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Here we'll share all about the weather in Hokkaido in summer, and the perfect clothing to wear. We'll also share why summer is the best time to visit Hokkaido!
If you’re going to Hokkaido as well as visiting Tokyo and Osaka, you need to be aware that there’s a big difference in temperature!
Hokkaido is the furthest north of the islands of Japan. It’s 820km north of Tokyo and is separated from the mainland by a large stretch of water called the Tsugaru Strait. The average temperature in summer in Hokkaido is about 20 degrees Celsius which is cool and pleasant. In winter the temperature is often below zero and it also snows a lot.
Visiting Hokkaido in Summer 2023 (June to August)
On the mainland it feels humid, and it’s the rainy season in June through mid-July. However, there’s no rainy season in Hokkaido, so this is a very pleasant time of year to visit!
Top 3 reasons to visit Hokkaido in summer
1. It hardly ever gets over 30℃ so the days are very pleasant! The summer temperature in Hokkaido is around 20 ℃. Due to abnormal weather conditions and global warming a high of 37.8 °C was recorded for the first time since records began in June 2014, but in a normal year there are very few days when the temperature exceeds 30° C. That’s makes for a cool and comfortable climate. Some days might feel a bit chilly if the temperature drops below 10 ℃ in the morning and evening.
2. There’s no rainy season and not much humidity in the air! On mainland Japan, you get a lot of rainy days from June to July and increased precipitation. During the rainy season (tsuyu) in Tokyo and Kyoto, and in most parts of Japan, it tends to get hot and humid. The humidity can be quite uncomfortable at this time of year. However, in Hokkaido there’s no rainy season. Humidity is not an issue and the climate is refreshing and comfortable.
3. The best time to see the lavender in Furano is early to late July! The summer in Hokkaido is short, and many flowers bloom all together between June and August. You can see the lavender fields in Furano all stretched out from the beginning through to the end of July. In Biei the flower patchwork rows bloom one after the other from June onward. It’s a truly awesome sight! There are plenty of seasonal vegetables and fruits available, so this is a great time of year for sightseeing.
What to watch out for in summer: Flowers, Food & Events
Summer blooming flowers: Lilac (June), fly honeysuckle (June), begonia (June/July), lavender (July), roses (July and August), marigolds (July and August), sunflowers (August).
Seasonal fish: tokishirazu (summer-catch salmon) (June), hokke (Okhotsk mackerel) (June onwards), surumeika (Japanese squid) (June onwards), sea urchin (June - August).
Seasonal fruit and vegetables: White asparagus (June), asparagus (June/July), corn (July/August), yubari melon (June to August), potatoes (August/September).
Summer event: Otaru Tide Festival (July 28 - 30, 2023). Venue: Otaru port around Wharf No. 3 (Fireworks display). Access: 10 minutes’ walk from Otaru Station (JR Hakodate main line)
What's summer like in Hokkaido (June - August)? Average temperature and precipitation
What clothes should I pack for Hokkaido in summer?
July It’s pleasantly cool, but the temperature can still get over 30 degrees on some days. Make sure you protect yourself against the sun with a hat and sunglasses. Sunscreen is also essential.
August Rainfall picks up again in the fall - keep a foldable umbrella handy for days when you get sun and showers. Sunscreen is essential as the sunlight can be very strong.
Recommended summer clothing
Via Live Japan
