Climate and monthly weather forecast
Hakodate, Japan

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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 »
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Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months in Hakodate?

January is the coldest month in Hakodate, Japan, with the temperature often reaching an average high of -0.1°C (31.8°F) and an average low of -3.2°C (26.2°F).

How much does it rain in Hakodate?

Throughout the year, there are 112.7 rainfall days, and 203mm (7.99") of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Hakodate?

January through April, November and December are months with snowfall in Hakodate.

How much does it snow in Hakodate?

In Hakodate, during the entire year, snow falls for 57.1 days and aggregates up to 179mm (7.05") of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Hakodate?

The months with the least sunshine in Hakodate, Japan, are January and February, with an average of 3.1h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index in Hakodate?

January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Hakodate, Japan.

What is the snowiest month in Hakodate?

February is the month with the most snowfall in Hakodate. Snow falls for 13.8 days and accumulates 52mm (2.05") of snow.

When is the sea coldest in Hakodate?

With an average sea temperature of 4.9°C (40.8°F), March is the month with the coldest seawater.

What is the driest month in Hakodate?

May is the month with the least rainfall in Hakodate. Rain falls for 9.8 days and accumulates 12mm (0.47") of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Hakodate?

In Hakodate, snow does not fall in May through October.

What month has the most sunshine in Hakodate?

The month with the most sunshine in Hakodate is May, with an average of 8.8h of sunshine.

When are the longest days in Hakodate?

With an average of 15h and 12min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Hakodate?

The months with the highest UV index are June through September, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What is the most humid month in Hakodate?

July is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 89%.

What is the hottest time of year in Hakodate?

Hakodate's August weather reaches an average high of 23.4°C (74.1°F) and an average low of 19.6°C (67.3°F), making it the warmest month.

What is the rainiest month in Hakodate?

The month with the most rainfall in Hakodate, Japan, is August, when the rain falls for 11.9 days and typically aggregates up to 25mm (0.98") of precipitation.

What is the month with the warmest sea water in Hakodate?

With an average sea temperature of 21.8°C (71.2°F), August is the month with the warmest seawater in Hakodate.

What is the least humid month in Hakodate?

The least humid month is October, with an average relative humidity of 73%.

What is the month with the shortest days in Hakodate?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Hakodate?

Hakodate, Japan, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). JST timezone is used throughout the entire year.

Average temperature
Hakodate, Japan

Average temperature - Hakodate, Japan

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (23.4°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-0.1°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (19.6°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (-3.5°C).

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Average pressure
Hakodate, Japan

Average pressure - Hakodate, Japan

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (1017mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is July (1008.8mbar).

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Average wind speed
Hakodate, Japan

Average wind speed - Hakodate, Japan

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is December (24.3km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (12.2km/h).

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Average rainfall
Hakodate, Japan

Average rainfall - Hakodate, Japan

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (25mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (12mm).

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Average rainfall days
Hakodate, Japan

Average rainfall days - Hakodate, Japan

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (13 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (4.8 days).

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Average snowfall
Hakodate, Japan

Average snowfall - Hakodate, Japan

The month with the highest snowfall is February (52mm).
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0mm).

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Average snowfall days
Hakodate, Japan

Average snowfall days - Hakodate, Japan

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (15.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

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Average sea temperature
Hakodate, Japan

Average sea temperature - Hakodate, Japan

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (21.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (4.9°C).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Hakodate, Japan

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Hakodate, Japan

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 8h and 48min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and February (Average sunshine: 3h and 6min).

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Average sunshine days
Hakodate, Japan

Average sunshine days - Hakodate, Japan

The months with the most sunshine days are May and October (17.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (9.3 days).

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Average UV index
Hakodate, Japan

Average UV index - Hakodate, Japan

The months with the highest UV index are June, July, August and September (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 1).

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Hakodate, Japan

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