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Hokkaido Weather Guide

Hokkaido Weather in October: What to Wear & Expect

In October, Hokkaido's autumn colors move down from the mountains into the cities: Sounkyo in early October, Jozankei and Onuma in mid-October, and downtown Sapporo in late October. Sapporo's high is 16.4°C, but mornings drop to about 8°C, and the first snow may fall late in the month. It's a month when the seasons shift fast, from autumn to winter.

Sapporo high
16.4℃
Sapporo low
8.0℃
Sapporo snow depth
1cm
Sapporo sunset
16:54
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Overview

Hokkaido in October: Key Points

  • ✓Autumn leaves: Sounkyo in early October, Jozankei and Onuma mid-month, Sapporo city late in the month
  • ✓Sapporo's high is 16.4°C; mornings are about 8°C, and some days call for a winter jacket
  • ✓Even Sapporo may see its first snow in late October
  • ✓Lots of sunny days and clear air for great views
By Area

October Weather by Area

Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for October 15.

Sapporo→

Station: Sapporo

Sapporo

High
16.4℃
Low
8.0℃
Precip.
109.9mm
Max snow depth
1cm
Sunset
16:54

Street trees change color in late October. Nearby Jozankei peaks in mid-October

Otaru→

Station: Otaru

Otaru, Shakotan

High
15.9℃
Low
7.9℃
Precip.
123mm
Sunshine
140h
Sunset
16:55

Highs around 16°C. Autumn strolls along the canal are lovely

Niseko→

Station: Kutchan

Niseko, Kutchan, Rusutsu

High
15.0℃
Low
4.5℃
Precip.
128.2mm
Max snow depth
1cm
Sunset
16:56

Mt. Yotei's autumn colors are beautiful. Mornings drop to about 5°C

Asahikawa & Biei→

Station: Asahikawa

Asahikawa, Biei, Mt. Asahidake, Sounkyo

High
14.9℃
Low
4.4℃
Precip.
105.8mm
Max snow depth
2cm
Sunset
16:49

Mornings around 4°C. Nearby Sounkyo's leaves peak in early October

Furano→

Station: Furano

Furano, Tomamu

High
14.9℃
Low
4.1℃
Precip.
106.8mm
Max snow depth
2cm
Sunset
16:49

Mornings around 4°C. You may see the first snow on the Tokachidake mountain range

Hakodate→

Station: Hakodate

Hakodate, Onuma

High
17.1℃
Low
7.8℃
Precip.
105.6mm
Sunshine
164h
Sunset
16:57

Nearby Onuma Park's autumn leaves peak from mid to late October

Noboribetsu & Lake Toya→

Station: Muroran

Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Muroran, Shiraoi

High
16.1℃
Low
9.8℃
Precip.
101.8mm
Sunshine
165h
Sunset
16:56

Leaves change around Noboribetsu's Hell Valley. Lake Toya's fireworks usually run until October

Obihiro & Tokachi→

Station: Obihiro

Obihiro, Tokachigawa Onsen

High
15.9℃
Low
5.3℃
Precip.
85.7mm
Sunshine
168h
Sunset
16:47

Mostly sunny, but mornings drop to about 5°C

Kushiro & Akan→

Station: Kushiro

Kushiro, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Akan

High
15.1℃
Low
6.1℃
Precip.
112.7mm
Sunshine
177h
Sunset
16:42

A sunny season. Lake Akan's leaves peak from early to mid-October

Abashiri & Shiretoko→

Station: Abashiri

Abashiri, Shiretoko, Utoro

High
15.0℃
Low
7.0℃
Precip.
88.2mm
Sunshine
157h
Sunset
16:41

Season for Shiretoko's autumn leaves and salmon runs

Wakkanai & Rishiri→

Station: Wakkanai

Wakkanai, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island

High
14.1℃
Low
8.4℃
Precip.
129.7mm
Max snow depth
1cm
Sunset
16:50

Highs around 14°C. The wind is getting cold

What to Wear

What to Wear in Hokkaido in October

Base layer
Thin thermal underwear in late October
Tops
Long-sleeved shirt with a sweater or cardigan
Outerwear
A light coat in early October; a light down jacket in late October
Bottoms
Long pants
Shoes
Comfortable sneakers
Accessories
Gloves and a scarf in late October
Good to Know

Good to Know

Early and late October feel very different

Early October still feels like autumn, but by late October some mornings and evenings dip below 5°C, and it may even snow. Choose your jacket based on when you travel.

Peak foliage varies by location

Hokkaido's autumn leaves move from high mountains down to the lowlands. Plan your itinerary around peak times at the places you want to visit.

Mountain roads start closing for winter

Some high mountain passes and scenic roads close for winter from late October due to snow. Check ahead if you're driving a rental car.

Days get shorter

In mid-October, the sun sets before 5 pm in Sapporo. Plan foliage photography and sightseeing for early afternoon.

Events

October Events & Highlights

Autumn Leaves at Sounkyo

Sounkyo (about 1.5 hours by car from Asahikawa)Usually early October

Stunning autumn colors frame sheer cliffs and waterfalls. The view from the Kurodake Ropeway is also popular.

Autumn Leaves at Jozankei

Sapporo (Jozankei Onsen)Usually mid-October

A hot spring town about 1 hour by car from central Sapporo. Enjoy gorge foliage and hot springs together.

Autumn Leaves at Onuma Park

Nanae Town (about 40 minutes by car from Hakodate)Usually mid to late October

With Mt. Komagatake in the background, the lake and autumn leaves create a beautiful scene.

Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue

SapporoUsually late October to early November

About 70 ginkgo trees form a golden tunnel — one of Sapporo's classic autumn sights.

Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks

Lake ToyaUsually every night from late April to October

Fireworks are launched from a boat moving across the lake. October is the last month of the season.

Read the guide：Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display →

Sapporo Autumn Fest

SapporoSeptember–October

One of Hokkaido's largest food festivals, launched in 2008, with about 300 vendors setting up in Odori Park in central Sapporo. Each block has its own theme, and you can taste Sapporo specialties, regional dishes from all over Hokkaido, Hokkaido beer and wine, and more.

Read the guide：Sapporo Autumn Fest →

Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.

Recommended Tours & Activities in OctoberPR
🍁Hokkaido autumn leaves toursSounkyo, Jozankei and moreKlook
FAQ

FAQ

Q. What's the temperature in Sapporo in October?＋

On average, the high is 16.4°C and the low is 8.0°C. Mornings and evenings get quite cold, so bring a coat.

Q. When do autumn leaves peak in Hokkaido in October?＋

Sounkyo in early October, Jozankei and Onuma in mid-October, and Sapporo city in late October. The colors move from the mountains down to the lowlands.

Q. Does it snow in Hokkaido in October?＋

The mountains get their first snow, and even Sapporo may see its first snowfall in late October. However, snow rarely settles in the city.

Plan Your Trip

Plan Your Hokkaido TripPR

🏨Find hotels in SapporoHotels.com🎫Find tours & activities in HokkaidoKlook📱eSIM for JapanGet online as soon as you landAiralo
Other Months

Hokkaido Weather in Other Months

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

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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.

PRKlookHokkaido autumn leaves toursSounkyo, Jozankei and moreView