The weather is on and off in spring, March, April, and May in Hokkaido. You don’t know what to wear if you don’t see the spring weather in Hokkaido.
March often snows, April in Hokkaido sometimes still snows in some places, and snow already melts in May. Instead of summer clothes, you should pack some winter clothes to visit Hokkaido in spring. Although the weather is constantly changing in March, April, and May in Hokkaido, some tips from locals can help you dress in this weather.
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How Do People Dress in Spring Hokkaido?
Since I immigrated to Hokkaido, my friends have often asked me questions about planning family trips to Hokkaido. When they think of the spring in Hokkaido, they often ask: what to wear during spring in Hokkaido? What do people wear in spring in Hokkaido? How should I prepare clothes for kids during spring in Hokkaido?
People dress appropriately in layers but in different ways between winter and spring. You wear many layers of long warm sleeves in winter. On the other hand, the temperature is hot sometimes in spring. So that you will want to wear shorts when it’s warm. But it still depends on the month. Each month in the spring Hokkaido has its own weather.
Therefore, I decided to write this article to help people who may have the same questions. I’ve divided Hokkaido Spring into three months—March, April, and May. Each topic will share with you what the temperature is like in the month and what the Japanese wear in Spring Hokkaido, including adults and kids.
Hokkaido March, April, and May Weather
The temperature is very changeable in spring in Hokkaido. Hence, locals say that “it’s getting warm now.” when the temperature goes just above 0℃. A few hours later, the temperature drops and they wear an insulated jacket. It’s cold few hours and hot the next. Therefore, how to dress for this weather is an art.
Cherry Bloom in Hokkaido
Spring is the season to visit Japanese cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, a.k.a. sakura hanami, sakura bloom. It’s nothing less than a magical cherry blossom in Hokkaido. May is the best time to see cherry blossom in Hokkaido. However, it depends on the temperature. The sakura may bloom early or late. Sometimes, you can see snow covering cherry flowers, filling the view with pink and white colours.
The best places to see sakura in Hokkaido, Japan—Click Here>>
Must-see Spots in Spring Hakodate—Click Here>>
What Should I Pack for Hokkaido Spring
What to wear in the spring? The weather in these three months differs significantly between March, April, and May. Thus, I will give you spring clothing tips and what locals wear by month.
What to Wear in March Hokkaido
March, it’s still snowy in Hokkaido. So the temperature is similar but a little warmer than the end of winter. Don’t expect the “warm” too much. The maximum and minimum temperature in Sapporo is approx. 4.0℃ and -2.9℃. Let’s see what locals wear in this weather to get some ideas in your mind.
For Adults
- Outerwear – waterproof and windproof insulated jacket
- Innerwear – thermal underwear
- Top – long-sleeve shirt, fleece, sweater, sweatshirt, cardigan
- Bottom – thermal pants, thermal tight+skirt, snow pants
- Footwear – no-slip snow boots
- Accessories – glove, sunglass, scarf, knit hat or beanie
For Kids
- Outerwear -ski jacket or waterproof and windproof insulated jacket (snowsuit for toddler and baby)
- Innerwear – thermal underwear
- Top – long-sleeve shirt, fleece, sweater, cardigan
- Bottom – thermal pants, thermal tight+skirt, snow pants
- Footwear – no-slip snow boots
- Accessories – glove, sunglass, scarf, knit hat or beanie
Side Note: Bring the carrier. The stroller is not a good choice. As snow still covers the surface, you will soon notice that pushing the stroller on the snow is hard. There may be a few days you can use if the temperature is going hotter and the snowmelt.
However, suggest you prefer to use a stroller. In that case, the rental strollers are available at the airport, department stores, and many indoor facilities without surcharge. You can even try the local way, carrying children by snow sled, which you can buy at supermarkets, pharmacies, and houseware stores in Hokkaido.
What to Wear in April Hokkaido
A thaw has set in, and melting snow is often on the pathway. North Hokkaido still snowing in April. And you will see melting snow on the roadside in south Hokkaido. It’s warm in the daytime, and be aware of the falling temperature in the nighttime. The highest temperature is 11.5℃; the lowest is 3.2℃.
In April, you need to pay attention to proper footwear. A pair of slip-resistant footwear is a must. Besides, it’s wet and slippery on the surface as the snow melts. Especially footwear for kids, I recommend you choose the one with a water-resistant upper and slip-resistant sole.
For Adults
- Outerwear – windbreaker, trench coat
- Innerwear – underwear
- Top – long-sleeve shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt
- Bottom – pants, tight+skirt
- Footwear – no-slip waterproof footwear
For Kids
- Outerwear – windbreaker, trench coat
- Innerwear – underwear
- Top – long-sleeve shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt
- Bottom – pants, tight+skirt
- Footwear – no-slip waterproof footwear
What to Wear in May Hokkaido
May is a natural spring in Hokkaido. It’s warm at noon; you don’t need to wear a jacket. The maximum and minimum temperature in Sapporo is approx. 17.3℃ and 8.3℃.
However, some of the eastern regions are still cold, such as Kushiro and Tokachi. Also, It’s often rainy in May. Don’t forget to prepare a few warm clothes, such as a long-sleeve shirt, jacket, etc. Also, you will need an umbrella or raincoat if you visit Hokkaido in May.
For Adults
- Outerwear – cardigan, jumper, jacket, raincoat
- Innerwear – underwear
- Top – short-sleeve shirt, long-sleeve shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt
- Bottom – pants, skirt, dress(tight)
- Footwear – sneakers, sandals
- Accessories – sunglass, umbrella
For Kids
- Outerwear – cardigan, jumper, jacket, raincoat
- Innerwear – underwear
- Top – short-sleeve shirt, long-sleeve shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt
- Bottom – pants, skirt, dress(tight)
- Footwear – sneakers, sandals
- Accessories – sunglass, umbrella
Conclusion
Above all, the weather is gradually getting warmer from March to May. In March, you need an excellent waterproof, windproof, insulated jacket (snowsuit for toddlers and babies) and thermal underwear. Windbreaker and slip-resistant footwear in April. And don’t forget to bring rain gear in May.
May is the best Cherry blossom month For Family Days Out in Hokkaido—Click Here>>
