Summers in Hokkaido are less humid and more comfortable compared to mainland Japan. However, the temperature can be quite variable in the mornings and evenings. I will share with you how locals wear and what to wear in the summer Hokkaido.
Table of Contents
About Summer Season in Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, the summer is from June to August. The temperature usually ranges from 15℃ to 25℃, but may sometimes go up to and over 30℃. However, the nights can still get cold, You need to bring outerwear that you can wear on during the cool mornings and evenings.
To know more about Hokkaido weather [Click Here]
What To Wear in The Summer
Hokkaido is the second-largest island of Japan and comprises the largest and northernmost prefecture. I will explain and give you the clothing tips sort by region.
Southern Hokkaido
Hakodate, Onuma, Esashi, Mori, Yakumo, Matsumae…
Japanese and tourists visit southern Hokkaido to get relief from the heat because it’s comfortable with low humidity in summer. The temperature falls in the morning and at night. In July and August, there are outdoor festivals with fireworks events, parades, and musical performances. So it’s better to bring outerwear with you.
Top and Bottom: short-sleeved and long-sleeved summer clothes
Outerwear: jacket/morning and evening
Accessories: sunglasses, hat/cap, umbrella or waterproof windbreaker/rainy day
Central Hokkaido
Sapporo, Noboribetsu, Tomakomai, Yubari, Lake Toya, Otaru, Shakotan…
The temperatures usually go up to 25℃ or higher in central Hokkaido. Due to low humidity, it’s warm but not sweltering. You may need a cardigan in the evening as the temperature drops. You will need some long-sleeve shirts toward the end of August, as it will start to get cooler.
Top and Bottom: short-sleeved and long-sleeved summer clothes
Outerwear: jacket or cardigan/morning and evening
Accessories: sunglasses, hat/cap, umbrella or waterproof windbreaker/rainy day
Eastern Hokkaido
Obihiro, Kushiro, Abashiri, Tokachi, Nemuro…
Summer is great timing to see brown bears from Shiretoko Rusha Bay. For Eastern Hokkaido, the temperature here varies greatly between day and night. Although temperatures in July and August can peak at 21ºC during the day, mornings and an abrupt temperature drop to 12ºC in the evening.
Top and Bottom: short-sleeved and long-sleeved summer clothes
Outerwear: jacket, cardigan, or sweatshirt/morning and evening
Accessories: sunglasses, hat/cap, umbrella or waterproof windbreaker/rainy day
Northern Hokkaido
Asahikawa, Wakkanai, Rishiri, Rumoi, Furano, Rebunto…
Northern Hokkaido is relatively cooler than other regions. Cities around Asahikawa will be warmer than Wakkanai and Rishiri. The temperatures range from 20 to 26℃ during the day, and between 11 and 16℃ in the morning and at night. On rainy or cloudy days, the temperatures can drop to 10-15℃.
Top and Bottom: short-sleeved and long-sleeved summer clothes
Outerwear: warm jacket, cardigan, hoodies, or sweatshirt/morning and evening
Accessories: sunglasses, hat/cap, umbrella or waterproof windbreaker/rainy day
Protect Yourself From The Sunray
As the sun can be intense, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen should be on your packing list.
Bring Rain Gear
If you plan on visiting in June, a raincoat or rain jacket could come in handy for rainy days.
Outdoor Activities
To enjoy the outdoor activities or see Unkai (Sea of Clouds)comfortably, remember to bring a warm layer of clothing that is easy to put on and off, rain gear, and trekking shoes. And if there are special activities you wish to do, check beforehand to see if you need to prepare any special items to bring with you for them.
Conclusion
Although Hokkaido is vast, you can prepare a few short-sleeved, a few long-sleeved, 1 or 2 fleeces (or sweatshirt, etc), and one rain gear. The quantity depends on how long your trip is.
Most importantly, always check the weather forecast before your trip. It helps you prepare a travel capsule wardrobe.
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