Hakodate Weather

As a coastal city in south Hokkaido of Japan, Hakodate, featuring a temperate monsoon climate, enjoys four diverse seasons including warming-up springs from April to June, mild and rainy summers from July to August, cool and comfy autumns from September to November as well as cold and snowy winters from December to March.

Temperature

The temperatures in Hakodate have a large fluctuation throughout the whole year, with the highest temperature of over 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and the lowest one of below -10℃ (14°F). Influenced by the ocean, the day-night temperature difference of Hakodate is lower than that of inland regions but the gap is still great, which nearly reaches 10℃ (50°F) in spring and autumn. Sometimes it is windy, making the apparent temperature lower.

Hakodate Morning Market

What is the hottest month in Hakodate?

The hottest month in Hakodate is August. Even though, it is much cooler than many southern regions in Japan like Tokyo and Osaka. The high temperature generally does not exceed 26℃ (78.8°F) while occasionally hits over 30℃ (86°F). With the temperatures dropping and gentle sea breezes blowing, it is even cooler by the end of the month.

What is the coldest month in Hakodate?

The coldest month in Hakodate is January. The high temperature usually hovers around 11 - 13℃ (51 - 55°F), but the temperature at night is often below freezing point and can decline to around -10℃ (14°F). Thus, remember to wear your appropriate winter gear against cold. 

 

Precipitation 

The average annual precipitation in Hakodate is 1,100mm (47 in) or above, a relatively high level. Hakodate does not have the obvious rainy season. However, it may drizzle or be cloudy continuously from middle June to early July. 

Based on historical data, summer sees the most rainfall, especially in August when it averages around 156mm (6.1 in), accumulating from 18 days. Winter sees the least precipitation and most of it is snow or sleet. However, its snowfall is lower than that of other regions in Hokkaido, the northernmost part of Japan. Here in Hakodate, snow really starts to accumulate in January, averaging 30 - 40cm (11.8 - 15.7 in) in depth.

Humidity Graph of Hakodate

Best Time to Visit: December to February and July to August

The best time to visit Hakodate is December to February in winter and July to August summer. 

Hakodate Cherry Blossoms

In winter, the whole city is covered in white snow. It is worth enjoying imposing snow scenery on Mt. Hakodate Observatory and experiencing various snow events like riding a snowmobile or trekking in Onuma Quasi National Park. Just remember to keep warm. 

Hakodate has been hailed as a summer resort, because it is cool with high temperatures being usually around 26℃ (78.8°F), suitable to sightsee outdoors. And elegant hydrangeas are in full bloom in July and August.

The spring and autumn are also nice periods to visit Hakodate, because the weather is neither hot nor cold. You are advised to appreciate cherry blossoms and wisteria at their most beautiful in spring or vibrant fall foliage in autumn.

See More about Hokkaido Weather and Hakodate Attractions.

Hakodate Climate - Seasons & Travel Recommendations

Spring: April - June

Stalls in Sakura Seasons

 Weather: Overall, temperatures increasingly ascend in spring. During April, it begins to warm up and in above 15 days the maximum temperatures can reach 10℃ (50℉) or above. A great daily temperature difference is seen in early spring with a maximum of up to 10℃ (50℉), which means it is a little bit chilly before sunrise and after sunset. In May, you may feel somewhat mild with the high temperature of 14 - 20℃ (57.2 - 68℉). After middle June, even the low temperatures are often more than 15℃ (59℉). There is not much precipitation and nearly half of the time is sunny. The weather situation leads to a relatively pleasant travel experience.
 Clothes: Sweaters, lightweight down jackets and thick sweatpants and non-slip shoes are indispensable in April. Some thinner clothes such as trench coats, long jeans and comfy sneakers are advised from May to June because it gets milder. Besides, remember to carry a scarf with you to address a large day-night temperature difference.  

