Sapporo→
Station: SapporoSapporo
High
11.7℃
Low
3.4℃
- Precip.
- 54.6mm
- Max snow depth
- 22cm
- Sunset
- 18:16
The snow is almost gone. Cherry blossoms usually peak from late April to early May
Hokkaido Weather Guide
Hokkaido Weather in April: What to Wear & Expect
April is when the snow melts and spring arrives in Hokkaido. Sapporo's high reaches 11.7°C, but mornings are about 3°C — similar to early March on Honshu (Japan's main island). Most snow in the city is gone, but nearly 1 m still remains in mountain areas like Niseko. In late April, cherry blossoms start blooming in Hakodate and Sapporo.
- Sapporo high
- 11.7℃
- Sapporo low
- 3.4℃
- Sapporo snow depth
- 22cm
- Sapporo sunset
- 18:16
Overview
Hokkaido in April: Key Points
- ✓Sapporo's high is 11.7°C; mornings are about 3°C, so you still need a winter coat
- ✓City snow is mostly gone, but about 1 m remains around Niseko
- ✓Cherry blossoms start blooming in Hakodate, Sapporo and elsewhere in late April
- ✓Lots of sunny days — an easy season for sightseeing
By Area
April Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for April 15.
Otaru→
Station: OtaruOtaru, Shakotan
High
10.9℃
Low
2.6℃
- Precip.
- 56.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 42cm
- Sunset
- 18:17
As the snow melts, strolling along the canal gets easier
Niseko→
Station: KutchanNiseko, Kutchan, Rusutsu
High
9.8℃
Low
0.1℃
- Precip.
- 67.1mm
- Max snow depth
- 101cm
- Sunset
- 18:18
About 1 m of snow remains; spring skiing in early April
Asahikawa & Biei→
Station: AsahikawaAsahikawa, Biei, Mt. Asahidake, Sounkyo
High
11.2℃
Low
0.2℃
- Precip.
- 48.5mm
- Max snow depth
- 33cm
- Sunset
- 18:12
Mornings around 0°C. Asahiyama Zoo closes for a while as it switches from winter to summer hours
Furano→
Station: FuranoFurano, Tomamu
High
10.9℃
Low
−0.2℃
- Precip.
- 55.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 23cm
- Sunset
- 18:12
Some mornings dip below 0°C. The fields reappear as the snow melts
Hakodate→
Station: HakodateHakodate, Onuma
High
12.0℃
Low
2.8℃
- Precip.
- 71.9mm
- Max snow depth
- 1cm
- Sunset
- 18:16
Cherry blossoms start blooming at Goryokaku and elsewhere in late April
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya→
Station: MuroranNoboribetsu, Lake Toya, Muroran, Shiraoi
High
10.1℃
Low
3.0℃
- Precip.
- 70mm
- Max snow depth
- 3cm
- Sunset
- 18:16
No snow and springlike weather. Just right for hot springs and walks
Obihiro & Tokachi→
Station: ObihiroObihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen
High
12.2℃
Low
0.8℃
- Precip.
- 60.1mm
- Max snow depth
- 9cm
- Sunset
- 18:08
Daytime highs reach about 12°C, but mornings are around 1°C
Kushiro & Akan→
Station: KushiroKushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan
High
8.0℃
Low
0.7℃
- Precip.
- 79.4mm
- Max snow depth
- 5cm
- Sunset
- 18:03
Highs around 8°C — spring comes late here, even for Hokkaido
Abashiri & Shiretoko→
Station: AbashiriAbashiri, Shiretoko, Utoro
High
9.1℃
Low
0.6℃
- Precip.
- 51.2mm
- Max snow depth
- 16cm
- Sunset
- 18:05
The drift ice is gone and the snow is melting. Shiretoko's mountains are still snowy
Wakkanai & Rishiri→
Station: WakkanaiWakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island
High
7.4℃
Low
1.8℃
- Precip.
- 50.3mm
- Max snow depth
- 17cm
- Sunset
- 18:17
Highs around 7°C. The wind is cold and it's still chilly
What to Wear
What to Wear in Hokkaido in April
Base layer
Thin thermal underwear for chilly mornings and evenings
Tops
Long-sleeved shirt with a sweater or cardigan
Outerwear
Light down jacket or winter coat
Bottoms
Long pants
Shoes
Sneakers are fine. Waterproof shoes if heading to the mountains
Accessories
Gloves or a scarf for cold mornings and evenings
Good to Know
Good to Know
Mornings and evenings are still wintry
Even when daytime temperatures pass 10°C, mornings and evenings drop to about 0–3°C. Spring clothes alone won't be enough, so bring a winter coat or down jacket.
Cherry blossoms are about a month later than on Honshu
In both Hakodate and Sapporo, cherry blossoms usually peak from late April to early May. You're very unlikely to see any in early or mid-April.
Some facilities close temporarily
Some attractions, such as Asahiyama Zoo, close for a period while switching between winter and summer hours. Check opening days for the places you want to visit.
Golden Week starts in late April
From the end of April, Japan's big spring holiday period (Golden Week) brings more domestic travelers. Book hotels and transport early.
Events
April Events & Highlights
Cherry Blossoms at Goryokaku Park
HakodateUsually late April to early MayAbout 1,500 cherry trees bloom at this star-shaped fort. The view from Goryokaku Tower is especially popular.
Cherry Blossoms at Matsumae Park
Matsumae (about 2 hours by car from Hakodate)Usually late April to mid-MayOne of Hokkaido's most famous cherry blossom spots. With many varieties, you can enjoy them over a long period.
Spring Skiing
Niseko and moreUsually until around early AprilResorts with remaining snow offer spring skiing in warm sunshine. Closing dates vary by resort.
A fireworks display launched every night for about half the year, from spring to autumn, at Toyako Onsen. A boat loaded with fireworks moves about 2 km across the lake while launching around 450 shells, so you can enjoy the fireworks reflected on the water from anywhere in the hot spring town. 2026 marks its 45th year.
Read the guide：Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
Recommended Tours & Activities in AprilPR
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Sapporo in April?＋
On average, the high is 11.7°C and the low is 3.4°C. Days become comfortable, but mornings and evenings are still cold.
Q. Can you see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido in April?＋
They usually start blooming in Hakodate, Matsumae and Sapporo in late April. Peak season is late April to early May.
Q. Can you ski in Hokkaido in April?＋
Spring skiing is often possible in Niseko and elsewhere until early April. Operating periods vary by resort, so check ahead.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Hokkaido TripPR
Other Months
Hokkaido Weather in Other Months
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.