Hakodate Weather in May
Season: Spring In short:
1. The weather is getting pleasantly warm, but low temperatures occur in the early mornings and at nights.
2. It has 14 rainy days and 9 cloudy days on average.
3. You have the chance to see cherry flowers in early May.
Cherry Blossom Season
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Temperature
The weather of Hakodate in May gets a bit pleasant with its average temperature of 8 - 16 degrees Celsius (46 - 61 degrees Fahrenheit). It is especially mild at noon when the temperature is mostly around 16 - 19℃ (61 - 66℉), but you still feel chilly in the early morning and evening because it often declines to 8 - 12℃ (46 - 54℉).Although the overall weather is a bit mild, it is not steady. Sometimes the temperature significantly drops to as low as 5℃ (41℉), making people feel like returning back to winter days.
Rainy and Cloudy
The weather is mainly rainy and cloudy. May has 74mm (2.9 in) average rainfall spreading in roughly 14 rainy days based on historical data. It usually rains in small amounts for a short time, which just has a slight impact on your trip, but it’s better to prepare rain gear. There are 9 cloudy days on average, nearly one third of the month.
Hakodate Magistrate's Office
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Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours
From sunrise at 4:06 - 4:35 to sunset at 18:35 - 19:05, the average daylight hours reach 14 - 15 hours each day. The daily span of sunlight averages 7 hours. Enough daylight hours allow you to slow down your travel pace. Also, the opening time of some attractions is advanced. For instance, Hakodate Morning Market opens one hour earlier, at 5:00.
The UV rays become quite strong, with the UV Index of 7. You’d better take some precautions against it.
Is May too late for cherry blossoms in Hakodate?
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Sakura Season Stall
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Is it a good time to visit Hakodate in May?
May is a recommended month to visit Hakodate. Generally mild weather and longer daylight hours make your trip more comfortable and leisurely. After cherry blossoms, a great wealth of other flowers such as wisteria and azaleas can be seen. Despite the cherry blossom season, Hakodate receives fewer tourists in May, which makes your travel experience better. It’s a good choice to enjoy the seasonal landscapes in May, 2026.
Packing List Given the Hakodate Climate in May
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Clothes: Wearing hoodies, cardigans, long jeans and sweatpants is enough at noon. However, fleece jackets or even lightweight down jackets are needed as outer clothes against coldness in the early mornings and evenings and in some occasionally cold days.
Shoes: Anti-slip and comfortable hiking shoes are the best choice as you are likely to walk a long time to enjoy seasonal scenery and take souvenir pictures. And pair with socks of ordinary thickness.
Others: During May, lots of pollen from various flowers and birch trees float in the air, so those allergic to it, remember to bring facial masks. Some sun-protective things such as sunblock and wide-brimmed hats are advised.
Where to Admire Sakura and Other Flowers in Hakodate in May
Head for Goryokaku Tower Observatory to see the full view of Goryokaku Fort surrounded by cherry blossoms at the beginning of the month, Mt. Esan to admire a sea of vibrant azaleas from mid-May to mid-June, and also Goryokaku Park to appreciate large clusters of wistaria like elegant purple drapes at the end of May.
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Goryokaku Tower
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Travel Suggestions for Hakodate in May
1. Mt. Hakodate Observatory is at a high altitude where the temperatures become lower. Besides, the winds often blow, making you feel chillier, so remember to prepare a thick jacket to keep warm. Besides, rainy days are often along with fogs, leading to poor visibility. Please pay attention to local weather forecast and arrange this attraction in sunny days with a clear sky.2. The Golden Week in Japan, from the end of April to the beginning of May, coincides with the cherry blossom season in some years in Hakodate, resulting in an influx of domestic tourists here. Thus, it is advisable to make reservations ahead of time.
