January–FebruaryChitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually late January to late February (about 3–4 weeks)
2027: Jan 30 – Feb 23
Hokkaido Weather Guide
Hokkaido Weather & What to Wear Guide
Hokkaido is huge — about 20% of Japan's land area — so on the same day, the weather and temperatures in Sapporo, Niseko, Furano, Hakodate and Shiretoko can be very different. This guide covers 11 areas popular with travelers, with monthly temperatures and snow depth based on Japan Meteorological Agency climate normals, plus what to wear and what to see.
By Month
Hokkaido Weather by Month
January
The coldest month of the year and peak powder snow
Sapporo −0.4℃ / −6.4℃
February
Snow festivals and drift ice: the highlight of Hokkaido's winter
Sapporo 0.4℃ / −6.2℃
March
Spring skiing and thaw, but it's still winter underfoot
Sapporo 4.5℃ / −2.4℃
April
The snow melts, and cherry blossoms arrive late in the month
Sapporo 11.7℃ / 3.4℃
May
Cherry blossoms, moss phlox and fresh greenery: flower season begins
Sapporo 17.9℃ / 9.0℃
June
No rainy season, fresh air and long early-summer days
Sapporo 21.8℃ / 13.4℃
July
Lavender in full bloom and summer festivals begin
Sapporo 25.4℃ / 17.9℃
August
The hottest month, yet still cooler than Honshu (Japan's main island)
Sapporo 26.4℃ / 19.1℃
September
Japan's earliest autumn leaves and harvest-season food
Sapporo 22.8℃ / 14.8℃
October
Autumn colors move from the mountains to the cities; first snow late in the month
Sapporo 16.4℃ / 8.0℃
November
The start of winter, and the illuminations begin
Sapporo 8.7℃ / 1.6℃
December
Winter sets in with Christmas events and the start of ski season
Sapporo 2.0℃ / −4.0℃
Sapporo high / low (climate normals).
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
⛷️
Skiing & Snowboarding
December–March
Powder snow peaks in January and February. March brings more sunny days, perfect for spring skiing.
❄️
Snow Festivals & Drift Ice
February
The Sapporo Snow Festival is usually held in early February, and drift ice off Abashiri & Shiretoko is best from February to early March.
🌸
Cherry Blossoms & Moss Phlox
Late April–May
Hokkaido's cherry blossoms bloom about a month later than on Honshu, peaking from late April to early May. Moss phlox (shibazakura) follows.
💜
Lavender & Flower Fields
July
Furano's lavender is usually at its best from mid to late July, and the flower fields on Biei's hills burst into color too.
🍁
Autumn Leaves
Mid-September–October
Autumn colors start on Mt. Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan mountains in mid-September and reach downtown Sapporo by late October.
☀️
Most Comfortable Weather
June & September
Not too hot, not too cold, and you avoid the summer-holiday crowds. June has no rainy season, and September weather is settled.
Temperature
Average Temperature by Area and Month
Average temperature normals (°C). Blue is colder, deeper orange is warmer. Tap a month to see the full guide.
| Area | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | -3.2 | -2.7 | 1.1 | 7.3 | 13.0 | 17.0 | 21.1 | 22.3 | 18.6 | 12.1 | 5.2 | -0.9 |
| Otaru | -3.1 | -2.7 | 0.8 | 6.5 | 12.1 | 16.0 | 20.2 | 21.7 | 18.1 | 11.8 | 4.9 | -1.1 |
| Niseko | -5.4 | -4.9 | -1.0 | 4.9 | 11.2 | 15.6 | 19.7 | 20.6 | 16.4 | 9.7 | 2.9 | -3.1 |
| Asahikawa & Biei | -7.0 | -6.0 | -1.4 | 5.6 | 12.3 | 17.0 | 20.7 | 21.2 | 16.4 | 9.4 | 2.3 | -4.2 |
| Furano | -8.3 | -7.4 | -2.2 | 5.3 | 12.1 | 16.8 | 20.6 | 20.8 | 16.1 | 9.2 | 2.1 | -5.1 |
| Hakodate | -2.4 | -1.8 | 1.9 | 7.3 | 12.3 | 16.2 | 20.3 | 22.1 | 18.8 | 12.5 | 6.0 | -0.1 |
| Noboribetsu & Lake Toya | -1.8 | -1.6 | 1.4 | 6.1 | 10.7 | 14.4 | 18.5 | 20.6 | 18.4 | 12.9 | 6.4 | 0.5 |
| Obihiro & Tokachi | -6.9 | -5.7 | -0.4 | 6.0 | 11.6 | 15.2 | 18.9 | 20.3 | 16.9 | 10.3 | 3.5 | -3.8 |
| Kushiro & Akan | -4.8 | -4.3 | -0.4 | 4.0 | 8.6 | 12.2 | 16.1 | 18.2 | 16.5 | 11.0 | 4.7 | -1.9 |
| Abashiri & Shiretoko | -5.1 | -5.4 | -1.3 | 4.5 | 9.8 | 13.5 | 17.6 | 19.6 | 16.8 | 10.9 | 4.0 | -2.4 |
| Wakkanai & Rishiri | -4.3 | -4.3 | -0.6 | 4.5 | 9.1 | 13.0 | 17.2 | 19.5 | 17.2 | 11.3 | 3.8 | -2.1 |
Areas
11 Areas of Hokkaido
Sapporo→
Station: SapporoSapporo
- Jan low
- −6.4℃
- Aug high
- 26.4℃
- Max snow depth
- 95cm
TodayRain, then cloudy10° / 4°
Otaru→
Station: OtaruOtaru, Shakotan
- Jan low
- −5.8℃
- Aug high
- 25.6℃
- Max snow depth
- 117cm
