Climate

Otaru is situated in a part of Hokkaido with a comparatively mild climate.
Compared with Tokyo, the average temperatures for each month are colder, generally about one month different. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom around Golden Week (late April to early May), Tanabata is celebrated on August 7, and while there are some days in the summer when the temperature goes above 30 degrees Celsius, after Obon (mid-August) mornings and nights quickly become cool and they start playing ads for winter tires and snow blowers on TV. From late November until March is a long winter.

The Climate and Appropriate Dress for Each Month
*The temperature for each month is shown in the format [Average high temperature / Average low temperature].

Spring

Even in Hokkaido, spring comes slowly but surely. Cherry blossoms flower from around late April to early May, coinciding with Golden Week. This time of year, it’s cool during the day time, but it gets cold at night and in the morning. Please take care to manage your health because of the temperature difference.

April: 10.5°C/2.5°C
A spring coat with long-sleeved inner wear. There is still snow on the road until early April, and it is easy to slip on puddles or snow. Please be careful of your shoes as well.

May: 16.2°C/7.3°C

Since it’s cool in the mornings and at night and the wind is cold, it is a good idea to have a coat.

June: 19.8°C/11.9°C
Summers in Otaru are refreshing with low humidity and little rain. There are some cold days, so an ensemble is recommended.

Summer

This is the beginning of real summer, and there are many days that reach over 20°C. Please enjoy Hokkaido’s brief summer to the fullest.

July: 23.8°C/16.6°C
Although there are some midsummer days with temperatures over 30°C, the wind is cold at night, so it’s convenient to have a set of clothes with long sleeves. In the later half of the month, it’s also possible to swim in the ocean.

August: 25.5°C/18.2°C

The sunshine is bright and can sometimes be overpowering, but it sometimes gets cold at night and in the mornings, so don’t forget to bring a set of clothes with long sleeves. After Obon, you can feel the beginning of autumn.

Autumn

The lingering summer heat is felt for only a moment. During this time of year, it grows cold starting in the mountainous areas. Just as for spring, there is often a big temperature difference between daytime and the mornings and nights, so please take sufficient care to manage your health.

September: 21.7°C/13.8°C
The weather is mostly pleasant, but there are some cold days. You will have a hard time if you’re wearing short sleeves.

October: 15.5°C/7.4°C

The minimum temperature gets below 10°C. The wind feels cold. From late in the month, there may be the first snow of the winter. Don’t forget to bring a coat.

November: 7.9°C/1.2°C

The maximum temperature goes below 10°C and it starts getting really cold. It also snows. Wear inner wear with long sleeves. Late in the month, winter wear is necessary.

Winter

It’s the beginning of full-scale winter. From mid-December, the snow begins to stay overnight, and the snow cover gradually gets thicker. Outside, the road and sidewalk have different heights, and icicles hang from the eaves of buildings. Please dress in complete winter protective wear! Warm clothes such as winter coats, jumpers, or down jackets. Protect yourself from the cold with multiple layers such as sweaters. It is also convenient to have a scarf, gloves, and a hat that covers the ears or earmuffs. Shoes with thick soles and deep grooves that don’t slip are necessary. For people who arrived wearing summer shoes, we recommend anti-slip shoe covers (sold in convenience stores, shops in the train stations, etc.).

December: 1.8°C/-3.6°C

January: -0.9°C/-6.3°C

February: -0.3°C/-6.0°C