Best time to visit Hokkaido

The best time to visit Hokkaido is December to February, judged across 3 places; August is its low season.

in seasongoodnot its bestlow season

Updated September 2026 · East Asia · 3 places, each judged for what it is · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis

Hokkaido month by month

MonthSeasonWhyBest places
Januaryin season-1°C highsNiseko, Furano, Sapporo
Februaryin season0°C highsFurano, Niseko, Sapporo
Marchgood5°C highs · 9 h sunFurano, Niseko, Sapporo
Aprilnot its best11°C highs · best Dec–FebSapporo, Furano, Niseko
Maynot its best18°C highs · best Dec–FebSapporo, Furano, Niseko
Junenot its best22°C highs · best Dec–FebSapporo, Furano, Niseko
Julynot its best26°C highs · best Dec–FebSapporo, Niseko, Furano
Augustlow season27°C highs · best Dec–FebSapporo, Niseko, Furano
Septembernot its best23°C highs · best Dec–FebSapporo, Furano, Niseko
Octobernot its best15°C highs · best Dec–FebSapporo, Furano, Niseko
Novembernot its best8°C highs · best Dec–FebFurano, Niseko, Sapporo
Decemberin season1°C highsFurano, Niseko, Sapporo

In season: one of the region's three best months, and good in its own right. Low season: one of its three worst, and well below its best. The reasons compare each month with the region's own year and name the seasons on the ground — monsoon, autumn colour, hurricanes — where most of its places share them.

All 3 places in Hokkaido

Hokkaido — FAQ

When is the best time to visit Hokkaido?
December to February. In February: 0°C highs.
When is the low season in Hokkaido?
August. In August: 27°C highs · best Dec–Feb.
Which months are in season in Hokkaido?
December to February — the months among its best that are also good in their own right.