for a canal ride to appreciate historical buildings on the riverside. What's more, you could savor some fresh top-rated seafood in this harbor city. Unkai Terrace is also at its best, so go there and see the sea of clouds while the sun rises and shines upon it.
The Doshin/UHB Fireworks Festival
- Expected date: July 25th, 2025
This fireworks festival, also known as the Toyohira River Fireworks Festival, characterizes the summer of Sapporo by lighting up the night sky with thousands of fireworks. It needs to be noted that it could be canceled due to bad weather so keep tracking the official websites for the latest update.
The Yohtaka Andon Festival
- Expected dates: from August 22nd to 23rd, 2025
The Yohtaka Andon Festival in Numata is also called the Fighting Lantern Festival. The highlight of the festival is when large lanterns painted with musha-e (warrior pictures) collide with each other, as locals believe evil spirits are driven away with the destruction of lanterns, allowing good fortune in.
Hokkaido in Autumn (September, October, and November)
The Hell Valley in Noboribetsu, Japan- Recommended rate: 4 stars
Autumn in Hokkaido arrives earlier than in other regions of Japan, with temperatures dropping quickly from 20°C to 5°C (68–41°F), while the foliage transforms into a palette of reds, oranges, and yellows.
The peak foliage season typically occurs from late September to mid-October, especially at Fukiage Hot Spring in Mount Tokachi, where you could appreciate the earliest red leaves while enjoying a spacious traditional onsen (hot spring).
This is also the ideal time to enjoy Hokkaido's rich harvest. Visit local markets to sample fresh produce, including apples and pumpkins. Enjoy a salmon roe rice bowl made with seasonally caught salmon.
As the weather cools, consider visiting the charming town of Otaru, known for its picturesque canal and historic buildings, where you could enjoy a leisurely stroll and perhaps try some freshly made sushi.
Hokkaido in Winter (December, January, February, and March)
Niseko Ski Resort in winter, Japan- Recommended rate: 5 stars
Hokkaido is world-renowned for its winter, with heavy snowfall creating a magical atmosphere from December to March. Temperatures typically hover around -5°C to -15°C (5–23°F), making it the perfect destination for skiing.
For those seeking winter sports, ski resorts like Niseko and Furano offer fantastic slopes and beautiful scenery. After a day on the slopes, warm up with a soak in an onsen or enjoy a hearty bowl of Hokkaido's famous miso ramen.
The snow season in Hokkaido lasts a very long time and the ski resorts could even be open until May. Niseko's ski resorts usually open in early December and are among the first to open in Hokkaido.
However, the snow quality and amount begin to decline from the end of March, and the experience is not as good as in January and February. The advantages are that there are fewer people, the climate is warmer, and the price is cheaper.
The Sapporo Snow Festival
- Dates: from February 4th to 11th, 2025
- Expected dates: from February 4th to 11th, 2026
The Sapporo Snow Festival, or Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, is held in early February for a week. The festival features stunning snow and ice sculptures, and it is mainly held in three sites: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.
Odori Park is considered the best. It has large sculptures and is located as the central venue, boasting convenient transportation and various stalls for special food.
What to Pack and Wear for Hokkaido
- Spring and autumn (from April to June and September to November): Dress in layers during the daytime, take a warm jacket for cool evenings, and carry an umbrella for occasional rain or snow.
- Summer (from July to August): Wear breathable fabrics and use sunscreen, insect repellent, and sunglasses.
- Winter (from December to March): Wear heavy coats, warm cotton jackets, goggles, scarves, and woolen hats.
Although Hokkaido is famous for being a vast region with a sparse population, you could buy most of your necessities locally, so travel light and leave more shopping opportunities in the future.
FAQs About the Best Times to Visit Hokkaido
When Is the Worst Time to Visit Hokkaido?
Hokkaido is great to visit any time, but for a more enjoyable experience, it's best to avoid the following Japanese holidays in 2025. These peak travel periods often bring overwhelming crowds, rising prices, and long queues at popular attractions. For a more relaxed trip, try to avoid these peak times as they could be considered the worst times to visit Hokkaido.
- Japan's Golden Week: April 29th to May 5th.
- The Obon Festival: August 13th to 16th.
- Japan's Silver Week: September 13th to 23rd.
- New Year Holiday: December 30th to January 3rd. Some local businesses might be closed during this period.
Which Month Is the Coldest in Hokkaido?
January is the coldest month in Hokkaido when average temperatures could drop to about -15°C (5°F) or even lower. Thanks to the cold weather, January is known for its heavy snowfall and its best quality, making it the best time for winter activities like skiing and sledding.
When Should I Visit Hokkaido for Flowers?
Cherry blossoms with snowy mountain at Hakodate, JapanFlowers in Hokkaido typically blossom from late April to early September.
If you miss the peak cherry blossom season, late April to early May is perfect for you to appreciate the cherry blossoms in Hokkaido.
By late May, you could enjoy the stunning fields of golden rapeseed flowers (nanohana) in Abira. Before that, from early May to mid-June, the pink moss phlox in Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park creates a vibrant landscape.
Around mid-July, the purple lavenders in Furano are in full bloom, lasting until mid-August. This creates a breathtaking "purple ocean" that sways beautifully in the wind.
If you happen to arrive at Memanbetsu Airport in August or September, be sure not to miss the fields of thousands of sunflowers, nodding their heads to welcome you.
How Many Days Do I Need in Hokkaido?
For a first visit, you would need at least 3 days to fully explore the city of Sapporo for Odori Park, Hokkaido Shrine, and the attractions you're interested in. Save 1 day for a day trip to Otaru for its canal and historic buildings, and 2 more days for skiing in Niseko.
For a 7-day journey, visit Hakodate to view Mount Hakodate, Furano for the flower fields and hiking, and Shiretoko Peninsula for Shiretoko National Park if you're interested in nature and wildlife.
For more days to spend in Hokkaido, reach out to us at Asia Highlights. We are experts in creating personalized, unforgettable travel experiences, backed by our best-rated reputation and our broad network of company-managed local services.
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