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Hokkaido 4 Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter
Hokkaido is famous for its distinct seasons, offering a completely different vibe every few months. Here's a quick guide to what you can expect in each of the Hokkaido 4 seasons.
Spring (April - May): Cherry Blossoms, Lingering Snow & Fresh Seafood
Temperatures in March are cold (0-5°C), but by May it's a pleasant 10-15°C.
The weather can still be unpredictable; snow lingers in March, and even in early April, you might see a sudden snowfall. Don't forget a light down jacket just in case!
By late April, the cherry blossoms start to bloom about a month later than on the main island, so you'll want to head to places like Matsumae Park.
This is also a good time for seafood lovers! You can expect delicious Horsehair Crab and sea urchin becoming available at markets like Hakodate Morning Market.
Summer (June - August): Lavender, Festivals & Hiking
With temperatures from a comfortable 18-28°C, Hokkaido's summer is a refreshing escape with low humidity.
Unlike most of Japan, we don't have a distinct rainy season here, so the weather is generally mild, dry, and sunny. This is why many people say the best time to visit Hokkaido in summer is July and August.
This is the perfect time to visit the famous lavender fields in Furano, which are at their best in mid-July. You can also go hiking at Shiretoko Goko Lakes or Lake Akan.
Hokkaido in Summer: Weather, Festivals, Flowers & Itineraries (with Kids)
Autumn (September - November): Fall Colors, Hot Springs & Crab
Temperatures are a pleasant 15-20°C in September but drop to 0-10°C by November. October is prime time for viewing the incredible autumn leaves at Sounkyo Gorge or Onuma Park.
The first snow arrives in November, so be prepared with a light coat, and know that some mountain roads may close. This is also when the Hokkaido crab season really kicks off, making it a great time for a feast!
Winter (December - March): Skiing, Snow Festivals & Drift Ice
Winter in Hokkaido is a world of its own, with temperatures from -5 to -15°C and even colder in the mountains. We get heavy snowfall, especially in cities like Sapporo and Otaru, so you'll need serious cold-weather gear.
While sunny days are rare, there are so many things to do.
This is definitely the best time to visit Hokkaido in winter if you want to experience world-class skiing in Niseko and Furano, see the famous Sapporo Snow Festival in February, or relax in a snowy hot spring.
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Other Hokkaido Seasons: Snow, Ski, Flower & Crab
Hokkaido's appeal often depends on your interests.
You can enjoy the snow from December to April, but if you're a serious skier, you'll want to focus on the deep winter months. Likewise, the Hokkaido flower season is at its peak in July and August, while Hokkaido crab season depends.
This table shows you exactly when to go for specific activities.
| The Months | Where to Go | What to Do | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido Snow Season | Dec - Feb | Sapporo, Otaru, Abashiri | Snow Festival, Drift Ice Cruises, Snow Light Path |
| Hokkaido Ski Season | Dec - Apr | Niseko, Furano, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (beginners) | Powder skiing, snowy hot springs |
| Hokkaido Flower Season | Jul - Aug | Furano, Biei | Lavender fields, sunflower photography |
| Hokkaido Crab Season | Horsehair Crab (Apr-Aug & Nov-Dec); Snow Crab & Red King Crab (Nov-Mar); Hanasaki Crab (May-Aug) | Hakodate Morning Market, Sapporo Nijo Market | King crab hotpot, ice fishing for crab |
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Best Time to Visit Hokkaido in Winter: December, January & February (Peak Season!)
The winter months (December to February) in Hokkaido draws visitors with its stunning world of ice and snow.
If you're a ski enthusiast, you'll love the powder snow in Niseko and Furano from December to March. It's also a time for incredible festivals; don't miss the Sapporo Snow Festival in early February.
For a truly unique experience, you can see the spectacular drift ice from an icebreaker cruise in Abashiri.
The only downsides are the extreme cold and the risk of blizzards affecting train travel. Just be sure to pack all the heavy-duty winter gear you have!
Best Time to Visit Hokkaido in Summer: July & August (Peak Season!)
If you're looking to escape the heat, the best time to visit Hokkaido in summer is definitely July and August.
The weather is fantastic for all kinds of outdoor activities, from cycling through the lavender fields of Furano—which are at their best in mid-July—to hiking the trails at Shiretoko Goko Lakes.
You'll also find plenty of festivals and events, like the Sapporo Summer Beer Garden and the nightly fireworks at Lake Toya, making it a great time for families.
Best Time to Visit Hokkaido in Autumn: September, October & November
Autumn in Hokkaido (September to November) is all about breathtaking colors and delicious food, making it one of the best seasons to visit Hokkaido!
The spectacular fall foliage peaks in places like Sounkyo Gorge in mid-October and Onuma Park in early November. This is also the start of the Hokkaido crab season, so you can indulge in a crab feast.
The weather is stable, crowds are moderate, and prices for flights and hotels drop, making it a great time for a quiet getaway. Just imagine relaxing in a hot spring in Noboribetsu while surrounded by colorful autumn leaves—it's pure magic!
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Best Time to Visit Hokkaido in Spring: Late April & May
Spring is a beautiful, quieter time to visit. If you want to experience the best time to visit Hokkaido in spring, late April and May are your best bet!
