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Contents
- The climate of Otaru
- The best time to visit Otaru
- The worst time to visit Otaru
- Spring weather in Otaru
- Summer weather in Otaru
- Autumn weather in Otaru
- Winter weather in Otaru
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Otaru
Otaru, a city located in the Hokkaido prefecture of Japan, is in a Köppen-Geiger climate classification of Dfb—humid continental, with no dry season and a warm summer. It is a hotspot of varying clime factors, where each season masks its unique profile.
Weather flits year-round, establishing itself from temperatures diving as low as -8.2°C (17.2°F) during February to peaking at 23°C (73.4°F) during August. Otaru’s weather takes a drastic leap from the bone-chilling winter to a relatively warm and bearable summer. Humidity levels fluctuate slightly, going from a state of high humidity, averaging 88% in July, to a bit drier conditions hitting a low at 79% during April and October.
Otaru receives a substantial amount of rainfall, with a general increment throughout the year, starting from 43mm (1.69") during April, climbing up to 70mm (2.76") in June and hitting the maximum at 119mm (4.69") in August. Correspondingly, the rainfall days increase from 2.5 days in February to a peak of 20.2 days in July. Winters are exceptionally snowy with the city under snow blankets, grasping 369mm (14.53") in January and 350mm (13.78") in December, however, the snow tends to vanish from May to September.
The sunlight hours increment from 1.2 hours in January to reaching a zenith at 8.4 hours during May and August, providing delightful daylight throughout the day for explorers and city dwellers. The city enjoys an average daylight of 9.4 hours during January to a peak of 15.3 hours in June, guaranteeing ample sunlight streaming in during the day.
Weather flits year-round, establishing itself from temperatures diving as low as -8.2°C (17.2°F) during February to peaking at 23°C (73.4°F) during August. Otaru’s weather takes a drastic leap from the bone-chilling winter to a relatively warm and bearable summer. Humidity levels fluctuate slightly, going from a state of high humidity, averaging 88% in July, to a bit drier conditions hitting a low at 79% during April and October.
Otaru receives a substantial amount of rainfall, with a general increment throughout the year, starting from 43mm (1.69") during April, climbing up to 70mm (2.76") in June and hitting the maximum at 119mm (4.69") in August. Correspondingly, the rainfall days increase from 2.5 days in February to a peak of 20.2 days in July. Winters are exceptionally snowy with the city under snow blankets, grasping 369mm (14.53") in January and 350mm (13.78") in December, however, the snow tends to vanish from May to September.
The sunlight hours increment from 1.2 hours in January to reaching a zenith at 8.4 hours during May and August, providing delightful daylight throughout the day for explorers and city dwellers. The city enjoys an average daylight of 9.4 hours during January to a peak of 15.3 hours in June, guaranteeing ample sunlight streaming in during the day.
The best time to visit Otaru
For people, who aim to relish the bright daylight and the mild warmth, the period from May to September is fitting. Swathes of sunlight penetrate the city ensuring the daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). If aiming for less precipitation, people might opt for April, allowing a drier visit with only 43mm (1.69") rainfall and corresponding 12.7 rainfall days. For beach attractions, the warm sea temperature ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F) from June to September renders the perfect setting for a dip.
The worst time to visit Otaru
Travelers seeking to avoid biting cold should steer clear of Otaru during December to February, with temperatures plunging to -7.9°C (17.8°F) to -5.1°C (22.8°F) and extreme snowfall of 298mm (11.73") to 369mm (14.53"). The dreary grey skies, with minimum sunshine hours—roughly 1.2 hours to 1.5 hours during December to February—add to the winter chill, making it a less preferred time for visitors.
Spring weather in Otaru
Spring in Otaru, usually from March to May, is a season of transition. It is marked by warming temperatures, with highs going from -3°C (26.6°F) to 13.8°C (56.8°F), and lows improving from -5°C (23°F) to 6.4°C (43.5°F). The city breezes towards increased rainfall during this season, starting from 53mm (2.09") in March and attaining 54mm (2.13") by May. The daylight hours also increase during spring from 11.9 hours to 14.7 hours.
Summer weather in Otaru
Summers in Otaru, extending from June to August, experience high temperatures soaring up to 23°C (73.4°F), while the evenings provide a mild warmth with 16.8°C (62.2°F). The city receives the peak of rainfall during this season, hitting 119mm (4.69") during August. Meanwhile, the sea temperature also escalates to 21.6°C (70.9°F) in August, inviting beachgoers.
