The climate of Kushiro
This city, resting in the easternmost region of
Japan's Hokkaidō island, greets residents and visitors alike with a Dfb Köppen climate classification, known as a humid continental climate featuring neither dry season nor particularly hot summers. This designation implies chilly winters, humid, warm summers, and considerable variability among temperatures, precipitation, and other atmospheric factors.
Analyzing the fluctuating weather throughout the calendar year, it becomes clear that the steady increase and decrease in monthly temperatures, from as low as -8.4°C (16.9°F) in
February to as high as 22.8°C (73°F) in
August, are attributable to the city's geographical positioning and oceanic influence. Rainfall illustrates a similar pattern, markedly increasing from 15mm (0.59") in
January to a peak of 109mm (4.29") in August before tapering off by year end. There's a consistency of humidity in
Kushiro throughout the year, ranging just from 76% to 88%.
Notably, Kushiro experiences significant snowfall from
December to February, reaching as high as 77mm (3.03") in February. This implies the presence of substantial winter weather conditions, which are not as commonly seen in other climates of similar classification such as the Dfb.
The best time to visit Kushiro
Given the humid continental climate,
Kushiro's weather conditions vary from month to month. However, the period from
May to
September might be considered the most favorable time for most visitors who wish to enjoy warmer weather. During this span, average high temperatures range from 13.9°C (57°F) to 22.8°C (73°F) and precipitation averages from between 45mm (1.77") to 109mm (4.29"). The city receives copious sunlight, with hours ranging from 14.6 to 15 per day, and a manageable UV index between 4 and 5. Visitors during these months can enjoy outdoor activities without being inconvenienced by extreme weather conditions.
The worst time to visit Kushiro
If unfavorable weather conditions include severe cold and heavy snowfall, then the period from
December to
February might be considered less ideal for visitors to
Kushiro. Average high temperatures during these months drop to below freezing: -2.4°C (27.7°F) in December and -2.1°C (28.2°F) in
January and rise just barely above freezing to 2°C (35.6°F) in February. Snowfall during these cold winter months can reach as high as 77mm (3.03"), further deterring travel.
Spring weather in Kushiro
Spring ushers in gradually warming temperatures in
Kushiro. From
March to
May, the average high temperature increases from 2°C (35.6°F) to 13.9°C (57°F), while the lows rise from -4.5°C (23.9°F) to 6°C (42.8°F). These months see an increase in rainfall, from 35mm (1.38") in March to 45mm (1.77") in May, while snowfall decreases, disappearing entirely by May. This season also witnesses a significant increase in daylight hours, from 11.9 hours during the day in March to 14.6 hours by May.
Summer weather in Kushiro
Summers in
Kushiro, which run from
June through
August, feature the highest temperatures and rainfall of the year. Average high temperatures reach their peak at 22.8°C (73°F) in August while the lows hover around 15.7°C (60.3°F). Rainfall hovers between 54mm (2.13") in June and 109mm (4.29") in August, the highest average for the year. Despite being the wettest season, the summer still has ample sunshine, with daylight hours peaking at 15.3 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Kushiro
Autumn in
Kushiro is characterized by diminishing temperatures, from 20.1°C (68.2°F) in
September to 7.2°C (45°F) by
November. Correspondingly, the average low temperatures drop from 13°C (55.4°F) in September to a cool 1.5°C (34.7°F) by November. Rainfall is a consistent feature at this time of the year, with averages hovering around 78mm (3.07") in September to 46mm (1.81") by November.
Winter weather in Kushiro
Winter in
Kushiro is synonymous with chilly temperatures and significant snowfall. The high temperatures plummet from 0.5°C (32.9°F) in
December to an icy -2.1°C (28.2°F) in
January while the lows reach a numbing -8.4°C (16.9°F) in
February. Snowfall is prominent during this season with averages ranging between 60mm (2.36") and 77mm (3.03"). Despite these cold conditions, this period experiences substantial sunlight, with daylight hours averaging from 9.1 to 9.4 hours per day in December and January respectively. It's a season where the city turns into a winter wonderland, and those unfazed by the cold weather can enjoy the sights and experiences it offers.
Weather in January
Long winter nights characterize
January in
Kushiro, and the city remains shrouded under a thick blanket of snow. This snowfall is considerable, with an aggregate fall of 60mm (2.36") recorded. Chilly temperatures and brisk winds contribute to the generally sharp, undisturbed coldness of January.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Kushiro witnesses a continuation of the winter season from
January, marked by a chilling coldness and snow-laden environment. February, however, outdoes its predecessor with a more profound snowfall of 77mm (3.03").
Weather in February » Weather in March
The weather in
March ostensibly seems an extension of
February's chills in
Kushiro with the climate maintaining its winter grip. However, there's a slight easing of the frosty conditions, as demonstrated by the reduction in snowfall to 65mm (2.56").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Kushiro indicates the onset of spring with a marked increase in temperatures and longer daylight hours. The snowfall figures take a nosedive, not surpassing 32mm (1.26") for the month. April heralds the arrival of Sakura (cherry blossom) season, and its beauty is augmented by the scarce rainy days and warming temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May welcomes a noticeable transition in
Kushiro's weather as it steps fully into the realm of spring. Warming temperatures replace the chilled tones of winter, and the scanty 4mm (0.16") snowfall echoes this change. As the days get sunnier and longer, May makes for an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Kushiro serves as the gateway to summer, with zero snowfall for the first time in the year. The city gets drenched with ample sunlight and warmer temperatures, providing lush green scenery and hosting a variety of outdoor festivals.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the official commencement of
Kushiro's summer, characterized by increased heat, sunlight, and occasional bouts of rainfall. The warmest month on the calendar, it boasts peak daytime temperatures of around 21.3°C (70.3°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Kushiro in
August is the embodiment of a warm and inviting summer, befitting of the holiday season. The heat persists from
July, with the highest recorded temperature climbing slightly to 22.8°C (73°F). However, August differs from its predecessor by inviting thunderstorms, culminating in the highest amount of rainfall for the year; a staggering 109mm (4.29").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Kushiro witnesses the gradual decline of summer's warmth as the landscape prepares to don an autumnal aesthetic. The temperatures start to decrease, but they remain fairly pleasant, reminiscent of premium outdoor conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Kushiro marks the onset of autumn, with the foliage taking a dramatic turn, bursting into a riot of colors. The fall temperatures provide a comfortable backdrop for outdoor activities, amid vividly colored landscapes.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Kushiro witnesses a dip in temperatures as the city prepares to transition into winter. The spectacular autumn colors begin to wane, making way for muted hues in preparation for the snow-clad landscapes to come. The rainfall is fairly moderate, and an unexpected snowfall might make its appearance, possibly accumulating to 13mm (0.51") for the month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As
December approaches,
Kushiro embraces the winter season, characterized by snow-laden landscapes and cold temperatures that could drop to a chilling -4.3°C (24.3°F) by nighttime. The city layers itself in white, with 63mm (2.48") of snowfall covering its surfaces.
Weather in December »