Japan, Asia

Hokkaido in July

Lavender peaks at Farm Tomita and around Furano in mid to late July. The most popular summer month.

BestWarm, highs near 76F (24C), cool nights

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

The straight answer

July is one of the best months of the year to visit Hokkaido. Lavender peaks at Farm Tomita and around Furano in mid to late July. The most popular summer month.

Weather: Warm, highs near 76F (24C), cool nights
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What July is like in Hokkaido

July is warm, with highs near 76F (24C) and cool nights. Lavender peaks at Farm Tomita and around Furano in mid to late July, and the Biei patchwork fields are at their most colorful. It is the most popular summer month, so crowds and prices are high. Hiking, road trips, and outdoor fun are all at their best. Nights stay cool.

It suits families, photographers, and road trippers who want flowers and comfortable weather. Book rooms and rental cars early. If you want fewer crowds, June or September are calmer.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Hokkaido this month.

Peak lavender at Farm Tomita

Purple fields peak in mid to late July. Go early in the morning to beat the tour buses.

The Blue Pond in Biei

The bright blue water looks its best on sunny summer mornings.

Bear-watching cruises in Shiretoko

Summer boat cruises along the peninsula offer a chance to see brown bears from a safe distance.

What to pack for July

Light clothes and a warm layer for cool nights
Sunscreen and a hat
Hiking shoes
Insect repellent

Our timing tip

Visit Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond before 8am to avoid tour buses and get the best light.

Book Hokkaido for July.

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

What's on in July

Furano lavender season

Late June through July, peak mid to late July

Farm Tomita and the Biei patchwork fields are at their most colorful.

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 July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Hokkaido?

July is one of the best months of the year to visit Hokkaido. Lavender peaks at Farm Tomita and around Furano in mid to late July. The most popular summer month.

What is the weather like in Hokkaido in July?

Warm, highs near 76F (24C), cool nights.

Is Hokkaido crowded in July?

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

What is happening in Hokkaido in July?

Furano lavender season (late june through july, peak mid to late july).