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
The long winter ends as the drift ice covering the Sea of Okhotsk melts and drifts away in April. However, with an average temperature of 5°C, it's still as cold as Tokyo in January. Until late April, there is still a chance of snow, so thick coats and gloves are essential to stay warm. There are also many puddles from the melting snow, so waterproof shoes are recommended. At Lake Kutcharo, you can see swans taking their last rest before heading north. By May, the daytime temperature finally reaches 10°C, and flowers start blooming one after another in the Sarobetsu Wetlands. Easy-to-remove zip-up garments like a fleece jacket or a hoodie are recommended underneath the outerwear.
Useful Items
Windbreaker / Knit hat / Scarf / Hand warmers / Waterproof spray
Summer Clothing
Enjoy the cool and refreshing breeze that makes Wakkanai's summer pleasant. While there's no rainy season, cloudy days and light rain are common. The average temperature in June is 13°C, making it too chilly without a jacket. It's the best season to see alpine flowers bloom on Rishiri Island and Rebun Island. Even in July and August, the average temperature does not reach 20°C, and days exceeding 30°C are rare. For trekking, prepare a rain suit serving not only as rain gear but also as an extra layer of warmth. The coast and hills can be windy, so secure your hat and sunglasses with clips to prevent them from being blown away. By late August, temperatures begin to drop, signaling the approach of autumn.
As September arrives, the chill of mornings and evenings intensifies, and autumn deepens each day. Start with long sleeves and add layers, such as a light sweater or jacket. There are many clear autumn days, and from Soya Cape, the northernmost point of Japan, you can bask in beautiful sunsets on the horizon. By early October, the first snow cap can be seen on Mount Rishiri, offering a chance to enjoy the lightly snow-dusted autumn leaves. However, daylight hours rapidly shorten, and snow flurries can occur by the end of the month, even in lowland areas. In November, the average temperature drops to 4°C, making sunny days a rare treasure. It's time to add thick coats or down jackets to your wardrobe to prepare for the full onset of winter.
Useful Items
Gloves / Knit hat / Scarf / Cardigan / Hand warmers / Boots
Winter Clothing
Winter brings fierce winds and frequent blizzards, with hardly any clear days, making the perceived temperature even colder. From December, daytime temperatures also fall below freezing. Stay warm with hooded, thick down jackets, thermal innerwear, gloves, and earmuffs. Footwear should be snow boots with high anti-slip and cold protection. Snow falls almost every day in January and the snow depth peaks in February. The cold intensifies even further when drift ice comes ashore, approaching −10°C. In March, daylight hours increase, but comprehensive cold protection remains crucial.
Useful Items
Scarf / Knit hat / Hand warmers / Thick socks / Anti-slip spikes for shoe soles
