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Town in Hokkaido, Japan

Otaru weather by month and the best time to visit

Updated October 2026Sources
Feb, Jun–SepBest time to visit

When to go to Otaru

Jun–Sep is cool and bright. February brings the Snow Gleam Path lantern festival. Winter is very snowy; Oct is crisp and quieter.

Otaru weather by month

Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.

PleasantHotRainyCool or coldBest months
-10°0°10°20°30°JFMAMJJASOND
Average highAverage lowRainfall

Monthly averages

MonthHighLowRainHumidityConditions
January-2°C28°F-8°C17°F103 mm94%Freezing
February-2°C29°F-8°C17°F83 mm92%Freezing
March2°C36°F-5°C24°F72 mm91%Freezing
April9°C49°F1°C34°F62 mm84%Cold
May16°C62°F7°C44°F74 mm82%Cool
June21°C70°F12°C53°F82 mm84%Pleasant
July25°C76°F16°C61°F121 mm86%Pleasant
August26°C78°F18°C64°F160 mm86%Rainy
September22°C71°F14°C56°F137 mm85%Pleasant
October15°C59°F7°C44°F118 mm84%Cool
November7°C44°F1°C33°F129 mm88%Cold
December0°C31°F-6°C22°F130 mm93%Freezing

Best months across Japan

PlaceBest monthsWarmest month
TokyoMar–May, Oct–NovAug (30°C)
KyotoMar–May, Oct–NovAug (31°C)
OsakaMar–May, Oct–NovAug (32°C)
HiroshimaMar–May, Oct–NovAug (32°C)
NaraMar–May, Oct–NovAug (31°C)
SapporoFeb, Jun–SepAug (26°C)
OkinawaApr–Jun, Oct–NovAug (30°C)
HakoneApr–May, Oct–DecAug (24°C)
FukuokaMar–May, Oct–NovAug (32°C)
KawaguchikoOct–FebAug (26°C)
NisekoJul–Aug, Dec–MarAug (24°C)
YokohamaMar–May, Oct–NovAug (31°C)
KanazawaApr–May, Oct–NovAug (31°C)
TakayamaApr–May, Oct–NovAug (29°C)
NagoyaMar–May, Oct–NovAug (31°C)
NikkoMay, Jul–Aug, Oct–NovAug (28°C)
KamakuraMar–May, Oct–NovAug (31°C)
KobeMar–May, Oct–NovAug (30°C)
HakubaJan–Feb, Jul–SepAug (28°C)
IshigakiApr–May, Jul, Sep–OctJul (29°C)
NagasakiMar–May, Oct–NovAug (31°C)
Shirakawa-goFeb, May, Oct–NovAug (28°C)
MiyakojimaApr–Jun, Sep–OctJul (29°C)
HakodateJun–OctAug (25°C)
OtaruFeb, Jun–SepAug (26°C)
BeppuMar–May, Oct–NovAug (31°C)
MatsumotoApr–May, Sep–NovAug (29°C)
KoyasanApr–May, Oct–NovAug (27°C)
FuranoJan–Feb, Jul–AugAug (25°C)
SendaiApr–May, Sep–NovAug (29°C)

Quick answers

What is the best month to visit Otaru?

Feb, Jun–Sep. Jun–Sep is cool and bright. February brings the Snow Gleam Path lantern festival. Winter is very snowy; Oct is crisp and quieter.

When is the rainy season in Otaru?

Rain peaks in August with about 160 mm. Months with 150 mm or more: Aug.

What is the hottest month in Otaru?

August, with average highs of 26°C (78°F).

How cold does Otaru get?

The coolest nights are in February, averaging -8°C (17°F).

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Sources

Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Temperatures are adjusted by 1.6°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.