This is when you can see Japan's last cherry blossoms bloom at Matsumae Park, creating a beautiful contrast with the snow-capped mountains.
The weather is cool (5-15℃) and perfect for hiking, and with fewer tourists, you'll find that hotel prices are often 30% lower than in peak season.
Best Time to Visit Hokkaido for Skiing: January to February
For many, the Hokkaido ski season is the main event. For beginners, resorts like Furano and Sapporo Kokusai are great, while Niseko is famous for its long season and expert terrain.
Here's a breakdown of the best times to hit the slopes.
- Main Season: December 1 to March 31 (some ski resorts, like Niseko, even stay open until mid-May).
- Golden Period: January to February, when the "Japow" (Japan powder) is at its best.
| The Months | Snow Conditions | Crowds | Travel Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec | Ample snow but not yet at peak | ★★☆☆☆ | Mid-Low | Early bird skiers |
| Jan - Late Feb | Peak "Japow" season | ★★★★★ | Highest | Ski enthusiasts |
| Mar - Mid-Apr | Spring snow, more sunshine | ★★★☆☆ | Drops 30% | Beginners/Families |
Best Time to Visit Hokkaido for Flowers: Late April to September
Hokkaido is a paradise for flower lovers. The Hokkaido flower season kicks off in late April with cherry blossoms, but the star of the show is, of course, the famous lavender fields in July. This lasts till September with cosmos.
Check out the Hokkaido Flower Calendar here:
| Best Time | Top Spot | Highlight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Blossom | Late April to Mid-May | Matsumae Park, Hakodate Goryokaku | Japan's latest blossoms & a night view from a star-shaped fortress |
| Lavender | Mid-July to Early August | Farm Tomita (Furano) | Lavender soft-serve ice cream & hot-air balloon rides |
| Tulips | May | Makomanai Park (Sapporo) | Free tulip fields, a local secret |
| Sunflowers | Late July to Mid-August | Shikisai-no-Oka (Biei) | Sunflower maze & cycling the Patchwork Road |
| Shibazakura | Late May to Early June | Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park | A mountain covered in a stunning pink carpet of flowers |
| Lupine | Late June to Mid-July | Hinode Park (Kamifurano) | Rainbow fields & sunrise views |
| Cosmos | Aug - Sep | Hokuryu Himawari-no-Sato | Hokkaido's largest field of cosmos flowers |
Best Time to Visit Hokkaido for Festivals: Anytime!
Hokkaido has festivals year-round! I recommend prioritizing the Sapporo Snow Festival in February and the Furano Lavender Festival in July.
Just a word of advice: if you're planning a trip during the Snow Festival or lavender season, book your accommodations in Sapporo or Furano at least 3-6 months in advance, as hotels get booked up quickly!
Here's the Hokkaido Festival Quick-Check Table:
| The Months | Festivals | My Vote | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Feb | Sapporo Snow Festival (Odori Park) | ★★★★★ | Giant snow sculptures, international snow carving competition |
| Early to mid Feb | Otaru Snow Light Path Festival | ★★★★★ | Otaru's streets and canal are lit up by snow lanterns and candles |
| Late Apr to Early May | Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival | ★★★★☆ | 250 varieties of cherry blossoms, warrior parades |
| Mid-Jul | Furano Lavender Festival | ★★★★★ | Lavender harvesting & hot-air balloon rides |
| Late Jul to Mid-Aug | Sapporo Summer Beer Garden | ★★★☆☆ | Local craft beer, nightly music, and food stalls |
| Mid-Oct | Sounkyo Autumn Leaves Festival | ★★★★☆ | Lit-up autumn leaves in the gorge, drum performances |
| Apr to Oct (Every 20:45) | Lake Toya Fireworks Festival | ★★★★★ | Japan's longest fireworks season, beautiful lake reflections |
Hokkaido Peak Season: From Summer Flowers to Winter Snow
The Hokkaido peak season is split into 2 distinct periods, each with its own highlights and a few downsides.
Summer, from July to August, is when the flower fields are in full bloom, and festivals and events like the Sapporo Summer Beer Garden draw huge crowds.
Likewise, winter, from December to February, is a powder-snow paradise with the Sapporo Snow Festival and world-class skiing.
The downside for both of these periods is that hotel prices can double, and popular attractions will be very crowded!
| The Months | Highlights | Crowding | Travel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul-Aug (Summer) | Flower fields, festivals and events | ★★★★★ | Highest (+50%) |
| Dec-Feb (Winter) | Skiing, festivals | ★★★★★ | Highest (+50%) |
Cheapest Time to Visit Hokkaido: Catch the Snow Melt and Quieter Shoulder Seasons!
If you're on a budget, you might be wondering, "when to visit Hokkaido" to save some money.
The cheapest time to visit Hokkaido is during the shoulder seasons. The period from March to early April is a good option; hotel discounts are common, and you can get half-price ski passes.
The trade-off is that it can be muddy due to melting snow, and some sights are still covered!