Autumn weather in Otaru
Autumn sets in from September to November in Otaru, signifying a swift change from a warm climate to a chilly one. High temperatures fall from 19.5°C (67.1°F) to 5.4°C (41.7°F) and low temperatures regularly drop from 13.2°C (55.8°F) to 0.6°C (33.1°F). During this period, rainfall tends slightly to reduce after the peak in the summer.
Winter weather in Otaru
Winter engulfs Otaru from December to February, marked by sub-zero temperatures, both during day and night. Highs range from -3.3°C (26.1°F) to -1°C (30.2°F), while lows reach a frigid -7.9°C (17.8°F) to -5.1°C (22.8°F). The city celebrates heavy snowfall during this period from 298mm (11.73") in February to 369mm (14.53") in January, capping off the year with a winter wonderland.
Weather in January
January starts the year experiencing cold temperatures in Otaru, Japan with snow being a frequent occurrence. On average, snowfall totals 369mm (14.53") in January - the maximum amount for the year. As winter firmly takes hold, daylight hours are limited with brisk winds often sweeping across the city. Weather in January »
Weather in February
February continues the chilly trend observed in January. However, snowfall averages lessen noticeably to 298mm (11.73"), a stark change from the peak in the previous month. The city maintains a high level of humidity, which coupled with prevalent sub-zero temperatures, ensures a winter wonderland feel throughout. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March sees a transition from the icy grip of winter towards warmer temperatures. The most notable change from February to March is the sharp decrease in snowfall, with only 216mm (8.5") falling on average. The UV index remains unchanged, demonstrating that the sun's strength remains relatively weak. Weather in March »
Weather in April
In April, Otaru springs into warmer weather, leaving behind the chilly temperatures of winter. A drizzle replaces the frequent thick snowfall, with only 47mm (1.85") of snow expected, indicating that the colder period has concluded. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May brings a significantly warmer climate to the city of Otaru. It is notably the first month of the year with an average high temperature exceeding 10°C (50°F), a significant jump from the 7°C (44.6°F) in April. An increase in rainfall dampens the warmer period and contributes to heightened humidity. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June in Otaru, Japan, is a pleasant month steeped in characteristic early summer conditions. Relative humidity rises to 86%, up from 80% in May, reflecting the beginning of a humid season. An increase in rainfall confirms the shift towards summer, serving as a contrast to the growing daylight hours. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as Otaru's month of maximum rainfall, with an average of 94mm (3.7") cascading over the city. Coincidentally, it also emerges as the warmest month, with average high temperatures peaking for the year. Despite plentiful rain, daylight hours remain at their height, offering ample opportunities for sightseeing. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August maintains the city's wave of warm weather, even surpassing July's average high temperatures. However, rainfall hits its peak at a staggering 119mm (4.69") for the month, setting it as the wettest period for Otaru. Sea temperatures continue to be inviting, presenting ideal conditions for water activities. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September's weather characteristics in Otaru display a shift towards autumn, particularly with a decrease in average high temperatures. A welcome relief is the lowering of rainfall rates, with a decrease to 86mm (3.39") from the peak 119mm (4.69") witnessed in August. Weather in September »
Weather in October
In October, Otaru experiences a significant shift to fall with temperatures seeing a prominent decrease marking a definitive end of the summer heat. This season change coincides with the first instance of snowfall since April, a significant change from the summer rain. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November in Otaru is characteristic of a city transitioning to the chill of winter with temperatures dipping even further. November also witnesses a resurgence of snow with a significant increase to 154mm (6.06"), signaling a direct contrast to the precipitation-free period from May to October. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December ushers in the full swing of winter in Otaru, Japan. A noteworthy climatic feature of this month is the surge in average snowfall to 350mm (13.78"), which has more than doubled since November. This matches the decrease in average high temperatures and marks December as one of the coldest months of the year. Weather in December »
Updated: Jan 31, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest time of year in Otaru?
With average temperatures fluctuating between a high of -3.3°C (26.1°F) and a low of -7.9°C (17.8°F), January stands out as the coldest month in Otaru.
How much does it rain in Otaru?
In Otaru, during the entire year, the rain falls for 151.8 days and collects up to 851mm (33.5") of precipitation.
When does it snow in Otaru?
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.
When does it snow the most in Otaru?
The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 26 days and typically aggregates up to 369mm (14.53") of snow.
How many days does it snow in Otaru?
Throughout the year, there are 103.4 snowfall days, and 1437mm (56.57") of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Otaru?
With an average of 1.2h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Otaru?
The months with the lowest UV index in Otaru are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
When is the sea coldest in Otaru?
The months with the coldest seawater are February and March, with an average sea temperature of 5.3°C (41.5°F).
What are the least humid months in Otaru?
The months with the lowest humidity in Otaru, Japan, are April and October, with an average relative humidity of 79%.
