Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Hokkaido
Choosing the right time to visit Hokkaido is the most important step to your perfect trip.
But, how? I’ll tell you everything about it in this article.
I’ve helped over 100 international travelers plan their trips to Hokkaido all year round.
So I know how timing impacts crowds and costs.
In this guide, I’ll break down:
The most and least expensive times to visit
The best highlights of each season
Weather, food, and what to wear
Let’s dive in!
This post contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to enjoy a cup of coffee on my trip☕
High Season: When Hokkaido is More Crowded & Expensive
If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, peak seasons will be the worst times to travel (=overpriced hotels and tourist-packed spots).
So here are the dates you should be aware of.
Early to mid-February – Sapporo Snow Festival attracts big crowds, not only Sapporo but across Hokkaido.
July to August – Japanese summer holidays. Especially mid-August gets crowded with Japanese travelers.
The end of April to the beginning of May (long holidays called Golden Week) – One of Japan’s busiest travel periods.
Year-end and New Year holidays – December 31 to January 3 is the travel peak season.
Low Season: When Hokkaido is Quieter & Cheaper
Mid-January (after New Year’s rush) – A quieter winter experience.
March & April (before the Golden Week) – A peaceful time before the cherry blossoms bloom.
October to mid-December – Before the end-of-year holiday begins.
If you’re flexible with your schedule, visiting during the low season can help you avoid crowds and save money.
But in fact, timing your trip isn’t just about cost. It’s also about what you want to experience!
Now we’ll take a closer look at each season. You’ll know the best time to visit in each season and the seasonal highlights.
The best time to visit Hokkaido in summer is June, July and August.
Summer is the best season to enjoy Hokkaido’s beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.
As Hokkaido is a popular summer destination among Japanese people thanks to its cooler climate. Try to avoid mid-August as it gets especially crowded due to local summer holidays.
If you can drive, I highly recommend a road trip across Hokkaido!
🌻 Summer Hokkaido Snapshot
Highlights: Summer festivals, national parks, hiking, cycling, flower fields
Food in season: Melon in Furano, Yubari, and Kunneppu, scallops in Tokoro, sweet corns, asparagus
Weather: 20-25°C during the day, cooling to around 15°C at night. Dry and comfortable.
What to wear: Short sleeves and shorts for the day. Layer with a hoodie, light jacket, or long pants in coastal areas or during the evenings.
Hokkaido Summer itineraries
The best time to visit Hokkaido in autumn is October.
Hokkaido’s autumn is brief and beautiful. You can find many beautiful foliage spots across Hokkaido.
Autumn colors begin around mid-September transitioning from the northeast to the southwest ending in early November.
To catch the best spots, wait for September when news agencies announce their foliage forecasts.
🍁 Autumn Hokkaido Snapshot
Highlights: Autumn foliage, hiking, onsen hot spring
Food in season: Salmon, salmon roe (ikura), potato, sweet potato, mushrooms
Weather: Around 20°C during the day, dropping below 10°C at night. Occasional rain.
What to wear: Long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and windbreakers for the day. Pack a jacket and gloves for the cooler evenings.
The best time to visit Hokkaido in winter is late February.
Hokkaido is a winter wonderland. Many unique winter activities await you across the island!
I recommend traveling around by public transportation in winter for safety, unless you’re a skilled driver on icy roads.
Popular tours like drift ice cruises and drift ice walk sell out quickly, so make sure to plan ahead.
❄️ Winter Hokkaido Snapshot
Highlights: Winter festivals, drift ice along the Okhotsk Sea, skiing, snowshoeing, onsen hot spring
Food in season: Oyestes in Saroma and Akkeshi, Hokkaido’s local ramen
Weather: Below freezing, ranging from -15°C to 0°C. Expect deep snow and occasional heavy snowfall.
What to wear: Warm base layers, thick pants, sweaters, and a down coat. Don’t forget knit hats, gloves, scarves, and shoes with good grip (avoid Converse!).
Hokkaido winter itineraries
The best time to visit Hokkaido in spring is mid-April.
If you’re looking for a quieter time to explore, spring is ideal as Hokkaido’s tourism slows down.
But you might want to avoid the Golden Week (the end of April to the beginning of May) when a lot of Japanese people travel across the countr.
Sakura cherry blossoms peak from mid-April to early May, much later than Tokyo and other places in Japan. Sakura forecasts are released in February, so stay updated to catch them at their peak!
🌸 Spring Hokkaido Snapshot
Highlights: Cherry blossoms, Shibazakura in Higashi Mokoto and Takinoue
Food in season: Hairy crab in Monbetsu, sea urchin in Utoro and Rausu
Weather: Daytime temperatures of 10-15°C, with nights around 5°C. Snow may linger until mid-April.
What to wear: A light jacket or sweater during the day, and a coat for the cooler evenings. Gloves and a compact umbrella can come in handy.
FAQ
When is the worst time to visit Hokkaido?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to enjoy a quiet, peaceful Hokkaido trip, the high seasons would be the worst time for you.
If you’re looking for seasonal activities, November would be the worst time in the sense that it’s too late for autumn foliage and too early for snow.
March could also be not ideal, because there might not be enough snow for winter activities but still pretty cold.
Does it rain a lot in Hokkaido in the summer?
No, Hokkaido is much less rainy than the other parts of Japan that experience a month-long rain season in June/July.
Visit Hokkaido in Summer to enjoy the pleasant weather!
Can I drive in Hokkaido in winter?
Yes, if you are used to driving on snowy, icy roads.
If you are not, I highly recommend traveling by public transportation for your safety.
When can I see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido?
Cherry blossoms in Hokkaido typically bloom from late April in the southern and western parts of Hokkaido to early May in the northern and eastern regions.
However, the timing varies every year. Keep your eyes on the cherry blossom forecasts that come out around February.
THAT’S ALL!
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