During the week of 16 December 2024 - 22 December 2024, temperatures averaged at -2 °C (28 °F) during the day and dropped to -5 °C (23 °F) at night. The current temperatures are slightly below the long-term average for Otaru, with the daily and nighttime temperatures being 1 °C (34 °F) and -5 °C (23 °F), respectively. The average temperatures observed during different times of day (based on local time) were as below: 7am -4 °C (25 °F), 10am -3 °C (27 °F), 1pm -3 °C (27 °F), 4pm -4 °C (25 °F), 7pm -4 °C (25 °F), 10pm -4 °C (25 °F).

The week had 7 days without rain. Otaru received 0 mm (0.00 in) of precipitation throughout the week, which is below its long-term average of 35 mm (1.38 in). The daytime hours (from dawn to dusk) had an average cloud coverage of 93 %.

An average wind speed of 5.9 m/s was recorded. West was the dominant wind direction(s). The air pressure was 1002 hpa - 1019 hpa. The average air humidity was 78 % in Otaru.

During the daytime (from dawn to dusk), there were in average: 0.5 hours clear skies, 0.5 hours partially overcast skies and 9 hours overcast skies. The sunrise on average occurred at 07:03, and the sunset occurred at 16:02.

Weather overview

Otaru, Japan typically experiences a moderate continental climate with day temperatures varying widely throughout the year. In the colder month of January, temperatures can drop as low as -1 °C (30 °F) during the day and -7 °C (19 °F) at night. The warmest month, August, sees daytime temperatures reaching 25 °C (76 °F) and nighttime temperatures of 17 °C (63 °F). The driest month, June, witnesses only 10 days of precipitation, while January is the wettest, featuring rain on 24 days of the month.

January weather

In January, the daytime temperature hits its lowest point in Otaru at -1 °C (30 °F), while the nighttime temperature also records its lowest at -7 °C (19 °F). The onset of the wet season is evident with 139 mm (5.46 in) of rainfall and 24 days of precipitation at its peak.

February weather

Otaru witnesses the beginning of a rise in day temperatures in February. The wet season persists, though rainfall amounts continue to decrease, reaching 103 mm (4.06 in). The month also marks the start of a decline in the number of rainy days and an increase in sunshine hours to 3 hours.

March weather

A decrease in rainy days continues in Otaru with only 17 days, and a reduction in rainfall to 78 mm (3.08 in) is also apparent. Daytime temperatures continue their upward trend at 3 °C (38 °F); night temperatures begin to increase as well. Sunshine hours see an increase to 5 hours.

April weather

Day temperatures in Otaru in April show a similar increase to previous months, reaching 10 °C (50 °F), while the nighttime temperature also rises to 2 °C (35 °F). The continuation of the decline in rainy days to 11 days and a concurrent drop in rainfall amount to 61 mm (2.40 in) is observed. Humidity levels hit a year-long low at 68 %.

May weather

The upward trend of day temperatures in Otaru persists, with May seeing continued rises. The decline in rainy days seems consistent, registering 10 days. Sunlight hours peak at 6 hours.

June weather

With the tourist season's onset in June, Otaru experiences similar increases in daytime temperatures at 19 °C (66 °F), with a noticeable rise in night temperatures to 11 °C (51 °F). The number of rainy days reaches its yearly minimum at 10 days, and a low in rainfall is observed.

July weather

The tourist season peaks in July with daytime temperatures climbing to 23 °C (73 °F) and nighttime temperatures reaching 15 °C (60 °F). Rainfall starts to increase to 103 mm (4.05 in). Wind speeds drop to their lowest point at 4.

August weather

Observing the tourist season in full swing in August, there is a peak in both day and night temperatures in Otaru. Rainfall amounts show an upward trend similar to the previous month, measured at 133 mm (5.24 in), along with a beginning increase in the number of rainy days.

September weather

The tourist season persists in September, and Otaru witnesses a beginning decline in both day and nighttime temperatures. The number of rainy days continues to increase to 13 days, and sunshine hours start to rise again, reaching 6 hours.

October weather

There is a noticeable decline in daytime and nighttime temperatures in Otaru during October. The number of rainy days sees a rise to 16 days, and there's a start to the descent in rainfall amount at 119 mm (4.70 in). The decline in sunshine hours also becomes evident, with a reading of 5 hours.

November weather

The onset of the wet season is apparent in November, with a continued decrease in day temperatures at 8 °C (46 °F) and further cooling at night at 1 °C (33 °F). The rise in the number of rainy days continues with 20 days, and an increase in rainfall amount is observed at 145 mm (5.72 in).

December weather

The wet season is clearly in effect in December, with daytime temperatures descending to a similar extent as in the previous month at 1 °C (34 °F), and nighttime temperatures following suit to -5 °C (24 °F). Maximum rainfall is reached at 150 mm (5.91 in). The least amount of sunlight is seen during this month.

How cold can it get during the day and at night in Otaru in January?

In January, daytime temperatures in Otaru can plunge to -1 °C (30 °F), while nighttime conditions are even chillier at -7 °C (19 °F).

Does February in Otaru see an improvement in weather conditions?

February marks a gradual improvement in weather with decreasing rainfall and an uptick in sunshine, despite the continuation of the wet season.

What changes in weather pattern does March bring to Otaru?

March sees fewer rainy days, lowered rainfall, and the promise of milder days with slightly warmer temperatures.

Is April characterized by low humidity levels in Otaru?

Yes, April features the lowest humidity levels of the year in Otaru at 68 %.

In May, do the conditions in Otaru become more conducive to outdoor activities?

Certainly, May offers more sunshine hours and fewer rainy days, making it favorable for enjoying the outdoors.

How do temperature conditions fare during the beginning of the tourist season in Otaru in June?

The start of the tourist season in June sees comfortable daytime temperatures and the least number of rainy days, perfect for vacation-goers.

What is the trend for wind speeds in Otaru during the peak of the tourist season?

July experiences the calmest winds of the year, alongside the continued rise in temperatures and the onset of increased rainfall.

Does August maintain comfortable weather for visitors in Otaru despite increased rainfall?

While August brings higher rainfall, the temperatures remain comfortably warm for visitors.

As the tourist season continues, does September provide enough sunshine for activities in Otaru?

Yes, September still offers a decent amount of sunshine hours suitable for outdoor activities, despite the increasing rainy days.

Is the autumnal decrease in temperatures and sunshine hours significant in Otaru in October?

October marks a clear transition towards cooler weather with fewer sunshine hours, signifying the advance of autumn.

Does the shift to the wet season in November bring a significant increase in rainfall in Otaru?

Indeed, as the wet season commences, November brings a heightened chance of rainfall coupled with cooler temperatures.

In December, how does the minimal sunlight affect the daily activities in Otaru?

The limited sunlight in December results in shorter days and potentially impacts daily activities and plans.