Otaru, Hokkaido Weather by Month and Climate Averages

Otaru, Hokkaido gets 1181 mm of precipitation a year over about 163 rainy days. August is the warmest month (average high 26°C) and January the coldest (average low -7°C).

Otaru climate at a glance

Humid continental climate

Otaru, Hokkaido has warm summers and cold winters. Daytime highs range from about -1°C in January to 26°C in August. November is usually the wettest month. The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to September, when daytime highs sit near 22°C.

How much rain does Otaru get?

Otaru gets 1181 mm of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 163 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 89% of Japan.

November is the wettest month, with 146 mm. May is the driest, with 49 mm. January has the most rainy days, about 24.

The longest dry spell in the last five years lasted 13 days, to April 16, 2024.

Otaru weather by month

Otaru weather in January

In January, Otaru averages a high of -1°C and a low of -7°C. It gets 136 mm of precipitation over about 24 rainy days. The sun is out about 25% of daylight hours. The January record high is 11°C (2009) and the record low is -15°C (2003).

Otaru weather in February

In February, Otaru averages a high of 0°C and a low of -6°C. It gets 105 mm of precipitation over about 19 rainy days. The sun is out about 25% of daylight hours. The February record high is 16°C (2024) and the record low is -17°C (1978).

Otaru weather in March

In March, Otaru averages a high of 4°C and a low of -3°C. It gets 83 mm of precipitation over about 17 rainy days. The sun is out about 38% of daylight hours. The March record high is 17°C (1997) and the record low is -14°C (1970).

Otaru weather in April

In April, Otaru averages a high of 11°C and a low of 2°C. It gets 50 mm of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 44% of daylight hours. The April record high is 28°C (1998) and the record low is -6°C (1970).

Otaru weather in May

In May, Otaru averages a high of 17°C and a low of 7°C. It gets 49 mm of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 38% of daylight hours. The May record high is 30°C (2019) and the record low is 0°C (1976). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Otaru weather in June

In June, Otaru averages a high of 21°C and a low of 12°C. It gets 49 mm of precipitation over about 7 rainy days. The sun is out about 33% of daylight hours. The June record high is 32°C (2021) and the record low is 4°C (1981). June is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Otaru weather in July

In July, Otaru averages a high of 24°C and a low of 17°C. It gets 83 mm of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 36% of daylight hours. The July record high is 36°C (2021) and the record low is 9°C (1976). July is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Otaru weather in August

In August, Otaru averages a high of 26°C and a low of 18°C. It gets 114 mm of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 31% of daylight hours. The August record high is 35°C (2000) and the record low is 9°C (1971). August is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Otaru weather in September

In September, Otaru averages a high of 22°C and a low of 14°C. It gets 105 mm of precipitation over about 9 rainy days. The sun is out about 36% of daylight hours. The September record high is 33°C (2012) and the record low is 6°C (1981). September is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Otaru weather in October

In October, Otaru averages a high of 16°C and a low of 7°C. It gets 115 mm of precipitation over about 13 rainy days. The sun is out about 39% of daylight hours. The October record high is 29°C (2022) and the record low is -1°C (2006).

Otaru weather in November

In November, Otaru averages a high of 8°C and a low of 1°C. It gets 146 mm of precipitation over about 18 rainy days. The sun is out about 31% of daylight hours. The November record high is 22°C (2003) and the record low is -9°C (1971).

Otaru weather in December

In December, Otaru averages a high of 2°C and a low of -4°C. It gets 146 mm of precipitation over about 21 rainy days. The sun is out about 27% of daylight hours. The December record high is 14°C (2025) and the record low is -13°C (1984).

Sunshine, humidity and wind in Otaru

April is the sunniest month in Otaru, with sunshine about 44% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest, at 25%. Over the year the sun shines about 34% of daylight hours. Otaru is cloudier than 84% of Japan.

Humidity peaks in July at 86% and is lowest in March at 74%.

Otaru has about 2 days a year above 32°C. Otaru is cooler than 92% of Japan.

First and last freeze in Otaru

The first fall freeze in Otaru typically comes around November 12, and the last spring freeze around April 12. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 214 days.

Otaru weather records

The hottest temperature on record at the Otaru station is 36°C, on July 28, 2021. The coldest is -17°C, on February 17, 1978.

The wettest day on record brought 130 mm of rain, on August 23, 1975.

41 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.

The best time to visit Otaru

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to September, when daytime highs sit near 22°C.

Winter (December–February) is cold, with average highs around 0°C and lows near -6°C.

Spring (March–May) is chilly, with average highs around 11°C and lows near 2°C.

Summer (June–August) is warm, with average highs around 23°C and lows near 16°C. It can feel humid.

Autumn (September–November) is mild, with average highs around 16°C and lows near 7°C.

Monthly climate

MonthPrecipRain daysHumiditySunshineSea tempRecord highRecord low
January136 mm2476%25%-14°11°-15°
February105 mm1975%25%-15°16°-17°
March83 mm1774%38%-15°17°-14°
April50 mm1075%44%-14°28°-6°
May49 mm878%38%-12°30°
June49 mm785%33%-9°32°
July83 mm886%36%-6°36°
August114 mm884%31%-5°35°
September105 mm978%36%-6°33°
October115 mm1376%39%-8°29°-1°
November146 mm1877%31%-10°22°-9°
December146 mm2178%27%-13°14°-13°

From ERA5 reanalysis. Sunshine is estimated from cloud cover.

Otaru climate questions

How much rain does Otaru get?

Otaru gets 1181 mm of precipitation in an average year, over about 163 rainy days.

What is the wettest month in Otaru?

November is the wettest month in Otaru, with 146 mm. May is the driest, with 49 mm.

How many rainy days does Otaru have a year?

Otaru has about 163 days with measurable rain in an average year. January has the most, about 24.

What is the hottest month in Otaru?

August is the warmest month in Otaru, with an average high of 26°C.

What is the coldest month in Otaru?

January is the coldest month in Otaru, with an average low of -7°C.

What is the record high temperature in Otaru?

The record high at the Otaru station is 36°C, set on July 28, 2021. The record low is -17°C, on February 17, 1978.

What is the sunniest month in Otaru?

April is the sunniest month in Otaru, with sunshine about 44% of daylight hours. January is the cloudiest.

When is the first frost in Otaru?

The first fall freeze in Otaru typically comes around November 12. The last spring freeze is around April 12.

What is the best time to visit Otaru?

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to September, when daytime highs sit near 22°C.

Source: NOAA GHCN-Daily station OTARU (1 km away).

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Normals from NOAA GHCN-Daily station OTARU.