The climate of Hakodate
Hakodate, located on the southernmost tip of Hokkaido island in
Japan, enjoys a Dfb climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. This type denotes a humid continental climate, characterized by a warm summer season without a distinct dry period. Over the course of the year, the climate in Hakodate presents a fascinating interplay of contrasts, encompassing chilly winters and comfortable warm summers.
The average monthly high temperatures typically range between 23.4°C (74.1°F) and -0.1°C (31.8°F), underlining the amplitude of seasonal variations. At the same time, the average low temperatures demonstrate similar fluctuations, varying between 19.6°C (67.3°F) and -3.5°C (25.7°F). Therefore, it becomes clear that Hakodate experiences significant temperature differences from season to season.
Accompanying these temperature variations, the relative humidity hovers mostly around high 70's and 80's, maintaining a fairly constant level throughout the year. Rainfall levels vacillate between 12mm (0.47") and 25mm (0.98") per month, with
August typically being the wettest month. Snowfall is a common occurrence in the colder months, with a peak in
February with 52mm (2.05"), tapering down to nonexistence from
May to
September.
The best time to visit Hakodate
Typically, the best time to visit
Hakodate is during the summer months, from
June through
August. During this period, the city experiences temperate weather conditions, with the average high temperature ranging from 17.4°C (63.3°F) in June to a pleasant 23.4°C (74.1°F) in August. The average sea temperature during this period is quite warm as well, varying from 14.7°C (58.5°F) in June to an inviting 21.8°C (71.2°F) by August, making this ideal for water-based activities.
Daylight hours are also longest during this time, averaging between 14.9 hours and 15.2 hours, providing ample time to explore in comfort. Moreover, the UV index, hovering around 5, reflects a moderate rating, thus promoting safe outdoor activity.
The worst time to visit Hakodate
The winter season, stretching from
December to
February, poses challenges for visitors due to the significantly cold weather. With the high temperature plummeting to -0.1°C (31.8°F) in
January or barely rising to 2.8°C (37°F) in December, and low temperatures sinking to -0.6°C (30.9°F), it can be exceedingly cold.
Rainfall also increases during this period, with the precincts of
Hakodate seeing rainfall levels hovering around 16mm (0.63") to 20mm (0.79"). Additionally, the city experiences snowfall with the volume peaking at 52mm (2.05") in February. Combined with wind velocities ranging from 23.2km/h (14.4mph) to 24.3km/h (15.1mph), the winter months unfortunately suffer from harsh weather conditions.
Spring weather in Hakodate
Transitioning from the cold winter months, the spring season in
Hakodate ranges from
March to
May. Beginning with chilly temperatures in March, the high temperature climbs from 3.6°C (38.5°F) to 13.6°C (56.5°F) by May, painting a warming picture. Concurrently, low temperatures also show signs of expected warming, rising from -0.4°C (31.3°F) in March to 8.7°C (47.7°F) by May.
Together with mild temperatures, rainfall remains moderate during this season, with an average monthly range of 15mm (0.59") to 16mm (0.63"). Needless to say, the combination of moderate temperature and rainfall makes springtime generally a comfortable season.
Summer weather in Hakodate
The summer months bring warm and balmy weather to
Hakodate. The average high temperature escalates from 17.4°C (63.3°F) in
June to a peak of 23.4°C (74.1°F) in
August. Similarly, the average low temperatures also demonstrate a noticeable increase, transitioning from 12.9°C (55.2°F) to 19.6°C (67.3°F) over the same period.
In terms of rainfall, there is an augmentation from 17mm (0.67") in June to 25mm (0.98") in August. However, this is accompanied by insufficient snowfall during the summer months, providing a respite from the icy winters. Additionally, sunlight is abundant during these months, allowing for an average of 7.9 hours to 8.3 hours of daily sunshine.
Autumn weather in Hakodate
The autumn period in
Hakodate, encompassing
September to
November, is marked by a gradual decline in temperature. The average high temperature descends from a balmy 20.9°C (69.6°F) in September down to a cooler 8.7°C (47.7°F) in November. Concurrently, the average low temperatures also exhibit a similar declination, nosediving from 17°C (62.6°F) in September to 5°C (41°F) towards the end of November.
