Without the Usual Humidity and Temperatures of the Rest of Japan, Niseko Offers Perfect Weather For Year Round Enjoyment!

The skiing may be what put Niseko on the world map, but it is the year round weather patterns that keep bringing people back for every season. Throughout Japan, cold weather arrives from the east, however on Hokkaido Island, it comes in from Siberia, which is what makes the snow drier than in other places. Averaging 590 inches or 15 metres of snow annually, beginning in November, the daily snowfall brings fresh, dry, powder for snow lovers to enjoy.

October signals the ending of fall and beginning of the winter ski season. With highs averaging about 14°C and lows hovering around 4°C, it is still nice enough to be outdoors without heavy jackets during the day – yet you may want a wrap for the evening as it does get a bit chilly.

November and December temperatures range from -7°C up to about 6°C, while January and February really show a marked difference with the lows hitting about -11°C and highs getting to about -2°C. Although the snow is falling daily, the biting winds from the east are not a factor and the dry snow truly makes a difference for skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoe hikers.

March hails the beginning of spring, yet you might not know it because of the snowfall. The 5 to 7 degree rise in temperature hints that cherry blossoms will soon cover the foothills of the mountain, as will fields of wildflowers and sunflowers. In the months of April and May, you will notice that some of the seasonal rentals are beginning to close, as they transition from the winter visitors to the summer ones. Temperatures rise more rapidly, averaging lows of 0°C and highs about 16°C. As the snow begins to melt, warm weather activities such as river rafting, kayaking and mountain biking will begin to emerge once again.

Summer months usher in temperatures ranging from the low 10’s, into the mid teens and then up to mid 20’s. The mountains are in bloom, lush deep greens have replaced the winter white of snow and both the local population as well as visitors can be found enjoying every type of warm weather activity one can imagine. Museums are visited, restaurants offering delicious cuisine, shops bustle as their businesses pick up yet again, and everyone is happily basking in the sunshine.

Of course, summer will inevitably lead into autumn. Nature paints an incredible palette of colours blanketing the countryside. Dazzling reds, brilliant oranges, deep rich browns, lushes greens and of course the amazing pinks of the cherry blossoms all change slowly from one shade to another as fall temperatures begin to drop every so slowly. August stays a pretty steady 16°C to 25°C, while September drops slightly to a low of 10°C and a high of 21°C . However, the steepest drop will be noticeable in October. Dropping to average highs and lows that range between 4°C and 14°C – you can feel the nip in the air and the nights are significantly cooler.

Regardless of what time of the year you decide to visit, there is plenty to do with the locals anxiously waiting to help turn your vacation into a dream that you will want to repeat time and time again.