Hakodate: Weather From September to February and Clothing Tips

Hakodate: Weather and Climate

Hakodate, a city situated in southern Hokkaido, is part of the Oshima Region. The climate of both the city and the Oshima Peninsula is influenced by the warm Tsushima Current, resulting in relatively small differences between daily high and low temperatures. As a result, this area is the warmest in Hokkaido.

However, winter arrives earlier here than on Honshu Island, so visitors to Hakodate should be prepared for the cold. Be sure to dress appropriately to fully enjoy your time in Hakodate.

Weather in Hakodate

1. Hakodate Weather in Autumn and Winter
2. Average Temperature and Clothing Tips for September - November
3. Average Temperature and Clothing Tips for December - February
4. FAQs

Hakodate Weather in Autumn and Winter

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, temperatures in the region can range from a low of minus 13.1 degrees Celsius to a high of 35.4 degrees Celsius.

Rainfall is highest in June and September, while snowfall increases from December to February, reaching its deepest levels during this period. Therefore, tourists should be prepared for the cold.

When planning your trip, be sure to choose clothing based on the average monthly temperatures.

Reference: Japan Meteorological Agency Hakodate (Oshima Region)/Monthly Data in 2023

Average Temperature and Clothing Tips for September - November

Picture courtesy of PR Times

The temperature begins to drop in September, and it can be quite chilly by November. While daytime temperatures may feel warm, mornings and evenings will remain cool. Therefore, be sure to dress in layers to stay comfortable and warm.

• September: A light cardigan or a flannel shirt
• October: A heavy cardigan or a light jacket
• November: A light down coat or a thick fleece jacket

September: High 26 degrees Celsius/Low 18.1 degrees Celsius

The average high temperature is 26 degrees Celsius, while the low is 18.1 degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures typically hover around 20 degrees.

In the afternoon, a short-sleeved shirt should be sufficient, but a light cardigan or flannel shirt will be useful for staying warm in the mornings and evenings. Remember that temperatures will also be cooler on rainy days.

October is an ideal time to enjoy the nighttime view of the city from Mount Hakodate or take a stroll in Goryokaku Park. It's the perfect season to appreciate the beautiful scenery that the city has to offer.

October: High 18.6 degrees Celsius/Low 9.1 degrees Celsius

The average high temperature in autumn is 18.6 degrees Celsius, while the low is 9.1 degrees Celsius. Daily high temperatures will remain above 15 degrees until mid-October, allowing people to enjoy walks in a moderate climate.

However, it will start to feel cold as temperatures drop below 10 degrees in the mornings and evenings. The chill will increase with the wind, so a heavy cardigan or light jacket will be helpful in warding off the cold.

Mid- to late October is the best time to see the autumn foliage in Hakodate. The view from Goryokaku Tower is especially stunning, providing visitors with a wonderful opportunity to experience the seasonal atmosphere.

November: High 11.3 degrees Celsius/Low 3.1 degrees Celsius

As winter approaches, the average high temperature drops to 11.3 degrees Celsius, with a low of 3.1 degrees Celsius. Autumn foliage can still be seen in early November, but the leaves will be gone by the end of the month. During this time, the daily low temperature will be around 3 degrees, eventually dropping below zero.

Snow is expected to start falling from mid-November to early December. As the season transitions to winter, visitors should consider wearing a light down coat or a thick fleece jacket.

From the end of November to December, the Hakodate Bay Area and the city's churches will be beautifully illuminated. This is a great season to appreciate the stunning cityscape, rich with historic architecture, all while enjoying the crisp winter air.

Average Temperature and Clothing Tips for December - February

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Temperatures begin to drop sharply in December, and the cold weather typically lasts until February. The average high temperature hovers around zero degrees Celsius, with lows staying below zero on most days. Snow and icy streets are common, so visitors should dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear.

A down coat or windproof jacket is recommended, along with scarves, gloves, and earmuffs to protect your neck and ears from the cold and snowy winds. It’s also important to wear skid-proof or waterproof shoes for safety and comfort.

December: High 3.4 degrees Celsius/Low: Minus 3.5 degrees Celsius

This marks the start of the cold season, with an average high temperature of 3.4 degrees Celsius and a low of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius. Although the temperatures may be milder than in other areas of Hokkaido, Hakodate is a port town, and the air can feel much colder when the wind blows, so be sure to prepare for the chill.

While snowfall may be light, the city will be blanketed in white as it approaches Christmas. The streets can be slippery with ice, so it's important to wear skid-proof or waterproof shoes.

During this period, events such as the Hakodate Christmas Fantasy, featuring a tall illuminated tree, and the Hoshi no Yume Illumination, which beautifully lights up Goryokaku Park, will take place. It is a wonderful season to enjoy the festive Christmas atmosphere.

January: High: Minus 0.2 degrees Celsius/Low: Minus 7.4 degrees Celsius

At the peak of winter, the high temperature reaches minus 0.2 degrees Celsius, with a low of minus 7.4 degrees Celsius. With the city blanketed in snow, the cold can feel quite intense.

While urban areas may not be as chilly, places like Mount Hakodate will be frigid. To fully enjoy the scenery, it's essential to wear heavy clothing along with gloves, scarves, and earmuffs.

Despite the cold, local events such as Yunokawa Fuyu no Akari and Kanchu Misogi Matsuri will take place in January. So bundle up and enjoy the festivities!

February: High 2.2 degrees Celsius/Low: Minus 5.8 degrees Celsius

Cold weather continues in February, with high temperatures averaging 2.2 degrees Celsius and lows around minus 5.8 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are similar to those in Sapporo in March, and the city will be covered in white due to increasing snowfall.

Highlights of the month include the Hakodate Winter Fireworks, a 10-minute event held every Saturday, and the Esan Gokko Matsuri, a food festival featuring gokko (smooth lumpfish), a specialty of the Esan district.

With various events taking place during this chilly time, be sure to dress warmly and enjoy the winter festivities!

Enjoy Exploring Hakodate

In autumn, visitors to Hakodate should wear layered clothing to stay warm during the chilly mornings and evenings. In winter, it's important to wear cold-weather attire and skid-proof shoes. To fully enjoy sightseeing, be sure to choose clothing that is appropriate for the climate.

During the winter season, Hakodate features beautiful illumination events and picturesque snowscapes. Dress warmly and enjoy your time!