Hakodate Weather in February

 Season: Winter
 In short: 
1. February in Hakodate is cold with the low temperatures of -7 - -2℃ (19 - 28℉).
2. It frequently sees snow or sleet, high winds and is dry.
3. It is one of the best months to view snow scenes and experience winter activities.

Cold with Strong Winds

Overall, the weather of Hakodate in February is freezing. Mostly, daytime temperatures are -2 - 3℃ (28 - 37℉) while the nighttime ones often drop to -7 - -2℃ (19 - 28℉). Even in relatively warm days, the highest temperature generally doesn’t exceed 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). Besides, strong winds often blow, leading to a lower feels-like temperature. 

One thing to know is that indoor places such as shopping malls, restaurants and even buses provide enough heating, so the indoor-and-outdoor temperature difference can reach as high as 20℃ (68℉). Remember to take steps early to prevent catching a cold.

Hakodate Winter Scenery

Heavy Snow and Low Humidity

The precipitation averages around 64mm (2.5 in), a majority of which comes from snow or sleet. There are 17 snowy days and 1 sleety day on average this month. The depth of snow accumulation can reach up to 40cm (15.7 in), making it a great period to admire snow scenery and participate in winter activities. 

Special attention should be given to blizzards, which has a high incidence in February. Once it hits, poor visibility, strong winds and plummeting temperature put a damper on your travel. What’s worse, that may lead to the closure of scenic spots and the disruption of traffic. 

You feel pretty dry during this period with the relative humidity of 71%, so drink more water and hydrate your skin by some moisturizing products.

Daylight Hours & Sunshine Hours 

The sunrise is at around 6:15 - 6:51 and the sunset is at 16:51 - 17:26, resulting in longer and longer length of daylight from 10 hours to 11 hours, which allows more time on outdoor visits. Remember to check the closing time of attractions as some are closed earlier than in summer due to the early sunset. 

The sunshine hours average 3 hours per day, and the UV Index of 2 means that sun-protective gear is not necessary.

What to Wear in Hakodate in February

 Clothes: Warm outfits are the most recommended considering the Hakodate climate in February. For the upper body, wear a thick sweater and add a thick down coat on top. For the lower, pack fleece-lined hiking pants. A down vest can be as the middle layer if you are sensitive to coldness.

 Shoes: Try to pack anti-slip and comfortable snow boots, paired with woolen high ankle socks.

 Others: Woolen scarves, hats, earmuffs and windproof facial masks are necessities against chilly strong winds. Gloves can keep your hands warm outdoors. Staring at snow for a long time may cause discomfort on your eyes, so snow goggles or sunglasses are needed. 

Travel Recommendations for Hakodate in February

Travel Recommendation Rate:

Beautiful Firework Display

1. Admiring the snow scenery is a must-do activity in February, and the best viewing spots include Goryokaku Park and Mt. Hakodate Observatory. Through the windows of Goryokaku Tower, you can see the star-shaped park is under a cloak of white snow. Take a cable car to Mt. Hakodate Observatory, the hourglass-shaped snowy panorama of Hakodate comes into view.
2. During Onuma Ice and Snow Festival held on the first weekend of February, one can experience various winter activities: playing on a 20-meter-long (21 yards) ice slide, ice fishing, riding a snowmobile, etc. 
3. The sky above Hakodate is ablaze with splendid firework displays at 20:00 on each Saturday in February. Both docks nearby Hakodate Port and Hachiman-zaka Slope are recommended sites to see them.
4. If you encounter extreme weather, indoor attractions or cafes are suggested: Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Seikan Memorial Ferry “Mashu-maru” and Rokkatei Goryokaku Cafe and Shop.
5. February is the harvest season for cobs, herrings, hairy crabs and more in Hakodate. It’s advised to go for Hakodate Morning Market in the early morning to savor these fresh seafood.

Travel Tips  

1. February is the rush season in Hakodate when hotels, airline or train tickets are in high demand, so early reservation is a wise decision if your trip is right at this time of 2026.

2. Hotels are well-heated, making the air much dry. It’s better to book ones equipped with an air humidifier. If there is not a humidifier, hanging a wet towel in your room is a good solution.

Hakodate Morning Market

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Hakodate Weather by Month