What are the characteristics of Hokkaido's climate, which varies by area?

Hokkaido is broadly divided into the Southern Hokkaido area where Hakodate is located, the Central Hokkaido area centered on Sapporo, the Northern Hokkaido area with nature-rich tourist destinations like Asahikawa, Furano, and Biei, and the Eastern Hokkaido area with large-scale farms in places like Kitami, Abashiri, Kushiro, and Nemuro.

The climate is also divided into three types: the Sea of Japan side, the Sea of Okhotsk side, and the Pacific Ocean side, each with different characteristics. Here, we will introduce the climate of Sapporo, which is located in Central Hokkaido and has the characteristics of a Sea of Japan climate, and Asahikawa and Furano, which are located in Northern Hokkaido and have inland climate characteristics.

The Sea of Japan climate type features relatively many sunny days in spring and autumn, refreshing summers, and many cloudy or snowy days in winter. In winter, the further inland you go, the lower the temperature and the greater the snowfall, so be sure to prepare clothing suitable for the season.

About Temperatures and Clothing in Spring (March-May) in Hokkaido (Sapporo, Asahikawa, Furano)

Even in March, Hokkaido is still in the middle of winter. The average temperature remains bitterly cold, with Sapporo at 3°C, Asahikawa at 0.4°C, and Furano at -0.2°C. In April, the average temperature is 8.6°C in Sapporo and 6.7°C in Asahikawa and Furano. Since this is still lower than the temperatures in Tokyo in late March, you should dress in winter clothing for trips in March and April.
The cherry blossom front crosses the Tsugaru Strait in late April. Blossoms begin in southern Hokkaido, and the best time to see them in Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Furano is around Golden Week. At famous cherry blossom spots, you can also enjoy varieties unique to Hokkaido, such as Ezo-yamazakura and Chishima-zakura. By May, the maximum temperature in Sapporo rises to around 20°C from the beginning of the month, and the minimum temperature rarely drops below 10°C. However, Asahikawa and Furano are still chilly, and it is not until after the middle of the month that their maximum temperatures reach the same levels as Sapporo. Even in May, there are many days when the minimum temperature is 5°C or lower until the middle of the month, so be sure to bring a stole or a light coat that is easy to put on and take off.

About temperatures and clothing for summer (June–August) in Hokkaido (Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Furano)

Hokkaido is often thought of as having a refreshing summer without a rainy season, but in reality, it depends on the atmospheric pressure distribution. Years when the North Pacific High extends strongly to Hokkaido tend to have hot summers, while years with frequent Okhotsk High pressure systems tend to have cool summers.
The average temperature in June is around 18°C in Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Furano. You can spend your time comfortably wearing a long-sleeved shirt with a hoodie or jacket. This season is the best time to enjoy flowers. Moss phlox bloom until mid-June, tulips and lilacs from mid- to late June, and lavender begins to bloom in late June.
The average temperature in July is 22.8°C in Sapporo, 22.7°C in Asahikawa, and 22.1°C in Furano. The average maximum temperature in all three areas is around 28°C, which is warm enough to spend the day in a T-shirt. The average temperature in August is 23.8°C in Sapporo, 22.4°C in Asahikawa, and 21.9°C in Furano. It suddenly starts to feel like autumn, and the mornings and evenings feel chilly. Be sure to always carry a hoodie or jacket with you.

About temperatures and clothing for autumn (September–October) in Hokkaido (Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Furano)

The average temperature in September is 19.9°C in Sapporo, 17.6°C in Asahikawa, and 17.3°C in Furano. Differences in temperature between regions begin to emerge gradually. Because precipitation is also high due to the autumn rain front and typhoons, we recommend preparing rain gear. Autumn foliage begins in early September, with the best viewing time from early to mid-October. You can enjoy large-scale autumn foliage in places like Sounkyo and Jozankei. Entering October, while the average temperature in Sapporo is 13°C, it drops to about 10°C in Asahikawa and Furano, as the season gradually shifts from autumn to winter.
In November, when the long winter begins, the average temperature is 6.2°C in Sapporo and about 3.5°C in Asahikawa and Furano. The cold is severe, and it also snows. In Sapporo, snow rarely accumulates, but there is about 26 cm of snow in Asahikawa and 30 cm in Furano. You need to take cold-weather measures, such as avoiding heels and wearing boots, and wearing heat-generating innerwear under your clothes.

About temperatures and clothing for winter (December–February) in Hokkaido (Sapporo, Asahikawa, Furano)

Winter in Hokkaido is packed with events, such as the major "Sapporo Snow Festival" and the "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu" Ice Village near Furano, which opens only during the winter season. To enjoy these events comfortably, checking the temperature is essential.
In December, the average temperature in Hokkaido drops below freezing. It becomes -1.2°C in Sapporo, -4.1°C in Asahikawa, and -5.2°C in Furano. By January and February, the cold becomes even more severe, with average temperatures recording around -7°C to -8°C in Asahikawa and Furano. When going out, a thick coat is not enough. A down coat is recommended. Be sure to wear a scarf to prevent wind from entering through your neck. Prepare earmuffs or a knit hat to protect your ears from the cold. Also, compared to the freezing outdoors, the indoors are over 20°C, a temperature difference of over 30°C. Try to wear clothing that is easy to take off and put on so that you can stay comfortable even indoors.