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Wakkanai

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Wakkanai Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Wakkanai year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): Average 1.4–10.2°C, cold climate, windy, occasional snowfall, but daylight hours gradually increase. Common activities: Snow viewing (early March), Spring outings (May). Recommended clothing: Thick coat, warm clothing, scarf, hat.
  • Summer (June–August): Average 14.0–20.8°C, cool climate, occasional rainfall. Long daylight hours, but temperatures are not high. Common activities: Outdoor hiking, camping, enjoying coastal scenery. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable and breathable long pants.
  • Autumn (September–November): Average 12.7–19.0°C, cool climate, more rainfall, especially in November. Common activities: Autumn viewing (September, October), Picking (if local activities are available). Recommended clothing: Warm jacket, comfortable long pants, rain gear.
  • Winter (December–February): Average -4.4–-2.6°C, cold climate, frequent snowfall, strong winds. Common activities: Skiing, snow activities (depending on snow conditions). Recommended clothing: Heavy down jacket, thermal underwear, waterproof and windproof jacket, snow boots, hat, gloves, scarf.

Wakkanai climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 8°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 1283 mm / Summer humidity: 60%–70% / Rainiest month: November

Wakkanai monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
-4.4°C
99.7
February
-4°C
50.7
March
1.4°C
45.7
April
6.5°C
55
May
10.2°C
74.3
June
14°C
88.7
July
19.2°C
92.3
August
20.8°C
204.3
September
19°C
114
October
12.7°C
122
November
4.9°C
214.7
December
-2.6°C
122

Wakkanai weather for the next seven days

12/20
Saturday
Moderate rain
6.9°C/1.4°C
12/21
Sunday
Heavy snow
-1°C/-2.3°C
12/22
Monday
Moderate or heavy snow showers
-1.9°C/-3.5°C
12/23
Tuesday
Light freezing rain
1.7°C/-1.9°C
12/24
Wednesday
Patchy rain nearby
2.9°C/-0.7°C
12/25
Thursday
Blowing snow
-1.9°C/-3.3°C
12/26
Friday
Partly Cloudy
0.1°C/-3.1°C

Wakkanai Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

What does Wakkanai mean in Japanese?

In Japanese, "Wakkanai" (稚内) is the name of the northernmost city in Hokkaido, Japan, and is derived from the Ainu language, meaning "a stream of cold water" or "cold water river". It is important to note that while the name is "Wakkanai", its casual phonetic similarity to the Japanese word "wakannai" (or "wakaranai"), meaning "I don't know," can lead to humorous confusion for visitors and locals alike.

What is Wakkanai, Japan known for?

As the northernmost part of Japan, Wakkanai is a major base for enjoying Northern Hokkaido, including Cape Soya with its stone monument marking the northernmost tip of Japan, hot springs in the suburbs, and sightseeing in remote islands such as Rishiri and Rebun.

What is the coldest temperature recorded in Wakkanai?

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Wakkanai was −19.4 °C (−2.9 °F) on 30 January 1944.

What is the main industry in Wakkanai?

Wakkanai has developed as a major port for deep-sea fishing. The city is a local administrative center and contains a marine products industry. The Sōya Peninsula, on the most northern part of Hokkaido, contains several monuments related to the history and life of northern Japan.

What are the natural attractions in Wakkanai?

Wakkanai is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, particularly Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan, marked by a distinctive monument. Visitors can also explore the unique terrain of nearby Rishiri and Rebun islands, accessible from Wakkanai.