As temperatures in Hokkaido vary from region to region, it is important to choose the right clothing for your destination. Here are some recommendations for clothing and useful items for each season, based on the temperature data collected around Hokkaido’s major airports.
※Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (average data covering the period 2013-2022)
What to Wear
Spring Clothing
Asahikawa City is covered in snow for more than 150 days a year, allowing visitors to enjoy spring skiing at the nearby Daisetsuzan Kurodake Ski Resort until early May. The average temperature in April is 6°C, about the same as January in Tokyo. Early in the month it may still snow, so cold-weather gear like coats and gloves is essential. Puddles from melting snow are common, so waterproof shoes are recommended. As the month progresses, the cold eases, and with the arrival of May it truly feels like spring. During the day, you can enjoy spring attire such as light coats or jackets. However, mornings and evenings can still be chilly, so layering with fleeces or sweaters is a good idea.
Useful Items
Scarf / Hand warmers / Waterproof spray
Summer Clothing
Located in an inland basin, Asahikawa is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in June is a comfortable 17°C, and on sunny days it can be warm enough for short sleeves. In July and August, temperatures can exceed 30°C, with a record high of 37.9°C observed in August 2021. Breathable and cool linen clothing is recommended. However, the temperature in the morning and evening can drop more than 10°C compared to the daytime, so be sure to pack a hoodie or a cardigan. Asahidake, which is said to have the earliest autumn foliage in Japan, begins to change color around late August.
Useful Items
Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen / Heat protection items
Autumn Clothing
The season quickly transitions from autumn to winter. In September, the maximum temperature is around 23°C, and you can wear summer clothes during the day, but as the month progresses it gets cooler, so an outer layer is essential. We recommend you to gradually shift to warmer materials and fabrics. By October, the autumn foliage that has started at Asahidake descends to Sounkyo Gorge, beautifully coloring the area. The average temperature falls below 10°C, and the first snow is usually observed in late October. Wear a light down jacket or a coat to protect yourself from the cold. In November, when snow begins to fall more frequently, thermal innerwear and down jackets are recommended, as well as warm shoes for your feet. From late November onwards, the weather becomes as cold as midwinter.
In Asahikawa the cold is particularly severe, even for Hokkaido, with an average temperature of -4°C in December and frequent snowfall. Take maximum protection from the cold by wearing a hooded thick down jacket that covers up to your waist, thermal innerwear, and gloves. Due to the heavy snowfall, tall, anti-slip and cold-resistant snow boots are recommended. At Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa City, you can enjoy the popular "penguin walk," a show available only in winter when the ground is covered in snow. The cold peaks after January, with the lowest temperatures dropping below -10°C, although snowfall tends to decrease. Temperatures rise slightly in March, but it is still colder than the middle of winter in Tokyo, so continue to take extra precautions against the cold.
Useful Items
Scarf / Earmuffs / Knit hat / Hand warmers / Thick socks / Anti-slip spikes for shoe soles
