Hakodate Weather in October

 Season: Autumn
 In short:

1. It is relatively cold with a large temperature gap between daytime and nighttime.
2. There are 19 rainy days in October, but the rain is usually light and lasts for a short time.
3. October is off season but a good time to enjoy autumn scenery.

Hakodate Autumn Scenery

Relatively Cold

Average temperature: 13 - 16℃ (55.4 - 60.8℉)

Overall, the weather of Hakodate in October is relatively cold: the day temperature mainly ranges from 15℃ (59℉) to 20℃ (68℉), while the night temperature often falls under 10℃ (50℉), and sometimes even drops to 5℃ (41℉) at the end of the month. The temperature difference between daytime and nighttime gradually increases to 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) or above in the second half of the month.

High-frequency but Light Rain

Hakodate in October receives 102mm (4 in) rainfall on average, distributed among 19 days. Most of time the rain is light and brief, lasting no longer than half a day, but it may rain several times within a single day. Rainy days often bring a sudden decline in temperature, so it’s better to add some clothes.

The relative humidity averages 71%, providing a rather comfortable feeling for you.

Hakodate Rainy View

Daylight Hours/ Sunshine Hours

The average daylight hours decrease from nearly 12 hours in the beginning of the month to 10.5 hours by the end of the month, with the sunrise at 5:35 - 6:09 and the sunset at 16:35 - 17:21. As the sunset time gets earlier and earlier, some attractions change their opening hours. For example, the closing time of the cableway on Mt. Hakodate is advanced from 22:00 to 21:00 from October 1 to April 19.

Though the length of sunshine hours is only 5 hours per day on average, sunny days become more frequent, which is beneficial for taking beautiful photos.  

The UV rays can be negligible as the UV Index is only 4, and there is no need to bring sun-protective products.

What to Wear in Hakodate in October

 Clothes:  You are advised to wear layers, so as to add or take off some according to daily temperature changes. For instance, wear a long-sleeve T-shirt or a hoodie as the base layer, a thin sweater as the middle layer and a basketball jacket or lightweight down jacket as the outer layer. As for bottom, sweatpants are highly recommended. If you are sensitive to coldness, also prepare a pair of long johns.

 Shoes: Comfortable hiking shoes or short boots are good choices considering that you may walk a lot during the trip. Despite light rain, shoes should be anti-slip and water-resistant. Both anti-slip spray and waterproof shoe covers are okey as the substitutes.

 Others: Keep an umbrella or a raincoat handy in case of rain.

Seasonal Highlight: Fall Foliage

Travel Recommendation Rate:

Goryokaku Tower

Starting middle October, it is the best time to enjoy autumn scenery in Hakodate, especially colorful leaves. The recommended viewing sites are as follows:

Goryokaku Park

Goryokaku Park, surrounded by red maples and yellow ginkgoes, has a unique charm in this month. Overlooking from the Goryokaku Tower, the special star-shaped park decorated with colorful foliage creates an imposing scenery.

Onuma Quasi National Park

As one of “Top 100 Scenic Spots of Red Leaves”, Onuma Quasi National Park is a must-visit place, where red, golden and green leaves adorn the whole park with a colorful cloak. There are various ways to enjoy fall leaves, including walking, cycling, boating and cruising. Moreover, the park celebrates Halloween in late October by holding a 15-minute firework display and lighting up around 200 pumpkin lanterns.

Kosetsuen Garden

Between late October and early November, the Kosetsuen Garden of Miharashi Park shows a vibrant scenery with red maple leaves, and its natural landscapes perfectly complements the surrounding historic architectures. At the end of October, Hakodate Maple Festa takes place here, where you can admire fall leaves at night under dreamlike lighting, enjoy a small-scale concert and make a garland on your own.

Is Hakodate Worth Visiting in October?

Yes, of course. The Hakodate climate in October is not too cold, and rainfall has little impact on your trip. Besides, October is off season, and even though the city in late October attracts more tourists to admire its imposing autumn scenery, the number is much less than that in big cities like Kyoto. Thus, if you plan to feel the fall atmosphere in Japan in 2025, a cost-effective trip to Hakodate in late October is the best option.

Travel Tips for Hakodate in October

1. The weather in this month may be a bit changeable, so keep an eye on local weather forecast. 
2. Hakodate encounters high winds at times, which may cause the closure of the cable cars of Mt. Hakodate, so pay attention to its notices and arrange your schedule flexibly.

Hakodate Weather by Month