Sapporo→
Station: SapporoSapporo
High
26.4℃
Low
19.1℃
- Precip.
- 126.8mm
- Sunshine
- 168h
- Sunset
- 18:40
The Odori Park beer gardens continue until mid-August
Hokkaido Weather Guide
Hokkaido Weather in August: What to Wear & Expect
August is Hokkaido's hottest month, but Sapporo's high is 26.4°C — far more comfortable than Honshu. That said, there's more rain than in July, and some days are muggy. Summer festivals and fireworks are held all over, and during Obon (Japan's mid-August holiday) it gets very crowded with domestic travelers.
- Sapporo high
- 26.4℃
- Sapporo low
- 19.1℃
- Sapporo rainfall
- 126.8mm
- Sapporo sunset
- 18:40
Overview
Hokkaido in August: Key Points
- ✓Sapporo's high is 26.4°C — the hottest month of the year
- ✓More rain than July, with some muggy days
- ✓Obon (around August 13–16) is crowded with domestic travelers
- ✓Kushiro stays cool even in summer, with highs around 21°C
By Area
August Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for August 15.
Otaru→
Station: OtaruOtaru, Shakotan
High
25.6℃
Low
18.4℃
- Precip.
- 131.3mm
- Sunshine
- 168h
- Sunset
- 18:41
Highs around 26°C. One of the few times you can swim in the sea
Niseko→
Station: KutchanNiseko, Kutchan, Rusutsu
High
25.4℃
Low
16.7℃
- Precip.
- 153.1mm
- Sunshine
- 150h
- Sunset
- 18:41
Highs around 25°C. Ideal for outdoor activities and highland walks
Asahikawa & Biei→
Station: AsahikawaAsahikawa, Biei, Mt. Asahidake, Sounkyo
High
26.6℃
Low
16.9℃
- Precip.
- 152.9mm
- Sunshine
- 155h
- Sunset
- 18:37
Highs around 27°C — hot for Hokkaido
Furano→
Station: FuranoFurano, Tomamu
High
26.3℃
Low
16.3℃
- Precip.
- 168.6mm
- Sunshine
- 155h
- Sunset
- 18:36
Lavender is over, but other flower fields are still in bloom
Hakodate→
Station: HakodateHakodate, Onuma
High
25.9℃
Low
18.9℃
- Precip.
- 156.5mm
- Sunshine
- 148h
- Sunset
- 18:39
Hakodate Port Festival in early August. The night view and morning market are popular
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya→
Station: MuroranNoboribetsu, Lake Toya, Muroran, Shiraoi
High
23.6℃
Low
18.6℃
- Precip.
- 187.3mm
- Sunshine
- 145h
- Sunset
- 18:39
A rainy time of year. Noboribetsu Hell Festival in late August
Obihiro & Tokachi→
Station: ObihiroObihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen
High
25.4℃
Low
16.5℃
- Precip.
- 141.3mm
- Sunshine
- 125h
- Sunset
- 18:32
Daytime highs around 25°C. Enjoy Tokachi's summer food
Kushiro & Akan→
Station: KushiroKushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan
High
21.5℃
Low
15.7℃
- Precip.
- 142.3mm
- Sunshine
- 118h
- Sunset
- 18:27
Often foggy, with highs around 21°C. Perfect for escaping the heat
Abashiri & Shiretoko→
Station: AbashiriAbashiri, Shiretoko, Utoro
High
23.3℃
Low
16.6℃
- Precip.
- 115.3mm
- Sunshine
- 164h
- Sunset
- 18:30
Summer cruise season in Shiretoko. You might even spot brown bears
Wakkanai & Rishiri→
Station: WakkanaiWakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island
High
22.3℃
Low
17.2℃
- Precip.
- 123.1mm
- Sunshine
- 151h
- Sunset
- 18:43
Highs around 22°C. The best season for Rishiri Island and Rebun Island
What to Wear
What to Wear in Hokkaido in August
Tops
Short-sleeved T-shirts or shirts
Light layer
A thin long-sleeved top for mornings, evenings and air conditioning
Outerwear
A windbreaker if heading to eastern Hokkaido, the mountains or on a cruise
Bottoms
Comfortable pants
Shoes
Comfortable sneakers
Accessories
Folding umbrella, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
Good to Know
Good to Know
Obon is very crowded
Around August 13–16 is Japan's Obon holiday, when flights, hotels and rental cars get busy and prices go up. Avoiding this period makes travel easier.
Some hotels don't have air conditioning
Because Hokkaido summers are cool, some hotels and ryokan (Japanese inns) have no air conditioning. Days over 30°C have become more common in recent years, so check when booking if you don't handle heat well.
More rainy days
August gets more rain than July. Carry a folding umbrella and have some indoor sightseeing ideas for rainy days.
Eastern Hokkaido stays cool in summer
Kushiro's highs are around 21°C. Bring a jacket for Shiretoko cruises or the mountains.
Events
August Events & Highlights
Huge beer gardens line Odori Park — a great way to enjoy summer evenings.
Read the guide：Sapporo Summer Festival →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Hakodate's biggest summer event, with a fireworks show and a citizens' dance parade.
Read the guide：Hakodate Port Festival →A festival unique to Noboribetsu Onsen, with giant demon (oni) floats parading through the hot spring town.
Read the guide：Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri (Hell Festival) →Fireworks are launched from a boat moving across the lake. You can watch them every night from the hot spring town.
Read the guide：Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Biei's Hillside Flower Fields
BieiUntil around SeptemberEven after the lavender, many other flowers color the hills.
Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
Recommended Tours & Activities in AugustPR
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Sapporo in August?＋
On average, the high is 26.4°C and the low is 19.1°C. It's the hottest month, but more comfortable than Honshu.
Q. Where in Hokkaido is cool in August?＋
Coastal eastern and northern Hokkaido stay cool, such as Kushiro (high 21.5°C) and Wakkanai (22.3°C).
Q. Can you see lavender in August?＋
Furano's lavender usually finishes by late July. In August, only a few late-blooming varieties remain.
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.