Japan, Asia

Hokkaido in February

The Sapporo Snow Festival in early February and drift ice off Abashiri and Shiretoko. Book months ahead for festival week.

BestColdest stretch, highs near 32F (0C), lows near 18F (-8C)

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

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival in early February and drift ice off Abashiri and Shiretoko. Book months ahead for festival week.

Weather: Coldest stretch, highs near 32F (0C), lows near 18F (-8C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What February is like in Hokkaido

February is the coldest stretch, with highs near 32F (0C) and lows around 18F (-8C). It is also the busiest winter month. The Sapporo Snow Festival fills Odori Park with giant sculptures for about a week in early February, and Otaru's Snow Light Path lines the canal with candles. Drift ice usually peaks off Abashiri and Shiretoko. Powder is excellent, and prices are at their highest.

It suits festival lovers, skiers, and families who want snow fun. Book lodging months ahead for festival week. If you want lower prices and still-good skiing, try March.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Hokkaido this month.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Giant snow and ice sculptures fill Odori Park and Susukino for about a week in early February. Kids love the snow slides.

Otaru Snow Light Path

Candles and snow lanterns glow along Otaru's canal and old streets, usually around the Snow Festival.

Drift ice cruises

Icebreaker cruises from Abashiri and Monbetsu sail through sea ice from the Sea of Okhotsk. February is usually the peak.

Powder skiing

February snow is deep and dry across Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu.

What to pack for February

An insulated parka and snow pants
Thermal base layers
Waterproof boots with ice grips
Warm gloves and a hat
Heat packs

Our timing tip

Book Sapporo hotels for Snow Festival week several months ahead, and see the sculptures after dark when they are lit.

Book Hokkaido for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Hokkaido
Opens a hotel search for Hokkaido in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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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 February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Sapporo Snow Festival

About one week in early February

Hokkaido's biggest event. Hotels in Sapporo sell out and rates spike.

Otaru Snow Light Path

Usually February, around the Snow Festival

Candles and snow lanterns line the canal and old streets.

Drift ice season

Roughly late January into early March, peaking in February, varies by year

Sea ice from the Sea of Okhotsk reaches Abashiri and Shiretoko. Icebreaker cruises run from Abashiri and Monbetsu.

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Hokkaido?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival in early February and drift ice off Abashiri and Shiretoko. Book months ahead for festival week.

What is the weather like in Hokkaido in February?

Coldest stretch, highs near 32F (0C), lows near 18F (-8C).

Is Hokkaido crowded in February?

February is peak crowd season in Hokkaido; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Hokkaido in February?

Sapporo Snow Festival (about one week in early february); Otaru Snow Light Path (usually february, around the snow festival); Drift ice season (roughly late january into early march, peaking in february, varies by year).