TodayRain or snow, then cloudy10° / 4°
Niseko→
Station: KutchanNiseko, Kutchan, Rusutsu
- Jan low
- −9.6℃
- Aug high
- 25.4℃
- Max snow depth
- 181cm
TodayRain or snow, then cloudy7° / 2°
Asahikawa & Biei→
Station: AsahikawaAsahikawa, Biei, Mt. Asahidake, Sounkyo
- Jan low
- −11.7℃
- Aug high
- 26.6℃
- Max snow depth
- 84cm
TodayRain or snow, then cloudy8° / 3°
Furano→
Station: FuranoFurano, Tomamu
- Jan low
- −14.4℃
- Aug high
- 26.3℃
- Max snow depth
- 73cm
TodayRain or snow, then cloudy8° / 3°
Hakodate→
Station: HakodateHakodate, Onuma
- Jan low
- −6.0℃
- Aug high
- 25.9℃
- Max snow depth
- 41cm
TodayCloudy, sunny at times11° / 7°
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya→
Station: MuroranNoboribetsu, Lake Toya, Muroran, Shiraoi
- Jan low
- −4.0℃
- Aug high
- 23.6℃
- Max snow depth
- 22cm
TodayCloudy, sunny at times10° / 5°
Obihiro & Tokachi→
Station: ObihiroObihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen
- Jan low
- −13.0℃
- Aug high
- 25.4℃
- Max snow depth
- 63cm
TodaySunny, cloudy at times10° / 6°
Kushiro & Akan→
Station: KushiroKushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan
- Jan low
- −9.8℃
- Aug high
- 21.5℃
- Max snow depth
- 26cm
TodaySunny, cloudy at times12° / 9°
Abashiri & Shiretoko→
Station: AbashiriAbashiri, Shiretoko, Utoro
- Jan low
- −8.9℃
- Aug high
- 23.3℃
- Max snow depth
- 58cm
TodayCloudy, sunny at times9° / 6°
Wakkanai & Rishiri→
Station: WakkanaiWakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island
- Jan low
- −6.4℃
- Aug high
- 22.3℃
- Max snow depth
- 64cm
TodayRain, then cloudy9° / 4°
Max snow depth is the normal for the snowiest month of the year.
Events
Events & festivals in Hokkaido
January–February
January–MarchSounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival
Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Usually late January to early March (about 6 weeks)
FebruarySapporo Snow Festival
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually early February (about one week)
2027 (77th): Feb 4 (Thu) – Feb 11 (Thu, holiday), 8 days
FebruaryOtaru Snow Light Path
Hokkaido ・ Otaru
Usually about one week in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)
2027: Feb 6 – Feb 13
FebruaryAsahikawa Winter Festival
Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Usually about 6 days in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)
2027 (68th): Feb 6 – Feb 11
April–OctoberLake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display
Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya
Usually every night from late April to October 31 (about 20 minutes from 20:45)
2026: Apr 28 – Oct 31 (held nightly; currently underway)
MaySapporo Lilac Festival
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually mid- to late May (about 10 days at the Odori Site, and 2 days on the final weekend at the Kawashimo Site)
JuneYOSAKOI Soran Festival
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually Wednesday to Sunday (5 days) in early to mid-June
2027 (36th): Jun 9 (Wed) – Jun 13 (Sun), 5 days
JuneHokkaido Jingu Festival (Sapporo Matsuri)
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually June 14–16 (14th: eve festival, 15th: main festival, 16th: mikoshi procession)
July–AugustSapporo Summer Festival
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually late July to mid-August (the beer gardens run for about 4 weeks; Hokkai Bon Odori is held during Obon, and the Susukino Festival for 3 days in early August)
JulyOtaru Ushio Festival
Hokkaido ・ Otaru
Usually Friday to Sunday in late July (3 days, with a grand fireworks display on the final night)
AugustHakodate Port Festival
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
Usually August 1–5 (fireworks on the first day, parades on the 2nd and 3rd)
AugustNoboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri (Hell Festival)
Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya
Usually a Saturday and Sunday in late August (2 days)
September–OctoberSapporo Autumn Fest
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually early to late September, or into early October (about 3 weeks)
2026: Sep 11 – Oct 3 (currently underway)
November–MarchSapporo White Illumination
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually late November to mid-March of the following year (the Odori Site runs from late November to December 25)
