Last updated: August 21, 2025
In January, Otaru, Japan experiences a chilly climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 4°C (40°F) and a minimum of -12°C (10°F), with an average hovering around -4°C (25°F). This winter month sees significant precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in), and is marked by 20 days of rain or snow, contributing to the city's picturesque, snow-covered landscape. With an average humidity level of 84%, visitors can expect a damp and frosty atmosphere, perfect for exploring the beauty of Otaru's winter scenery.
In January, Otaru experiences the chill of winter with temperatures ranging from a brisk -12°C (10°F) to a slightly warmer 4°C (40°F). The average temperature hovers around -4°C (25°F), setting the stage for a frosty atmosphere perfect for winter sports and scenic snow-covered landscapes. As the season transitions into February, the cold deepens slightly, dipping to a minimum of -13°C (8°F), but January’s average remains the baseline, hinting at a steady trend in frigid conditions. It's not until March that a noticeable shift occurs, with temperatures beginning to rise, ushering in early signs of spring. The minimum dips to -7°C (19°F), yet the average climbs to 1°C (34°F), revealing a hint of warmth. As the months progress towards April and beyond, the shift toward milder weather becomes evident, gradually transforming Otaru from a winter wonderland to a more temperate climate, marking the anticipation of seasonal change.
January in Otaru, Japan, sees an average precipitation of 87 mm (3.4 in), spread over approximately 20 days. This month marks the beginning of a wetter seasonal trend, with precipitation consistently increasing through the coming months. February follows closely with 99 mm (3.9 in), tallying 22 wet days, and the moist conditions persist into March, accumulating 95 mm (3.7 in) despite a drop to 16 rainy days. The snowfall of Otaru, particularly notable in winter, contributes to this precipitation, showcasing a gradual increase leading into spring, with April tapering down to 76 mm (3.0 in) as winter transitions out, highlighting a clear seasonal shift in precipitation patterns.
In January, Otaru, Japan experiences a notable humidity level of 84%, setting the stage for a winter characterized by dampness and chill. As the months progress into February and March, humidity remains relatively high, slightly tapering off to 83% and 81%, respectively. This trend of moderate humidity continues into the spring, where April and March hold steady at 81%. However, as spring transitions to summer, the atmosphere becomes increasingly humid, peaking in August with a staggering 95%. Post-summer, humidity levels gradually decrease, returning to 83% in October and slipping further to 79% in November. By December, the environment retains a light humidity of 80%, showcasing an overall yearly cycle where Otaru's climate ebbs and flows with the seasons, uniquely capturing the essence of each month's weather pattern.
In January, Otaru experiences a UV Index of 2, placing it in the low exposure category with a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. As the month transitions into February, the UV Index rises to 3, indicating a moderate level of exposure, which reduces the safe burn time to 30 minutes. The trend continues into March, where the UV Index reaches 5, still maintaining a moderate classification but with similar burn time. Notably, as spring approaches and into the summer months, Otaru sees a sharp increase in UV levels, peaking at 10 in August, categorizing it as very high and necessitating precautions with a significantly reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. Following the summer, the UV Index gradually declines, returning to 3 in November and 2 in December, once again marking low exposure levels. This seasonal variation underscores the importance of monitoring UV levels throughout the year for safe sun exposure, especially during those sunnier months. For more detailed information, check out the Otaru UV Index.
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In Otaru, Japan, January ushers in the year with a modest 127 hours of sunshine, a stark contrast to the brightening trend that follows. As winter gives way to spring, February experiences a notable increase to 186 hours, hinting at the warmth to come. This upward trajectory continues with March and April blossoming into 242 and 288 hours of sun, respectively, as the days lengthen and flowers begin to bloom. May peaks with an impressive 310 hours, heralding the full arrival of spring. Although June witnesses a slight dip to 295 hours, the summer months bring vibrant sunshine, with July reaching the zenith at 320 hours. The subsequent months of August and September remain generous, showcasing 294 and 273 hours before the autumn days wane, leading to a gradual decline in sunlight through October and November. By December, Otaru closes the year with 162 hours, leaving residents eagerly anticipating the return of brighter days as the cycle of seasons continues.
