Japan, Asia

Hokkaido in August

Ideal for hiking and road trips. Obon week in mid August brings Japanese holiday traffic and higher prices.

BestWarmest month, highs near 79F (26C)

A lone tree on snow-covered hills near Biei, Hokkaido — HokkaidoPhoto: Yascolo, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Hokkaido. Ideal for hiking and road trips. Obon week in mid August brings Japanese holiday traffic and higher prices.

Weather: Warmest month, highs near 79F (26C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What August is like in Hokkaido

August is the warmest month, with highs near 79F (26C). It is ideal for hiking and road trips. Obon week in mid August brings Japanese holiday traffic and higher prices. The lavender is past its peak, but the countryside is still green and lovely. Nights stay cool compared with the rest of Japan, and the high trails in Daisetsuzan are fully open. Shiretoko's summer trails and bear-watching cruises are running too.

It suits families on summer holidays and hikers. Avoid Obon week if you can. For cooler weather and early fall color, September is great.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Hokkaido this month.

Hiking in Daisetsuzan

The high peaks are snow-free and the trails are open, making August a great hiking month.

Cool summer escape

Hokkaido stays cooler than Tokyo or Kyoto, which makes August much more comfortable than on Honshu.

Hakodate's morning market

Fresh seafood breakfasts at the morning market are a summer treat.

What to pack for August

Light clothes and a warm layer
Hiking boots
Sunscreen
A rain jacket

Our timing tip

Book rooms and cars early for Obon week in mid August, or plan your trip for the weeks around it.

Book Hokkaido for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Hokkaido
Opens a hotel search for Hokkaido in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Hokkaido
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Hokkaido
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Hokkaido for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Hokkaido

Full guide

Sapporo Snow Festival

Giant snow and ice sculptures in Odori Park and Susukino for about a week in early February. Book lodging months ahead.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Niseko and the ski resorts

Niseko is the most international; Furano, Rusutsu, and Kiroro are often quieter. January and February are the powder months.

Tickets and tours →

Furano and Biei lavender

The fields peak in mid to late July. Go early morning to beat tour buses at Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Otaru

Canal town with glassworks and sushi, 30 to 40 minutes from Sapporo. Magical during the Snow Light Path festival in February.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shiretoko Peninsula

Five Lakes walk and bear-watching boat cruises in summer; drift ice walks in February and early March.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Asahiyama Zoo

Famous for its winter penguin walk and animal viewing design. A great family stop in Asahikawa.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

If you want the Snow Festival, book Sapporo hotels three to six months out, or stay in Otaru and commute.
Ski in early to mid January or March for good snow with fewer people and lower rates than Christmas, Lunar New Year, and February.
At Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond, arrive before 8am in July. By 10am the tour buses are in.
Avoid Obon week in mid August for rental cars and lodging, and book summer rental cars early; they sell out.

Know before you go

Shiretoko Pass (the road across the peninsula) and many mountain roads close in winter, usually from roughly early November to late April.
Many summer attractions, ropeways, and lodges in national parks close from about November to April; check any specific site.
Ski resorts generally open in late November or December and close between late March and early May depending on the resort and snow.
Heavy snowstorms can cancel flights at New Chitose and shut roads and trains for a day. Build a buffer day into any winter itinerary.

Hokkaido in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Hokkaido?

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Hokkaido. Ideal for hiking and road trips. Obon week in mid August brings Japanese holiday traffic and higher prices.

What is the weather like in Hokkaido in August?

Warmest month, highs near 79F (26C).

Is Hokkaido crowded in August?

Hokkaido is busy in August, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.