Best Time to Visit Hokkaido 2025/2026: How to Enjoy & Tips

The best times to visit Hokkaido are winter (January and February) and summer (July to August). In winter, you can enjoy skiing and soaking in hot springs surrounded by snow. Summer is perfect for outdoor fun without worrying about sweating too much.

Other seasons have their highlights too, such as cherry blossoms in spring and colorful fall foliage in autumn.

You might be wondering how to maximize your trip experience in different seasons. No worries, we'll provide insights in this article to help you. You'll find tips on the weather, best things to do, the crowd, and more.

Hokkaido's Weather and Climate

Hokkaido has four seasons.

Winter (December to March) is cold and dry, with daily low temperatures dropping to -12℃ (11℉). Snowfall is very frequent during this season.

Spring (April to June) is warm and pleasant. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms in early May with fewer crowds in Hokkaido.

Summer in Hokkaido (July and August) is the hottest time of the year, but it's cooler than Tokyo and Kyoto. Temperatures are peaking at 28°C (82°F), making it a great time to experience the outdoors.

Autumn (September to November) brings cool weather. It is the first place in Japan to see the stunning fall foliage, starting from late September.

Compared to other parts of Japan, Hokkaido does not have a typical rainy season and typhoon season.

When is the Best Time to Visit Hokkaido?

The best times to explore Hokkaido are winter (December to March) and summer (July and August). During these seasons, you can enjoy unique seasonal views.

Winter is the most popular time to visit Hokkaido, especially between late December and February when it's at its peak. This period sees the heaviest snowfall, providing Japan's finest powder snow, perfect for activities like skiing and snowboarding.

However, this is the peak skiing season in Hokkaido, which also means larger crowds and higher prices. It's best to book your tours at least 6 months in advance, and even a year ahead for popular ski resort hotels like the ones in Niseko.

If you prefer skiing with fewer crowds and lower prices, visit in mid-December or early March. During these times, you can see several heavy snowfalls too.

Summer is another best time to explore Hokkaido. With average daytime temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F), it's quite pleasant. You might even need to wear a light jacket in the cooler mornings and evenings.

It's the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors without the scorching heat. You can enjoy the lavender fields in Furano, hike safe and fully open mountain trails during the summer like those in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, or observe wildlife such as bears and deer at the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Looking for a time with pleasant weather and charming scenery? Choose May for cherry blossoms or October for autumn foliage.

If you prefer to travel in the low season, pick April, June, September, or November.

Winter in Hokkaido (December to March): Best for Snow Activities

Winter is the best time to visit Hokkaido for skiing, hot springs, and snow festivals.

Snowfall in Hokkaido starts in late November, with some ski resorts opening around that time. The heaviest snowfall usually falls between late December and February, making this period the best time for skiing in Hokkaido.

However, it's also the busiest time, so be ready for large crowds and higher costs. If you prefer avoiding the crowds, consider going in March, while Niseko extends its ski season until May. But the snow conditions may be less dependable as the weather gets warmer.

Moreover, winter is the best season to enjoy hot springs. It's truly relaxing to soak in the warm water while surrounded by views of snow-covered mountains or falling snow. Popular hot spring destinations include Noboribetsu, Jozankei, Sounkyo, and Lake Akan.

If you visit in February, don't miss the Sapporo Snow Festival. It's one of Hokkaido's most popular events in winter. You'll get to experience massive snow and ice sculptures, night illuminations, and enjoy exciting winter activities like snow sculpture competitions and ice skating.

Winter in Hokkaido can get extremely cold, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to -15°C (23–5°F). The region experiences frequent and heavy snowfall due to the chilly weather.

Clothing tip: Layering is key. It's cold outside but warm indoors, so this helps you adjust to different temperatures. Pack a down jacket, sweater, thermal underwear, hats, gloves, and waterproof shoes.

Spring (April to June) in Hokkaido: Catch the Last Chance to See Cherry Blossoms

Spring arrives late in Hokkaido, which means the cherry blossoms here are the last to bloom in Japan, typically from late April to early May. If you want to see them at their peak, plan your visit between May 1st and 7th.

Compared to popular cherry blossom destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto, Hokkaido offers a peaceful, less crowded experience. While prices do rise during the season, the increase is much lower than in the top cities.

Goryōkaku Park in Hakodate is our top choice to view cherry blossoms. With numerous cherry trees and plenty of space, it's easy to find a serene spot for a picnic under the blossoms.

Looking for something special? Head to Otaru! It's a place where you can enjoy both the flowers and the sea views.

Hokkaido has mild weather with lots of sunny days and temperatures ranging from 7–16°C (44–61°F). However, the weather can be unpredictable. Sunny days may sometimes be interrupted by rain or even snow, especially in early April.

Clothing tip: Dress in layers to be prepared for sudden weather changes. On warm days, you can wear a long-sleeved shirt with a jacket. For cooler evenings or rainy days, pack a sweater and a heavier coat on hand.

Summer (July to August) in Hokkaido: Not too Hot, Best for Outdoor Fun

Unlike other parts of Japan, Hokkaido has cooler and drier summers, so you won't feel too sticky or sweaty.

Temperatures range from 17-25°C (63-77°F) with daily highs around 30°C (86°F). However, in recent summers, Hokkaido has been getting hotter, with temperatures occasionally reaching 35°C (95°F).

Summer in Hokkaido is ideal for outdoor adventures. Both kids and adults can have a great time together. You can enjoy the lavender fields in Furano, go hiking in national parks that are closed during winter, such as Daisetsuzan National Park and Mount Tokachi, or even try whale watching.

Clothing tip: Opt for light and breathable fabrics like cotton T-shirts, linen shirts, and loose pants or skirts.

Autumn (September to November) in Hokkaido: Cool with Fall Foliage

Autumn arrives earlier in Hokkaido than in other regions of Japan. It's also the first place in Japan where you can see autumn colors, usually from late September.

The weather is pleasant from September to early November, but by late November, it feels like winter and becomes quite cold.

Without a doubt, the fall foliage is the main attraction of autumn in Hokkaido. It usually reaches its peak from early to mid-October.

Sounkyo Gorge is the most popular place to see the autumn leaves in Hokkaido. Taking the cable car to the top, you can see the gorge blanketed in layers of colorful maple leaves.

If you're visiting in late October and still want to enjoy beautiful fall foliage, Sapporo is a better choice.

Clothing tip: For September, try a short-sleeved shirt paired with a light jacket or windbreaker. As the weather cools in October and November, you'll need thicker sweaters or coats.

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Hokkaido

Here are the weather details and travel guide information for each month in Hokkaido.

• Hokkaido Weather in January
• Hokkaido Weather in February
• Hokkaido Weather in March
• Hokkaido Weather in April
• Hokkaido Weather in May
• Hokkaido Weather in June
• Hokkaido Weather in July
• Hokkaido Weather in August
• Hokkaido Weather in September
• Hokkaido Weather in October
• Hokkaido Weather in November
• Hokkaido Weather in December

Plan Your Hokkaido Trip Now!

Don't know how to plan your trip to Hokkaido? No worries! We're here to help you customize your trip based on your preferences, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience. Feel free to contact us anytime!