Rainfall during this phase remains relatively constant, wavering around 20mm (0.79") to 21mm (0.83"). Yet, this is the period when the city sees the onset of snowfall again, albeit mildly, with a manifestation of 7mm (0.28") in November.
Winter weather in Hakodate
The winter season in
Hakodate, stretching from
December to
February, is characteristically cold. The average high temperatures consistently stay below freezing; at best, it reaches 2.8°C (37°F) in December while at its coldest, it dips to a frosty -0.1°C (31.8°F) in
January. Concurrently, low temperatures remain in the negative territory, with a minimum of -3.5°C (25.7°F) in February.
These colder months are also when Hakodate witnesses the highest volumes of snowfall. From a fresh 45mm (1.77") in December, snowfall surges to 52mm (2.05") in February, considerably impacting outdoor activities. Along with the snow, the city sees a moderate amount of rainfall, varying from 16mm (0.63") to 20mm (0.79") throughout winter.
Weather in January
The year in
Hakodate,
Japan kicks off with
January characterized by cold temperatures that hover between -3.2°C (26.2°F) and 0.1°C (32.2°F), additionally, with 77% relative humidity, it adds feel to the chill. Despite the cold weather, January still offers 9.5 daylight hours, providing plenty of opportunities for winter activities.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues the winter spell seen in
January, with similar low temperatures.
Hakodate sees more snowfall in February, around 52mm (2.05") to be exact, contributing to making the interesting architecture of the city look more picturesque.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March is a transition month in
Hakodate as temperatures start to rise from -3.5°C (25.7°F) to 3.6°C (38.5°F), signifying the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Despite this shift, March rivals
February in terms of snowfall, with the ground often covered in 37mm (1.46") of snow.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Hakodate acts as a clear departure from the winter months with temperatures steadily climbing between 4.1°C (39.4°F) and 8.4°C (47.1°F). It's during this month that the allure of cherry blossom season is on full display, a distinct feature of spring in
Japan and particularly in Hakodate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May embarks the early summer stage with the temperature ranging between 8.7°C (47.7°F) and 13.6°C (56.5°F), a recognizable leap from the cooler
April. On an annual comparison, May holds the title for consecutive hours of sunshine, a testament to the stunning weather
Hakodate experiences at this time of year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the beginning of the summer season in
Hakodate with temperatures warming to 12.9°C (55.2°F) to 17.4°C (63.3°F). This month distinctly records the highest relative humidity, at 86%, indicative of the city's transition into the wetter months of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Hakodate is characterized by a further increase in temperatures soaring to 17.6°C (63.7°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F), marking the height of summer. Notably, this month has the highest amount of rainfall recorded, turning the city's landscapes into lush green spaces.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Hakodate in
August maintains the high temperatures seen in
July, with a record summer peak between 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F). Despite receiving the most rainfall throughout the year, Hakodate's August is still filled with plenty of sunshine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Hakodate sees an appreciable shift in weather as temperatures cool off to 17°C (62.6°F) to 20.9°C (69.6°F), ushering in the beginning of the autumn season. Hakodate's breathtaking autumnal hues famously start to emerge around this time.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October drags
Hakodate further into the autumn season, with temperatures dropping between 11.2°C (52.2°F) to 15.3°C (59.5°F). A visible decrease from the higher temperatures in
September, October's cooling trend makes it one of the most comfortable months weather-wise.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Hakodate witnesses a considerable drop in temperatures, fluctuating between 5°C (41°F) and 8.7°C (47.7°F). This sharp decline from
October ushers in the transition towards the winter season. However, Hakodate in November retains an acceptable level of sunshine hours, making it pleasantly chilly for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is typified by a palpable winter chill in
Hakodate, with temperatures diving between -0.6°C (30.9°F) and 2.8°C (37°F). Sea temperatures also record a plunge from 13.1°C (55.6°F) in
November to 9.8°C (49.6°F), leading the city to a full-blown winter.
Weather in December »