In March, Tokyo experiences a pleasant climate with the cherry blossoms beginning to bloom, but Hokkaido remains enveloped in a white snowscape.

From March to the first half of April, the snow starts to melt, but it's not until the end of April, around Golden Week, that flowers bloom and give off a spring-like atmosphere.

May is a vibrant season, with new greenery sprouting and a variety of flowers blooming all at once. However, it can still get quite cold at night.

In the vast expanse of Hokkaido, the temperature and weather can vary significantly depending on the area. For instance, in central areas including Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, the number of days with minimum temperatures above 10°C (50°F) increases in May. However, in the eastern areas like Kushiro and Abashiri, most days in May continue to have minimum temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

Even within the same area, the climate can change depending on the location. For example, the northern region is known for its harsh cold, but Asahikawa, located in the inland basin, experiences a significant temperature difference between day and night, which can make it considerably warmer during the day in May compared to surrounding areas. In the eastern region, while the Pacific side has a cooler climate, the Sea of Okhotsk side can be warmer than Sapporo.

When planning a trip to Hokkaido, it's important to research the climate of the specific towns or cities you'll be visiting to prepare accordingly.

This variability in weather, even within the same day or depending on the location, is a characteristic of spring in Hokkaido. A tip for enjoying your trip during this season is to use items that can be easily put on or taken off to adjust your body temperature frequently. Utilizing accessories and layering can help keep your luggage compact while staying comfortable.

March in Hokkaido often kicks off with temperatures dropping below freezing. Usually, by the middle of the month, the chill starts to ease up, and in some places, you might even see the snow beginning to melt. But don't let that fool you – winter's still in full swing, and you might wake up to a heavy snowfall the day after it seemed like things were thawing out. So, it's a good idea to keep your winter gear handy and be prepared for snow throughout the month.

In March, let's make sure to prepare warm winter clothing. Opt for outerwear like down jackets or winter coats, and layer up with sweaters or cardigans over long-sleeved innerwear. For bottoms, wool or corduroy materials are recommended. If you're wearing jeans, go for ones with fleece lining.

For those not used to walking on snowy paths, it's important to maintain balance with both hands, so try not to block them with bags or umbrellas if possible. Carry your belongings in a backpack or crossbody bag. Instead of using an umbrella, protect yourself from snowfall with a hat or the hood of your outerwear.

If you plan on engaging in snow activities or visiting cold destinations like Eastern or Northern Hokkaido, it's advisable to add an extra layer of warm clothing and opt for bottoms like trekking pants with lining for extra warmth and waterproofing. For activities such as skiing or spending extended periods outdoors, make sure to prepare sturdy gear like skiwear or snowboard wear.

In buildings, underground passages, and public transportation, the heating is often quite effective, which can cause you to sweat if you're wearing warm clothing. This can lead to further chilling when you step outside. It's essential to choose clothing that allows you to layer up or remove layers as needed. Since winter gear can be bulky, having a foldable travel bag can be handy for carrying your extra layers.

One thing to be mindful of during this time is your footwear. Melting snow creates a mix of snow, ice, and puddles on the ground. Due to the weight of accumulated snow over winter, roads may have depressions and large, deep puddles. Non-winter rain boots are not suitable as they can be slippery and increase the risk of falling. It's best to apply waterproof spray to snow boots or leather boots with non-slip soles. Additionally, regardless of the weather forecast, make sure to apply waterproof spray to your footwear for added protection.

While snow season is winding down in Honshu, March in Hokkaido still offers ample opportunities to enjoy the slopes. The snow quality remains excellent, providing perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts to indulge in their passion. Snow play spots near towns are usually open until around mid-March, and some may even extend their operations until the end of the month, so it's worth checking for availability. Additionally, you can catch sight of drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk until around mid-March each year. Many places also feature illuminations and other winter-themed attractions until late March, offering enchanting views that are particularly magical at night.

As April arrives, significant snow melting occurs in urban areas, yet the temperatures still resemble the depths of winter in Tokyo.

In 2023, Sapporo experienced snowfall as late as April 17th. Early April can still bring the possibility of snowfall. By mid-April, the daytime sunshine becomes warmer, but temperatures can drop significantly at night.

The weather also tends to be somewhat unstable, with windy days or days of cold rain. Gradually, the temperature difference between day and night increases, and by the end of April, there are many pleasant days for outings with temperatures exceeding 10°C (50°F).

For outerwear, fleece-lined parkas, hoodies, trench coats, or thick jackets are ideal choices. Long-sleeved innerwear is recommended. In early April, opt for knit materials, while by late April, you can comfortably wear shirts or t-shirts.

Down jackets might be too warm, but since the wind can still be chilly, it's good to cover your neck with high-necked innerwear or a scarf as needed.

