Otaru Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Otaru’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in Japan.
Monthly Temperature Averages
The weather in Otaru experiences significant differences between warm and cold seasons, with big shifts in temperature. On average, maximum daytime temperatures range from a warm 24°C in August to a very cold -2°C in January. Nighttime temperatures can drop, with averages reaching -8°C in January.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Otaru by month:
Typically, the coolest time of day is between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the hottest time occurs around 3 PM, when the sun’s heating effect is strongest. August, the city’s warmest month, experiences 172 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
January, the city’s coldest month, sees about 101 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 29 days. It records 93 hours of sunshine of sunshine.
Annual Temperatures in Japan Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across Japan. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
pleasant
moderate
cold
very cold
Otaru Temperatures Compared World Wide
Otaru’s average annual maximum temperature is 11°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, stands out with its warm Mediterranean climate and an average annual temperature of 23°C.
In Toronto, Canada, the average annual temperature is 13°C, with snowy winters and warm summers.
Osaka, Japan, offers a similar climate to Tokyo, with an average annual temperature of 22°C.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual temperature is 21°C, expect warmer summers and milder winters.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
On the other hand, in cooler months, especially when temperatures dip below 10°C, high humidity can intensify the cold. This makes the air feel much colder than it really is.
In Otaru, during the coolest month, January, you will experience 70% humidity, which is considered high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of -2°C. In the warmest month, August, the humidity is 75% combined with an average maximum temperature of 24°C, which creates a high-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Sea vs. Land Temperatures
The influence of nearby oceans or large water bodies significantly affects local temperatures:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions tend to have more stable temperatures, as large bodies of water absorb and release heat slowly. This often results in milder winters and cooler summers compared to inland areas.
- Continental Climates: Landmasses well away from large bodies of water tend to show greater extremes in temperature, having hotter summers and colder winters because of the absence of water as a moderating influence.
For more detailed information about Otaru’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Otaru climate page.
Current temperature in Otaru
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