Japan, Asia

Hokkaido in December

Ski resorts open and the powder builds through the month. Christmas to New Year is peak pricing at the resorts.

GoodSnowy, highs near 34F (1C)

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

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Hokkaido. Ski resorts open and the powder builds through the month. Christmas to New Year is peak pricing at the resorts.

Weather: Snowy, highs near 34F (1C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What December is like in Hokkaido

December is snowy, with highs near 34F (1C). Ski resorts open, and the powder builds through the month. Christmas to New Year is peak pricing at the resorts. Early December can have thinner snow, so resorts open runs gradually. Sapporo and Otaru feel festive as the first snows settle on the streets. Snowstorms can delay flights and trains, so leave a buffer day.

It suits skiers, families, and snow lovers. Book the holiday weeks early, since resort rooms sell out. If you want the best powder, January and February are peak.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Hokkaido this month.

Ski season opens

Resorts open through December, and the powder builds each week.

Snowy onsen

Soak in an open-air bath while snow falls.

Winter in Otaru

Otaru's canal and glassworks feel cozy under the first snows.

What to pack for December

Ski gear
Thermal layers
Waterproof boots
Warm gloves and a hat

Our timing tip

Book mid to late December for better snow, but avoid the holiday weeks if you want lower prices.

Book Hokkaido for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Hokkaido
Opens a hotel search for Hokkaido in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
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 December. 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 December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Hokkaido?

December is a good month to visit Hokkaido. Ski resorts open and the powder builds through the month. Christmas to New Year is peak pricing at the resorts.

What is the weather like in Hokkaido in December?

Snowy, highs near 34F (1C).

Is Hokkaido crowded in December?

Crowds in Hokkaido are moderate in December; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.