The period from late May to June is a great time to see spring flowers without the crowds, and autumn, from September to November, offers stunning fall colors and delicious food for a much more reasonable price.
| The Months | Highlights | Crowding | Travel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar - Mid Apr (Snow-melt season) | Muddy melting snows | ★★☆☆☆ | Lowest (-30%) |
| Late May - Jun (Shoulder) | Spring cherry blossoms | ★★★☆☆ | Mid (±20%) |
| Sep - Nov (Shoulder) | Fall Colors | ★★★☆☆ | Mid (±20%) |
Hokkaido Monthly Weather & Packing Tips
Don't underestimate Hokkaido's winter cold - pack serious insulation!
A Key Packing Takeaway for You: Layering is crucial year-round! Always be prepared for rapid weather changes, especially in spring and autumn. Waterproof gear is essential outside of deep winter.
This table gives you the full rundown on what to expect.
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Weather Overview | Key Events | Packing Essentials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec | -3°C to -1°C | Cold, Heavy Snowfall Starts | Ski season starts, Festivals prep | HEAVY WINTER GEAR: Down coat, thermals, snow boots, gloves, hat |
| Jan | -6°C to -4°C | Coldest, Peak Snowfall | Deep powder skiing, Snow activities | EXTREME COLD GEAR: As above, focus on warmth |
| Feb | -5°C to -3°C | Very Cold, Heavy Snow | Sapporo Snow Festival (Peak crowds!) | Heavy winter gear + festival crowds prep |
| Mar | -2°C to 2°C | Snow Melts, Still Cold & Snowy | End of ski season, Melting snow | Winter gear (lighter layers possible later), Waterproof boots |
| Apr | 3°C to 10°C | Unpredictable (Snow/Rain/Sun), Windy | Late Bloom Sakura (Late Apr), Mud season | LAYERS + WATERPROOF: Thermals, sweaters, waterproof jacket/boots, gloves, hat |
| May | 8°C to 17°C | Warming, Pleasant, Some Rain | Spring flowers (Tulips), Hiking starts | Versatile layers, Light jacket, Waterproofs, Hiking shoes |
| Jun | 12°C to 21°C | "Tsuyu" - milder here | Lush greenery, Fewer crowds | Light layers, Rain gear essential, Umbrella, Waterproof shoes |
| Jul | 16°C to 24°C | Warmest, Pleasant, Some Showers | Lavender starts (Late July peak), Summer festivals | Summer clothes, Light jacket/sweater (eve), Rain jacket, Sunscreen, Hat |
| Aug | 18°C to 25°C | Warm, Generally Sunny, Occasional Fog | Peak flowers & Festivals, Hiking peak | Summer clothes, Light layers for evenings, Sun protection, Rain cover |
| Sep | 14°C to 21°C | Cooling, Pleasant, Less Rain | Early fall colors (Mountains), Harvest | Layers (T-shirts to sweaters), Light jacket, Good walking shoes |
| Oct | 7°C to 14°C | Crisp & Cool, Rapid Cooling, Rain increases | Peak Fall Foliage (Inland/Mtns) | WARM LAYERS: Sweaters, Warm jacket, Hat, Gloves, Waterproofs |
| Nov | 1°C to 7°C | Cold, First Snow possible, Rainy/Wet | Foliage ends (Coastal), Snow starts, Cheaper | WINTER PREP: Warm coat, Hat, Gloves, Scarf, Waterproof boots |
FAQs about When to Visit Hokkaido
Q1: Is June a good time to visit Hokkaido?
Yes, absolutely! June is a great time to visit.
It's the perfect transition from the quiet spring to the busy summer. You'll enjoy fewer crowds and much better prices on hotels (30-50% cheaper than July).
In late June, the flower fields in Furano and Biei start to bloom, and the city of Sapporo comes alive with early summer events.
Q2: Which month is the best month to visit Hokkaido?
Honestly, besides the early spring mud season in March and early April, you really can't go wrong! Each month offers unique attractions, from winter snow activities and spring flowers to summer festivals and autumn colors.
Q3: When to see tulips in Hokkaido?
You can see tulips in Hokkaido in May. A great place to see them is Makomanai Park in Sapporo.
Q4: What month to go to Sapporo?
Any month! You can enjoy flower viewing in the spring, the Sapporo Summer Beer Garden in late July, delicious crab in the autumn, and world-class skiing and snow festivals in the winter.
Q5: Is there a Hokkaido raining season?
No, Hokkaido does not have a distinct rainy season like the rest of Japan. Its summers are typically dry and pleasant, making it a popular escape from the tsuyu.
Let Asia Odyssey Travel Help You Sort out the Best Season to Visit Hokkaido
Now that you have a better idea of what is the best season to visit Hokkaido?
Whether you're chasing Japan's last cherry blossoms, the stunning summer lavender, the beautiful autumn leaves, or the perfect powder for skiing, planning the ideal trip can be a lot of work.
As a local travel agency based right here in Tokyo, Asia Odyssey Travel knows Japan inside and out. We specialize in creating fun themed Japan Tours designed just for you, whether you're a fan of cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, food, gardens, anime, or golf.
Let us help you sort out all the details so you can simply enjoy the perfect season in Hokkaido!
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