 Travel Recommendations: 
1. From late April to middle May, cherry blossoms gradually show their delicate beauty, which makes you feel like entering a pink wonderland.
2. Admire large clusters of enchanting wisteria during the period of late May to early June, when you wander around Goryokaku Park.

3. At night, the panoramic view of Hakodate can be clearly seen from Mt. Hakodate Observatory on one of sunny days. 

Summer: July - August

Hakodate Firework Display

 Weather: Generally, summer here is milder and more pleasant than that of other regions of Japan. The daytime high temperature is 24 - 29℃ (75.2 - 84.2℉), while at night it falls to roughly 19℃ (66.2℉). It has winds during the day, so the apparent temperature is even lower. Summer here receives strong UV rays, with the highest UV Index of 8 - 10. Hakodate in summer witnesses the most rainfall throughout the year. Remarkably, it may drizzle or be overcast continuously from middle June and early July because of the Okhotsk High.

 Clothes: Given balmy and humid weather, bringing some breathable and lightweight clothes is a sensible choice. Cotton-linen short-sleeved T-shirts, shorts, skirts and non-slip sandals and sneakers are recommended. Plus, you’d better pack a thin overcoat to ward off coolness in the early morning and at night, which can also be used as sun protective clothing. Sunglasses, sun hats and rain gear are also necessities.
 Travel Advice: 
1. The temperature can be up to 30℃ (86℉) with strong UV rays at noon, although it is mild most of time in summer. Thus, you are advised to visit some indoor sites like Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Former British Consulate of Hakodate and Hakodate-Meijika at hot noon.
2. Arrange your itinerary flexibly. For example, replace the outdoor sightseeing with indoors visits in case of rain.
3. Please check the weather forecast and choose a sunny day to admire the night scenery on Mt. Hakodate Observatory, because it is misty in rainy days with poor visibility. 
4. You have a chance to appreciate splendid fireworks blooming over Hakodate Port on July 20th every year.
5. Summer is the tourist peak season, so booking hotels or tickets one month ahead are advised.

Autumn: September - November

 Weather: The temperatures in autumn begin to decline with the high temperature dropping from 25℃ (77℉) to as low as 2℃ (35.6℉) and the rainfall also declines. Similar to spring, autumn is found a large temperature difference between daytime and nighttime. Especially in November, its temperatures can fluctuate by around 10℃ (50℉) within one single day. 

 Clothes: During September and October, it is necessary to pack a long-sleeved shirt or thin sweater paired with a windbreaker. As for the lower body, long pants such as jeans, slacks, thick long dresses and non-slip shoes should be prepared. In November, remember to add a thick coat and a scarf to keep warm. 

 Travel Recommendations: Autumn is the best season to visit fall foliage. Kosetsuen Garden and Hakodate Park are both good viewing places. 

Fall Foliage

Winter: December - March

 Weather: The freezing and dry winter spans from December to March. Temperatures from December to February often fall below 0℃ (32℉) and snow falls frequently, while the temperatures in March slightly rise and snow begins to melt. There are relatively strong sea winds, making you feel colder. The winter has the shortest daylight hours throughout the year, approximately 9-10 hours per day on average.

Hakodate Snowy Scenery

 Clothes: Please prepare as warm clothes as possible, including thermal underwear, high-necked sweaters, down jackets, fleece-lined pants and waterproof snow boots. Woolen hats and gloves are necessities for outdoor activities. 

 Travel Advice: 
1. Considering the shortest daylight hours and low temperatures, it is recommended to get up early and go for Hakodate Morning Market to eat a bowl of hot seafood porridge warding off coldness. Then visit Onuma Quasi National Park to experience all kinds of enjoyable snow activities, or go to Tropical Botanical Garden to watch monkeys taking a hot-spring bath. Plus, both Red-Brick Warehouses and a specially set up Christmas tree, are decorated with beautiful lights, which will be lit up at night from November 30th to December 25th to add some Christmas vibe.

2. Winter is peak tourist time, so please make all reservations in advance if you plan to visit Hakodate in this time of 2025.