In January, Otaru, Japan experiences a modest 26% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the more overcast months of the year. As winter deepens, the likelihood of sunshine dwindles, dipping even further to 20% in February. However, as spring approaches, the sun's presence begins to brighten Otaru's skies, with chances rising to 35% by March and peaking at 41% in April. This trend illustrates a gradual transition from the subdued winter months to the more luminous early spring, where optimism for clearer days truly begins to take hold. Despite the challenges of January's grayness, the promise of sunnier days ahead is a welcome beacon for residents and visitors alike.
In Otaru, Japan, January welcomes just 9 hours of daylight, marking the start of the year with shorter, wintry days. As the months progress, the sun gradually lingers longer, with February gaining an extra hour of light and March reaching 11 hours. This trend continues into the vibrant spring months, where daylight peaks at 15 hours in June, allowing for longer evenings filled with outdoor activities. However, as summer fades, the daylight slowly recedes, dropping back to 14 hours in July and tapering off to 9 hours again by November and December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of sunlight not only highlights the beauty of each season in Otaru but also offers a clear illustration of the region's dynamic relationship with daylight throughout the year.
In January, Otaru, Japan, experiences an average wind speed of 5.3 m/s (12 mph), setting the tone for a brisk winter that continues into February with a slight increase to 5.4 m/s (12 mph). As the seasons transition into the spring months, the winds begin to mellow, with March and April seeing a decrease to 4.1 m/s (9 mph) and 4.2 m/s (9 mph), respectively. This trend of calming breezes continues into May, where the average drops to 3.7 m/s (8 mph), before reaching its lowest in the summer months of June and July at 2.9 m/s (6 mph) and 3.0 m/s (7 mph). However, as autumn approaches, the winds pick up again, climbing back to 4.0 m/s (9 mph) in October and peaking again in November at 5.1 m/s (11 mph), only to settle at 5.4 m/s (12 mph) in December. This cyclical pattern illustrates the dynamic nature of Otaru’s wind, with winter and late fall favoring stronger gusts while summer maintains a gentle, soothing breeze.
Weather in Otaru varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Otaru, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February weather in Otaru, Japan, exhibit some similarities and differences. In January, the temperatures range from a minimum of -12°C (10°F) to a maximum of 4°C (40°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F). The month sees about 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation over 20 days, and the humidity hovers around 84%. Conversely, February experiences slightly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -13°C (8°F) and a maximum of 6°C (44°F), leading to an average of -3°C (26°F). Precipitation increases to 99 mm (3.9 in) and occurs on 22 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 83%. For more detailed information on February weather in Otaru, you can visit Otaru weather in February.
In January, temperatures in Otaru can dip as low as -12°C (10°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of only 4°C (40°F). The month is quite wet too, with precipitation reaching 87 mm (3.4 in) over 20 days and high humidity at 84%. In contrast, March brings a noticeable warming trend, with minimum temperatures rising to -7°C (19°F) and average temperatures reaching 1°C (34°F), peaking at 12°C (54°F). Precipitation increases to 95 mm (3.7 in) but occurs over fewer days, just 16, accompanying a slight decrease in humidity to 81%. For more specific insights about March weather, you can visit Otaru weather in March.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -12°C (10°F) to a maximum of just 4°C (40°F), averaging around -4°C (25°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 in) over 20 days, combined with high humidity at 84%. In contrast, April brings a welcome shift in conditions, as temperatures rise with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and a maximum reaching 17°C (63°F), averaging 5°C (40°F). Precipitation decreases to 76 mm (3.0 in) over just 11 days, and humidity slightly lowers to 81%. For more details on what to expect during this time, check out Otaru weather in April.
