What's the Weather like in Hokkaido in August?
Temperature
August is the hottest and most humid month in Japan, yet conditions are much more bearable in Hokkaido, due to its location and relative altitude. Temperatures on other resorts such as Aikawa have a higher average temperature. Hiking the island's most famous peaks, where the temperature is much cooler, is infinitely delightful, and this is the time of year when you'll notice swelling crowds of both local and foreign visitors. Do note that at this latitude hot summers are very relative: the days may be hot yet the nights can be quite cool, so no matter when you travel to Hokkaido, bringing a jacket is always a good idea.
The average temperature in August sit at a comfortable 22°C, much like July, although if you're travelling inland it will feel infinitely hotter. It's worth noting that air-conditioning is not widely used in Japan, due to it enjoying a fairly shot summer season.
Highs of 26°C are the norm, with this month seeing a sharp decrease in temperature as it progresses. Lows of 18°C are usual for the first two weeks, yet they will drop to the low teens by month's end.
Average Sea Temperature
The coastal areas tend to get quite foggy in August, as the increase in sea temperature (22°C-the highest they will be all year) bring about an increase in humidity.
Rain and Sunshine Hours
August sees 156mm of rainfall and a total of 5 hours of daily sunshine.
Hokkaido Hotels in August
The Shiretoko Peninsula is the north-easternmost point of Hokkaido and a fantastic place for an August vacation, as it also tends to be the coldest in the winter months. Here you'll find plenty of alpine flora, outstanding coastal hubs and incredible hiking opportunities.
Iruka Hotel and Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi
When in Shiretoko you may find it best to base yourself in just a few places and take day trips in between. Utoro is a small town on the western tip of the peninsula, where you'll find the Iruka Hotel. The superb bay-side location and quiet and relaxing atmosphere (not to mention the delicious breakfast) make this a spot-on place to explore western Shiretoko. Utoro also boasts some quite luxurious hotels, like the Kitakobushi Shiretoko, a grand 5* choice which could be considered an attraction in its own right. The expansive rooms, tatami areas, superb buffets and outdoor onses are all simply superb.
Touakarinoyado Rausu Daiichi Hotel
Rausu is a bustling town about half way up the eastern end of Shiretoko. To visit the national park or view the attractions on this side of the peninsula, this is possibly your best base choice. The Touakarinoyado Rausu Daiichi Hotel is a wonderful, relaxing and comfortable place to spend a couple of nights, and boasts a very western infused Japanese atmosphere. The rooms are immaculate; onsens divine and food served in its restaurant a true delight.
Bars and Restaurants
Shiretoko Terrace Restaurant
Visit the Shiretoko Terrace Restaurant of the Kitakobushi Hotel and indulge in their generous buffet dinner spread. From grilled meat and seafood stakes, to soups, salads, desserts and more, this incredible dining experience is a must for anyone visiting Shiretoko, whether or not they are staying in the hotel. The hotel's location and superlative terrace gifts breathtaking ocean views and is the best place in town for an elegant, sunset meal. Due to its outstanding popularity, you best book a table as soon as you arrive in town to avoid disappointment.
Things to do in Hokkaido in August
The Shiretoko Peninsula
The Shiretoko Peninsula is a natural splendour and has been UNESCO listed since 2005. This is the southernmost point where icebergs appear every year, yet due to the harsh winter climate it is arguably best visited in summer. There are no less than 17 high peaks in Shiretoko and the whole peninsula and its off-shore waters simply brim with wildlife in summer. This is the only month of the year when you can enjoy whale-watching cruises. Watch in awe as sperm whales, minkie whales and at times even humpbacks bask in the deep, cool waters off the Shiretoko coast.
Sea of Okhotsk
Flower lovers will have a field day when hiking along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, where they can admire endless fields of Japanese rose and Amur daylilies. Active visitors will likewise be kept busy, with August being the prime month for hiking, kayaking and sailing. When in Kiyosate you can visit the Sakura Fallas and watch the amazing spectacle of jumping salmon, and if you don't wish to cruise but still want to catch a glimpse of passing whales, then spend a day in Mobetsu in August and chances are you'll see sperm whales just off the coast.
