Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Furano and Biei in January
This is the coldest month in Furano and Biei: highs average 24°F (-4°C) and lows 11°F (-12°C), with about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Avg low
- 11°F (-12°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.8 in (70 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 78%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 07 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 24°F (-4°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 11°F (-12°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.8 in (70 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 78%.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 07 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and September.
- Comfort improves from 36/100 in December to 40/100.
- January sits inside the Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb window our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 11°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.8 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Furano and Biei in January
With highs near 24°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Furano Cheese Factory
Dairy workshop with cheese tastings, ice cream and a pizza kitchen.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 24°F.
Furano Wine Factory
Municipal winery on a hill with free tastings of local wines.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Furano Ski Resort
Ski area with powder snow and a ropeway that runs to summer viewpoints.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best winter.
Ningle Terrace
Log cabin craft shops on boardwalks in the forest at New Furano Prince Hotel.
Shikisai-no-Oka
Hillside flower park with rainbow bands of blooms from spring to autumn.
Nearby in January
- Sapporo in January~63 mi · highs 28°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Otaru in January~77 mi · highs 28°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~517 m to Furano and Biei's ~208 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Furano and Biei in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Furano and Biei?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and September. Expect highs of 24°F (-4°C) and 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow. January is inside the Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb window our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends.
How cold is Furano and Biei in January?
Average highs are 24°F (-4°C) and average lows 11°F (-12°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Furano and Biei in January?
Some: about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 43.0 in (1093 mm).
What should I pack for Furano and Biei in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 11°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.8 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Furano and Biei
Routes in season in January
- Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb
Planning Furano and Biei in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.