Hokkaido is the furthest north of the islands of Japan. It’s 820km north of Tokyo and is separated from the mainland by a large stretch of water called the Tsugaru Strait. The average temperature in summer in Hokkaido is about 20 degrees Celsius which is cool and pleasant. In winter the temperature is often below zero and it also snows a lot.

On the mainland it feels humid, and it’s the rainy season in June through mid-July. However, there’s no rainy season in Hokkaido, so this is a very pleasant time of year to visit!

1. It hardly ever gets over 30℃ so the days are very pleasant!
The summer temperature in Hokkaido is around 20 ℃. Due to abnormal weather conditions and global warming a high of 37.8 °C was recorded for the first time since records began in June 2014, but in a normal year there are very few days when the temperature exceeds 30° C. That’s makes for a cool and comfortable climate. Some days might feel a bit chilly if the temperature drops below 10 ℃ in the morning and evening.

2. There’s no rainy season and not much humidity in the air!
On mainland Japan, you get a lot of rainy days from June to July and increased precipitation. During the rainy season (tsuyu) in Tokyo and Kyoto, and in most parts of Japan, it tends to get hot and humid. The humidity can be quite uncomfortable at this time of year. However, in Hokkaido there’s no rainy season. Humidity is not an issue and the climate is refreshing and comfortable.

3. The best time to see the lavender in Furano is early to late July!
The summer in Hokkaido is short, and many flowers bloom all together between June and August. You can see the lavender fields in Furano all stretched out from the beginning through to the end of July. In Biei the flower patchwork rows bloom one after the other from June onward. It’s a truly awesome sight! There are plenty of seasonal vegetables and fruits available, so this is a great time of year for sightseeing.

It can be chilly in the mornings and evenings even in June, so it’s a good idea to have some warm outerwear like a fleece or cardigan.

It’s pleasantly cool, but the temperature can still get over 30 degrees on some days. Make sure you protect yourself against the sun with a hat and sunglasses. Sunscreen is also essential.

Rainfall picks up again in the fall - keep a foldable umbrella handy for days when you get sun and showers. Sunscreen is essential as the sunlight can be very strong.