Weather in Nakashunbetsu

Find out what weather awaits you in Nakashunbetsu right now. Below are up-to-date meteorological reports and detailed forecasts to help you better plan your journey.

The climate in Nakashunbetsu can be described as cool and temperate, with clearly defined seasons. This region of Japan is typified by rather harsh, frosty winters and surprisingly mild, refreshing summers. You will not encounter the sweltering tropical heat common in the southern parts of the country here, making the town an attractive destination for those who prefer comfortable coolness.

The winter period lasts a long time and is accompanied by sub-zero temperatures: in January and February, the thermometer hovers around an average of -8°C, and nights can be even colder. Summer in Nakashunbetsu is very pleasant and not hot — even in July and August, the air rarely warms up above +22°C. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities and nature walks.

The weather here is distinguished by a certain stability regarding precipitation: rainy or snowy days are distributed quite evenly throughout the year, without sharp fluctuations between dry and wet seasons. Although the amount of precipitation is not large, cloudy days occur regularly, so travellers should be prepared for changeable weather and have appropriate clothing with them at any time of the year.

The climate in Nakashunbetsu is characterised by significant contrasts, offering tourists a true frosty winter and a surprisingly mild, refreshing summer. The coldest months of the year are January and February, when the average temperature drops to -7.9°C. During this period, night frosts can reach -11.8°C, and even during the warmest daylight hours, the air rarely warms up above -3.9°C. Travellers planning a visit in winter should take care to bring high-quality warm clothing, as sub-zero temperatures remain stable.

The summer season here is a real salvation from the traditional heat. July and August are considered the warmest months, but even at the peak of the season, in August, the average temperature is only around 19.3°C. Daytime highs usually do not exceed a comfortable 22.2°C, creating ideal conditions for active leisure without exhausting heat. Unlike many other regions of Japan, the summer here is moderately warm, rather than hot and humid.

The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, can be quite cool: in May and October, average figures hold at the level of 10.5°C. It is also worth considering daily temperature fluctuations. Although the gap between the daytime maximum and nighttime minimum is not extreme (on average 3–5 degrees), evenings can bring noticeable coolness. For example, even in the warmest month, August, the night temperature can drop to 16.4°C, so a light jacket in your luggage will not go amiss.

In the winter period, precipitation in Nakashunbetsu falls exclusively as snow, as average temperatures from December to March steadily remain below zero. The coldest time is January and February, when the thermometer drops to -7...-8°C. Despite the low volume of precipitation (about 2 mm), snowfalls here are a frequent occurrence: for example, about 13 days with precipitation are recorded in January, creating a stable winter cover.

With the arrival of spring and rising temperatures, snow is replaced by rain. The spring and summer months are characterised by moderate humidity. In April and May, it rains often (12–13 days a month), but it is usually not heavy. Summer here is not too hot, and even in July, when the air warms up to 19°C, an umbrella might be useful for about 10 days a month.

The wettest period of the year can be called late summer and mid-autumn. August leads in the frequency of inclement weather: precipitation falls over 14 days, and its volume reaches the annual maximum (5 mm); similar volume figures are observed in October too. In general, the climate of Nakashunbetsu is characterised by frequent but light precipitation throughout the year, without a clearly pronounced dry season.

Winter in Nakashunbetsu is harsh and frosty, so warm clothing is the main priority for a trip during this season. Be sure to take high-quality thermal underwear, a thick down jacket or insulated parka, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves. Since the temperature often drops significantly below zero, you will need comfortable waterproof shoes with non-slip soles to feel confident on snowy or icy sections of the road.

Summer here is mild and quite fresh; one should not expect strong heat, as even in August the temperature rarely exceeds +22°C. For the warm season, the layering principle is perfect: during the day it will be comfortable in a T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt, and for evening walks, a fleece jacket or light windbreaker will definitely come in handy. In spring and autumn, the weather is particularly changeable, so keep a sweater in reserve so as not to freeze when it gets colder.

Considering that precipitation falls quite regularly throughout the year (up to 13–14 days with precipitation per month), tourists are recommended to always have a compact umbrella or a high-quality raincoat with them. Also, do not forget reliable and broken-in walking shoes, as exploring the local beauties of Japan is best done on foot. Sunscreen may be needed in the summer months, even if the sky seems cloudy.