Hakodate in January
In January, Hakodate averages 0°C (32°F) during the day and -6°C (21°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (55 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January in Hakodate is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How January compares to the rest of the year in Hakodate
January is one of the coolest months in Hakodate (12th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C below the annual average (12°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (2°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (1°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Hakodate
Times shown for Hakodate local time (Asia/Tokyo), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Hakodate — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Hakodate's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Hakodate in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Off-peak) and Hakodate's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Hakodate
This is off-peak for Hakodate — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Hakodate
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Hakodate in January
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Hakodate in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C / 32°F | -6°C / 21°F | 55 mm | 11 | — |
| February | 1°C / 33°F | -6°C / 21°F | 57 mm | 9 | — |
| March | 6°C / 43°F | -1°C / 31°F | 83 mm | 12 | — |
| April | 11°C / 51°F | 4°C / 38°F | 83 mm | 11 | — |
| May | 16°C / 60°F | 9°C / 48°F | 91 mm | 12 | — |
| June | 19°C / 66°F | 13°C / 56°F | 113 mm | 13 | — |
| July | 23°C / 73°F | 18°C / 65°F | 110 mm | 13 | — |
| August | 25°C / 76°F | 20°C / 68°F | 194 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 22°C / 71°F | 16°C / 61°F | 135 mm | 12 | — |
| October | 16°C / 60°F | 10°C / 49°F | 114 mm | 12 | — |
| November | 9°C / 49°F | 3°C / 38°F | 95 mm | 12 | — |
| December | 2°C / 36°F | -3°C / 26°F | 73 mm | 12 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Hakodate in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Hakodate in January?
In January, Hakodate averages a high of 0°C (32°F) and a low of -6°C (21°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Hakodate in January?
January can be fairly wet in Hakodate, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Hakodate?
January is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Hakodate in January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Hakodate for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.