How different is the weather across Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa?

Understand Japan's climate regions, from snowy Hokkaido to subtropical Okinawa, with official temperature and rainfall figures and tips for planning trips that cross several regions.

Published October 21, 2026 at 7:59 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Very different. Japan stretches from a cold, snowy north to a subtropical south, so the same month can bring skiing in Hokkaido and beach weather in Okinawa. Official 1991 to 2020 averages put Sapporo at about 9.2 C a year, Tokyo at 15.8 C and Naha at 23.3 C, with heavy winter snow on the Sea of Japan side.

A long country with several climates

Japan's islands stretch a long way from north to south, and its climate changes along the way. Wikipedia's overview of the climate of Japan groups the country into broad regions: Hokkaido with a humid continental climate and long, very cold winters; the Sea of Japan side with heavy winter snow; the Pacific side with milder, sunnier winters and hot summers; the Central Highlands with big seasonal and day-night swings; the Seto Inland Sea with a mild climate; and the Ryukyu islands with a subtropical to tropical climate.

The Japan Meteorological Agency, which is the official weather authority, also explains the seasonal patterns that drive these differences, including a cold high-pressure system over Siberia in winter, the early-summer rainy season and the typhoon season. Understanding a handful of these patterns helps travelers choose where and when to go.

The numbers: four places compared

Official normals for 1991 to 2020 show the contrast. Sapporo in Hokkaido has an annual average temperature of about 9.2 C, with January at about minus 3.2 C and August at about 22.3 C, and about 479 cm of snowfall a year. Tokyo averages about 15.8 C, with 5.4 C in January and 26.9 C in August. Kyoto averages about 16.2 C, with a hotter August at 28.5 C.

Naha in Okinawa averages about 23.3 C a year, with January at 17.3 C and July at 29.1 C. Rainfall also differs: Sapporo has about 1,146 mm a year, Kyoto about 1,523 mm, Tokyo about 1,598 mm and Naha about 2,161 mm. The winter gap is striking. In January, the average daily low in Sapporo is about minus 6.4 C, while in Naha it is about 14.9 C.

How each region feels, step by step

Start in the north. Hokkaido has no rainy season, comfortable summers and long, snowy winters. Moving south, northern and central Honshu face the Sea of Japan on one side and the Pacific on the other. In winter, cold air from the mainland brings heavy snow to the western mountain side, while the Pacific side, including Tokyo, is clear and dry. Wikipedia notes that sunshine in December can be under 30 hours on the Sea of Japan side and up to about 180 hours on the Pacific side.

Further south, Kyoto and Osaka sit in a basin region with hot summers and cold winters with little snow, and the Seto Inland Sea is known for mild weather and many fine days. Kyushu is warmer again. Finally, the Ryukyu islands including Okinawa are warm all year, with high rainfall and a longer swimming season. The tourism board describes a mild winter of around 15 C and beach activities from June to October.

Rainy season and typhoons

The rainy season, tsuyu, usually runs from about early or mid-June to mid-July in Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, according to Wikipedia. Hokkaido is excluded because the rain front weakens before it reaches the far north. In Okinawa the rainy season starts earlier, from about early May to mid-June, and it tends to be less continuous. Tokyo's June rainfall is about 168 mm, while Naha's May and June totals are about 245 mm and 284 mm.

Five or six typhoons pass over or near Japan in a typical year, most often from late summer into early autumn, and Okinawa and southwestern areas are usually first in their path. Heavy rain, strong wind and cancelled flights or ferries are possible when a typhoon approaches, so travelers visiting in late summer or early autumn should leave time in the schedule and check Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts.

Who should plan around what

Families and older travelers often prefer regions and seasons with moderate weather, such as spring and autumn in the main islands, or Hokkaido in summer, when it is cooler than the south. Hikers and outdoor lovers can match regions to the season: summer in the mountains of central Honshu or Hokkaido, and winter or early spring in Okinawa when the heat is gentler. Snow sports fans choose Hokkaido and the Sea of Japan mountain areas from winter into early spring.

Photographers and festival fans may plan around cherry blossoms, which follow a south-to-north progression, or autumn color, which moves in the opposite direction from north to south and from high ground to low. Travelers who dislike humidity might skip the rainy season and midsummer in Honshu and consider Hokkaido at that time. Specific dates for blossoms and foliage change each year, so check forecasts closer to the trip.

Common mistakes in multi-region planning

A common mistake is packing for the first city only. A trip from Tokyo to Hokkaido in March crosses from spring-like weather into winter, and a trip from Sapporo to Okinawa in January crosses more than 20 degrees in average temperature. Layers, a packable jacket and a flexible plan help. Another mistake is assuming all of Japan has the same rainy season. Hokkaido has none to speak of, and Okinawa's comes earlier.

Visitors sometimes assume southern means warm everywhere in winter. Okinawa is mild, but winter beach weather is cooler than the summer, so check the water temperature and the forecast before planning swimming. Others forget that distances are large: a flight or a long train ride between regions uses a day, and snow or typhoons can disrupt travel.

Planning tips and wrap-up

Choose the season first, then pick regions that suit it. Spring and autumn work well for a Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka route. Summer suits Hokkaido and mountain regions. Winter suits ski areas in Hokkaido and the Sea of Japan side, or a warmer break in Okinawa. Pack a core wardrobe of layers and add region-specific items such as snow boots or swimwear.

This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act. For weather, the Japan Meteorological Agency is the official source, and its climate normal tables list averages for observation stations across the country. As next steps, list your cities, look up each month's normal, and recheck forecasts and transport notices a few days before each leg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hokkaido much colder than Tokyo?

Yes. Sapporo averages about 9.2 C a year compared with about 15.8 C in Tokyo, and its January average is about minus 3.2 C against 5.4 C in Tokyo. Hokkaido also receives a lot of snow, with about 479 cm a year in Sapporo, while Tokyo sees snow only occasionally.

Is Okinawa warm in winter?

It is mild rather than hot. Naha averages about 17.3 C in January, with daily highs near 20 C, which is comfortable for sightseeing but cooler than the summer beach season. The tourism board describes a winter around 15 C and highlights activities such as whale watching and diving. Sea swimming is mostly a summer activity.

Which part of Japan has the most rain?

Rainfall varies, but Okinawa and the Pacific south are among the wetter areas, and Naha has about 2,161 mm a year. Some mountainous spots such as Yakushima Island receive far more, between about 4,000 and 10,000 mm a year, according to Wikipedia. Tokyo averages around 1,598 mm and Sapporo about 1,146 mm.

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