Hakodate Weather in January

Season: Winter

In short:

1. January is the coldest time in Hakodate with temperature often dropping below freezing, so remember to pack as thick clothes as possible.
2. It snows a lot, and is dry with strong winds.
3. The period is the peak tourism season in Hakodate. Please make all reservations in advance.

Freezing and Windy

January is known as the chilliest month of the year in Hakodate, with its high temperature of just -2 - 6 degree Celsius (28.4 - 42.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Middle January possibly receives its lowest temperature of approximately -10℃ (14℉) over the month. It has strong winds sometimes, which makes the apparent temperature even lower.

The good thing is that all indoor places are well-heated, but it results in a big temperature gap between indoors and outdoors. Thus, please add or take off clothes timely according to the temperature change.

Snowy but Dry

Hakodate in January sees rain, snow and sleet, but most of time is snow. Influenced by the Tsushima Warm Current, Hakodate receives lower snowfall than other areas in Hokkaido. In January, the total precipitation averages 79mm (3.1 in) from 19 snowy days. The weather is pretty changeable: one minute it is sunny, the next it snows heavily or a blizzard even hits leading to poor visibility. More seriously, the severe weather may cause the closure of attractions, cable cars, even railways and airports. Thus, remember to check weather forecast and make a flexible schedule if you plan to travel here during the period in 2026.

The air can be dry in this month because of frequent snowfall, although its relative humidity is around 74%, which is easy to make your skin chapped.

January Snowy Scene

Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours

The time of sunrise is around 6:52 - 7:05, while that of sunset is 16:20 - 16:52 in January. The duration of daylight averages 9 hours per day, which is much shorter than in summer. You are advised to get up early and make a tight schedule. Meanwhile, please pay attention to the closing time of attractions because it may be advanced by 1 - 2 hours.

The historical data indicates that there are only 3 hours of sunshine per day on average in January and the UV Index is below 2 which is the lowest level throughout the year.

Why Visit Hakodate in January?

Hakodate has been well-known for its breathtaking snow scenery and January is right the time for it. The whole city is covered in white snow during the month, like an incredible winter wonderland.

This makes January the peak travel season with more tourists and higher expenses.

What to Wear in Hakodate in January

Clothes: Despite the cold weather outdoor, all indoor places are well-heated. Thus, onion-like layering is the key to adapting yourselves to large outdoor-indoor temperature gap. For the upper body, wear thermal underwear and a thick sweater as the base layer to cope with the indoor warmth, while adding a long down jacket as the outer layer against outdoor winds and cold. For the lower, thermal leggings are essential inner clothes, while waterproof clothing like thick snow pants is recommended as outer ones.

Shoes: Non-slip snow boots should rank ahead on your baggage list because most of days have heavy snowfall. Some pairs of woolen and thick high ankle socks are advised.

Others: Please pack woolen beanies, earmuffs, scarves, gloves and facial masks. Also, heating pads are your best friend if you stay outside for a long time. It is necessary to moisturize every day. Lip balms, body lotions and hand creams are great choices. Bring some cold medicine to prevent colds for the big temperature gap between indoors and outdoors.

Travel Recommendations for Hakodate Trip in January

Travel Recommendation Rate:

Admire Snowy Landscape

In January, you have precious opportunities to enjoy imposing snowy scenery in different periods. During the day, just wandering around Goryokaku Park or Hachiman-zaka, a quiet wonderland of white snow unfolds in your sight. At night, overlooking from the Goryokaku Tower Observatory or the Mt. Hakodate Observatory, you will admire snowy landscapes contrasting finely with colorful lights.

Hakodate in Winter

Hakodate Winter Festival

January coincides with Hakodate Winter Festival. During this period, there are many light shows held everywhere in the city. Hakodate Light Show is the main part of Hakodate Winter Festival. The trees along the streets such as Hachiman-zaka and Nijukan-zaka are decorated with over 100,000 light bulbs, which are lit up at 17:00 - 22:00 on Nov. 30 - Feb. 28 every year. Goryokaku Fort also has a light show called the Dream of Star-shaped Goryokaku during December-February each year. There are more than 2,000 light bulbs lit up at 17:00 - 19:00. It is recommended to admire the full view from the Observatory of Goryokaku Tower, where you will find a shining five-pointed star in a vast expanse of whiteness.

Skiing

January is a good season to go skiing. Hakodate Nanae Snow Park, a premier giant ski resort, should be included in your itinerary. There is a 3,319-meter-long (3,629 yards) cableway, known as the longest one in Hokkaido, and eight ski courses with a total length of 13,000 meters (14,200 yards). Even though you cannot ski, it is a nice experience to take a gondola lift to reach the summit and enjoy imposing snowy landscapes of Mt. Komagatake and Lake Onuma.

Enjoy Hot Spring Bath

Yunokawa Onsen has been recognized as one of three storied hot-spring resorts in Hokkaido. Spending time in a hot spring here in the coldest time can enhance blood circulation to ward off coldness. Standing nearby the Yunokawa Onsen tram stop, Footbath Paradise in Yunokawa Onsen, a free open-air footbath, opens 9:00 - 21:00. It is recommended to set aside some time to give your feet a short break.

Yunokawa Onsen Hotel

Yunokawa Onsen Bus

Travel Tips

1. New Year holidays and Adult Day in Japan respectively fall on Jan. 1 - 3 and the second Tuesday in this month. During these periods, Japanese from other areas flock to Hakodate, so make all reservations in advance.
2. Please keep an eye on weather forecast and notices from attractions to arrange your itinerary flexibly. For example, go for Rokkatei, Goryokaku Store to savor delicious snacks and have hot drinks if Mt. Hakodate Ropeway is temporarily halted because of extreme weather.