January's weather is characterized by harsh winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -12°C (10°F) to a maximum of only 4°C (40°F). The month experiences significant precipitation over 20 days, leading to a damp and chilly atmosphere with high humidity at 84%. In contrast, May brings a welcome shift as temperatures rise to a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and can reach up to 26°C (80°F), averaging around 11°C (51°F). Although May records a similar level of precipitation at 90 mm (3.6 in), it occurs over just 13 days, making for a more pleasant and vibrant experience. For more insights, check out Otaru weather in May.
January and June present strikingly different weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -12°C (10°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 4°C (40°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 87 mm (3.4 inches) over 20 days, alongside high humidity at 84%. In contrast, June offers milder temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). While June sees slightly higher precipitation at 112 mm (4.4 inches), it occurs over fewer days (12 days) and with a humidity of 87%. For a detailed look at June weather patterns, visit Otaru weather in June.
January and July present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures hover between -12°C (10°F) and a maximum of 4°C (40°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F). This winter month sees about 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation spread over 20 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 84%. In contrast, July offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), averaging 20°C (68°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 101 mm (4.0 in) but occurs over just 12 days, and humidity rises to 93%. For a closer look at the weather during this summer month, you can check Otaru weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures dip significantly, with a minimum of -12°C (10°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), while maxing out at just 4°C (40°F). The month also experiences high humidity at 84% and substantial precipitation of 87 mm (3.4 in) over 20 days, contributing to a chilly and damp atmosphere. In contrast, August offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a comfortable average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 29°C (85°F). Although August has more precipitation at 169 mm (6.7 in), this occurs over a shorter period of 14 days, and the humidity levels rise to 95%, making for a hot and sticky summer. For more details, you can check Otaru weather in August.
In January, the weather tends to be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -12°C (10°F) at night to a maximum of just 4°C (40°F) during the day. The month sees significant precipitation, averaging 87 mm (3.4 in) spread over about 20 days, and the humidity is relatively high at 84%. In contrast, September brings a much milder climate, with temperatures starting at a comfortable 10°C (50°F) and peaking at 26°C (80°F) for an average of 18°C (65°F). While September also experiences a fair amount of rain, totaling 117 mm (4.6 in) over about 14 days, the humidity rises slightly to 88%. For more details about the weather in September, you can visit Otaru weather in September.
January weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with lows reaching as low as -12°C (10°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F). In contrast, October offers a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and average highs of 12°C (54°F). While January experiences frequent precipitation over 20 days, October sees slightly less frequent rain, totaling 152 mm (6.0 in) over just 17 days. Humidity levels remain similar, hovering around 84% in January and 83% in October. For more detailed insights into the October climate, visit Otaru weather in October.
When comparing the weather in January and November, a stark contrast emerges. January typically has much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (10°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), while November's milder climate features a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). Additionally, November experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 167 mm (6.6 in) over 22 days compared to January's 87 mm (3.4 in) across 20 days. Although both months have high humidity, January's 84% is slightly more oppressive than November's 79%. To explore more about the conditions in November, you can check Otaru weather in November.
January and December exhibit notable differences in weather conditions. In January, temperatures typically range from a minimum of -12°C (10°F) to a maximum of 4°C (40°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F). Conversely, December is slightly milder, with temperatures ranging from -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F). Precipitation is also more prevalent in December, accumulating to 147 mm (5.8 in) over 27 days, compared to January's 87 mm (3.4 in) over 20 days. The humidity levels are relatively high in both months, at 84% for January and 80% for December. For a more detailed look at December's weather specifics, visit Otaru weather in December.
In January, Otaru experiences its coldest tableau of the year, characterized by temperature lows that plunge below freezing and a significant rise in humidity, creating a crisp, invigorating atmosphere. Unlike milder months, January sees a substantial amount of precipitation, with nearly three weeks of rainfall making it one of the wettest times. This blend of cold temperatures and high humidity often results in stunning winter landscapes, drawing visitors to the area for picturesque snowy scenes. While other months may offer more temperate conditions, January's chill and moisture uniquely define the charm of Otaru at this time. For a closer look at how January weather compares to other times of the year, check out Otaru Climate.