Late spring · Weather & things to do
Otaru in May
Otaru warms up: highs climb to 62°F (16°C), from 49°F in April, with lows of 44°F (7°C) and about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 76/100 (2nd of 12).
- Avg high
- 62°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 44°F (7°C)
- Rain
- 2.9 in (74 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 29 min
- Comfort score
- 76/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 62°F (16°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 44°F (7°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.9 in (74 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 75%.
Plan around May
May is one of Otaru's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May & June and September.
- Comfort improves from 57/100 in April to 76/100.
- Our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 44°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Otaru in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Sakaimachi Street
Merchant street of Meiji-era buildings filled with glass, sweets and music boxes.
Why now May scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mount Tengu
Ropeway to a lookout over the town and Ishikari Bay, with skiing in winter.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 2.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Otaru Canal
Canal lined with restored stone warehouses and gas lamps.
Otaru Beer Warehouse No. 1
Brewpub in a canal-side warehouse pouring German-style beers.
Sankaku Market
Small market by Otaru Station serving seafood rice bowls and grilled crab.
Nearby in May
- Sapporo in May~20 mi · highs 62°F, 2.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Furano and Biei in May~77 mi · highs 61°F, 2.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~279 m to Otaru's ~47 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.
Otaru in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Otaru?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 76/100. Expect highs of 62°F (16°C) and 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain. Our Hokkaido: Sapporo, Otaru & Furano route recommends Jul – Aug, Jan – Feb, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Otaru in May?
Average highs are 62°F (16°C) and average lows 44°F (7°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Otaru in May?
Some: about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.1 in (1272 mm).
What should I pack for Otaru in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 44°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Otaru in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.