Hokkaido Weather Guide

Kushiro & Akan Weather & What to Wear

Kushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan

The gateway to Kushiro Wetland, Japan's largest marsh. Sea fog is common in summer and highs are around 20°C, making it one of the coolest cities in Japan. Winter brings clear skies, little snow and the chance to see red-crowned cranes. It's also a base for Lake Akan and Lake Mashu.

January low
−9.8℃
August high
21.5℃
Max snow depth
26cm
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Forecast

Forecast: Today & the Next 7 Days

JMA forecast issued Oct 22, 11 AM

Every 3 Hours: Today & Tomorrow

  1. Today
    12 PM
    Cloudy
    11°
    ☂ 10%
    15–19m/s
  2. 3 PM
    Sunny
    10°
    ☂ 10%
    10–14m/s
  3. 6 PM
    Cloudy
    9°
    ☂ 0%
    10–14m/s
  4. 9 PM
    Sunny
    8°
    ☂ 0%
    10–14m/s
  5. Tomorrow
    12 AM
    Cloudy
    8°
    ☂ 0%
    10–14m/s
  6. 3 AM
    Sunny
    8°
    ☂ 0%
    10–14m/s
  7. 6 AM
    Sunny
    7°
    ☂ 0%
    6–9m/s
  8. 9 AM
    Sunny
    11°
    ☂ 0%
    6–9m/s
  9. 12 PM
    Sunny
    14°
    ☂ 0%
    6–9m/s
  10. 3 PM
    Sunny
    14°
    ☂ 0%
    6–9m/s
  11. 6 PM
    Cloudy
    13°
    ☂ 0%
    6–9m/s
  12. 9 PM
    Cloudy
    12°
    ☂ 0%
    6–9m/s

Weather and wind are for the wider area; temperature is for the main forecast point. Chance of rain is for the 6-hour period.

  1. Today
    10/22(Thu)
    Sunny, cloudy at times
    12°/9°
    Observed: 9°
    ☂ 10%
  2. Tomorrow
    10/23(Fri)
    Sunny, cloudy at times
    15°/6°
    ☂ 0%
  3.  
    10/24(Sat)
    Sunny, cloudy at times
    17°/8°
    ☂ —
  • ☂ Chance of rain
  • "Observed" is the temperature measured so far today by JMA weather stations (AMeDAS), not a forecast.
  • Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (weather forecast)
Best Season

Best Time to Visit Kushiro & Akan

For red-crowned cranes

In winter, red-crowned cranes gather at feeding grounds and can be seen dancing on the snowfields.

To escape the summer heat

Even in midsummer, highs are around 20°C — perfect for escaping the heat.

Climate

Kushiro & Akan Temperature & Snow Through the Year

Monthly high / low temperature (°C)

HighLow
-15-10-50510152025JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec21.5℃−9.8℃Jan High −0.2℃ / Low −9.8℃Feb High −0.1℃ / Low −9.4℃Mar High 3.3℃ / Low −4.2℃Apr High 8.0℃ / Low 0.7℃May High 12.6℃ / Low 5.4℃Jun High 15.8℃ / Low 9.5℃Jul High 19.6℃ / Low 13.6℃Aug High 21.5℃ / Low 15.7℃Sep High 20.1℃ / Low 12.9℃Oct High 15.1℃ / Low 6.1℃Nov High 8.9℃ / Low −0.3℃Dec High 2.5℃ / Low −7.0℃

Monthly max snow depth (cm)

0102030Jan 23cmJanFeb 26cmFebMar 23cmMarApr 5cmAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov 3cmNovDec 17cmDec26cm
Month by Month

Month-by-Month Weather & What to Wear

MonthHighLowPrecip.Max snow depthWhat to wear
Jan−0.2℃−9.8℃40.4mm23cmFull winter gearDown coat, thermal layers, gloves, hat, snow boots
Feb−0.1℃−9.4℃24.8mm26cmFull winter gearDown coat, thermal layers, gloves, hat, snow boots
Mar3.3℃−4.2℃55.9mm23cmWinter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves, waterproof shoes
Apr8.0℃0.7℃79.4mm5cmWinter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves
May12.6℃5.4℃115.7mm—Warm jacketLight down or winter coat, sweater
Jun15.8℃9.5℃114.2mm—Long sleeves + jacketLong sleeves with a light jacket or hoodie
Jul19.6℃13.6℃120.3mm—Long sleeves + jacketLong sleeves with a light jacket or hoodie
Aug21.5℃15.7℃142.3mm—T-shirt + layerT-shirt, plus light long sleeves for mornings and evenings
Sep20.1℃12.9℃153mm—T-shirt + layerT-shirt, plus light long sleeves for mornings and evenings
Oct15.1℃6.1℃112.7mm—Long sleeves + jacketLong sleeves with a light jacket or hoodie
Nov8.9℃−0.3℃64.7mm3cmWinter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves
Dec2.5℃−7.0℃56.6mm17cmWinter coatDown or heavy coat, gloves, waterproof shoes

Clothing tips are based on the normal high temperature and snow depth. Bring an extra layer for mornings and evenings.

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Kushiro & AkanPR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Seasons

Kushiro & Akan Through the Seasons

🌸

Spring

Mar–May

Spring arrives late: April highs are only about 8°C, and chilly days continue into May.

☀️

Summer

Jun–Aug

A cool, often foggy summer. Canoeing and visiting viewpoints in Kushiro Wetland are popular.

🍁

Autumn

Sep–Nov

More sunny days, and autumn leaves around Lake Akan reach their peak.

❄️

Winter

Dec–Feb

Mostly sunny with little snow. See red-crowned cranes and enjoy activities on frozen Lake Akan.

Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Kushiro & Akan

Attractions

Attractions in Kushiro & Akan

Zoo

Kushiro 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.

Travel Passes

Travel passes you can use in Kushiro & Akan

🚄 JR

Hokkaido Rail Pass

Hokkaido ・ 5, 7 or 10 consecutive days from the first day of use

From ¥22,000

🚄 JR

Japan Rail Pass

Nationwide ・ Three types: 7, 14 or 21 days. The period of use cannot be extended or changed

From ¥50,000

Plan Your Trip

Plan Your Kushiro & Akan TripPR

Other Areas

Weather in Other Areas

Back to the Hokkaido Weather Guide (all months & areas) →

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperature and snow figures are normals from the Kushiro station; actual weather varies from year to year.