Sapporo→
Station: SapporoSapporo
High
17.9℃
Low
9.0℃
- Precip.
- 55.5mm
- Sunshine
- 200h
- Sunset
- 18:49
Cherry blossoms in full bloom in early May; lilacs in late May
Hokkaido Weather Guide
Hokkaido Weather in May: What to Wear & Expect
May is flower season in Hokkaido, as spring moves fast. Cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Sapporo in early May, followed by moss phlox (shibazakura) and lilacs from mid-May. Sapporo's high is a comfortable 17.9°C, but mornings are about 9°C. Along the coast of eastern Hokkaido, such as Kushiro, highs are only around 13°C and chilly days continue.
- Sapporo high
- 17.9℃
- Sapporo low
- 9.0℃
- Sapporo rainfall
- 55.5mm
- Sapporo sunset
- 18:49
Overview
Hokkaido in May: Key Points
- ✓Sapporo's high is 17.9°C; mornings are about 9°C, so bring an extra layer
- ✓Cherry blossoms in Sapporo in early May; moss phlox and lilacs from mid-May
- ✓Coastal eastern and northern Hokkaido (Kushiro, Wakkanai) stay cool, with highs around 13°C
- ✓Lots of sunny days — one of the sunniest times of year
By Area
May Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for May 15.
Otaru→
Station: OtaruOtaru, Shakotan
High
16.9℃
Low
7.9℃
- Precip.
- 53.7mm
- Sunshine
- 201h
- Sunset
- 18:51
Fresh greenery season. Highs around 17°C — perfect for strolling
Niseko→
Station: KutchanNiseko, Kutchan, Rusutsu
High
16.9℃
Low
6.0℃
- Precip.
- 75.8mm
- Sunshine
- 190h
- Sunset
- 18:51
The ski slopes are snow-free; Mt. Yotei's lingering snow and new greenery are beautiful
Asahikawa & Biei→
Station: AsahikawaAsahikawa, Biei, Mt. Asahidake, Sounkyo
High
18.8℃
Low
6.1℃
- Precip.
- 66.6mm
- Sunshine
- 197h
- Sunset
- 18:47
Warm, with highs around 19°C, but mornings are around 6°C
Furano→
Station: FuranoFurano, Tomamu
High
18.4℃
Low
6.0℃
- Precip.
- 67.5mm
- Sunshine
- 191h
- Sunset
- 18:46
Planting begins in the fields. Mornings and evenings are still cold
Hakodate→
Station: HakodateHakodate, Onuma
High
17.0℃
Low
8.0℃
- Precip.
- 88.9mm
- Sunshine
- 199h
- Sunset
- 18:48
Goryokaku's cherry blossoms peak in early May. Pleasant weather
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya→
Station: MuroranNoboribetsu, Lake Toya, Muroran, Shiraoi
High
14.9℃
Low
7.6℃
- Precip.
- 108.3mm
- Sunshine
- 195h
- Sunset
- 18:49
Highs around 15°C. Hot springs amid fresh greenery feel wonderful
Obihiro & Tokachi→
Station: ObihiroObihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen
High
18.2℃
Low
6.2℃
- Precip.
- 84.7mm
- Max snow depth
- 1cm
- Sunset
- 18:42
Daytime highs reach about 18°C, with lots of sunny days
Kushiro & Akan→
Station: KushiroKushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan
High
12.6℃
Low
5.4℃
- Precip.
- 115.7mm
- Sunshine
- 178h
- Sunset
- 18:37
Highs around 13°C — still chilly
Abashiri & Shiretoko→
Station: AbashiriAbashiri, Shiretoko, Utoro
High
14.6℃
Low
5.8℃
- Precip.
- 64.1mm
- Max snow depth
- 1cm
- Sunset
- 18:40
Moss phlox in Ozora Town is in bloom. Shiretoko has fresh greenery and lingering snow
Wakkanai & Rishiri→
Station: WakkanaiWakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island
High
12.4℃
Low
6.3℃
- Precip.
- 68.1mm
- Sunshine
- 182h
- Sunset
- 18:55
Highs around 12°C. Windy and chilly
What to Wear
What to Wear in Hokkaido in May
Tops
Long-sleeved shirts or tops
Light layer
Light jacket or hoodie; a sweater for mornings and evenings
Outerwear
A light down jacket if you're heading to eastern Hokkaido
Bottoms
Long pants
Shoes
Comfortable sneakers
Accessories
Hat and sunglasses for strong sun
Good to Know
Good to Know
Big difference between day and night
Even when daytime reaches about 18°C, mornings and evenings drop to 6–9°C. Carry a layer you can easily put on and take off.
The eastern coast is cold
Kushiro and Wakkanai have highs around 13°C, about 5°C lower than Sapporo. If you're touring eastern Hokkaido, pack a warm jacket.
Golden Week in early May
Early May is Japan's big spring holiday period (Golden Week), so tourist spots and hotels are crowded. Avoiding these dates makes for a more relaxed trip.
Watch for bears in the mountains
Spring is when brown bears wake from hibernation and become active. When walking in Shiretoko or on mountain trails, join a tour or carry a bear bell.
Events
May Events & Highlights
Cherry Blossoms in Sapporo
SapporoUsually late April to early MayCherry blossoms reach full bloom at Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine. Having a Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) barbecue under the blossoms is the Hokkaido way.
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
Ozora Town (about 30 minutes by car from Abashiri)Usually early May to early JuneA whole hillside turns pink with moss phlox (shibazakura). One of eastern Hokkaido's top flower spots.
A festival held in Odori Park and elsewhere when the lilac — Sapporo's official city tree — is in bloom.
Read the guide：Sapporo Lilac Festival →Tours & tickets for this eventPR
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.
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 MayPR
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Sapporo in May?＋
On average, the high is 17.9°C and the low is 9.0°C. Days are comfortable, but you'll need a jacket in the morning and evening.
Q. Can you see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido in May?＋
In both Sapporo and Hakodate, you can often enjoy them until around early May.
Q. Where in Hokkaido is cold in May?＋
Coastal Kushiro (high 12.6°C) and Wakkanai (12.4°C) stay chilly even in May.
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.
