okoshi2002

Hello

I have read that July or August are good months to visit Hokkaido during the summer.

Is June too early- will driving be difficult ? We'd like to be outdoors in the parks, etc.

Thanks.

W9London

Since there are no rainy seasons in Hokkaido (at least officially), June or July shouldn't make much difference weather-wise.

However there are other points to consider: schools are out (for mainland japan) from late July so I suspect hotel rates etc would be higher for late July-Aug.

On the other hand, there may be some attractions that are not open till July (though I can't think of any specific ones). Not sure but I suppose national parks should be open by May/June--you should check this. I saw a picture of lavendar fields in Furano(sp?) which looked fantastic.

mrwunrfl

The earlier the better, I would think, to beat the people who would be beating the heat from down south.

I went to Hokkaido (Otaru, Noboribetsu, Toya, Hakodate) in May a few years ago. Weather was nice and there were still a few faded cherry blossoms on a few trees. My photos show overcast skies and evidence that it had rained. Rain in Hakodate. Got a shot that shows a volcano in Shikotsu-Toya N.P. that has a little bit of snow, in spots, near the summit. Those parks are open year round, anyway, for skiing, etc.

AmandaH

HI there

Early summer is the BEST time to come.
From mid-May onwards..very nice...green, flowers, animals in the national parks...everything will be open and the driving is easy.
From mid July the crowds start as locals from down south come here on their driving and camping holidays and popular places such as Shiretoko in E. Hokkiado get busy in August.

YES! Come!

Amanda

okoshi2002

Thanks everybody.
I just wanted to be sure late June is not too cold or too wet in Hokkaido to be outdoors. Sounds like its a good time.