What is the driest month in Otaru?
The month with the least rainfall is April, when the rain falls for 12.7 days and typically collects 43mm (1.69") of precipitation.
What are the months with the most sunshine in Otaru?
The months with the most sunshine in Otaru are May and August, with an average of 8.4h of sunshine.
When it does not snow in Otaru?
June through September are months without snowfall in Otaru.
When are the longest days in Otaru?
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 18min of daylight.
What is the month with the highest UV index in Otaru?
June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index in Otaru.
What is the most humid month in Otaru?
The most humid month in Otaru is July, with an average relative humidity of 88%.
What are the warmest months in Otaru?
August, with an average high of 23°C (73.4°F) and a low of 16.8°C (62.2°F), signifies the warmest month of the year in Otaru, Japan.
What is the rainiest month in Otaru?
The month with the most rainfall in Otaru, Japan, is August, when the rain falls for 19.1 days and typically aggregates up to 119mm (4.69") of precipitation.
What is the month with the warmest sea water in Otaru?
August is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average sea temperature of 21.6°C (70.9°F).
What is the month with the shortest days in Otaru?
The month with the shortest days in Otaru, Japan, is December, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Otaru?
Otaru, Japan, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). JST timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature
Otaru, Japan
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (23°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (-3.3°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (16.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (-8.2°C).
Average pressure
Otaru, Japan
- Average pressure in January:
1013.4mbar - Average pressure in February:
1015.1mbar - Average pressure in March:
1013.4mbar - Average pressure in April:
1012.2mbar - Average pressure in May:
1010.2mbar - Average pressure in June:
1008.8mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1008.5mbar - Average pressure in August:
1009.5mbar - Average pressure in September:
1013.4mbar - Average pressure in October:
1015.9mbar - Average pressure in November:
1016.1mbar - Average pressure in December:
1013.1mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (1016.1mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is July (1008.5mbar).
Average wind speed
Otaru, Japan
- Average wind speed in January:
17.8km/h - Average wind speed in February:
17.4km/h - Average wind speed in March:
15.8km/h - Average wind speed in April:
14.9km/h - Average wind speed in May:
12.8km/h - Average wind speed in June:
10.4km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
9.2km/h - Average wind speed in August:
9.7km/h - Average wind speed in September:
11.9km/h - Average wind speed in October:
15.8km/h - Average wind speed in November:
17km/h - Average wind speed in December:
19km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is December (19km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (9.2km/h).
Average humidity
Otaru, Japan
The month with the highest relative humidity is July (88%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and October (79%).
Average rainfall
Otaru, Japan
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (119mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is April (43mm).
Average rainfall days
Otaru, Japan
- Average rainfall days in January:
3.4 days - Average rainfall days in February:
2.5 days - Average rainfall days in March:
7.7 days - Average rainfall days in April:
12.7 days - Average rainfall days in May:
14.4 days - Average rainfall days in June:
16.4 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
20.2 days - Average rainfall days in August:
19.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
18.3 days - Average rainfall days in October:
16.9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
13.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
6.7 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (20.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (2.5 days).
Average snowfall
Otaru, Japan
The month with the highest snowfall is January (369mm).
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Otaru, Japan
- Average snowfall days in January:
26 days - Average snowfall days in February:
21.5 days - Average snowfall days in March:
17.3 days - Average snowfall days in April:
4.6 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.6 days - Average snowfall days in November:
10.7 days - Average snowfall days in December:
22.4 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (26 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Otaru, Japan
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (21.6°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are February and March (5.3°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Otaru, Japan
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 2min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 3min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 2min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 4min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 1min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).
- Average sunshine in January:
1h and 1min - Average sunshine in February:
1h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
3h and 4min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 0min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in June:
7h and 3min
- Average sunshine in July:
7h and 3min - Average sunshine in August:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in September:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 1min - Average sunshine in November:
3h and 0min - Average sunshine in December:
1h and 3min
The months with the most sunshine are May and August (Average sunshine: 8h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 1h and 12min).
Average sunshine days
Otaru, Japan
- Average sunshine days in January:
3.1 days - Average sunshine days in February:
4.9 days - Average sunshine days in March:
8.4 days - Average sunshine days in April:
12.7 days - Average sunshine days in May:
14.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
10.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
9.5 days - Average sunshine days in August:
9.9 days - Average sunshine days in September:
9.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
11.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
7.2 days - Average sunshine days in December:
3.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is May (14.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (3.1 days).
Average UV index
Otaru, Japan
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Otaru, Japan
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 89).
The month with the least cloud cover is September (Cloud cover 42).
Average visibility
Otaru, Japan
The month with the highest visibility is October (10km).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (7km).