2026: Opens Nov 20 (Odori Site until Dec 25; Ekimae-dori Site until Feb 11, 2027; Minami 1-jo-dori, Kita 3-jo Plaza, and Sapporo Station South Exit until Mar 14, 2027)
November–DecemberMunich Christmas Market in Sapporo
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually late November to December 25 (about 1 month)
2026: Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 25 (Fri)
December–MarchAsahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk
Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Usually held daily from mid- to late December (once there is enough snow) until around mid-March
DecemberHakodate Christmas Fantasy
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
Usually starts in late November to early December and runs until December 25
2026: Dec 1 (Tue) – Dec 25 (Fri)
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido
Park
Park
Park
Castle
Avenue & old townShizunai Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Avenue
Hokkaido ・ Shinhidaka
🌸 Typical peak: Early May – Mid May
ParkWinter Scenery
Winter Scenery in Hokkaido
Old town
Rime iceHoshino Resorts Tomamu Frost Tree Terrace
Hokkaido ・ Tomamu, Shimukappu
❄ Best season: Early Dec – Early Apr
LakeShirogane Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls (Winter Illumination)
Hokkaido ・ Shirogane, Biei
❄ Best season: Mid Dec – Late Mar
✦ IlluminationNow on
Old townHachimanzaka Slope in Winter (Motomachi, Hakodate)
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Park & natureTsurui Red-crowned Cranes (Tsurumidai & Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary)
Hokkaido ・ Tsurui
❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
CastleGoryokaku Park & Goryokaku Tower in Winter
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Fireworks
Fireworks festivals in Hokkaido
🎆 AprilLake Toya Long-Run Fireworks
Hokkaido ・ Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido
🎆 Usually every night from late April to the end of October (April 28–October 31 in 2026)
About 450 shells (Hokkaido Tourism Organization)
🎆 JulyHakodate Port Fireworks Festival (Hakodate Shimbun)
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate, Hokkaido
🎆 Usually mid-July (Sunday, July 19 in 2026)
🎆 JulyDoshin UHB Fireworks Festival (Sapporo)
Hokkaido ・ Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
🎆 Late July (July 31 (Fri), 2026)
About 4,000 shells (planned for 2026, official)Paid seats
🎆 AugustOnsen
Onsen towns in Hokkaido
♨ OnsenNoboribetsu Onsen
Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
♨ Day use Adults ¥2,500, children (age 3 to elementary school) ¥1,500, towels included (as of October 2026)
Private baths
♨ OnsenJozankei Onsen
Hokkaido ・ Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
♨ Day use Adults (junior high school and up) ¥1,300, children (age 3 to elementary school) ¥600, free for ages 0–2 (as of October 2026)
Private baths
♨ OnsenYunokawa Onsen
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate, Hokkaido
♨ Day use ¥500, under elementary school age ¥300 (as of October 2026)
♨ OnsenToyako Onsen
Hokkaido ・ Toyako, Hokkaido
♨ Day use Weekdays: adults ¥1,200, age 3 to elementary school ¥600; weekends and holidays: adults ¥1,500, age 3 to elementary school ¥750; free for ages 0–2 (as of October 2026)
♨ OnsenSounkyo Onsen
Hokkaido ・ Kamikawa, Hokkaido
♨ Day use Adults ¥800, children ¥400 (as of October 2026)
Private baths
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Hokkaido
Avenue & old town🍁 Typical peakHokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue
Hokkaido ・ Hokkaido University, Sapporo
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Late Oct
Hot spring town🍁 Typical peak
Garden🍁 Typical peakMiharashi Park (Kosetsuen Garden)
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Early Nov
✦ IlluminationNow on
Park🍁 Typical peak
Lake🍁 Typical peak
Mountain & highlandAttractions
Attractions in Hokkaido
ZooAsahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo
Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Run by the City of Asahikawa, this zoo is famous for its “behavioral exhibits,” which let animals show off their natural movements and abilities. It opens in separate summer and winter seasons, with closure periods in spring and autumn.
