Weather in Hakodate

Planning to explore Hakodate? Stay up to date with the current weather! In this section, you will find fresh meteorological data, forecasts, and visual charts to help you plan the perfect day.

The climate in Hakodate can be characterized as temperate, with four distinct seasons. The city experiences cold winters, when average temperatures drop below freezing (especially in January and February), and warm, pleasant summers, peaking in July and August. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with gradual temperature changes, offering mild and comfortable weather for travelers.

Precipitation occurs throughout the year in Hakodate, though its intensity and frequency vary from month to month. The highest number of "wet days," meaning days with precipitation, falls in the summer month of August, as well as in December, which may indicate more frequent rains in summer and snowfall in winter. Although the data shows relatively low precipitation amounts in millimetres, the significant number of days with precipitation suggests that visitors should be prepared for changeable weather, especially during these peak months.

Overall, the weather in Hakodate offers diverse conditions depending on the time of year. Summer months (July-August) are the warmest, while winter months (December-February) are the coldest, with sub-zero temperatures. The transitional seasons—spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November)—usually delight with moderate temperatures, making them an attractive time to visit the city.

Hakodate sees significant annual temperature variations, reflecting the changing of four seasons. The coldest month is typically January, when the average temperature drops to -2.7°C, and nightly lows can reach -4.8°C. Daily highs in January barely rise above freezing, averaging -0.6°C. February also remains frosty, with averages close to those of January. Conversely, the warmest month is August, when the average temperature is a comfortable 21.9°C. During this period, daily highs reach an average of 23.9°C, while nights remain warm with temperatures around 19.8°C.

Summer months in Hakodate, especially July and August, are characterized by pleasant warmth. Average daytime temperatures in July hover around 22.5°C, and in August rise to 23.9°C. Nights also remain warm, with average minimum temperatures of 18.1°C in July and 19.8°C in August. This creates comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor activities, although it is worth noting that August is also the month with the highest number of days with precipitation, which may bring some humidity.

The winter period, from December to February, brings real frosts to Hakodate. Average temperatures consistently stay below freezing. In December, the average temperature is -0.9°C, gradually decreasing towards January and February. Daily highs during these months often remain negative or hover around zero, while night temperatures regularly drop to -4°C and below. Temperature fluctuations between day and night throughout the year in Hakodate are moderate, usually ranging from 4°C to 6°C. The greatest difference between daily highs and nightly lows is observed in the spring months, for example, in April (about 5.8°C) and May (about 6.2°C), whereas in winter and the peak of summer, these fluctuations are somewhat smaller.

In Hakodate, precipitation falls throughout the year, but the total amount remains moderate, and there is no distinct heavy rainy season here. The highest amount of precipitation by volume, averaging 6 mm, occurs in August. Other summer and autumn months, such as June, July, September, and October, receive between 4 to 5 mm of precipitation.

Regarding frequency, the highest number of days with precipitation is observed in December (averaging 18 days) and August (17 days). However, the nature of this precipitation differs. In winter, especially from December to February, when average temperatures drop significantly below freezing (for example, in December the average temperature is -0.9°C, and in January -2.7°C), precipitation mainly falls as snow. Thus, in December (averaging 18 days with precipitation) and January (15 days with precipitation), these are typically frequent but not very heavy snowfalls, considering the total precipitation amounts of 3 mm and 2 mm respectively.

The "driest" months in terms of total precipitation volume are January and February, when only 2 mm falls, despite a significant number of days with snow. The fewest number of days with precipitation falls in April – averaging just 11 days, with a precipitation volume of about 3 mm. Spring and autumn months generally have a moderate amount of precipitation and rainy days, making the weather during these periods quite changeable but without extremes.

When planning a trip to Hakodate, it is important to consider the distinct change of seasons so that your wardrobe matches the weather. In winter (December-February), it is cold here, average temperatures drop below freezing, and precipitation often falls as snow. Be sure to bring warm layered clothing: thermal underwear, fleece jackets, sweaters, as well as windproof and waterproof outerwear, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Waterproof warm shoes will also be very useful. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are transitional periods with moderate temperatures, but the weather can be changeable. At this time, the principle of layering is ideal: light jackets, cardigans, t-shirts, and jumpers that can be combined depending on the daily temperature. Don't forget an umbrella, as rain is possible.

Summer in Hakodate (June-August) is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around +20°C, although August stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation. It is recommended to bring light and breathable clothing: t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and light trousers. Evenings can be a bit cooler, so a light sweater or windbreaker will not go amiss. Given the number of "wet days" even with low precipitation volume, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will be useful at any time of the year. A key element of your luggage should be comfortable walking shoes, as Hakodate is perfect for long walks. Sunscreen and a hat will come in handy during the summer months.

Regardless of the season, Hakodate is a coastal city, so a light windbreaker may prove useful even on warm days, especially during walks by the sea. Considering that the number of days with precipitation is quite high throughout the year, even if the precipitation itself is not always heavy, having an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket in your backpack will make your journey around Hakodate more comfortable.