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Lake Shikotsu

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Lake Shikotsu Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Lake Shikotsu year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): Average 1.4–11.6°C, with fluctuating temperatures and increasing rainfall. March may still see snowfall, April gradually warms up, and May offers pleasant temperatures. Common activities: Lake views, hiking. Recommended clothing: Warm jacket, sweater, waterproof jacket.
  • Summer (June–August): Average 15.7–23.1°C, pleasant temperatures with higher rainfall, especially in August. Long sunshine hours are ideal for outdoor activities. Common activities: Boating, camping, mountain climbing, enjoying lakeside scenery. Recommended clothing: Light and breathable clothing, rain gear.
  • Autumn (September–November): Average 6.0–19.7°C, gradually decreasing temperatures and reduced rainfall, with crisp autumn weather. Maple leaf season offers beautiful scenery. Common activities: Maple leaf viewing, hiking, photography. Recommended clothing: Comfortable warm clothing, light jacket.
  • Winter (December–February): Average -4.0–-1.7°C, cold temperatures with less snowfall. The lake freezes over, presenting a unique winter landscape. Common activities: Ice activities (depending on ice conditions), enjoying snowy scenery. Recommended clothing: Warm down jacket, thick sweater, hat, gloves, scarf.

Lake Shikotsu climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 9.2°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 1208 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: August

Lake Shikotsu monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
-4°C
56
February
-2.8°C
23.5
March
1.4°C
69.5
April
7.4°C
69
May
11.6°C
99
June
15.7°C
124.2
July
21.3°C
145.5
August
23.1°C
200.1
September
19.7°C
180.5
October
12.7°C
132.3
November
6°C
76.6
December
-1.7°C
32.4

Lake Shikotsu weather for the next seven days

2/12
Thursday
Light freezing rain
-1.5°C/-6.1°C
2/13
Friday
Heavy snow
1.3°C/-6.7°C
2/14
Saturday
Light freezing rain
-0.2°C/-6.5°C
2/15
Sunday
Moderate rain
4.3°C/-2.5°C
2/16
Monday
Light freezing rain
0.3°C/-5.1°C
2/17
Tuesday
Sunny
-0.2°C/-7°C
2/18
Wednesday
Partly Cloudy
2.7°C/-5°C

Lake Shikotsu Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

Is Lake Shikotsu worth visiting?

Lake Shikotsu is a stunningly beautiful lake with incredibly clear waters, a result of intense volcanic activity around 40,000 years ago. It consistently ranks as having the top water quality in Japan. The surrounding area boasts magnificent natural scenery, including views of Mt. Eniwa and other peaks, making it a highly worthwhile destination for nature lovers.

How do you get to Lake Shikotsu?

Lake Shikotsu is easily accessible by local bus from New Chitose Airport, Chitose Station, or Minami Chitose Station. Take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus bound for Lake Shikotsu from domestic platform 28 or international platform 66. The bus journey to the final stop, Lake Shikotsu, takes approximately 55 minutes.

What is Lake Shikotsu known for?

Lake Shikotsu is renowned as the northernmost unfrozen lake in Japan, captivating visitors with its breathtaking scenery. Its proximity to Sapporo and New Chitose Airport makes it a popular spot for a variety of activities, including nature exploration, relaxing in hot springs, mountain climbing, and observing alpine plants.

What are the main attractions around Lake Shikotsu?

The primary attraction is the pristine, crystal-clear water of Lake Shikotsu itself. Visitors can enjoy boat tours on the lake, hike trails offering panoramic views, and explore the surrounding volcanic landscape. Nearby hot spring resorts provide a perfect way to relax after a day of outdoor adventures.

When is the best time to visit Lake Shikotsu?

The best time to visit Lake Shikotsu depends on your interests. Summer offers pleasant temperatures for hiking and water activities, with lush greenery surrounding the lake. Autumn provides stunning fall foliage. Winter transforms the area into a snowy wonderland, famous for the Shikotsu Ice Festival, showcasing ice sculptures crafted from the lake's pure water.