You can start wearing bottoms like jeans made of cotton materials. However, it's still advisable to avoid fashion choices that expose bare legs, such as shorts or skirts. If you do opt for a skirt, pairing it with tights around 30-40 denier would be a wise choice for added comfort and warmth.

Another characteristic of spring is the significant temperature difference between day and night. Since nights can feel chilly even with lightweight outerwear, it's convenient to have jackets with removable linings, allowing you to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.

In April, various rivers and lakes across Hokkaido, such as Toyohira River and Lake Shikotsu, start offering canoeing and kayaking experiences as the snow melts and water levels rise. This time of year also presents thrilling experiences like rafting down swollen rivers due to snowmelt.

Additionally, around the end of April, the cherry blossom front begins to sweep through Southern Hokkaido. You can enjoy stunning views of historic sites like Matsumae Castle and Goryokaku combined with cherry blossoms.

However, it's important to note that April marks the transition between winter and summer operations for many establishments.

There are numerous spots that may be closed during this period, so if you're planning a trip during this time, be sure to thoroughly research whether your desired destinations are open for business.

As May arrives, snow completely disappears from flatlands, and the days become noticeably warmer, with temperatures exceeding 10°C (50°F), heralding a distinctly spring-like climate. It's common practice in Hokkaido to perform the seasonal clothing switch, known as "koromo-gae," transitioning from winter attire to spring and summer clothes, usually done in May. However, in recent years, there have been instances where temperatures sharply rise towards the end of May. Particularly in Eastern Hokkaido, on the Okhotsk side, the foehn phenomenon may occur, leading to summertime temperatures even in May.

In May, city streets often experience pleasant weather during the day, allowing for comfortable walks in attire ranging from long-sleeved to three-quarter-sleeved innerwear, paired with long-sleeved shirts, cardigans, or jackets made of cotton or linen materials. From the middle of the month onwards, temperatures may permit wearing short bottoms with socks, allowing you to go barefoot. However, if you're walking in natural surroundings, it's advisable to wear long pants to guard against the sun and insects. As for footwear, sneakers, leather shoes, or pumps are suitable, so choose based on the distance you'll be walking and the activities you'll be engaging in.

If you plan to venture out into rural areas or engage in evening sightseeing, it's a good idea to have a lightweight nylon jacket or similar outerwear handy.

In May, despite warm daytime temperatures, Hokkaido's weather can still be unpredictable, with sudden changes and chilly winds. Carrying a large scarf with you can be handy as you can wrap it around yourself or drape it over your shoulders for added warmth and versatility.

In early May, the cherry blossom front arrives in Sapporo. While plum blossoms bloom in February in mainland Japan ahead of cherry blossoms, in Hokkaido, they bloom slightly later than cherry blossoms, creating a beautiful competition of spring flowers. Meanwhile, as snow still covers the mountains, you can enjoy snow activities until around Golden Week. It's recommended to enjoy spring skiing in places like Niseko and Sapporo, where snow is abundant in the central Hokkaido region.

From mid-May, it's the peak of the flower season in Hokkaido. Places like Takinoue and Higashimokoto's Shibazakura (moss phlox), and Upopoy in Kamiyubetsu with its tulips, become major attractions with their colorful flower fields. Additionally, this is the perfect season for hiking and trekking amidst the fresh greenery. Enjoy the pleasant weather while admiring various mountain wildflowers.

In March, most parts of Hokkaido are still covered in snow. While low-lying areas typically experience snowmelt around early April, snow continues to linger in mountainous regions. There are even ski slopes where you can enjoy spring skiing until early May due to the snow remaining.

For those who want to enjoy winter sports, Hokkaido is highly recommended as ski resorts remain open for an extended period. March is ideal for those who want to revel in snowy landscapes, April is perfect for those seeking wild experiences on snowmelt rivers, and May is recommended for those who wish to witness the picturesque scenes of spring flowers in Hokkaido.

Towards the end of April, cherry blossoms start to bloom in southern Hokkaido, with Matsumae being one of the first spots.

Around Sapporo, blossoms usually begin to open by late April and reach their peak in early May. It's recommended to explore renowned cherry blossom locations like Hidaka and Asahikawa by the end of the first week of May.

Additionally, late-blooming cherry blossoms, like the Chishima-zakura, grace Nemuro in eastern Hokkaido until late May.

Spring arrives late in Hokkaido, but once it does, it swiftly transforms the landscape with warmer temperatures each day. You'll be treated to sights unlike any other, with delicate flowers blooming against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. However, the unique climate means it's crucial to gather local insights and prepare accordingly for your trip.

In bigger cities such as Sapporo and Asahikawa, shopping is easy, allowing you to adjust your wardrobe based on the daily weather after getting advice from locals upon your arrival.

(*The information in this article is current as of February 2024.)