What is the Best Time to Visit Hokkaido

Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, enjoys quite a long "best time" for visiting. Whether the late cherry blossoms in May or the early autumn leaves in September, for an ideal summer escape or a long-lasting snow wonderland to fulfill your winter Japan tour, check out the seasonal guide below to find your best time to visit Hokkaido.

When is the Best Time to Visit Hokkaido

With its perfect mild, sunny weather and cooler temperatures, summer is usually considered the best time to visit Hokkaido - right avoid the heat and humidity of Japan's rainy season (tsuyu season), and the highest temperature is no more than 26℃ (80℉).

Well, actually, there is no bad time to visit Hokkaido. You can capture some fancy cherry blossoms here in its delayed spring, as well as the changing colors of foliage during the early autumn. Winter, the second peak season, is also highlighted by powdery snow and ice festivals. All in all, according to your needs and interests, this lovely island in the north of Japan is ideal to visit all year round.

The Best Month to Go to Hokkaido

• For ideal sightseeing weather: April to October
• The peak tourist season & lavender season: July to August
• For the northern cherry blossoms: late April to mid-May
• For the fall foliage season: late September to early November
• The ski season: Mid-December to late March
• For powder snow skiing & snow festivals: January to February
• For tancho crane watching: late November to mid-March
• For budget choices: March, June & September

Best Season to Go to Hokkaido

The distinctive seasonal colours of Hokkaido mirror those of the Honshu mainland, yet the region's high latitude brings its own unique features - a cool and dry summer and the powdery snow of winter, which are the most popular tourist seasons of Hokkaido.

• Peak season: summer & winter
• Shoulder season: spring & autumn

Visit Hokkaido in Summer: Best Time for the Outdoors

• Summer: July to August
• Weather: mild, sunny, and cool, about 17 to 25℃ (63 to 77℉)
• Best for: colorful flower fields, outdoor activities & ecotourism

Without the rainy season, summer is the best time for outdoor activities throughout the whole of Hokkaido Island. Imagine the long-lasting sunshine and the cool days free from sweat, paired with lush landscapes, blooming flower fields from lavender to cosmos - it is time to go back to nature.

What to Do in Hokkaido in Summer

July: During the peak summer blossom season, it is time to unwind in the idyllic atmosphere around Biei and Furano, and take some stunning photos against the backdrop of clear sky and the colorful Patchwork Road. Hike to the mountains or cycle around the hills, then rest at the local farm or winery with homemade cuisine.

August: With the rising temperature, you can try some surfing at Tomakomai, enjoy some water activities at Lake Akan with Ainu families, or take advantage of the excellent weather to explore somewhere further - the remote Shiretoko peninsula showcases the true wilderness of Japan.

Note: Hokkaido tends to get crowded during the Japanese summer holidays. It is recommended to avoid mid-August if you prefer a quiet and peaceful Hokkaido visit, or skip some popular southern destinations like Sapporo and Hakodate, and instead explore the eastern part of Hokkaido.

Furano Flower Field

Visit Hokkaido in Winter: Best Time for Skiing

• Winter: December to March
• Weather: frozen, snowy & sunny, about -7 to 0℃ (20 to 32℉)
• Best for: skiing, snow festivals, hot springs experience

Winter in Hokkaido is long and chilly. In about 4 months, this whole island will be covered by meters of thick white snow - another ideal time to visit Hokkaido with powdery snow skiing and countless snow and ice festivals for celebrations - just wrap yourself up and enjoy the winter fun!

What to Do in Hokkaido in Winter

December: Snow powder usually packs in January, while some mountain ski fields like Mt. Kurodake and Grand Hirafu offer their early skiing in December (sometimes even in late November). An open-air hot spring bath at Noboribetsu or Jozankei, surrounded by the snowy and steamy scenery, is also a good try. Considering a special Christmas? Then Hakodate, Otaru, and Sapporo offer the best festival atmosphere.

January: It is the time to enjoy the excellent Japow (Japanese powder), one of the best times to ski and snowboard in Niseko United, the world-famous ski resort; Furano Ski Resort, with excellent tree runs for challenge; and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, the ideal Sapporo day trip option within 1 hour to reach.

February: There is still plenty of powder snow to ski in February, yet, usually considered the coldest month in Hokkaido, you can stay around 1 or 2 major cities here to join some winter festival celebrations instead - Sapporo hosts the popular Sapporo Snow Festival, and Otaru, dotted by its fairytale-like snowlight path.

March: Catching the tail end of the ski season with fewer crowds and budget-friendly prices is highly recommended in March. The shoulder season of March offers plenty of tranquility to feel the authentic Hokkaido, whether for city sightseeing or an early March visit to the ice village at Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan.

Niseko Skiing

Visit Hokkaido in Autumn: Fall Foliage & Harvest Season

• Autumn: September to November
• Weather: cool, changeable, with early snow in November, about 14 to 20℃ (57 to 58℉)
• Best for: fall foliage, hiking, hot springs experience

Autumn is another ideal period for outdoor activities in Hokkaido, especially the first half season when the daytime temperatures are still warm and pleasant, and the island has already dressed in its bright fall colors. However, the weather quickly changes in November, even with some early snowfall in the second half.

What to Do in Hokkaido in Autumn

September: Maintain the lingering warmth of summer, Hokkaido in September is still ample to enjoy the outdoors, from the national park hiking to a cycling tour around the island. Or plan a second half journey to capture the first fall foliage, the changing colors of the mountains, as well as the harvest matsutake (pine mushroom).

October: The best time for fall foliage viewing in Hokkaido, and the Sounkyo gorges with waterfalls and Jozankei mountain are the top recommended, both with nearby hot springs to soak in after the autumn leaves hunting. For some foodie choices, back to Sapporo for some fresh king crabs.

November: Though the temperature does not reach zero, steep drops in temperature and sudden changes in the weather are common in November, making sightseeing in the southern cities and visiting hot spring resorts more popular choices, with clear skies and fewer crowds, as well as the early snow that signals the coming winter.

Fall Foliage

Visit Hokkaido in Spring: Late Cherry Blossom & Golden Week

• Spring: April to June
• Weather: lukewarm, hovering around 10℃ (50℉)
• Best for: late cherry blossoms, Golden Week journey

Spring is delayed in Hokkaido. The temperature rises in May, and the lingering snow is still common to see around mid-April. It can be a quiet season to slow down, with blossoms gradually waking up in late April, yet still dress in layers to keep warm, especially at night.

What to Do in Hokkaido in Spring

April: Some snow activities, like snowshoeing and mountain spring skiing, are still available in April, or consider planning a Golden Week journey from late April to early May, which coincides with the last period of the cherry blossoms.

May: Best for the city park walking with the blooming cherry blossoms. Though the mountain hike can still be a little bit challenging, a mountain foot stroll, or mountain vegetable picking instead are also popular ways to enjoy the refreshing spring days.

June: While the warm and sunny June marks a great time to begin outdoor exploration. Wander through the national parks or enjoy a refreshing nature hike, right before the peak tourist season - which can be one of the times to visit Hokkaido.

Note: Golden Week is one of Japan's busiest tourist periods, though the popularity in Hokkaido is not as crowded as Tokyo or Kyoto, there are still relatively rising prices during your spring trip to Hokkaido.

Late Cherry Blossoms

Find Out Your Best Time to Visit Hokkaido With Odynovo

Having any clues to make out your best time to visit Hokkaido? Since it is a year-round destination, following your heart and interests is always a good idea. Or, feel free to contact us about all your thoughts and considerations. For your dream trip to Japan, we are happy to share and help.