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Niseko sits on the western slopes of Mt. Annupuri in Hokkaido, Japan, and gets more snow than almost any resort on Earth. The town averages 14 to 15 metres (roughly 46 to 49 feet) of snow each winter, driven by cold Siberian air that picks up moisture over the Sea of Japan and dumps it as light, dry powder. This Niseko weather by month guide breaks down temperatures, snowfall, sunshine and rainfall for every month so you can plan around the conditions you want.
Niseko Weather by Month: Overview
Niseko has a humid continental climate (Koppen Dfb). Winters run long and snowy from late November to early May, while summers are short, mild and green. The resort averages about 1,322 mm (52 in) of precipitation a year, but most of it falls as snow between December and March. January is the coldest month at an average high of -2°C (28°F), and August is the warmest at 25°C (77°F). See the best time to visit Niseko guide for a seasonal breakdown of when to come, and the complete Niseko guide for the full picture.
Niseko Weather in December
December averages a high of 0°C (32°F) and a low of -8°C (18°F), with around 300 cm (118 in) of snowfall at resort level. Lifts typically open in the first week of December, and by the second half of the month the base depth is solid enough for most of the terrain. Days are short, with only 3 hours of sunshine, and daylight runs from about 7am to 4pm. Early December is the quietest window of the ski season, so it’s a good time to ski uncrowded slopes before the Christmas and New Year rush. For airport transfers and what to pack, read the Niseko travel tips and FAQ guide.
Niseko Weather in January
January is the peak of the powder season. The average high sits at -2°C (28°F) and the low at -11°C (12°F), with 350 cm (138 in) of snow through the month and snow falling on most days. Nights regularly drop to -15°C (5°F) or lower, and wind chill on the lifts makes it feel colder, so wear a proper face mask and insulated layers. This is when the light, dry powder the resort is famous for arrives, and the things to do in Niseko are almost entirely on the slopes.
Niseko Weather in February
February keeps the same cold profile as January, with a high of -2°C (28°F) and a low of -11°C (12°F), and roughly 300 cm (118 in) of snow. The snowpack is at its deepest, often exceeding 2 metres at the base and more than 4 metres on the upper slopes of Mt. Annupuri. Sunshine increases slightly to 4 hours a day, giving more bluebird days between storms. The first two weeks of February coincide with Chinese New Year, so expect busier slopes and higher accommodation prices during that window.
Niseko Weather in March
March warms to an average high of 2°C (36°F) and a low of -7°C (19°F), with about 250 cm (98 in) of snow. It still snows heavily in the first half of the month, but the second half brings spring conditions with more sunshine (5 hours a day) and heavier, wetter snow. March is a favourite for families and intermediate skiers because the temperatures are more forgiving and the crowds thin out after the first week. The base stays deep enough for full-mountain skiing well into April.
Niseko Weather in April
April is the transition month. Highs reach 9°C (48°F) and lows sit around -1°C (30°F), with about 100 cm (39 in) of snow concentrated in the first half. It is the driest month of the year overall. The upper slopes keep skiing into the first week of May on a deep base, while the lower runs get slushy by mid-afternoon. Bring a lighter jacket and sunscreen, the April sun is strong even with snow on the ground, and goggles plus a buff work better than a full face mask by this point.
Niseko Weather in May
May averages a high of 16°C (61°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F), with about 75 mm of rain. Snow has mostly cleared from the village by mid-month, and cherry blossoms arrive in Niseko in the first two weeks of May, later than most of mainland Japan. This is the quiet shoulder season before summer, with many hotels closed or on reduced rates. It’s a good month for hiking lower trails and for visiting the Niseko neighborhoods without the winter crowds.
Niseko Weather in June
June brings the start of the green season with a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F), plus about 85 mm of rain. Unlike the rest of Japan, Hokkaido has no rainy season (tsuyu), so June stays relatively dry and pleasant. The Mt. Yotei hiking season opens as snow clears from the trails, and the Shiribetsu River runs high and fast for early rafting. Pack a light rain shell for afternoon showers, but expect plenty of usable days.
Niseko Weather in July
July averages a high of 24°C (75°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F), with 110 mm of rain and around 5 hours of sunshine. It’s comfortably warm without the oppressive humidity of Tokyo or Osaka, which is why Japanese city dwellers head north to Hokkaido for summer holidays. This is peak rafting season on the Shiribetsu River and the best month for cycling and golf. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan outdoor activities for the morning. Check the Niseko events and festivals calendar for July races and markets.
Niseko Weather in August
August is the warmest and wettest month, averaging a high of 25°C (77°F), a low of 16°C (61°F) and about 160 mm of rain. This is the peak of summer tourism in Hokkaido, with the Obon holiday week in mid-August drawing large domestic crowds. The rain falls in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day drizzle, so you can usually still get out between showers. This is the best month for rafting, hiking Mt. Yotei and outdoor adventure parks, but book accommodation early because domestic demand is high.
Niseko Weather in September
September cools to a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F), with about 150 mm of rain, much of it from the tail end of typhoon systems. Early September still feels like summer, while late September brings crisp mornings and the first hints of autumn colour. Crowds drop sharply once schools resume in early September, making it one of the quietest and cheapest months to visit. The where to stay in Niseko guide lists lodges that stay open through the shoulder season.
Niseko Weather in October
October brings peak autumn foliage with a high of 14°C (57°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F), plus about 120 mm of rain. The maple and birch forests around Mt. Yotei and the Shiribetsu River turn red and gold, typically peaking in the second and third weeks of the month. Many ski-focused businesses close for the month, but the onsen and a handful of year-round restaurants stay open. Nights drop near freezing by the end of October, and the first snow usually arrives on Mt. Yotei’s summit by late in the month.
Niseko Weather in November
November is the quiet pre-season. Highs average 6°C (43°F) and lows -2°C (28°F), with about 130 mm of precipitation that shifts from rain to snow as the month progresses. The first significant snowfall usually lands in mid-November, and by the final week the village starts to look like winter. Ski resorts typically open in late November or the first days of December. It’s an inexpensive month to visit if you just want onsens and early snow, but don’t expect full lift coverage until December.
Niseko Weather by Month: Comparison Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Snow / Rain | Sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2°C (28°F) | -11°C (12°F) | 350 cm snow | 3 hrs |
| February | -2°C (28°F) | -11°C (12°F) | 300 cm snow | 4 hrs |
| March | 2°C (36°F) | -7°C (19°F) | 250 cm snow | 5 hrs |
| April | 9°C (48°F) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 cm snow | 6 hrs |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 75 mm rain | 6 hrs |
| June | 20°C (68°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 85 mm rain | 5 hrs |
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 110 mm rain | 5 hrs |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 160 mm rain | 5 hrs |
| September | 20°C (68°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 150 mm rain | 5 hrs |
| October | 14°C (57°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 120 mm rain | 4 hrs |
| November | 6°C (43°F) | -2°C (28°F) | 130 mm mixed | 3 hrs |
| December | 0°C (32°F) | -8°C (18°F) | 300 cm snow | 3 hrs |