ZooSapporo Maruyama Zoo
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo / Maruyama
Opened in 1951, this is Hokkaido's oldest zoo and is run by the City of Sapporo. Set next to Maruyama Park, its grounds cover about 22 hectares and are home to around 140 species of animals.
AquariumAOAO SAPPORO
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo / Tanukikoji
An urban aquarium on the 4th to 6th floors of moyuk SAPPORO, a shopping complex facing the Tanukikoji shopping arcade. Built around the concept "The Wonder of Life: Seeing the Unseen," it serves as a gateway to nature in the middle of the city and stays open until 22:00.
☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
AquariumOtaru Aquarium
Hokkaido ・ Otaru / Shukutsu
Located on the coast at Shukutsu in Otaru, this aquarium consists of an indoor main building and the outdoor "Marine Mammal Park," built by partitioning off part of the Sea of Japan. It operates with different dates and hours in winter, and closes from late November to early December and from late February to mid-March.
ZooObihiro Zoo
Hokkaido ・ Obihiro & Tokachi
A city-run zoo inside Midorigaoka Park in Obihiro. In addition to its summer season from spring to autumn, it opens on weekends and holidays from December to February for the winter season. Admission is free for junior high school age and under, and with its play area it's a family-friendly zoo.
ZooKushiro Zoological Park
Hokkaido ・ Kushiro & Akan
A city-run zoo about 11 minutes by car from Kushiro Airport. It's open year-round, so you can watch the animals in the snow in winter too. Admission is free for junior high school age and under.
ExperienceShiroi Koibito Park
Hokkaido ・ Sapporo
A confectionery theme park attached to the factory of Ishiya, the maker of Shiroi Koibito, a classic Hokkaido souvenir. It offers production line tours, sweets-making experiences, cafés, and shops, and the shops and rose garden can be used without an admission ticket. It's about a 5-minute walk from Miyanosawa Station on the Tozai subway line, making it easy to reach from central Sapporo.
ExperienceHOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE
Hokkaido ・ Kitahiroshima
A ballpark centered on ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, open 365 days a year. On non-game days, you can enter the stadium's outfield area for free and enjoy stadium tours, hot springs, kids' facilities, and restaurants. It's about 17 minutes from Sapporo Station to Kitahiroshima Station on the JR Rapid Airport, then about 5 minutes by shuttle bus from the station.
AquariumNoboribetsu Marine Park NIXE
Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya
A marine park centered on a castle-shaped aquarium, a 5-minute walk from JR Noboribetsu Station. It exhibits about 20,000 creatures of some 400 species, making it one of the largest in Hokkaido. It's easy to stop by from Noboribetsu Onsen or New Chitose Airport.
ZooNoboribetsu BearPark
Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya
A zoo of Ezo brown bears on a mountaintop 550 m above sea level, about 7 minutes by ropeway from the center of Noboribetsu Onsen. More than 70 brown bears live here, and the round-trip ropeway fare is included in admission. The park also has a Brown Bear Museum and facilities introducing Ainu culture.
Airport Access
Getting to Hokkaido from the airport
Compare trains, buses and taxis from the airport by travel time and fare.
Travel Passes
Travel passes you can use in Hokkaido
🚄 JR
🚄 JR
🚄 JR
🚄 JR
🚄 JRJapan Rail Pass
Nationwide ・ Three types: 7, 14 or 21 days. The period of use cannot be extended or changed
From ¥50,000
Getting Around
Getting to and from Hokkaido
Sapporo → Hakodate
Fastest: Approx. 3 hr 30 min–4 hr (timetable revised March 2026)
🚆 Limited express✈ Flight🚌 Highway bus
FAQ
FAQ
Q. When is the best time to visit Hokkaido?＋
It depends on what you want to do. For snow and skiing, go December–March; for flower fields, July; for autumn leaves, late September–October. For the most comfortable weather, we recommend June (no rainy season) and September (after the summer crowds).
Q. What is the coldest month in Hokkaido?＋
January. Sapporo's average temperature is -3.2°C, and together with February (-2.7°C) it's the coldest time of year.
Q. When is there snow on the ground in Hokkaido?＋
In Sapporo, snow usually starts to settle around late November and stays through March. In mountain areas like Niseko, around 1 m of snow remains into April.
Q. What is the hottest month in Hokkaido?＋
August. Sapporo's average daily high is 26.4°C — much more comfortable than Honshu.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Hokkaido TripPR
More Guides
Weather Guides for Other Regions
🗾 Japan Weather →Tohoku: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Tokyo & Around: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Chubu & Hokuriku: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Kansai: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Chugoku & Shikoku: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Kyushu: Weather & What to Wear Guide →Okinawa: Weather & What to Wear Guide →
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.
