Otaru Weather & What to Wear

Otaru’s weekly weather forecast

Otaru today, Nov 3 (Tue)

8℃ / 4℃

Partly cloudyPrecipitation 6.9 mm

Current temperature in Otaru (Japan Meteorological Agency station) 4.2℃ 7:10

What to wear todayA thick coat is necessary.

Today

8° 4°

Partly cloudy
Precipitation 6.9 mm

11/4 (Wed)

8° 3°

Sunny
Precipitation 3.7 mm

11/5 (Thu)

15° 6°

Partly cloudy
Precipitation 7.9 mm

11/6 (Fri)

15° 1°

Rain
Precipitation 6.1 mm

11/7 (Sat)

2° 1°

Rain
Precipitation 6.1 mm

11/8 (Sun)

2° 0°

Snow
Precipitation 3.5 mm

11/9 (Mon)

2° 0°

Cloudy
Precipitation 0.8 mm

Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0). Current temperature: Japan Meteorological Agency website (AMeDAS Otaru). Retrieved: Nov 3, 7:23.

What is Otaru’s climate like?

Otaru is relatively mild by Hokkaido standards.
January is the coldest month and August is the hottest.
Cherry blossoms peak from late April to early May, fall colors arrive in mid-to-late October, and the first snow falls around the end of October (October 31 in an average year).

• Otaru (Shiribeshi region): 2025 weather data

Otaru in January: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): -3.1°C
• Average high: 0.8°C
• Average low: -4.1°C

January is Otaru’s coldest month.
There is heavy snowfall, with occasional blizzards.
Winds can be strong because the city is by the sea.

A down coat, scarf, gloves, and other warm winter clothing are essential.
Snow boots are also recommended.
Shoe grips (ice cleats), sold at convenience stores and elsewhere, are handy.

Otaru in February: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): -2.7°C
• Average high: 1.9°C
• Average low: -4.3°C

January’s severe cold continues.
There is heavy snowfall, with occasional blizzards.

A down coat, scarf, gloves, and other warm winter clothing are essential.
Snow boots are also recommended.
Shoe grips (ice cleats), sold at convenience stores and elsewhere, are handy.

Otaru in March: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): 0.8°C
• Average high: 4.9°C
• Average low: -1.6°C

After the cold of January and February, warmer days become more frequent.
By late March, overnight lows rise above freezing on more days.
As it warms up, melting snow creates many puddles and slippery surfaces, so take care.

Otaru in April: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): 6.5°C
• Average high: 11.8°C
• Average low: 3.6°C

Otaru begins to feel like spring.
It can still be cold, with temperatures dropping close to freezing in the mornings, evenings, and overnight.

Cherry blossoms peak from late April to early May.
Days are relatively warm, but a coat or similar outerwear is recommended.

Roads closed for winter also reopen.

Otaru in May: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): 12.1°C
• Average high: 19.1°C
• Average low: 9.3°C

Cherry blossoms are at their best around early May.
It is still chilly, so bring a spring coat or another outer layer.

Otaru in June: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): 16.0°C
• Average high: 24.2°C
• Average low: 15.3°C

The pleasant season is here.
Some days are chilly, so it is a good idea to bring a jacket.

Otaru in July: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): 20.2°C
• Average high: 29.5°C
• Average low: 21.2°C

Some days reach over 30°C, but it is a comfortable season.
Even in July, mornings and evenings can feel cool in short sleeves, so bring a jacket or another layer.

Otaru in August: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): 21.7°C
• Average high: 28.2°C
• Average low: 20.6°C

August is Otaru’s hottest month.
More days exceed 30°C, but some days have lows of 20°C or below.
Otaru Blue Cave cruises and swimming beaches are popular at this time of year.

Even in August, some nights can be chilly, so bring a jacket or another layer.

Otaru in September: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): 18.1°C
• Average high: 24.8°C
• Average low: 15.9°C

The heat eases, making this a comfortable season.
Some days are cold, so wear layers that are easy to adjust.

Otaru in October: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): 11.8°C
• Average high: 15.6°C
• Average low: 7.7°C

Fall colors arrive in Otaru in mid-to-late October.
Temperatures also drop sharply.
On some days, lows approach freezing as winter draws closer.

You will need a jacket on many days, so warm clothing is recommended.

Otaru in November: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): 4.9°C
• Average high: 8.8°C
• Average low: 1.6°C

It is early winter in Otaru.
Snow starts falling in the middle to late part of the month, bringing winter temperatures, so a heavy coat or similar outerwear is needed.

Otaru in December: weather & what to wear

• Average temperature (normal): -1.1°C
• Average high: 2.4°C
• Average low: -3.5°C

The cold becomes severe, with average temperatures falling below freezing.
Snowy days become more frequent, so dress warmly for winter.

A down coat, scarf, gloves, and other warm winter clothing are essential.
Snow boots are also recommended.
Shoe grips (ice cleats), sold at convenience stores and elsewhere, are handy.